Kochi: Fifty years since a teenage boy from Kerala’s Kochi wrote and composed a devotional song his emotions have reached a crescendo with the piece of music he created finding its way to a holy mass conducted at St Peter's Basilica was overwhelmed with memories and emotions as the Malayalam song ‘Natha njangal kai koopidunnoo’ was sung as an offertory hymn during the holy mass offered by the oriental churches on May 2 the seventh day of the official nine-day mourning for the pope The holy mass was presided over by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti former Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches while a choir of priests and nuns from Kerala performed the song the hymn has often become a part of the holy mass in Catholic churches but Mariadas had no clue that its notes would one day reverberate inside St Peter's Basilica Mariadas learned about it only after the song's video during the holy mass was streamed by faith-related YouTube channels hailing it as a proud moment for Kerala churches “I can say that it’s only a part of God’s plan I’m delighted that the song passed through ears and reached the highest place,” Mariadas told Onmanorama from his house at Chittur Road The choir boy’s hymn Mariadas’ tryst with music started when he joined the Carmel Divine Voice a choir group formed as part of Carmel Holy Family Church at Chittur Road in the early seventies He started with vocals there and slowly picked up a violin with a broken string knowing little that it would shape the rest of his life “I wrote and composed the song ‘Natha...’ in 1975 for our choir but later I changed the tune to the 3/4 time signature as I felt the first tune was a bit complicated for ordinary singers I also arranged the orchestra for the song with an intro on the saxophone and a harmony on the violin I used the style of the saxophone master Rodrigues a Goan settled in Thevara at that time,” Mariadas remembered The church choir performed the song in 1975 it has gone from choir to choir and has become a popular piece in competitions Mariadas said the song attained the popularity it enjoys now after the Cochin Arts and Communications (CAC) under the Archdiocese of Verapoly made it a part of its playlist “Singers Gagul Joseph and Kester have trained people from many parishes in the song,” he said He said that CAC replaced the word ‘Devaa’ in the original song with ‘Nathaa’ Though Mariadas had tried to record the song he could not do so due to financial constraints at the time ‘Kaazhchavayppinte ee nimisham,’ which is part of an album titled Varadayika Mariadas never had an opportunity to be trained in classical music though he has been performing as part of several troupes for decades now in stage programmes and TV shows He has composed the background score for a Biblical film directed by Joshy Illath He has also assisted popular Malayalam composers Berny-Ignatius and Alex Paul in a few films He was also part of A R Rahman’s orchestra and performed with Keeravani who alleged that she was cheated of ₹5.23 lakh after being promised a job as a social worker in the UK Karthika PradeepKochi: A young doctor arrested Saturday in Kochi for allegedly defrauding several people had promised overseas jobs in supermarkets and social work roles across multiple countries a native of Pathanamthitta and owner of Take Off Overseas Educational Consultancy near Pulleppady is accused of collecting large sums of money from job seekers under the pretence of securing overseas employment she collected lakhs of rupees from multiple job aspirants by offering employment opportunities abroad The agency claimed to offer positions in supermarkets and as social workers Karthika was arrested by the Ernakulam Central Police in connection with a case filed by a woman from Thrissur The money was paid in multiple transactions via bank transfers and UPI payments Police said Karthika had introduced herself as a doctor and gained the trust of her victims Her agency operated by advertising through social media and large roadside billboards and the amounts collected ranged from ₹3 lakh to ₹8 lakh The police suspect the money was used to fund a lavish lifestyle Preliminary investigations revealed that Karthika had completed MBBS studies abroad and had worked at a few hospitals She went into hiding following the registration of the fraud case and was finally arrested in Kozhikode on Thursday night Apart from the case in Ernakulam Central Station additional cases have been registered against her in Kozhikode A detailed police investigation is underway Such comments are punishable under cyber laws The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi New Delhi: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has come out in support of Himanshi Narwal wife of slain Naval officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal condemning the online abuse she has faced following her appeal for peace in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam who lost her husband during their honeymoon in Kashmir just a week after their wedding urged people not to target Muslims or Kashmiris in the name of justice “We don’t want people going after Muslims and Kashmiris,” she said last Thursday Her remarks sparked a wave of trolling on social media with some questioning her stance during a period of national grief terming the criticism “unfortunate” and emphasising that disagreement must remain within “constitutional limits and civil discourse” जम्मू-कश्मीर के पहलगाम में हुए आतंकी हमले में देश के अनेक नागरिकों की हत्या कर दी गई थी। इस हमले में अन्य लोगों के साथ लेफ्टिनेंट विनय नरवाल जी से उनका धर्म पूछकर उन्हें गोली मार दी गई थी। इस आतंकी हमले से पूरा देश आहत व क्रोधित है। लेफ्टिनेंट विनय नरवाल जी के मृत्यु के पश्चात… “No one should be subjected to character assassination or online abuse simply for expressing an ideological stance or personal grief The honour and respect of every woman must remain inviolate,” Vijaya Rahatkar Chairperson of the National Commission for Women and National Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party said on her X handle The NCW also acknowledged that while her comments may not have resonated with all Lieutenant Vinay Narwal was one of 26 people killed when terrorists opened fire at Baisaran meadows near Pahalgam Vinay Narwal had been serving with the Southern Naval Command in Kochi since 2022 he was shot at point-blank range after being asked his religion — a detail that has fuelled nationwide outrage what would have been Vinay’s 27th birthday a blood donation camp was held in his hometown Karnal to honour his sacrifice Organised by local NGO National Integrated Forum of Artists and Activists (NIFAA) Himanshi paid floral tributes and blew a kiss to her husband’s photo The people who did this should be punished,” she said Kochi: A youth who sold his mother's bank account to cyber criminals to launder money landed himself and his mother in big trouble after he refused to pay back  ₹5 lakh the gang wanted to route through the mule account was abducted from his apartment at Kalamassery The plan almost worked as the gang managed to get a major portion of the money though police intervention foiled the criminal ploy and led to the arrest of one gang member The Kalamassery police arrested Muhammed Hashir (21) of Perambra soon after he came out of a bank in Meppayur with  ₹3.6 lakh withdrawn using a cheque issued by Sourav’s mother Sourav had allegedly withdrawn the remaining amount earlier The police have launched an investigation into the alleged cyber fraud and hawala racket behind the scheme The events unfolded over three days since April 30 the criminal gang has been using mule accounts of youths to launder money obtained through suspected online fraud and hawala transactions who has been job hunting after completing technical studies had assisted the criminals in laundering money on previous occasions he failed to hand over the money to the gang on time and left for Kochi The gang grew suspicious of Sourav’s behaviour and went to his house on April 30 where they threatened his mother to withdraw the money from her account she arrived after banking hours and could not make the withdrawal The gang then made her block the account and abducted Sourav from his apartment near the Cochin University of Science and Technology A friend of Sourav was also abducted but was later released at Palarivattom in the city the released youth informed another friend Officers visited the apartment and began a preliminary investigation the roommate who had been released at Palarivattom returned to the flat and shared more details with the police A case was registered in the early hours of May 1 Investigators traced the gang with the help of the victim’s family and Kozhikode rural police The gang had planned to make Sourav’s mother withdraw the money the following day the plan was delayed as May 1 was a public holiday Hashir accompanied Sourav’s mother to the bank and withdrew the money using a cheque waited outside the bank and apprehended him with the cash Hashir sent a photo of the seized cash to other members of the gang who responded by sharing the location where Sourav would be released the gang let Sourav go near Balussery and fled A manhunt is underway to trace the rest of the gang involved in the abduction It is suspected that multiple groups were involved in moving the victim from Kochi to Kozhikode Sourav was allegedly assaulted during the ordeal The police have ensured protection for the youth The investigation is being led by Kalamassery Sub-Inspector Sebastian Chacko Ernakulam: The Kochi Corporation on Friday had suspended Engineering and Town Planning wing officer Swapna A after the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) arrested her while receiving a bribe the Kochi Mayor said that Swapna had committed a very serious offence and added that the matter would be taken up with the Principal Director of the Local Self Government Department for further disciplinary action The VACB officials arrested Swapna within the city in broad daylight while receiving a bribe of ₹15,000 from a builder who had applied to get door numbers issued to his newly built three-storey apartments Although the application was filed in January the process was delayed due to various reasons cited by the official Even after making the changes directed by Swapna he was asked to pay a sum of ₹1 lakh as a bribe Swapna wanted ₹5,000 each for the 20 apartments in the building The builder agreed to pay the amount and promptly lodged a complaint with the VACB The police team handed over the notes to be paid to Swapna to the builder The Vigilance sleuths who were around caught her red-handed while accepting the money a 23-year-old Cambridge native with roots in Kochi made history by becoming the first Malayali commercial pilot in the UK Sandra acquired a commercial pilot's licence when she was only 21 years old flying more than 30,000 nautical miles and 5,000 hours in various aircraft a pilot at the Middle East-based Jazeera Airways She migrated to the UK with her parents when she was just two years old Sandra is happy and proud that she chose a profession that allows her to fly passengers safely to their destinations Sandra says that her desire to become a pilot became stronger after she completed short-term training as an air traffic controller as part of gaining work experience during her A-Levels Although the dream to become a pilot was quite new Sandra was always fascinated by the crisp and colourful uniforms and the pleasing attitude of the airline staff The strong desire to conquer the skies became the fuel to fulfil her dream of becoming a pilot Sandra confesses that she often felt stressed as her desire to achieve her dream strengthened she overcame this difficult phase with her parents' help and unwavering support Sandra was able to achieve her dreams through sheer hard work determination and also with the support of her family She is also studying online for a BSc in Professional Pilot Practice graduate course the candidate’s qualification in engineering studies maths or related subjects isn’t considered for pilot training here and fast reaction time are some factors considered Although studying at a flight school is quite expensive candidates could achieve an amazing profession within just two years of study the candidate needs to be extremely intelligent and hardworking to pass the 13 pilot qualification tests runs a successful trading business of Asian grocery items meat and fish called ‘Achayan’s Choice’ at Cambridge Shiji Jenson works as a senior nurse at the Addenbrooke’s University Hospital Sandra’s elder sister Sona Jenson is a gas industry analyst and younger brother Joseph is a class nine student at Cambridge Sandra says that one needs the support and help of their family to complete the pilot training course Understanding and supportive parents could help you break the societal norms associated with gender stereotypes Sandra notes that modern workplaces respect human rights and ensure a good work–life balance that allows you to spend time with your family an aircraft would be a mere ‘iron bird’ that flies in the sky and the passenger may be unaware of the hundreds of quick decisions and tactical cross–checks that happen ‘behind the scenes’ Sandra describes the A320 as a splendid aviation machine that is known for its strength She feels the excitement and thrill of a race car driver when she speaks about the fly–by–wire system and the complex cockpit design of the A320 “A pilot’s job is not just to fly the aircraft He/she promises to safely fly the passengers to their destination,” says Sandra you could conquer the skies if you have the motivation and willingness to work hard Metro Rail Conference An impressive structure has emerged at remarkable speed in Karlskrona the NKT Tower 3 is the second tallest tower in Scandinavia a 542 HC-L 12/24 Litronic and a 258 HC-L 10/18 Fibre are a key part of this ambitious construction project The tower which is built by Skanska will be an integral part of the world’s largest high-voltage submarine cable factory which will supply wind turbines and solar parks with essential components the NKT Tower 3 is a feat of engineering.Liebherr Tower Crane Center an. The Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) concluded its two-day regional forum held on April 29–30 “Empowering the Future Grid: Exploring the Application of Generative AI in GCC Power Systems,” which took place in Kuwait City The event brought together a distinguished group of global technology leaders and EPRI Gulf (Electric Power Research Institute) India’s only and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer sees early breakthrough in the research of next-generation zinc-based battery technologies The research targets delivering higher energy efficiency improved safety and longer operational life The company is pioneering emerging zinc battery technology to support the ongoing clean energy transition.Zinc has emerged as a powerful alternative to lithium owing to its abundance While the lithium market continues to face supply constraints and rising costs Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world Don't miss out on valuable insights and opportunities to connect with like minded professionals Construction World (CW) is India’s premier and largest circulated construction business magazine Days after Pahalgam terror attack sent shockwaves across the country Congress MP Shashi Tharoor met family of one of the victims in Kerala's Kochi on May 3 "We cannot let the terrorists divide us on the basis of religion" unveiling its first song ‘Jodi Number One’ The audio launch of the upcoming Malayalam film Udumbanchola Vision was held in Kochi unveiling its first official song and formally introducing the film to the public The event was attended by members of the cast and crew including lead actors Mathew Thomas and Sreenath Bhasi Udumbanchola Vision marks his debut as an independent filmmaker Bukhari has previously served as an associate director under renowned filmmaker Anwar Rasheed and his entry into mainstream direction has been met with anticipation within the industry and is composed by acclaimed music director Gopi Sundar The track aims to capture the celebratory mood of traditional wedding festivities and is expected to appeal to a wide audience the film’s first-look poster had already generated significant buzz seated on an office chair with its back turned to the viewer The unusual and symbolic imagery sparked speculation and curiosity The film also marks the Malayalam cinema debut of model-actor Milind Soman a well-known figure in Bollywood and internationally recognised for his work across various industries His involvement adds considerable star value to the project the film boasts an extensive ensemble cast Udumbanchola Vision is produced by Asher Ameer Riyas K Muhammed and Salam Bukhari under the banners of A&R Media Labs and UB Productions The film's technical team features several established names in Malayalam cinema The stunt sequences are choreographed by Kalai Kingson while choreography for the film’s musical numbers is by Shobi Paulraj Lyrics have been penned by Vinayak Sasikumar and Suhail Koya Other key crew members include executive producer Shihab Parapparambath and a team of assistant and associate directors including Kannan TG The film is expected to be a complete entertainer with elements of drama supported by strong performances and high production values Its release is anticipated in the coming months Representational imageCochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has invited applications from Indian citizens for filling up of the posts of Senior Project Officers/Project Officers on contract basis for CSL AN Ship Repair Unit (CANSRU) Senior Project Officer (Electrical): Degree in Electrical Engineering with 60% marks from a recognized University Senior Project Officer (Safety): (a) Degree in Safety Engineering from a recognized university OR (b) Degree in any branch of Engineering from a recognized university OR (c) Degree in Physics or Chemistry from a recognized university OR (d) Diploma in any branch of Engineering recognized by State Board of Technical Education AND (e) Degree or Diploma or Certificate in Industrial Safety recognized by the State Government The requirement of Degree or Diploma or Certificate in Industrial Safety is not mandatory in following cases: (i) Those who meet qualifications in clause (a) above (ii) Those who meet qualifications in clauses (b) & (d) above and have one-year experience in Safety Project Officer (Safety): (a) Degree in Safety Engineering from a recognized university OR (b) Degree in any branch of Engineering from a recognized university OR (c) Degree in Physics or Chemistry from a recognized university OR (d) Diploma in any branch of Engineering recognized by State Board of Technical Education AND (e) Degree or Diploma or Certificate in Industrial Safety recognized by the State Government The requirement of Degree or Diploma or Certificate in Industrial Safety is not mandatory in following cases: Those who meet qualifications in clause (a) above and those who meet qualifications in clauses (b) Experience required for each position is given in the Notification at https://cochinshipyard.in/Careers Age as on 12 May 2025: (i) Project Officer – Upper age limit is 30 years (Applicants should be born on or after 13th May 1995) (ii) Senior Project Officer- Age shall not exceed 35 years (Applicants should be born on or after 13th May 1990) Age limit for Ex-servicemen shall be as per Government of India guidelines age limit after applying all age relaxations shall exceed 50 years The posting shall be at CSL AN Ship Repair Unit (CANSRU) Andaman & Nicobar Islands/ any other CSL units’/project sites as desired by CSL The period of contract is 5 years’ subject to project requirements and individual performance the selection process and other details are given in the Notification Application can be submitted online through the Notification link at https://cochinshipyard.in/Careers latest by 12th May 2025 It was during the 19th over of RCB's innings when Romario Shepherd was at the crease tasked with containing the explosive Shepherd instead found himself on the receiving end of some brutal hitting Shepherd hammered four sixes and two fours with Khaleel’s over turning into a nightmare This over’s 33-run tally tied with an infamous record set by Parwinder Awana who had given away the same amount of runs in an over while playing for Kings XI Punjab against Chennai Super Kings Khaleel’s over was only the joint third-most expensive in IPL history © 2025 Cricket Architect and Interiors India Home » Projects » Time stands still at this soulfully rooted oasis in Kochi In ‘The Rooted Time,’ Urava unfolds a design narrative through the thoughtful integration of natural materials and a deep understanding of the clients’ needs ‘The Rooted Time’ is more than just a house – it’s a reflection of their life’s journey this home is a testament to the beauty of slowing down ‘The Rooted Time’ is a serene oasis The house is situated on a plot with setbacks on two sides requiring careful planning to accommodate the clients’ needs without feeling forced into the space and sun court form an open-plan space with a double-height ceiling which houses the daughter’s room and upper living areas The interiors are adorned with nuances like traditional wooden door hinges known as ‘thirukuti,’ which serve as a reminder of the bygone era such as the custom-made wooden dining light fixture beautifully complemented by a thoughtful palette of green oxide which adds depth and visual interest throughout the house features a unique topping adorned with rattan or natural cane webbing a glass overlay provides a sleek and easy-to-clean surface blending functionality with natural beauty the design seamlessly integrates outdoor-indoor connectivity while maintaining privacy A notable feature is the kitchen’s long floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the garden The dining and courtyard areas are thoughtfully demarcated with inbuilt seating or ‘thinna,’ accompanied by wooden pillars A passage runs alongside the dining and sun court Ideal for various activities and plant life this courtyard embodies the essence of slowing down weaving a narrative of peace and tranquility into the fabric of the home The indirect sunlight prevents overheating making the courtyard a pleasant retreat from the heat abstracted from the platform where deities are typically placed in Hindu temples Every aspect of the home has been designed with comfort and ease of maintenance in mind.‘The Rooted Time’ draws inspiration from a striking photograph by K.R featured in the Kochi Muziris Biennale in 2016 we wanted something timeless,” says the design team at Urava “Natural materials experience time differently They carry the mark of age and earthiness.”The use of handmade oxide finishes and reclaimed wood infuses the space with a timeless quality “These materials will only get better with age much like the couple’s life experiences.” The thoughtful design incorporates larger openings on the northern facade enhancing the verticality and scale of the elevation The house is naturally lit throughout the daytime eliminating the need for artificial lighting The internal temperature remains comfortable due to well-planned air movement and strategically placed windows.The elevation of the house boasts a hierarchical quality casting a vivid image in the minds of passersby The tall fin walls in exposed brickwork and long windows create a striking visual effect ‘The Rooted Time’ is a poignant reminder that we allow ourselves to be rooted in the moment and it is in these moments that we find true beauty This home is a testament to the power of architectural storytelling where every element of the built environment is woven into a narrative that Fact file:Name of the project: The Rooted TimeLocation: Aluva ErnakulamArea: 2,400 sq ftType: Residential ArchitectureDesign firm: Urava Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates Gateway to the canals and lagoons of the Kerala backwaters and to the Arabian Sea Kochi was for centuries a major hub for the spice trade This legacy has left an indelible mark on its identity and continues to shape the multilayered city today a major port on India’s western coast known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” a dense network of rivers creeks and canals was once the lifeline of the city The waterways were a transport route for people and goods and drained monsoon stormwaters into the sea But many have been neglected in recent decades amid rapid urbanization Buildings and bridges have encroached on the waterways Untreated waste has polluted the increasingly stagnant waters And invasive plants and mosquitos have replaced once-abundant fish and birds.  Climate change is only adding to the problems: sea-level rise extreme rainfall events and tidal surges have increased the risk of major flooding in the city which is home to about 600,000 people.   lifeless canals embody the three big environmental crises of our age: climate change nature loss and pollution,” says Mirey Atallah Chief of the Adaptation and Resilience Branch in UNEP’s Climate Change Division “Reviving them will raise the city’s defences against these existential threats and give its residents a more liveable city and a safer future.”  UNEP and the Kochi Municipal Corporation have zoomed in on the Thevara-Perandoor Canal which runs for about 10 kilometres through the city’s central business district and several densely populated residential areas.  experts and officials have discussed how to revive the TP Canal A report by the municipality’s Centre for Heritage recommended reconnecting the canal and its ecosystem to other waterways restoring its banks to increase biodiversity and ramping up investments in sewage and waste management.   Authorities regularly dredge the canals to reduce the flooding that hits low-lying districts every year during the monsoon season The more ambitious solutions have not materialized in part – according to planners of the new UNEP-backed project – because of a lack of public and political support.  The new project seeks to overcome this barrier by helping residents and officials understand that the canal network is vital to tackling climate change Rejuvenating the canals will help channel excess water Planting trees alongside the canals would also create green corridors that can help dissipate extreme heat which experts say will become more frequent due to climate change The rejuvenated canal network can also become a focus of renewed civic pride To jog people’s memories of what the canal system once was, a photo competition was held last year on 5 June – World Environment Day nearly 400 school students took part in drawing and essay-writing competitions to envision how the canal could be rejuvenated the public have perused dozens of historical and current photographs of the canal at an exhibition in a downtown park.  “We asked visitors to the exhibition if they would like to be able to swim in the canal,” Chedambath says only when the water is clean again!’”  and gathered residents and councillors to discuss a way forward.  Chedambath says senior residents recalled how the canal was once a source of clean flowing water that people used for cooking and washing The canal was wide enough for small traditional boats known locally as vanchis to transport materials across the city and still held enough fish at the turn of the century to provide a living for fishers.  “These things are now hard to imagine,” Chedambath says “But we believe there is a strong and growing groundswell of public support for rejuvenating the canal.”  Project staff are incorporating feedback gathered from the consultations into an implementation plan to be presented to key stakeholders and potential investors.  The project also leverages insights from UNEP’s new innovative spatial planning tool designed to help cities expand nature-based solutions by integrating environmental and population data beginning with widely supported measures like pollution reduction and dredging informed by hydrological surveys the project would address the narrowing of the canals whose banks have been extended to allow for the construction of homes and other infrastructure Some of the canals are just 15 metres wide a quarter of their former width.   Chedambath remains optimistic that the time is now ripe for the restoration of the TP Canal and the watery landscape in which the city is embedded.  nobody appreciated the importance of the canals But the constant flooding and the other issues surrounding the canal mean that people and political leaders now are thinking very seriously about doing something about it,” he says “People have realized that the state of the canals directly impacts life everywhere in the city UNEP is supporting the municipality on restoring the Katkhali Canal and its surroundings The aim is to create a “green corridor” to provide recreational space for citizens and habitat for wildlife while also reducing urban heat.  authorities are attempting to restore the Auji River A UNEP-supported project there foresees solutions including revegetation as well as training for local communities in ecosystem management.  the long-term hope is to breathe life back into not only the TP Canal but also the city’s other waterways.  “The lesson that I hope Kochi will show us is that prevention is better than cure And also that it's never too late to restore urban waterways,” says UNEP’s Atallah we make a tremendous difference in the lives of those who live in cities.”  About Generation Restoration (2023-2025)   The UN General Assembly has declared 2021–2030 a UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Led by the UN Environment Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN and reverse the loss and degradation of ecosystems worldwide covering terrestrial as well as aquatic ecosystems the UN Decade draws together political support and financial muscle to massively scale up restoration.  The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework    The planet is experiencing a dangerous decline in nature One million species are threatened with extinction soil health is declining and water sources are drying up The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets out global targets to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030 It was adopted by world leaders in December 2022 To address the drivers of the nature crisis UNEP is working with partners to take action in landscapes and seascapes © 2025 UNEP Terms of Use Privacy Report Project Concern Report Scam Contact Us Kochi: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has intensified its probe into the bribery case registered against A Swapna a Kochi Corporation official who was caught red-handed on Wednesday was arrested within the city in broad daylight while receiving a bribe of ₹15,000 from a builder who had alerted the Vigilance sleuths The VACB officials on Thursday searched the office of the Engineering and Town Planning wing at the corporation’s Vyttila zonal office Her house at Mannuthy in Thrissur and the rented apartment at Kaniyampuzha in Kochi were also searched on Thursday The VACB sources said details of her assets have been collected as part of the probe Swapna was arrested in her car near the Ponnurunni bridge She had demanded ₹15,000 from a builder who had applied to get door numbers issued to his newly built three-storey apartments She was caught red-handed while accepting the money by the Vigilance sleuths who were around She was taken into custody after her husband came from Thrissur and took care of the children by 9.30 pm told the media that Swapna was in the Vigilance’s list of officials with a track record of frequent bribery allegations SwapnaKochi: Kochi Corporation overseer Swapna has been suspended after being caught red-handed by the Vigilance while accepting a bribe for issuing a building permit She was apprehended in Vyttila while receiving Rs 15,000 in cash inside her car Swapna worked as an overseer in the Corporation’s building section She was trapped in an operation codenamed ‘Spot Trap’ carried out by the Ernakulam Central Range Vigilance Unit she had demanded Rs 25,000 for granting the building permit but reduced the amount to Rs 15,000 following repeated appeals by the complainant The bribe was allegedly calculated at Rs 5,000 per floor for a five-storey building Swapna was arrested around 5 pm on Wednesday near the Ponnurunni temple along Vyloppilli Road in Vyttila The trap was set as she arrived in her private vehicle to collect the cash after work A total of Rs 41,180 was recovered from the vehicle and the Vigilance suspects this amount may also include bribe money A detailed investigation is currently underway Swapna is believed to be a habitual offender Vigilance has received reports that she had accepted bribes on earlier occasions as well She has been with the Corporation for the past two years and her dealings during this period will also be investigated There had already been protests from the opposition alleging corruption among Corporation officials the Mayor personally intervened to suspend Swapna and the decision was taken ahead of the upcoming Corporation Council meeting is a non-resident Indian and owns an engineering consultancy firm He had applied online for the building permit on January 30 for a new construction project spanning 5,000 square feet and a bespoke brass-finished chandelier by Interstellar Lighting The decor and rug are Found Objects Gallery novelties.NathanArchitect Dhiya Anna Charley isn't the tardy type but there was hardly a day last summer when she didn’t arrive at The Lofts to find her client already settled comfortably on the sofa “Liya would usually arrive a little early and quietly settle into one of the living room setups,” she says of the Kochi furniture store—formerly a residence—which she had designed in 2020 and where styled with a lived-in vibe so clients could instantly connect with the furniture in a real And because my own office was being renovated we’d end up meeting there for discussions,” says the co-founder of Kochi-based studio Design Narrative they might never have arrived at a shared aesthetic lexicon as quickly as they did the interior became Liya’s guiding light—a light she felt herself drawn to “She spoke often about the calmness of the space—how much she loved being there and how she could spend hours without ever feeling rushed or restless That feeling became the starting point for the home we would later design together,” says Dhiya who co-founded her practice with architect Thomas Joseph in 2021 A scarlet credenza by The Lofts enlivens the dining room while a table and chairs by the same brand offer a grounding presence The custom chandeliers are by Interstellar Lighting while the black-and-white painting is by Rose Charley The living and dining areas occupy opposite ends of the same room Wooden ceiling rafters add a touch of warmth The open-concept kitchen is anchored by an island that occupies its length “The intention was to make the space feel as little like a traditional kitchen as possible,” says Dhiya and a custom sink in the same stone as the counter to achieve a clean look If Dhiya could use one word to describe the project “The idea was to create a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city—a space where my clients could truly feel at ease the moment they walked in,” says the Kochi-based architect Everything she introduced was rooted in purpose—from the arched wall openings every decision was made with a measure of restraint—nothing too loud or overwhelming “It was easier said than done,” she confessed “It's often simpler to layer décor and furniture to achieve a desired aesthetic—but creating the same level of visual interest with minimal elements requires far more precision The goal was to keep the space feeling open and serene without compromising on warmth or personality—and that made the design process both challenging and deeply rewarding.” Of course “While the overall palette is soothing and understated the thoughtful use of colour brings in just the right amount of vibrancy,” says Dhiya “We took inspiration from Japandi and wabi-sabi but I wouldn’t call the aesthetic just that and a copper-toned sofa paired with a nebulous coffee table from The Lofts A wooden sliding-folding door with fluted glass panes separates the space from the living room beyond without compromising on light—perfect for enjoying golden hours of quiet The balcony offers a sweeping gateway to nature and blurs the line between indoors and outdoors Dhiya calls the bold green-and-red striped headboard the tour de force of the primary bedroom colour plays a key role—adding just the right amount of brightness and energy to the room without overwhelming its calm and composed atmosphere.” The Lofts was the brand of choice for the bed and nightstands If George’s direction wasn’t guidance enough and it made sense to make it the hero,” she avers And so she did—by creating a seamless connection between the living and dining areas and the long so too did the wardrobe in the daughter’s bedroom so did the copper-toned sofa in the family den It became a lesson in balance—of equals and opposites of indoors and outdoors—each at a gentle remove from the other yet merging effortlessly into one cohesive whole when undivided was clear in Dhiya’s mind: “I’d ask myself—can I find this material outside I knew I could trust it.” That explains why the flooring in the common areas is a stone-textured vitrified tile while the bedrooms and family den feature natural wooden flooring Or why the vases—carefully sourced from Found Objects Gallery the store Dhiya co-owns with Thomas—are crafted from soothing terracotta and wood but they’re all in perfect harmony.” Mission accomplished The daughter’s bedroom is a tranquil hideaway featuring sage panelling and a light-hued wooden bed frame with matching nightstands from The Lofts Custom brass Interstellar Lighting wall sconces lend a touch of vintage charm while a runner from Found Objects Gallery brings warmth to the floor Pistachio wardrobes with rattan weaving breathe a light and easy air in the daughter’s bedroom The son’s bedroom is an exercise in tactful restraint and a hushed bed with complementary nightstands from The Lofts Also read: Eka’s new Kala Ghoda store is a poetic ode to Indian minimalism Also read: 8 Indian flooring materials to consider for your next eco-friendly home renovation Also read: 6 flowering plants that bloom all year round The material on this site may not be reproduced except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast A 65-year-old man from Kerala’s Kochi city was gunned down by terrorists in front of his daughter and grandchildren in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam town A former Gulf expat and a resident of Edapally (HT sourced photo) Terrorists struck at a tourist location in Pahalgam in south Kashmir on Tuesday A former Gulf expat and a resident of Edapally Ramachandran had left for Kashmir with his wife Sheela The family had decided to go on vacation in Kashmir after his daughter flew home to Kerala from Dubai where she lived Ramachandran was shot dead by terrorists in front of his daughter and grandchildren who had recently undergone heart surgeries “We had an executive committee meeting of the Nair Service Society (NSS) on Monday for which Ramachandran’s elder brother Rajagopal had come he had told me that Ramachandran had gone to Kashmir for a holiday with his family via Hyderabad We are extremely sad because Ramachandran used to call me often for issues related to the water supply at his house He often came for our local temple functions.” Also Read: Pahalgam terror attack: SBI employee killed on eve of birthday “His death is a terrible loss to our local community He was leading a retired life in Kerala for the past couple of years after living around 20 years in the Gulf as an expat His daughter lived in Dubai and his son worked in Bengaluru.” He helped everyone and he loved to travel also,” his friend said the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s special representative in Delhi said the Kerala native’s mortal remains will be brought home by Wednesday evening “His remains would be brought by an Air India aircraft from Srinagar to Delhi around 1pm The sealed coffin will be transferred to an AI aircraft that will leave Delhi for Kochi around 4:20pm It should reach Kochi by 7:30pm,” said Thomas The former MP said NORKA (Non-Resident Keralite’s Affairs) the Kerala government department for welfare of non-resident Keralites has opened a help desk and issued helplines since Tuesday night for anyone from the state who needed assistance “We spoke with the various private travel agencies who organised trips of Keralites to Kashmir They have been working in coordination with us to rescue them,” he said Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan were among those who paid condolences to the families of those killed in the terrorist attack Kochi: Film and television actor Vishnu Prasad passed away on Thursday night at a private hospital here. The actor was undergoing treatment for severe liver cirrhosis for a long time. His friend Kishore Sathya announced Vishnu’s demise through a Facebook post on Friday morning Vishnu passed away while his family and friends were raising funds for his liver transplant Although the actor’s daughter had come forward to donate part of her liver the family needed to raise ₹30 lakh for the surgery the Association of Television Media Artistes (ATMA) had begun fundraising for the medical expenses Cherry trees have begun to bloom in Kochi in western Japan and Kumamoto in the southwest It is the second consecutive year that Kochi has recorded the country's earliest bloom of Somei Yoshino was confirmed to have more than five blossoms -- the standard for declaring an official flowering adding full blooms are expected in about a week the declaration came three days earlier than last year but a day later than average high pressure over western and eastern Japan with many areas experiencing temperatures of 25 C or higher a level defined by the agency as a summer day Tokyo cherry blossoms to bloom March 24, earlier than other Japan regions Japan looks to AI to keep cherry blossom culture alive To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription Please check your inbox for a confirmation email Thank you for reaching out to us.We will get back to you as soon as possible ​8 desi ways to enjoy paneer for breakfast​ ​In pics: Ravishing looks of Subalakshmirangan​ Viral: 10 GenAlpha slangs and their surprising meanings 10 ways to become more likeable in social settings 9 budget-friendly items that put a cosy vibe in the bedrooms 10 uncommon and rare girl names for your baby ​10 animals with the strangest survival skills​ Ditch overcrowded hills and travel to these 10 places during summer holidays Our Privacy Policy has been revised. Please review updated ';P+='Privacy Policy Here';P+=' Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information National Report is asking for a refund after confirming that what it believed to be a century-old modern art masterpiece in its collection is a forgery prefectural officials announced that “Girl with Swan,” long attributed to German expressionist Heinrich Campendonk (1889-1957) has been confirmed to have been painted by a master forger The prefecture will seek a refund from the art dealer in Nagoya that sold the painting to the museum in 1996 for 18 million yen ($121,000) The announcement follows an expert investigation into the oil painting which was prompted by a source alerting the museum in June to concerns about the artwork's authenticity Officials said the painting was likely forged by German artist Wolfgang Beltracchi known for his mastery in counterfeiting works of famous artists who served time in prison for his art deceptions has confirmed to The Asahi Shimbun that he painted the picture that was sold to the Kochi museum owned by a museum in neighboring Tokushima Prefecture Tokushima officials have launched their own investigation into the artwork In finding “Girl with Swan” to be a forgery Kochi officials cited a titanium white pigment likely used in the artwork Officials said the painting has a label on its back showing its provenance which is also believed to have been fabricated by Beltracchi the painting and its image appear on the German police list of artworks forged by Beltracchi officials pledged steps to prevent a recurrence including more thorough research on artworks prior to purchase some still appreciate the painting’s value as an artwork In light of the public notoriety generated by recent reports officials are considering re-exhibiting the painting accompanied by notes on its history and context 2 art museums in Shikoku deemed likely victims of a master art forger Sparrow drawn by Tokugawa shogun to be shown next fall Long-lost work by Yumeji Takehisa ‘star’ of June road show Information on the latest cherry blossom conditions Please right click to use your browser’s translation function.) A series based on diplomatic documents declassified by Japan’s Foreign Ministry Here is a collection of first-hand accounts by “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors chefs and others involved in the field of food introduce their special recipes intertwined with their paths in life A series about Japanese-Americans and their memories of World War II In-house News and Messages No reproduction or republication without written permission back when the area surrounding it was still residential set down the foundations of a home for his family of five the district slowly transitioned from a residential area to a hub for commercial projects holding onto its legacy amidst the evolving urban fabric of the district The facade of the home allows for privacy and cross ventilation The Alapatt family experienced many transitions too with some members settling outside Kochi and even outside the country for work they still wanted to maintain a connection to the home they grew up in “[The clients] had an emotional need to stay here a place to come back to.” John understood their need to be connected to this particular area of Kochi better than most as he himself had grown up there 30 odd years ago A set of stairs leading to the floors above The open-to-sky courtyard blurs the boundary between indoors and outdoors and is reminiscent of a traditional Kerala home This understanding translated well into the relationship between architect and client as they were equally involved in the process of designing the house and were there for every decision that was made “They primarily wanted the taste of their old ancestral home,” he said It was a tall order to recreate the atmosphere of a traditional house surrounded by greenery in the bones of a modern multi-storey building surrounded by commercial shops The living room and dining room both face the indoor courtyard Almost each window in the house has a ledge One of the first problems to be tackled was the lack of privacy, as the building contained multiple floors with balconies that overlooked the main road, and was in close proximity to other buildings. Here John added a brick jali wall to the side of the building that faced the main road Not only does the jali wall shield the residents from prying eyes on the main road but it also helps in creating cross ventilation for the home This wall also allows for the creation of a vertical garden bringing in the element of greenery from the old home the choice to use traditional materials throughout the project was deliberate “The normal practice of rating the façade with glass and aluminum composite panels or Fundermax cladding was not considered Brick as a building material in itself has a natural charm to it and it also brings a rustic ethnicity to the building,” he explains This also feeds into the design ethos that Jibu John followed for this project yet the wooden accents infuse a sense of rusticity into the space All the furniture in the home is either vintage (sourced from the old home) or made by reusing wood from the staircases of the ancestral home The bookshelf seen in the balcony was originally used for storing crockery a staple element of traditional homes found in Kerala “The overall effort was to actually see green from whichever room was occupied,” John clarifies The bookshelf is actually a convertible piece of furniture where the top and bottom half can be separated and used as individual shelves The material palette of this home in Kochi is restrained with neutral grey tiles punctuated by pops of colour in the upholstery of the furniture This home also features many antique furniture pieces most of which were taken from their old ancestral home The rest of the furniture was made by reusing the wood from the staircases and ceilings of the old house The design of the bedroom echoes that of the home complete with another small seating area overlooking greenery The Joy residence is a wonderful example of how one doesn’t need to completely give up their traditional roots in the pursuit of modernity I had the belief that vernacular elements like courtyards and natural lighting could and should be integrated.” This conviction resulted in a home where one could sit on the third floor and still experience the feeling of sitting in a courtyard on the ground floor The Joy residence exemplifies the delightful fusion of the past and present while honouring the emotional connection the family has to the home they grew up in This indoor courtyard allows for ample natural light to enter the home Also read: This 5,000-square-foot Kochi home is rejuvenated with art and backwater vistas as a muse Also read: A US-based couple gets closer to their roots in this evocative Kochi home Also read: This Dubai apartment is a contemporary nod to its owners’ roots in Kerala Kochi: Criminal lawyer Adv Biju Antony Aloor (62) who represented the accused in high-profile cases including the Perumbavoor Jisha murder and the Soumya murder cases passed away at a private hospital in Kochi on Wednesday Manorama News reported that he had been undergoing treatment for kidney-related ailments The Thrissur native breathed his last while undergoing treatment at Lisie Hospital in Kochi Aloor was residing with his siblings at Erumapetty in Thrissur Aloor had made headlines after appearing for Govindachami accused in the murder and rape of 23-year-old Soumya who was travelling in a passenger train on February 1 Aloor was also the counsel for the accused in the Elanthoor human sacrifice case Vismaya suicide and Koodathayi cyanide killings Here you can see the webcast of the BMW Group Press Conference at the Auto Shanghai 2025 For travel to the United States on a temporary basis For foreign citizens who want to live permanently in the United States Read the special 60th anniversary edition of SPAN here Learn more about quality higher-education opportunities in the U.S that you will not find anywhere else in the world Find the closest American Space in India where you can connect with the U.S Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation the American people have invested $2 million over the past 20 years in the documentation and restoration of 21 key historic sites and intangible heritage in India Embassy and Consulates’ air quality monitors is available Find out the quality of the air we breathe Consulate General in Chennai and the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) today inaugurated an “American Corner” at the CUSAT campus in Kochi on December 3 offering an American cultural and educational space to the public in Kerala  The American Corner at CUSAT joins a dynamic worldwide network of nearly 600 American Spaces government’s primary public cultural and information centers providing free and open access for communities interested in learning more about the United States inaugurated the American Corner alongside CUSAT Vice Chancellor Prof Member Secretary of Kerala State Higher Education Council Jeanne Briganti said: “The American Corner Kochi at CUSAT is set to become a vibrant center for innovation strengthening the ties between the United States and India which will directly support the new American Corner shares with CUSAT a commitment to empower girls and women in STEAM promote hands-on-learning opportunities and STEAM for social good and cultivate the next generation of change makers.” The activities at American Corner Kochi will be free of charge and open to all  The American Corner’s inaugural programs will feature the Young Innovators’ Lab with a hands-on Robotics and 3D Printing workshop series for school students at CUSAT’s Centre for Science in Society (C-SIS); a Business Communication Workshop tailored for entrepreneurs organized in collaboration with the Government of Kerala through the Kerala Startup Mission; and intensive eLibraryUSA training sessions for research scholars at CUSAT to maximize the use of digital resources American Corner Kochi will feature an AI and Machine Learning workshop  Future initiatives will include EducationUSA informational sessions United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) consultations on higher education or U.S  The American Corner Kochi is located at the Students’ Amenity Center in CUSAT and will be open from 10 a.m Monday to Saturday (except second Saturdays and public holidays) Translation: Malayalam (PDF: 92 KB) By | 3 December, 2024 | Topics: Chennai, Press Releases We use cookies to make our website work better and improve your experience Kochi: The Excise Department on Wednesday served summons to cinematographer-director Sameer Thahir for an interrogation related to the hybrid ganja case in which three were arrested from his flat in Kochi He has been asked to appear before the Excise officials within a week The Excise Squad in Kochi arrested three including Malayalam film directors Khalid Rahman Ashraf Hamza and their friend Shalif Muhammad on April 27 for possessing 1.63 gram hybrid ganja The excise department decided to question Thahir in the case as the trio were nabbed from his rented flat in Kochi Assistant Excise Commissioner told Manorama News that his team had been monitoring Thahir's flat for more than a month over reports on camping of drug users He added that film personalities frequented the flat for discussions While announcing the arrest of Rahman and two others Excise Deputy Commissioner TM Maju confirmed that Thahir would be questioned in detail as giving space for drug use is also an offence under the NDPS Act Sameer Thahir had directed Malayalam movies including ‘Chaappa Kurish’ ‘Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi’ and ‘Kali’ He had cranked camera for superhit movies like ‘Minnal Murali’ The Raid The Excise sleuths raided the flat around 2 am on April 27 A case is registered against the three under sections 20(b) (II) A and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act Excise inspector KP Pramod told Manorama News that the trio nabbed from the flat are regular drug users The directors and their friend had reached the flat for discussions related to a movie The three accused were released on station bail around 5.30 am the alleged drug abuse in the Malayalam film industry is back in the spotlight Malayalam film actor Shine Tom Chacko was arrested in a narcotics case after he made a cinematic escape from a hotel when a DANSAF team reached there for a raid He was later released on station bail after interrogation and medical examination A Jharkhand couple who fled a private hospital in the city after abandoning their newborn at the ICU returned to Kochi on Monday expressing interest to get back the infant The couple from Lohardaga came back to the city after the Kerala police found them with the help of the Jharkhand police The baby girl was born to Mangaleswar and Ranjitha who were working at a fish farm in Kottayam on January 29 at the Ernakulam General Hospital The premature baby was shifted to the private hospital for advanced care the couple later left for Jharkhand without informing hospital authorities The government took care of the infant following a Manorama report and the officials named her Nidhi who recovered after more than a month-and-a-half of treatment is now under the care of the Child Welfare Committee The Ernakulam North Police have registered a case against the parents of the child Police said the couple decided to come back to Kochi after seeing their baby on a video call Both of them were questioned by the North Police on Monday They were taken to Ernakulam General Hospital and the private hospital where the baby was treated as part of the evidence collection the couple told them that they left Kerala as they thought the baby was not alive and returned home because they did not have the money to pay the hospital bill The police’s preliminary inference is that the couple did not abandon the child deliberately The police said the couple would be released on the condition that they appear before the investigators when called The couple has expressed their willingness to take back the baby They will approach the Child Welfare Committee with the request The committee will make a decision after considering the police investigation report including whether the parents have the capacity to take care of the baby Airline hopes to tentatively launch operations by the end of June 2025 “The code ‘KD’ will be firmed up once we secure the air operator certificate (AOC),” Kutty added For Dubai-based Air Kerala founder and Chairman Afi Ahmed, the ‘KD’ stands for ‘Kerala Dream’. “For non-Keralites, the KD has a multitude of meanings. It could stand for ‘Kerala to Dubai’ or ‘Kerala to Doha’. For us, this is another step towards making the Air Kerala dream come true,” said Ahmed. Air Kerala expects to receive its AOC by the end of June. According to Ahmed, the airline has been receiving great interest and enquiries from prospective UAE and GCC non-resident Keralites (NRKs). India's new airline to move into Kochi headquarters Air Kerala picks Kochi as its operational hub Air Kerala begins hiring ahead of Q2-2025 launch UAE–India route: Indian carriers to face delays The airline opened its headquarters in Kochi, Kerala, on April 15. The spacious office complex, spread across three floors and equipped with modern training facilities, is located near Aluva Metro station in Ernakulam. The office was inaugurated by Kerala Minister of Industries P. Rajeev. Members of Parliament (MPs) Hibi Eden, Benny Behanan, and Haris Beeran, and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) Anwar Sadath and Roji M. John were also present. According to its owners, the airline is designed to accommodate over 200 aviation professionals working simultaneously. The airline has completed the recruitment of 69 employees. “By closer to launch, we will have 200 employees. We are targeting 1,000 employees by the end of the year, and we hope to have seven aircraft by then as well,” said Ahmed. “For now, essential staff, including pilots and cabin crew, have been recruited. They are undergoing training at the moment in India,” said Kutty. The airline’s first flight will take off from Kochi International Airport, said Kutty. Airline owners are yet to confirm launch destinations. Several new airlines are set to launch operations this year. Closer to home, PIF-funded Riyadh Air will launch operations later this year. Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox Air cargo faces ‘waiting game’ amidst US trade wars New UAE airline gets GCAA nod, eyes fleet expansion Why did global air passenger growth slow in February? Starting the day with a delicious, filling, and nutrient-rich breakfast is the best feeling. However, most people complain that they hardly get time to prepare hearty breakfast dishes. Kochi boasts several amazing breakfast spots where you can enjoy a variety of tasty dishes. These spots serve soft and fluffy idlis with flavourful sambar and chutneys. So, if you are an idli lover, do not miss these eateries in Kochi. i'Deli Cafe, Kaloor i'Deli Cafe is a well-known idli spot near the JLN Stadium in Kaloor. Soft idlis are served on fresh banana leaves with sambar and chutneys. The ghee podi thattu idli is the star item on their menu. You can also enjoy neer idli, neer dosa, crispy ghee roast, poori, and crunchy vadas. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thanzeela F (@lov_e_ats) Tiffin Company, Kochi Podi idli, infused with the delicious aroma of fresh ghee, is served with the classic sides of sambar and chutney. Tiffin Company has outlets at Kakkanad, MG Road, and Willingdon Island. The Kakkanad outlet, located close to Infopark, is particularly popular among professionals. These outlets serve mouthwatering South Indian dishes from 7 am to 11 pm. Besides the ghee podi idli, Mysore masala dosa and Kumbakonam degree coffee are their best-selling items. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tiffin Company/KDC (@tiffincompany23) If you'd walked into the Maharajas College Ground in Kochi all you would have heard is the sound of spikes softly smacking into track and the breathless exertions of those wearing said spikes If not for a small sign around the main entrance you'd have had no idea that this was India's elite track and field competition: the Federation Cup It wasn't the lack of signage or publicity that kept the public away from the four-day event the Fed Cup was held in the blazing heat of the Kochi morning and afternoon -- the afternoon sessions started at 2.30 PM and ending around 5.30PM The sun's harsh glare was interrupted on a couple of days by light early evening showers although all the rain did was add to the high humidity levels apart from friends and family of the athletes the only spectators were the occasional students who wandered over to check out what was going on in their college ground three drunk men who simply wanted to use the bleachers as a place to rest their heads) Those who had a choice stayed away from the mind-warping heat and the conditions affected their performance It's easy to see why; heat is not just numbers on the thermometer In conditions barely suitable for a stroll on the pavement athletes gave it their all to breach qualifying marks for the Asian Athletics Championships There's a limit to the amount of electrolytes a body can consume to make up for the constant loss of it for instance cramped up in the final -- it was his third 100m dash of the day and the only thing surprising was that others didn't suffer similarly making it hard to find the right trajectory for the javelin It was his third 100m dash of the day. Reliance FoundationWith sports science coming to the fore the importance of athlete recovery has never been clearer: but athletes here had to cope with the basics of post-event recovery They struggled to find shade to cool down -- apart from a couple tents/shamianas erected around the track the only place that served as protection from the relentless sun was the main stand including a few of the heptathletes (who along with the decathletes were worst hit by constant exposure to the sun) This writer stumbled on a couple of them outside the stadium who had cramped up so bad they were wondering just how they were going to make the steps of the railway station to catch their trains This was all exacerbated by the fact that the finals session started at 2.30 PM in the afternoon (since the ground's floodlights are under repair) -- which meant athletes had to arrive at the track around noon to warm up (while trying not to overheat their bodies) The ground's warm up track -- a small 25m stretch of track -- added to the existing challenges new Athletics Federation of India president Bahadur Singh Sagoo was asked about the conditions and whether the AFI had considered alternate venues with better climatic conditions His reply: "We selected this venue because we are conducting trials for the Asian Championships You spoke about the floodlights not being in use here It's not possible to install the floodlights and other equipment [last minute] "We wanted maximum number of our athletes to qualify through the Asian Championships trials We didn't want them to fall shorts of qualification marks due to the weather Asked whether his federation was looking to make the sport more spectator-friendly they prefer to watch it online or on social media [*cue tangent*] but our results have improved in the last 15-20 years we couldn't even think about the Asian Games." "If the crowds come and pamper the athletes but] we have to go with the world and Asian athletics calendars including a few of the heptathletes. Anirudh MenonWhile it's not clear where either of those athletics calendars mandates this nation's top athletics event to be held on weekday afternoons what is inarguable is that to sync with those the AFI needs to hold their big events in peak Indian summers that even in April offer better weather than Kochi maybe organise floodlights to facilitate an evening or night session Neeraj Chopra talked about bringing in the crowds for elite athletic events with his Neeraj Chopra classic the Fed Cup was a stark reminder that outside Neeraj's iconic persona casual interest in athletics -- even in a state that likes its track and field -- is minimal and that events are not designed with either spectators or participants in mind the AFI announced that 59 athletes have qualified for the Asian Athletics Championships a few even broke (or equalled) national records at this meet It'd be good to remember that all this happened despite the conditions.. just like it did in 2023 in a scorching Ranchi 2025 Kochi was just a continuation of a long-entrenched pattern the AFI's stance appears very clear: check boxes there's very little they can do but grit their teeth wipe the sweat off their brow and keep at it This centre aims to enhance its digital solutions and drive innovation in the global energy sector US-based provider of oil and gas drilling equipment NOV has opened a new Digital Technology Centre in Kochi Inforpark Rajeeve cited Kochi’s established infrastructure connectivity and high-skilled workforce as key factors that attract investments The new centre will include a software engineering unit corporate digital services and a customer support hub The company plans to invest $10m in Kochi on top of the $500,000 they have already invested The company explained that while North America remained their biggest market India offered a significant growth opportunity NOV’s product information technology vice president said “We are seeing more growth in Tier II cities like Kochi and the connectivity is also an added advantage.” He added that the city’s young and highly skilled talent pool was an important factor in choosing Kochi over more established hubs Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis NOV also runs manufacturing plants in Chennai and Pune the new center in Kochi intends to double its current workforce of 70 The firm has grown its operations in India with the support of the state government and the investment-friendly atmosphere at Infopark the company is also investigating prospects in other Tier II Indian cities Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights View all newsletters from across the GlobalData Media network The new site in EY GDS' fourth in the city of Kochi solidifying the city's position as the focal point for its operations India-based EY Global Delivery Services (GDS) part of the UK-based Ernst & Young Global Ltd (EY) located at the Prestige Cyber Green business park is the company’s fourth facility in the city This move strategically expands EY GDS’s regional operations focusing on leveraging Kerala’s talent pool and environment of innovation highlighted that the expansion reflected the company’s “commitment to tapping into Kerala’s rich talent reservoir.” “This strategic expansion aims to foster innovation With its dynamic business environment and skilled professionals Kochi is an ideal backdrop for this growth chapter,” he added Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev remarked that the new venture reaffirmed the state’s position as a “thriving hub for innovation and talent.” “The presence of EY GDS here will drive job creation and contribute significantly to the state’s digital transformation journey,” he added including 7,000 in Kochi and 3,000 in Thiruvananthapuram EY GDS plans to double its workforce in the state during the next five years according to the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industries The first ever Global Malayalee Festival is set to be held at the Crown Plaza Hotel on August 15–16 offering a vibrant celebration of Kerala’s culture The Festival will feature the Kerala Folk Arts Festival and the Miss Global Malayalee Pageant to elect the winner based on one’s personality Malayalees from across the globe are urged to be part of this historic event planned to be held in Kerala Presentation of Kerala Folk Arts like Kalaripayattu and Mohini Aattam will be performed during the Miss Global Malayalee Pageant and will elect the best Malayalee woman between 18 and 25 years old Expecting participation from people of Malayalee origin from around the world the major focus of the Festival is the Global Malayalee Trade where Malayalee and foreign business leaders will deliberate on ways to expand business and trade investments in Kerala A boat tour of the Kochi Backwaters will be arranged for those who want to go sightseeing of Kochi The Global Malayalee Festival will be a true family event where everybody can enjoy All Malayalee families outside and in India are urged to participate in this great first time event ever organized Technology and Investment Meet will be the first of its kind ever held and will be attended by Malayalee business leaders from all over the world and India along with national and Kerala government representatives there will be a talent competition for children below 15 under three categories and awards will be given along with the Global Malayalee Ratna awards under 17 categories in the evening Several signatories including the Chief Minister Elected Leaders and Foreign Dignitaries are expected to be present in the evening public meeting and awards ceremony Living thousands of miles away from this beautiful land of diverse traditions every Malayalee longs to be connected with and rediscover her/his roots The first ever Global Malayalee Festival planned to be held from August 15 to 16 the most modern and ancient city of the state of Kerala promises to offer the millions of Malayalees spread across the globe a unique opportunity to “Bond Beyond Borders,” to experience and relive the rich cultural heritage of Kerala the Director and Chief Organizing Officer of the Global Malayalee Festival urged the Malayalee Diaspora to “be part of the cultural celebrations and groundbreaking ideas at the inaugural Global Malayalee Festival in Kochi.” The Festival 2025 brings together Malayalee diaspora leaders and visionaries from around the globe to discuss and collaborate on shaping future technologies and their impact on global communities The festival will feature keynote sessions and networking opportunities designed to celebrate and empower the Malayalee diaspora’s contributions to the cultural and technological advancement of the world the Director and Managing Director of the Festival said “The Global Malayalee Festival is a celebration of Kerala’s culture It blends tradition with modern opportunities focusing on areas like trade and investment and celebration.” Early registration is open till May 20 at a discounted rate of Rs. 22500 for single, Rs. 30000 for double and Rs. 7500 per child. Please visit www.globalmalayaleefestival.com. Write to: registration@globalmalayaleefestival.com. has come forward to demand that the police investigate all possible angles and not restrict the inquiry to the allegations of bullying and harassment at his schools A relative of Shafeeq told TNM that he was forced to share his concerns as Mihir’s reputation was being tarnished.  a Class 9 student of Global Public School (GPS) in Kochi’s Thiruvaniyoor allegedly died by suicide at his apartment in Thripunithura on January 15 He was staying there with his mother Rajna PM A First Information Report (FIR) for unnatural death was registered at the Hill Palace Police Station the same day There was much public outrage on the issue after Rajna alleged that Mihir was harassed by the Vice Principal at his previous school and subjected to severe bullying at GPS by fellow students “Those responsible for this barbaric act must face the full force of the law and systemic changes must be made to ensure no other child suffers like Mihir did,” she said.  Shafeeq has now raised questions about the timeline of events He said that three days after the incident he visited the police station asking for a detailed investigation It was after this that Rajna wrote a letter to Binu Azeez where Mihir had studied for six years until October 2024.  asking them to look into what happened immediately before his son’s death Rajna posted screenshots of an Instagram chat “I think it is pertinent that I clarify certain things given the PR stunt that has been playing out over the past week.”  Shafeeq lives in Qatar with his second wife and family Mihir had lived with his mother after the divorce Shafeeq said he maintained regular contact with Mihir through phone calls and texts.  What happened before and after the tragedy Shafeeq said that the details he had heard from Rajna and her family regarding the circumstances of Mihir’s death were contradictory.  there was an altercation between two students at GPS to which Mihir and another student were witnesses the parents of all four students were summoned to the school Mihir’s stepfather Salim had arrived on his behalf Salim reportedly told the police that he returned to work after the meeting while Mihir was dropped home by the school bus between 2.50 pm and 3.00 pm.  Salim called Mihir once he reached home to discuss the incident at school Salim then made several attempts to reach Mihir again even calling the domestic worker to help him get in touch Mihir allegedly took his life around 3.30 pm.    Shafeeq demanded to know what was said during the phone call between Salim and Mihir and why Salim had made repeated attempts to call him back after Mihir cut the call When Shafeeq wrote to the Hill Palace Station House Officer (SHO) on January 21 his primary request was that the inquiry look into what happened in the half hour after Mihir returned home from school on his final day In the letter Rajna wrote to GEMS Vice Principal Binu Azeez days after Mihir’s death The punishment was for slapping a girl student in his class after which Mihir’s family moved him to GPS.  Shafeeq alleged that he had been kept in the dark about the school transfer even matters as minor as buying Mihir a phone was such an important decision kept from me?”  He added that he only learned about the transfer when Mihir accidentally mentioned it during a phone call Screenshots she shared from an Instagram group chat purportedly involving Mihir’s friends and classmates from both GEMS and GPS said the teen had been subjected to gruesome bullying at GPS One of the allegations was that Mihir’s head was dunked in a toilet while bullies flushed it had earlier told TNM that they received the screenshots from well-intentioned friends of Mihir’s “Why has not one person come forward to corroborate the allegations Only his stepfather Salim’s elder son has come forward with such a claim Why did Mihir conceal it even from his favourite cousin with whom he shared everything?” he asked in a statement on February 6.  TNM had met with GPS authorities on January 31 They told us that an internal investigation found no evidence of bullying In the online uproar that followed Rajna’s post even Mihir’s closest friends had been publicly named He added that it was important not to drag children into the issue without reason Some even painted the deceased teen as a bully himself and various other theories did the rounds on the internet.  Shafeeq shared six screenshots of emails and text messages exchanged between him and Mihir Mihir had asked to be taken to Qatar to live with his father He had also complained to his father about his mother’s treatment of him.  While stating that he did not want the issue to devolve into an ugly battle between a divorced couple Shafeeq insisted that he simply wanted to ensure no stone was left unturned in the investigation Shafeeq’s relative told TNM that one reason to release the screenshots was to show that Mihir did share his troubles with his father.  A February 3 statement issued by GPS in response to the public attention surrounding the case did not speak kindly of Mihir The school claimed that they had given the teen “a second chance” after issues “related to physical assault on a girl student” at GEMS As for the altercation between students on January 14 the school’s statement contradicted its assurances to Shafeeq that Mihir had merely been a spectator “Mihir and a few of his friends were involved in an incident in which one of the fellow students was hit,” the school said.  Both Rajna and Shafeeq condemned the school’s statement his class teacher called me personally and informed me that Mihir was a spectator,” Rajna stated.  “Why did [GPS] issue a statement contradicting their own words and presenting my son as a problem child The public should be told what Salim and the school authorities discussed on that day.” It is worth noting that it was on January 21 in the time between Rajna’s letter to Binu and her Facebook post alleging bullying at GPS “It is difficult to believe that Mihir decided to die by suicide because he was reprimanded for an alleged altercation with other students at his school and mentally strong child,” read the letter.  “Mihir never told me he was facing problems at school saying ‘tmrw night should be free,’ ‘promise’,” Shafeeq wrote in his complaint to the police.  Mihir’s laptop has not yet been confiscated by the police His phone was bought only a few months ago it is his laptop that is likely to contain crucial information Has the phone in police custody been subjected to forensic analysis Were his call records examined?” Shafeeq asked.  Rajna had raised a similar concern in her January 31 post “I fear delays in gathering digital evidence may allow the culprits to erase their tracks,” she wrote referring to the alleged group chat used by Mihir’s schoolmates  ‘Only demand is a comprehensive probe’ while the investigation had been satisfactory until a week ago he is doubtful whether the alleged “PR stunt” carried out by Rajna and her family have derailed the probe.  Even his user ID for a simulator game was ‘pilottobe’,” he said Shafeeq added that as a father who was not with him both he and Mihir’s mother were “morally and emotionally culpable” for the great tragedy that struck his life “The responsibilities of everyone outside comes only after that A comprehensive probe that won’t be impacted by media campaigns and other influences is my demand If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families State health department's suicide helpline: 104 Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu) State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104 Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one Click here for working helplines across India