Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the Vizhinjam International Port to the nation in a grand ceremony held at the port. Speaking in Malayalam, the Prime Minister highlighted the project’s benefits and economic potential, stating, “The nation’s wealth will now stay within the nation, ensuring economic stability for Kerala and India.”

A Pillar of Developed India

PM Modi emphasized that port cities are central to the vision of a developed India. Through collaboration between the central and state governments, the Vizhinjam port has become a reality. He humorously remarked that Gautam Adani, who led the project, might face “displeasure from Gujaratis” for building such a massive port in Kerala.

Political Remarks and Satire

In his speech, Modi indirectly criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi while praising Adani. Key INDIA alliance leaders, including Pinarayi Vijayan and Shashi Tharoor, were present at the event. Modi mocked a statement by Ports Minister VN Vasavan, who called Adani a “partner,” saying, “It’s a positive change when a communist minister welcomes private investment.”

Kerala’s Development Initiatives

The Prime Minister noted that the Kollam and Alappuzha bypasses were swiftly completed by the central government. He also highlighted priority given to fishermen. Praising Kerala’s harmonious culture, Modi recalled the participation of the President and Minister George Kurian in a ceremony for the Pope, adding that he had the privilege of meeting the Pope multiple times. He concluded, “Let us build Kerala together. Jai Kerala, Jai Bharat!”

Notable Attendees

The event was attended by Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, Union Ministers Suresh Gopi and George Kurian, MPs Shashi Tharoor and John Brittas, MLA M Vincent, and Mayor Arya Rajendran, among others.

Political Controversies

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the central government, claiming its contribution was limited to the VGF fund. He asserted that the Vizhinjam project was a state government achievement. His failure to mention former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy sparked controversy. Congress leaders labeled the commissioning a “political stunt” and criticized the exclusion of the Leader of Opposition.

Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the capital city for the commissioning of the first phase of the Vizhinjam International Port. Landing at around 8:00 AM, he proceeded to the Raj Bhavan by road. In connection with the Prime Minister’s visit, stringent security measures have been put in place across Thiruvananthapuram. Approximately 1,000 police personnel have been deployed in and around Vizhinjam and the city since yesterday.

Tomorrow morning at 10:15 AM, the Prime Minister will travel to Vizhinjam by helicopter . Upon arriving at 10:30 AM, he will welcome the mother ship MSC Celestino Marasca. Following a tour of the port, he will participate in a public meeting. He is scheduled to depart from Thiruvananthapuram by 12:30 PM.

The inauguration ceremony is expected to draw around 10,000 attendees. Large LED screens have been set up for the public to view the event. The Vizhinjam Port is anticipated to be a milestone in Kerala’s economic development.

Thiruvananthapuram: Protruding teeth will no longer be considered a disqualification for government jobs that involve selection based on physical fitness tests. This decision was taken in a recent cabinet meeting.

The exemption applies specifically to uniformed posts in departments such as Home Affairs, Forest and Wildlife, Transport, and Excise. The cabinet decided to remove disqualification based solely on the presence of protruding teeth for these roles.

This move comes after receiving numerous complaints from candidates who were otherwise qualified but were rejected due to dental conditions. The government has now granted permission to amend the relevant provisions in the special rules of the respective departments.

Kochi: In a setback for the Forest Department in the tiger tooth case, the Perumbavoor Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court has observed that there is no prima facie evidence against rapper Vedan.

The court made the observation while considering Vedan’s bail application.

It was noted that it has not yet been determined whether the tiger tooth in the chain is genuine. The item has currently been sent for scientific examination. The court also pointed out in the bail order that Vedan has no prior involvement in similar offenses.

Kochi: Following the arrest of Kochi Corporation employee Swapna in a bribery case, the Vigilance Department conducted a raid at the Kochi Corporation office. Vigilance officials stated that all documents in the office would be thoroughly examined. They also mentioned that all building permits approved by Swapna would come under scrutiny.

Swapna was arrested on Wednesday by the Vigilance team while allegedly accepting a bribe for issuing a building permit. She had demanded ₹15,000 from a resident of Vyttila in Kochi for granting the permit. Due to widespread complaints of bribery in various zonal offices of the Kochi Corporation, Swapna had been under Vigilance surveillance.

The building permit application was submitted by the Kochi resident in January. However, Swapna kept delaying the process citing various reasons. Eventually, she allegedly told the applicant that the permit would only be issued if money was paid. The Vyttila resident then approached the Vigilance.

Acting on their instructions, Swapna was caught red-handed while accepting the money on her way to Thrissur with her family. The case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Kochi: Three individuals, including two prominent Malayalam film directors, were arrested by the Excise Department in Kochi for possession of hybrid cannabis. The arrested individuals are well-known directors Khalid Rahman, Ashraf Hamsa, and Shalif Mohammed, who was with them. The arrests were made during a raid conducted by the Excise Special Squad.

The trio was apprehended at around 2 a.m. from a flat near the Kochi Goshree Bridge with 1.6 grams of hybrid cannabis. Acting on a tip-off, the Excise team conducted a search at the flat. According to Excise officials, the three were caught while attempting to use the cannabis. After recording their arrests, they were released on station bail.

Khalid Rahman is the director of hit films such as ‘Unda’, ‘Thallumaala’, ‘Anuraga Karikkin Vellam’, ‘Love’, and the recently released ‘Alappuzha Gymkhana’, which grossed over 50 crores globally. He also played a notable role in the blockbuster film ‘Manjummel Boys’.

Ashraf Hamsa has directed films like ‘Thamasha’, ‘Bheeman’s Way’, and ‘Sulaikha Manzil’. He is also the co-writer of the hit movie ‘Thallumaala’. The involvement of these prominent figures in Malayalam cinema has sparked widespread discussions.

The significance of this arrest lies in the fact that the Excise Department’s crackdown on drug-related activities in the Malayalam film industry is now extending to high-profile individuals. The accused were released on bail as the quantity of cannabis recovered was not of commercial scale. Further investigations are underway in connection with the case.