Kozhikode: One more death due to amoebic encephalitis has been confirmed in the state. Another young woman who was admitted to Kozhikode Medical College with symptoms of amoebic encephalitis has died. The deceased has been identified as Palot Methal Jisna (38), a native of Peruvayalkutikattur, Kozhikode. The source of the disease is not clear, officials said.
ULCCS Centenary School to Set a National Benchmark as a ‘Creative School’
Vatakara: As a landmark tribute to its centenary celebrations, ULCCS dedicated the ULCCS Centenary School, Muttungal, to the community. Once on the brink of closure, the historic Muttungal School has been reborn—this time, as an innovative learning space embracing a holistic educational approach known as the ‘Creative School.’
The grand inauguration witnessed the presence of eminent figures from politics, arts, sports, literature, and culture, alongside parents and well-wishers, who lit ‘alphabets lamps’ to mark a bright new beginning. With this transformation, children from working-class families now have access to international-standard education, ensuring equal opportunities for learning and growth.
The historic 131-year-old Muttungal LP School, which was demolished for national highway development, faced the threat of permanent closure. However, in response to appeals from the local community, school protection committee, and PTA, the Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS) stepped in to preserve its legacy. Acquiring new land and constructing a state-of-the-art facility, ULCCS revitalized the institution as a centenary tribute, enabling international-standard education for children, including those from working-class and coastal communities.
The official inauguration was marked by the symbolic lighting of lamps, arranged in the shape of the first Malayalam alphabet, ‘അ’ (A). The inauguration was graced by renowned personalities, including writer M. Mukundan, former MLA A. Pradeep Kumar, known for spearheading school revival projects, lyricist and musician Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri, Padma Shri awardee and Kalaripayattu practitioner Meenakshi Amma, Block Panchayat President K.P. Girija, Deputy Director of Education Manoj Kumar C, film actress Anu Sithara, poet Veerankutty, and singers V.T. Murali and Vishnumaya Ramesh.
Presided over by Chorode Panchayat President P.P. Chandrasekharan Master, the event featured a welcome address by ULCCS Chairman Rameshan Paleri and a vote of thanks by MD S. Shaju. Representatives from the education department, local administration, and the school protection committee were also present at the function.
A vibrant procession of students and parents to the newly built school marked the beginning of the celebrations. Guests were welcomed with a traditional Oppana performance by young artists from Perambra GUPS. The Aksharadeepam (lamp of knowledge) was ceremoniously lit to the background of Guru Vagbhatanandakriti, sung by child artist Sarang Rajeev, followed by a balloon release and an inaugural prayer by the school children.
In recognition of their efforts, the engineering and design teams behind the construction of the new school building were honored on stage. Additionally, students from the region who excelled in state-level art, sports, science, and mathematics competitions were felicitated. The event concluded with cultural performances by school students and a special stage show by Oscar Manoj.
Speaking on the occasion, ULCCS Chairman Rameshan Paleri emphasized that the school will implement the ‘Creative Education’ system, developed by a panel of leading educationists in the state. This pioneering approach aims to foster holistic child development, going beyond conventional academics to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Designed to foster interactive and experiential learning, the new school building features dedicated spaces for reading, science experiments, mathematics, performing arts, music, dance, chess, painting, agriculture, and nature studies. With this pioneering educational model, ULCCS Centenary School aims to provide an international standard of education, creating a dynamic, hands-on, and inclusive environment where young minds can thrive. The school is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for growth and excellence, especially for children from working-class and coastal communities.
This month’s ration extended till March 3
Thiruvananthapuram: Food and Public Distribution Minister G. R. Anil announced that the distribution of ration for the month of February has been extended till March 3. Ration traders will have a holiday on March 4 in connection with the month-end accounting. This month’s ration distribution will start from March 5. 77 percent of cardholders in the state have received their ration till 5.30 pm on February 28. On Friday alone, 5,07,660 cardholders received their ration. The minister informed that all ration cardholders who are to receive ration in February should receive their share by March 3.
Bail granted to P.C. George in hate speech case
Kottayam: Former MLA and BJP leader P.C. George, who is on remand in a hate speech case, has been granted bail. The Erattupetta Magistrate’s Court granted bail.
George, who is admitted to the Kottayam Medical College Hospital, is continuing to be monitored by doctors. Although the prosecution opposed his bail, the court granted him bail. The prosecution pointed out that George is continuously violating the bail conditions, but the lawyer requested the court to grant him bail because his health condition is poor and that an angiogram should be done.
The court granted bail while a final decision was being taken on the matter of transferring George to jail after his health condition improved. The court’s action is in a case filed by the Erattupetta police on a complaint filed by the Youth League alleging that he made anti-Muslim statements during a channel discussion on January 5.
60 crore cryptocurrency scam: Police set to question Tamannaah and Kajal Aggarwal
Chennai: Puducherry police are set to question actresses Tamannaah Bhatia and Kajal Aggarwal in a multi-crore cryptocurrency scam. The police action was taken on a complaint filed by a retired government employee. The case is that a fraud of 60 crores was committed.
The cryptocurrency company was started in 2022 by mobilizing film industry leaders including actress Tamannaah. Later, 3 months later, actress Kajal Aggarwal attended the company’s event at the Star Hotel in Mahabalipuram, Chennai and gifted cars to 100 people that day. A party was also held on a cruise ship in Mumbai to attract investors on a large scale.
The actresses had participated in the inauguration and promotional events of the company, which embezzled money by promising high returns. With this, it was decided to question both of them after suspecting their involvement in the company. Earlier, two people, Nitish Jain (36) and Arvind Kumar (40), were arrested in the same case. Puducherry Cyber Crime SP Dr. Bhaskaran clarified that cases have been registered against the company in several places including Delhi, Maharashtra, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala in connection with the fraud.
Meta lays off 20 employees after leak to media
Meta has laid off 20 employees after it was discovered that they had leaked information. A Meta spokesperson says that employees were instructed not to disclose internal company information from the time they joined the company. A recent inspection found that 20 employees had leaked confidential company information to the media.
That is why they were fired and that it is believed that there are many more people who leak information like this, a Meta spokesperson says. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is trying to strengthen his relationship with US President Donald Trump.
Facebook had fired Trump following the attack on the US Capitol in 2021. His account was later restored in 2023.
Venjaramoodu massacre case: Accused Affan’s father Abdul Rahim returns home
Thiruvananthapuram: Venjaramoodu massacre case accused Affan’s (23) father Abdul Rahim has returned home from Saudi Arabia. He arrived in Thiruvananthapuram. He reached the airport from Dammam at 7.45.
After arriving home, Rahim first went to the office of MLA D.K. Murali. From here, he will go to Pangot to visit the graves of his loved ones who were killed. Rahim’s youngest son, mother, brother and sister-in-law are buried in the Juma Masjid in Thazhepangot.
After meeting his family members, he went to Gokulam Hospital to see his wife Shemi, who is undergoing treatment.
He is arriving with his travel documents in order. Abdul Rahim was banned from traveling to Saudi Arabia when his Iqama expired two and a half years ago. Abdul Rahim came to the country 7 years ago. Abdul Rahim has now returned to the country following the intervention of social workers.
The police have decided to question Rahim after considering his mental state. Rahim’s statement is crucial in the case. The police will ask Rahim for information such as how the family came to have such a financial burden.
Affan said that he had a debt of around Rs 65 lakh. However, Rahim clarified that he only had a debt of Rs 15 lakh. The police are trying to find out how the remaining amount of debt came to be.
Three months of salary arrears of ASHA workers in the state have been cleared
Thiruvananthapuram: ASHA workers have been granted their honorarium arrears for the month of January. The government’s action comes on the 18th day since the ASHA workers began their strike in front of the secretariat. With this, the government has also cleared the three months’ arrears.
In addition, the arrears in incentives have also been cleared. However, the main demand is an increase in honorarium and the arrears are only one of the demands put forward by the strikers, and the strikers have stated that they will continue their strike.
Chenthamara’s bail plea rejected in Nenmara double murder case
Palakkad Nenmara double murder case accused Chenthamara’s bail plea has been rejected. The Alathur Judicial First Class Magistrate Court ordered that bail cannot be granted. The lawyer argued that the arrest without prior notice was not legal, but the court did not accept it.
The magistrate clarified that the investigation team has submitted evidence that prima facie proves Chenthamara’s role. The court also pointed out that the argument that there was a flaw in the arrest procedures is not a way to obtain bail. Chenthamara’s bail plea was filed in the Alathur Judicial First Class Magistrate Court through lawyer Jacob Mathew. Chenthamara, who is remanded in a double murder case, is in Viyyur jail.
On January 27, Chenthamara hacked to death his neighbor Sudhakaran and Sudhakaran’s mother Lakshmi due to personal enmity. Chenthamara killed two more people after being released on bail in the 2019 murder case of Sudhakaran’s wife Sajitha.
Heat wave warning continues in the state; Yellow alert
Thiruvananthapuram: As the intense heat continues in the state, a heat wave warning continues on Wednesday (26/02/2025). The Meteorological Department has announced that the temperature is likely to rise by up to 4 °C above normal in isolated places in Kerala and a yellow alert has been issued as part of the warning.
The Central Meteorological Department has informed that the maximum temperature is likely to rise to 39°C in Kannur and Kasaragod districts, the maximum temperature is likely to rise to 37°C in Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kottayam, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts and the maximum temperature is likely to rise to 36°C in Ernakulam and Alappuzha districts.
There is a possibility of hot and uncomfortable weather due to high temperature and humid air. The warning also states that high heat can cause many serious health problems, including sunstroke, heatstroke, and dehydration. Therefore, caution should be exercised.
