KOCHI:  The proposal for a mini, multi-transport hub near the Tripunithura railway station has been on paper for a while. Now, with Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) extending phase 1 to Tripunithura from SN junction, demand for the bus terminal has gathered pace among residents and the local body.

According to them, an extension of the metro to Tripunithura will ease the commute from the railway station to the city.  “The area has the potential to be developed into a transit hub with multiple transport modes if the bus terminal is also constructed. Those coming from Poothotta, Puthiyakaavu, Vaikom, and Kottayam will have easy access to the city via the metro. As discussed and approved by the council, we submitted a request to the government to consider the project earlier this year. However, there has been no update on it so far,” said Tripunithura municipality chairperson Rema Santhosh.

“We have identified land near the railway and metro stations. However, the municipality alone cannot buy the land and proceed with the project, which is estimated to cost around Rs 100 crore,” she said. Rema said though the council also decided to request the KMRL to prepare a DPR for the proposed bus terminal, the latter said they cannot do so unless the government accords administrative sanction to the project.

Meanwhile, KMRL officials said as per the municipality’s demand, it will build a foot overbridge (FOB) connecting the Tripunithura metro and railway stations. As per the municipality’s plan, 3.5 acres of land will be required to build a bus terminal, and a new road connecting to Hill Palace Road needs to be constructed to avoid congestion in the area.

On average, Tripunithura railway station sees a footfall of over 1 lakh passengers a month. “It is one of the major stations in the state with over 1 lakh monthly passenger footfall on average. One of the problems passengers heading to the North or South railway stations from the Kottayam side face is the unnecessary halt after Tripunithura station. With the commissioning of the metro, they can reach their destination via the metro after getting off the train. The bus terminal will also be helpful for commuters and increase metro ridership,” said B Madhusoodhan, secretary of the Ernakulam District Residents Association Apex Council (EDRAAC) of the Tripunithura region.

“As per the proposal, a new road from the bus terminal connecting towards the road heading to Karingachira Junction needs to be built to allow easy movement of buses,” he said. EDRAAC is planning to submit various developmental projects in Tripunithura, including transit hub proposals, to the CM during the Nava Kerala Sadas event in the constituency.

Bridging the gap

• KMRL officials said as per the municipality’s demand, it will build a foot overbridge connecting the Tripunithura metro and railway stations
• As per the municipality’s plan, 3.5 acres of land will be required to build a terminal, and a new road connecting to the Hill Palace Road needs to be constructed to avoid congestion in the area

KOCHI:  Highlighting the hypocrisy of the political parties when it comes to issues faced by the Christian community, the editorial of the latest edition of Sathyadeepam — a weekly published by the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese — says there is not even a mention of the ongoing war in Ukraine at the Palestine solidarity meets being held in the state. That shows the war in Ukraine has not affected Kerala’s public consciousness, the editorial says. 

“This is really scary,” the Sathyadeepam editorial says. The piece questions the strategy of the political parties that remain mum over this particular issue even when they were very vocal during the Sabarimala women-entry issue citing Renaissance. 

The editorial wonders whether it was just a coincidence that the news of Rayyanah Barnawi, who became the first Saudi woman to go to space on May 21, 2023, did not make any headlines among the women readers in the Muslim community.

“Also, it can be seen that the honouring of Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi with the Nobel prize didn’t elicit any sort of joyous response from among the Muslim women in the state,” the editorial says.  Their silence that rings loud not only over this but also in the case of the killings of young girls during the ‘Say No to Hijab’ hints at a serious problem, the editorial says.

“In this post-truth era where modernity is definitely in an opportunistic way, the memory of Fathima Beevi, who upheld secularism in her thoughts and the judiciary, should be kept alive,” it says.

Extolling the achievements of the late Justice Fathima Beevi, the editorial touches on how she overcame various hurdles including that of being from a conservative community back when it was a tough thing to do. She not only broke the strong fences erected by religious traditions but also challenged patriarchal rules, the editorial says.

KOCHI:  The concluding function of the centenary celebrations of the elevation of the Ernakulam vicariate to an archdiocese and the creation of the Syro Malabar hierarchy saw Justice Kurian Joseph urging the new apostolic administrator, Bishop Bosco Puthur, to initiate the path of dialogue and to acquaint Pope Francis with the truth about the Holy Mass issue in the archdiocese. 

The function -- held on Sunday at the Mar Augustine Kandathil Nagar, Bharat Mata College, in Thrikkakara -- was organised by a group of priests opposing the forced implementation of the Unified Holy Mass. The function began with a public-facing Holy Mass celebrated by 400 priests from various parishes of the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese.

Earlier, before his resignation, the former Apostolic Administrator Mar Andrews Thazhath had said that Sunday’s function was not officially recognised by the Church. The Syro Malabar bishops were conspicuous by their absence.

Attending the function as the chief guest, Justice Joseph said: “The Catholic Church is one that has always assimilated in itself all the traditions and cultures brought in by the believers from all over the world. This is similar to the preamble of our Constitution which starts with the word ‘We’.” The one person that holds this Church in a single entity is the Pope, he said.

“We respect the Pope. But if he has gone wrong, then it is the responsibility of those occupying the higher positions in the Church to acquaint him with the facts. And I have firm belief that when he comes to know the truth, he will not ignore it,” Justice Joseph said.

He urged Bishop Puthur to take the path of dialogue. “Reconciliation is our way. Just like the Pope allowed Mar Clemis to follow his traditions, it would be great if the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese is also allowed the same,” he said.

Justice Joseph said things can be arranged such that, for the time being, the Holy Mass is allowed to be offered in the traditional way, and on big festivals or other important days of the Church, the Unified Holy Mass can be celebrated.

KOCHI:  Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday said Kerala lost Rs 1,07,513 crore in the past seven years due to the wrong financial intervention of the Union government. Addressing the Nava Kerala Sadas at Mar Basil High School Ground in Kothamangalam, the CM accused the Centre of misinterpreting the state’s governance structure. 

“Kerala is under financial duress due to the Centre’s denial of various dues. A total of Rs 26,223 crore is needed for various payments, including DA stipend for government employees, post-matriculation scholarships, dues to beneficiaries of various schemes, dues to bonded labourers, dues to public hotels, and dues to contractors.

Owing to the wrong financial intervention of the Centre, things cannot be executed according to the state budget,” Pinarayi said. He said the Centre owed Kerala billions of rupees, including Rs 750 crore spent on UGC salary reform and Rs 700 crore each spent on rural development and urban development.

“The state has an annual plan of Rs 30,370 crore. Central regulations have adversely affected the state economy,” Pinarayi said. He alleged that UDF MPs were not protesting the Centre’s stand against the state in the Parliament. “Kerala’s voice is not being raised in the Parliament. This is the time for Kerala to stand together,” he said.

KOCHI:  The construction of the postnatal ward and ophthalmology block at Kothamangalam Taluk Hospital will begin soon, Health Minister Veena George has said. She was speaking at the Nava Kerala Sadas event in the Kothamangalam constituency on Sunday. “The new project will be implemented in the taluk hospital for Rs 11.80 crore under the KIIFB scheme. A construction contract has been signed in this regard,” said the minister. 

She said the dialysis unit, which is also under construction at the hospital, will start functioning soon. “The project work has been given special consideration as many tribal communities reside in the taluk,” she said.

According to Veena, a developmental project worth Rs 383 crore is being carried out at Ernakulam Government Medical College Hospital. The Kochi Cancer Research Centre and super speciality block at MCH will be inaugurated in February 2024, she said. 

The minister also highlighted that in the past seven years, several developmental projects have been executed in the state in the health, education and infrastructure sectors. 

KOCHI:  Ernakulam South Police are checking the antecedents of a Bangladesh national who trespassed into the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) guest house at Panampilly Nagar. Mohammed Al Ameen, 23, was intercepted by security personnel at CSL and handed over to the police on Friday.

It was at around 9.45 am that a security guard at the CSL guest house found the accused entering the compound after climbing the boundary wall. In the interrogation, Mohammed Al Ameen claimed that he was a rag picker. He told security guards that his intention for entering the compound was to collect papers, carton boxes and glass bottles. However, during further interrogation, it was revealed that he was a native of Bangladesh and was illegally staying in Kochi.

Later, he was handed over to the police. Police started an investigation into the incident. Police are checking the close aides of Mohammed Al Ameen in Kochi. He was also interrogated by both Central and state intelligence agencies.

“He did not have any identity documents. However, from his Bangla slang, officials identified him to be a Bangladeshi national. Later, he admitted that he entered India without any passport or visa. He stayed in various parts of North East before coming to Kerala. In Kerala, he worked at various places for the past six months. We are checking the antecedents of the accused person. Though no espionage angle is yet to emerge in the investigation, we are checking all aspects. Considering the security aspect, we are conducting a detailed probe against the person,” a police officer said.

Police registered a case under various sections of the IPC and Foreigners Act for criminal trespassing and foreigners entering India without valid documents. He was later produced in court and remanded in judicial custody. After the investigation and subsequent case proceedings, steps would be initiated to deport him to Bangladesh.

Last year, an Afghanistan national who was working for a contractor at CSL was arrested by the police. The foreigner used forged identity documents to get a job with CSL contractors. During further investigation, it was revealed that the accused reached Assam on a visiting visa and managed to arrange fake identity documents, including Aadhaar and PAN cards. CSL is a highly sensitive security area as several defence projects, including the manufacturing and maintenance of warships and aircraft carriers for the Indian Navy, are being undertaken there.

KOCHI:  The world might be looking at organ transplantation with fear. But the donors and transplantees who gathered in Kochi for the Transplant Games on Saturday are enjoying a second wind and crossing things off bucket lists. Leading healthy and cheerful lives, all they wish to do is spread awareness of the significance of organ donation.

For 55-year-old Davis K J, this is a third life, having undergone transplant surgery twice. Yet the Ramavarmapuram resident is not giving up. “Some people believe that we cannot lead a normal, healthy life after a transplant surgery. I began playing badminton three months after my kidney transplant and proved that I can play better than others,” he says. 

Davis was diagnosed with a kidney disease in 1998 and had a transplant in 2001. Later, in 2014, he was diagnosed with cancer. He received a kidney for the second time in 2016 once the cancer was cured.
Preeti Unhale, the longest-surviving heart recipient in India, has a similar story to tell. 

“The condition post-transplant is different for everyone. When I woke up after the surgery, I was breathing normally, which I was unable to do earlier. I experienced that ease of breathing. When we donate an organ, we are giving a person a second chance to live on this earth. It is a precious gift,” she says.

Varun Anand, a 13-year-old kidney recipient from Bengaluru, urges every transplantee to enjoy their life. 
“I encourage everyone who has undergone a transplant surgery to enjoy life. The world might believe that you are incapable, that you have limitations, or that you might die in 10 or 12 years. We have got a second life, enjoy it,” he says.

Varun was only 10 when he was diagnosed with a chronic kidney disease, says his mother and donor Deepa P S, who works with a software company. “Now he is studying in Class 8. He is also active in sports. And I am leading a healthy life after kidney donation,” she says.

It has been 11 years since Salitha Lal donated a portion of her liver to her husband, Lal. “I was not scared to donate a portion of my liver. The choice I made benefited the entire family. Our children were too young. We raised our two kids together after the transplant. They are now pursuing engineering in Thiruvananthapuram,” says the 46-year-old Salitha.

Having received two kidneys, Davis finds himself a blessed person. “I was working with Landmark in Saudi when I was diagnosed with kidney disease. Had I continued there, they would have promoted me to higher posts. But I find this a better life. I am creating awareness and helping patients requiring transplantation. I coordinated more than 660 transplant surgeries and participated in the World Transplant Games in April this year. I am fortunate in that sense,” he adds.

Preeti, 49, says she was curious about what a heart transplant procedure would be when she learnt -- 23 years ago -- that she would need one. “Then, there were no SOTTO or NGOs to assist us. Now, at least a few people are willing to donate organs,” she says. “People ask how life is after a transplant. I say it is normal. We are leading a life just like everyone else. There is nothing to worry about,” adds Salitha.

Ist Transplant Games enters Book of Records

Of around 1,000 people at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Kochi on Saturday, most were either organ donors or recipients. From across the country, they had come together to participate in the Transplant Games organised by the Heart Foundation and the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation to spread awareness on the issue. Being the first Transplant Games in the country, the initiative also secured a place in the India Book of Records.

The transplantees participated in race walk, running, badminton, table tennis, swimming and bowling, among other events. Of the 450 participants across 11 competitions, 47 were kidney donors, 56 kidney recipients, 132 liver donors, 167 liver recipients and 38 were heart recipients. Those who underwent pancreas and hand transplants were also part of the games. 

KOCHI:  Seventeen job aspirants were reportedly duped at Rs 80 lakh by a recruitment agency by falsely guaranteeing them employment opportunities in New Zealand. 

According to a complaint filed with the police, Eurofly Holidays, based in Kakkanad, deceived the group of 17 individuals by providing fraudulent visas and air tickets. The fraudsters who introduced themselves as Shameer Khan, proprietor of Eurofly, and Sajad, took Rs 5 lakh from each of the job seekers.

The 17-member group discovered the fraud just a few hours before they departed from Kochi Airport. “As per the information that we received, our flight was scheduled for Saturday morning. The agency people asked all of us to meet at the airport by Thursday midnight.

Though we all turned up on time, no one from the agency reached there. Shameer Khan, who also assured to accompany us to New Zealand, also went missing as we couldn’t reach anyone over the phone,” said Venu K J, a 47-year-old resident of Tripunithura working as a goldsmith in Kochi. The police stated that most of them arranged funds for the agency by pledging gold ornaments and land documents.

KOCHI: Most of us love to have fine food. Now, restaurants with a wide variety of cuisine choices are aplenty. But how many are aware of the dining etiquette? No, it’s not just about how to use the fork and knife properly. It’s beyond the cutlery placed on the table. There are some ettiquette basics one often overlooks. Following the do’s and don’ts can make the dining experience more fun and jovial, and leave a positive impression on others too.

Your manners at the table are secret codes sent to others on how we behave in life. “Etiquette is important for personality development. If one starts the practice right from a young age, over the years, it’ll get fine-tuned,” says Elizabeth Joseph Basil, founder of Regal Skills Training and Etiquette in Thiruvananthapuram.

“Everything will come naturally then, compared to learning the whole thing all at once when one reaches their 20s. People will be able to learn it of course, but they might have to exert so much and forget to enjoy the exquisite dishes and the dining experience. At times, it may turn pretentious as well.”

According to her, though educational institutions are aware of table manners, not many are willing to conduct etiquette classes. “It’s not something that comes to you naturally. Etiquette has to be taught. However, many institutions aren’t interested. They cite lack of time as the reason and the majority doesn’t want to pay money to learn how to behave,” she adds.

At a restaurant, people come in the finest of dresses. The moment they start ordering, one can learn a lot about the diners. Upon entering, many keep their bags and phones on the table. According to etiquette trainers, this behaviour is not ideal. “Tables are only meant for the utensils and the necessary cutleries. Instead, keep the personal belongings on the side of the seats,” says Elizabeth.Also checking the phone while having food among company is considered a bad habit. If it’s urgent, politely excuse oneself before checking the device.

Never forget that people serving dishes at a restaurant are employees doing their jobs, and they need to be addressed with respect. “Say excuse me while calling a server, instead of saying ‘shoo’, snapping fingers or clapping hands. Nothing is more demeaning than these gestures,” says Elizabeth.While raising concerns about the service, hospitality, or food in general, it is considered impolite to express the opinion publicly or in a rude manner, she reminds.

Fine dining

When it comes to dining in a formal setting or casual events, understanding the cutlery etiquette is essential.Start with the utensils placed farthest from the plate for the first course and progress inward as each course arrives. Malayalis love eating their food using their hands, and many believe dishes taste great when felt first with the fingers. “If you prefer to eat with your hands, of course, go ahead. There’s no need to look down on those who prefer that. And if one prefers to use cutlery, do so,” says Elizabeth.

However, she says, practising cutlery at home can come of use, especially when going to places that consider touching food inappropriate.There are two ways to hold the cutlery. As per the classic European way, the fork has to be on the left hand and the knife on the right. In the American way, it’s interchangeable. “When you want to leave the table in between, keep the cutlery on the plate like an inverted V. After finishing the meal, close them together and keep it to one side,” informs Elizabeth.

The cloth napkin on the table has to be placed on the lap. This is to catch any food that falls from the plate. “Never tuck it to one’s shirt or around the neck,” she warns. Another primary function of the napkin is to wipe food from the mouth.“There’s a tendency among a lot of people to wipe all over the mouth. That’s not the correct way. Use the end of the napkins to slightly dab corners of the lips,” points Elizabeth. After finishing the meal, place the napkin on the table next to the plate.

Another thing to remember is how to use a finger bowl. One should only dip the fingers. “Many tend to wash and scrub their hands with water. But you are supposed to only wet the tips to remove any stains left over from food. If there’s a piece of lemon, don’t squeeze it and rub it on the palms,” she says.

Dining right

If you are not dining alone, start eating only when the food is served to everyone on the table. However, this changes while having food from a buffet. In buffets, don’t take all the items to your plate. Instead, take rounds. “Never fill the plate too much. Also, while serving, take a small amount of the food, because you could always go back for seconds,” she says.

Another thing to remember is never to speak while chewing. “Also, chew with the mouth closed, as it can be unpleasant for those around you,” Elizabeth says.Talking while eating also applies to those who talk loudly in dining areas. “Respect a person’s privacy. The dinner would be special for the fellow diners. Some could also be in a bad state of mind, you’ll never know. So always keep the voice down.”Always ask for side plates to keep bones and other waste. Therae should be zero spills on the table. Even if a sugar sachet is opened, it shouldn’t be kept on the table. Place it on the utensil.

After finishing the meal, especially after having a non-vegetarian meal, it is normal for the meat to get stuck between the teeth. Some people take it out using a toothpick at the table. “Don’t do such activity in public. It’s always better to use a toothpick in the washroom. When using it at the table, make sure to cover the mouth with one hand. Also make sure to wrap it in tissue paper,” she says.At the end of the day, dining has to be an enjoyable experience.

Other etiquette

Make reservations before going to a restaurant
If its necessary to leave the table, just excuse yourself
Don’t lick the fingers or fork
While departing, don’t leave the place too soon or linger too late unless you’ve been asked specifically to stay behind
Express your gratitude after finishing the meal

KOCHI: Christmas is always a one-month celebration, and it does start early. This year, there is a unique offering -- the ‘Nordic Christmas Village’ at the Century Club in Vennala. As the name says, the celebrations here come from Scandinavia, thanks to support from the Finland Embassy.

Book your tickets and engage in traditional Nordic activities, taste traditional delicacies, get involved in competitions and attend workshops at the Nordic Christmas Village organised by Kochibeez, a group of seven working women.

The Kochibeez members, from different walks of life, met three years ago, and have been working on this project for the past two months.

“All of us used to travel around the world, and wanted to do something in Kochi together. We thought of bringing a Nordic Christmas to the city,” says Labby George, an IT professional, who is the project manager of Kochibeez.

The president of Kochibeez, Sheeba Varghees, who owns the Faerie Boutique at Convent Junction, says: “In foreign countries, people celebrate Christmas together as a family. We wanted to give the same taste to Kochiites.”

The Nordic Christmas Village brings the frozen barn, Yule goat, Northern Lights, and many more such specialties from countries like Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. It also provides horse rides, family pictures with Santa, a snow globe and a wishing chair. Also, pre-booked and spot competitions are part of the installation, and the gifts and prizes for each event are sponsored by the Finland Embassy.

It will be an experience to try some of the Nordic food items like Norwegian meatballs, Lihapiirakka, Danish rice pudding, and saffranskaka. Workshops on clay modelling, bottle art, t-shirt painting, shoe painting etc., will also be held along at the Christmas village.

Event concludes on Sunday
Ticket prize: Rs 650 on Saturday and Rs 500 on Sunday
Time: 10am to 11pm
For details: 6238441858

KOCHI: The exhibition ‘Suspended Realities’ by Anoop P Rajendran, currently underway at Durbar Hall Art Gallery, showcases an amalgamation of art and new media. By way of videos and animations, the artist uses pickles as a metaphor for social oppression.

In the first set of videos, cast to the walls of the gallery, the viewer is exposed to the art of making pickles. This then culminates in a video that shows a man eating from a plantain leaf and his wife serving him pickles. If served in excess, pickles, used to enhance the taste, can turn debilitating. The art thus captures the human tendency to exaggerate a single aspect of an event instead of looking at diverse factors.

Is there a political message? “Art cannot be devoid of politics, as it is the product of one’s experiences and background. One’s part invariably penetrates any artwork. What we do is influenced by our politics and thinking,” says Anoop.

Like any artist, he, too, had begun with regular, static sketches. “Soon, I realised that GIFs were an excellent medium as they communicate a lot more than regular artwork. My focus turned to animation videos, as they evoke stronger emotions,” says Anoop, who is an architect by profession.

It was his time studying architecture that instilled in Anoop a love for art. Now, his love for both these fields has merged and grown manifold. “What further nourished my interest was my time working at the Biennale Library in Fort Kochi in 2013. The interactions with people there and the abundance of books related to design, be it fashion design, graphic art or architecture, roused my curiosity,” says Anoop.

After a period of imitation, he began unravelling the deeper layers of art, exploring the why rather than the how. Zaha Hadid, a popular French artist, is his fount of inspiration. On realising that each work is the manifestation of one’s experiences and perspectives, he started honing his own style.

Anoop prefers not to explain his art to people. Instead, he wants them to interpret art in their own way,. “It is not practical to impose one’s opinion or viewpoint on others. For instance, a person from Thanjavur is likely to see the work and read it as caste politics,” Anoop explains. Art, according to him, need not convey any particular message.

The solo art exhibition concludes on December 11.

KOCHI: Pithy statements often pack a heavy punch. One such line attributed to Oscar Wilde is a classic example: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

Being authentic is one of the toughest existential challenges mankind has faced. The concept of authenticity has captivated philosophers and writers for centuries. Our true natures remain a mystery to us.
Getting to the core of authenticity can be like the tale of the monkey that went on peeling the onion to figure out what was ‘inside’. Or, like removing brushstrokes of paint, one by one, from a canvas to examine what lies beneath.

The philosophy of authenticity holds that we are not born with fixed identities. Here comes another pithy line, this time, from Jean-Paul Sartre: “We are condemned to be free”. This freedom, while empowering, leaves us the option and responsibility to define ourselves through our choices and actions.

In today’s world, the digital age presents new challenges to authenticity. Social media platforms often push people, sometimes subconsciously, to present curated versions of themselves, leading to feelings of inadequacy — and inauthenticity.

Besides the philosophical aspect, it is also an age of constant bombardment of inauthentic information and images that can have profound ramifications. No wonder that Merriam-Webster has picked ‘authentic’ as its word of the year.

It’s three in a row. As discussed in previous editions of this column, the Collins dictionary chose ‘AI’ as its word of the year, and Cambridge went for ‘hallucination’. Now comes ‘authentic’, a concept further threatened by AI.

“We see in 2023 a kind of crisis of authenticity,” Peter Sokolowski, a lexicographer at Merriam-Webster, notes in an interview with the ‘Associated Press’. “What we realise is that when we question authenticity, we value it even more.”

Meanwhile, the dictionary’s editors highlight that authentic has always been a heavily searched word. “Authentic has several meanings including ‘not false or imitation’, a synonym of real and actual; and also ‘true to one’s personality, spirit, or character’,” reads a note with the Word of the Year announcement.

“Although a desirable quality, ‘authentic’ is hard to define and subject to debate — two reasons it sends many people to the dictionary.”

With the sudden AI blitz, searches for the word ‘authentic’ have shot up like never before. It certainly reflects the search for authenticity in these baffling times.

“And with the rise of artificial intelligence — and its impact on deepfake videos, actors’ contracts, academic honesty, and a vast number of other topics — the line between ‘real’ and ‘fake’ has become increasingly blurred,” the Merriam-Webster editors add.

On a personal note, I am quite perplexed and a tad concerned seeing the rising trend of journalism students brazenly submitting AI-written articles as their works.

Maybe it’s a culture shock of sorts, I must admit, for someone who still prefers manually writing stories, before keying it in on the computer. I still cherish a collection of handkerchiefs with fountain pen ink smudges, something my editor-in-charge at home loathes.  

Perhaps, the next-gen tames tech better. However, considering the nature of the profession, I wish the numerous journalism schools out there pay attention to this tricky grey area between technology and ethics.

Sokolowski captures the general concern in a nutshell: “Can we trust whether a student wrote this paper? Can we trust whether a politician made this statement? We don’t always trust what we see anymore. We sometimes don’t believe our own eyes or our ears. We are now recognising that authenticity is a performance itself.”

Moving out of the grey zone, we have got quite a colourful term as the Oxford Word of the Year 2023: ‘rizz’.  

The dictionary defines rizz as “style, charm or attractiveness” or “the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner”. It can be also used as the phrase ‘rizz up’, which means “to attract, seduce or chat them up”.

Oxford Dictionary says ‘rizz’ is believed to be a shortened form of the word ‘charisma’, taken from the middle part of the word, like ‘fridge’ from ‘refrigerator’ and ‘flu’ from ‘influenza’.

“Our language experts chose rizz as an interesting example of how language can be formed, shaped, and shared within communities before being picked up more widely in society,” explains an introductory note from Oxford University Press.

“It speaks to how younger generations now have spaces, online or otherwise, to own and define the language they use. From activism to dating and wider culture, as Gen Z comes to have more impact on society, differences in perspectives and lifestyle play out in language, too.”

Oxford Languages president Casper Grathwohl highlights that the word ‘rizz’ “boomed on social media”. He believes it could be an indicator of “a prevailing mood of 2023, where more of us are opening ourselves up after a challenging few years [pandemic] and finding confidence in who we are”.

“Rizz is a term that has and speaks to how language that enjoys intense popularity and currency within particular social communities — and even in some cases lose their popularity and become passé — can bleed into the mainstream,” Casper adds.

“This is a story as old as language itself, but stories of linguistic evolution and expansion that used to take years can now take weeks or months. The spike in usage data for rizz goes to prove that words and phrases that evolve from internet culture are increasingly becoming part of day-to-day vernacular and will continue to shape language trends in the future.”

I was reminded about this reality a few days ago, as a regular reader of this column mocked me with an ‘OMG’ when I asked her what ‘IKR’ was. And another one with whom I discussed this embarrassment rubbed it in with ‘IDGAF’.  

Okay, time for me to go peel the onion, you guys have a rizz-whizz weekend!

Leaving you with Oxford’s shortlist for Word of the Year 2023:   

Swiftie vs de-influencing

Swiftie: an enthusiastic fan of the singer Taylor Swift.

de-influencing: the practice of discouraging people from buying particular products, or of encouraging people to reduce their consumption of material goods, esp. via social media

Beige flag vs rizz

beige flag: a character trait that indicates that a partner or potential partner is boring or lacks originality; (also) a trait or habit, esp. of a partner or potential partner, viewed as extremely characteristic, but not distinctly good or bad.

rizz: style, charm, or attractiveness; the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner.

Heat dome vs prompt

heat dome: a persistent high-pressure weather system over a particular geographic area, which traps a mass of hot air below it.

prompt: an instruction given to an artificial intelligence program, algorithm, etc., which determines or influences the content it generates.

Parasocial vs situationship

parasocial: designating a relationship characterised by the one-sided, unreciprocated sense of intimacy felt by a viewer, fan, or follower for a well-known or prominent figure (typically a media celebrity), in which the follower or fan comes to feel (falsely) that they know the celebrity as a friend.

situationship: a romantic or sexual relationship that is not considered to be formal or established.
(Swiftie, prompt and situationship were the other three that emerged as final contenders for the top spot.)

KOCHI: In efforts to rein in the drug menace, the IT professionals of Kerala have come together to launch an awareness drive to highlight the ill effects of substance and drug abuse, the health risks attached to it, and how it affects families and society.

The first of a series of programmes as part of the campaign was launched at Infopark Cochin by Thrikakkara MLA Uma Thomas. The event witnessed the participation of over 1,000 techies from various companies of Infopark.

The event, organised by the Group of Technology Companies (GTECH), an industry body of IT companies in Kerala, featured a flash mob by the CEOs, special addresses by film personalities, a bike rally, and a live band.

Inaugurating the event, Uma Thomas said, “Kerala has witnessed a disturbing trend with a four-fold increase in drug-related cases in the last few years. This is causing unimaginable damage to society and like-minded and responsible people must come out in unison with a loud message of ‘No to Drugs’ and ‘Yes to Fitness’.”

KOCHI:  What comes to your mind when you think about Saffron? The most expensive spice in the world. Well, saffron is a spice that plays an important role in the spice world. In India, saffron is cultivated and produced in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh since it is best grown in warm sub-tropical climates. It is also grown in dry temperature conditions with an annual rainfall below 40cm. 

Saffron grows at an elevation of 2,000 meters mean sea level. Photoperiod or the duration of time during the day when an organism receives sunlight plays a considerable influence in the flowering of saffron. An optimum period of 11 hours of illumination is desirable. Factors such as high humidity and low temperature during the flowering season can widely affect the crop. 

Of late, fascinated by the lure of saffron threads, farmers are venturing into its cultivation in polyhouses, indoors and even at places far away from its natural habitat. Saffron bloom at Kanthalloor in Kerala grabbed the headlines recently. The secondary metabolites — crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin and safranal present in saffron are responsible for its colour, taste and aroma, respectively. 

The use of saffron is extensive. It is used as an antioxidant as well as an antidepressant. It is said that saffron can help with good digestion. Saffron also has aphrodisiac, anodyne (pain relief), antispasmodic (relieving muscle spasms), emmenagogue (stimulating menstrual flow) and anti-inflammatory features. It has been widely used in traditional medicine. 

Saffron is also used in many cuisines, mainly as a natural food colouring substance in marinating chicken and meat, flavouring rice and soups, baking, liquors, teas, beverages and so on. It can be found in the iconic badam milk, certain Indian desserts and the famous biriyani. Enhancing fragrance is another factor of saffron as it is used in perfumes and cosmetics.

(Info courtesy: Spices Board)

KOCHI:  The harsh realities of the road may lure prospective vehicle buyers to consider an SUV over a sedan. But what about a sedan built on an SUV platform? Well, that’s Skoda’s Slavia for you. The car has emerged as a hot favourite among petrolheads. With ample ground clearance and a sleek design, Slavia, built on the platform of Kushaq, blends the comforts of an SUV without compromising on the finesse and wow factor of a sedan. 

Design and detail
The Slavia makes a strong impression with its unique styling. The hexagonal grille with chrome surround and crystalline LED headlamps, complemented by L-shaped DRLs, create a distinctive front fascia. Its sporty coupe-like rear design, accentuated by dynamic LED tail lamps, further enhances its appeal. The sedan form factor with SUV-like ground clearance offers a practical yet stylish road presence.

Interior
The interior of the Slavia exudes luxury and comfort. Beige and piano black luxe interiors, combined with a 20.32cm virtual cockpit and spacious seating, create an inviting cabin. Highlights like the electric sunroof with anti-pinch technology, ventilated black leather seats, a 25.4 cm infotainment system, and a 2-spoke steering wheel add to the premium feel.

Performance
The Slavia offers two engine options – a 1-litre and a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. The 1.5-litre variant, with 148 HP and 250 Nm of torque, promises spirited performance. The DSG automatic gearbox enhances the driving experience. Innovative features like Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) for improved fuel efficiency and Start & Stop Recuperation technology are commendable.

Safety and Price
With a 5-star safety rating, the Slavia ensures peace of mind. It includes features like six airbags, a rear camera, and sensors. The price range of Rs 13.8 lakh to Rs 19.11 lakh positions it competitively in the midsize car segment.

Efficiency
While the Slavia delivers an exciting drive with its turbo engine, fuel efficiency is around 12-13 kmpl in real-life conditions, which might be a concern for those prioritizing fuel economy.

In summary, the Skoda Slavia stands out with its unique design, luxurious interiors, and impressive performance. While it may not satisfy those seeking high fuel efficiency, it remains a compelling option in the midsize sedan market, especially for those who appreciate a blend of style and performance.

New releases

Hyundai India to increase prices
Hyundai Motor India Limited has announced its decision to increase prices of its models with effect from January 1, 2024. The company said the price hike is owing to a slew of factors, including rising input costs, adverse exchange rates, and an increase in commodity prices. Hyundai’s line-up consists of 13 models across the segments. They include Grand i10 NIOS, i20, i20 N-Line, Aura, Exeter, Venue, Venue N-Line, Verna, Creta, Alcazar, Tucson, Kona Electric and all-electric SUV IONIQ 5.

Lamborghini rolls out Revuelto, India’s first super sports electric car
Automobili Lamborghini has announced the launch of Revuelto, the first super sports V12 hybrid plug-in high-performance electric vehicle in India. An output of 1015cV is derived from the combined power of an entirely new combustion engine clubbed with three electric motors. A double-clutch gearbox too made its debut on the 12-cylinder Lamborghini. The new Revuelto combines their attributes to deliver performance figures at the peak of its segment: acceleration from 1-100kmph in only 2.5 seconds, and a top speed of more than 350km/h. These numbers combine with its exceptional dynamism thanks to the introduction of electric torque vectoring. It is also available in fully-electric drive mode, ensuring that the Revuelto super sports car expresses its amplified qualities both on the track and in daily driving. Revuelto prices start at Rs 8.89 crore (ex-showroom).

Kia’s K-Charge to beat EV range anxiety
Kia India has unveiled K-Charge, an innovative initiative in the ‘MyKia’ app that allows users to discover over 1,000 EV charging stations nationwide. Kia is also extending access to the charging network to non-Kia customers, thus providing valuable assistance to the Indian EV scene by helping drivers overcome range anxiety. Kia has collaborated with 5 charging points to enable this initiative. Kia users can enjoy three months of free charging at Relux charging stations.

JAWA Yezdi motorcycles camp
Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles announced a Mega Service Camp for Jawa and Yezdi motorcycle owners in Kerala. The camp will take place in Kochi from December 14 to 17, offering an exclusive opportunity for existing owners of 2019-2020 models to enhance their ownership experience. Comprehensive motorcycle health-check, extended warranty offer, exchange and buyback evaluation zone are some of the key highlights of the camp.

The writer is a freelance auto expert who hosts TV shows and anchors the YouTube channel 
‘CAR KADUVA’

KOCHI:  In a splendid stretch of the Arabian Sea off the coast of Ettikulam in Kannur, 22 naval sailors from several parts of the world are engaged in a race for maritime glory – the 12th Admiral’s Cup. Hosted by the Indian Naval Academy (INA) at Ezhimala, the 12th edition of the Navy’s annual three-day sailing regatta started on Wednesday, with participants from 20 friendly navies. 

Team TNIE gets the honour of joining Commodore Amitav Mookherjee, principal director of training at INA, on a boat heading to the race zone. Starting from the Ettikulam harbour, one can see cadets and trainees manouevre their sailboats to line up along the starting point in the sea. “It is difficult to hold position, as the ceaseless waves keep swaying the boats,” says Cmde Amitav. “Just a 10-second delay in starting can cost one dearly. See how some are struggling to align their boats with the starting line.”

As the race starts about 3.30pm, the 22 sailors competing in the ‘Gold Fleet’ category, set their sail to a 45-degree angle to the direction of the wind. Zig-zagging the waters, they zip towards an orange buoy. “They have to circle the buoy without the boat touching it, return to the starting line, and do the circle once more,” explains Cmde Amitav. 

Zooming in the binoculars, one can see seaman Gorkunov Petr from Russia in the lead, closely trailed by Indian Navy cadet G Y Reddy. A team of umpires on a boat keeps a close watch on the sailors. Three quick-response boats also circle the racing zone, ready to help in case of accidents. And lo, a boat capsizes! 

“Sailboats will not sink,” Cmde Amitav comments as he points to the capsized boat. “See, that sailor is righting his boat.” As said, within seconds, the sailor is back in the race. Meanwhile, the sailors from Russia, India and Italy race back to the starting point, vying for the first position. Gorkunov, it is. The Russian gets a lead, with a margin of a few seconds. 

“There will be two races a day. They will race again after a short break. Then, we will tally the points, the fouls, etc., and, the rank list will be updated,” says Cmde Amitav. As we, the spectators, return to the shore on our boat, navigated by a Odiya fisherman working at the harbour, the second race of the begins.

By evening, all the sailors return to the shore, leaving behind the midsea rivalry. It’s time for camaraderie. As the waves turn stronger near the shore, the sailboats capsize, one after the other. “See, this is where diplomacy starts,” laughs Cmde Amitav, pointing to the competitors helping each other –  Russia helping Germany. “When friendly nations come together for such events, we can foster a stronger relationship. We meet casually here, rather than being in our stiff uniforms, and are more free to interact. That’s why we organise events such as the Admiral’s Cup.” 

After taking leave from the commodore, as we walk along the shoreline, we bump into the Indian sea cadet, Reddy, who is cleaning his boat, having just returned from the sea. He says the weather has been great for racing. “Today, the wind wasn’t harsh. Though I finished second overall, I managed to clock the best timing in the second round. I am hopeful that, after a gap of nine years, India will lift the Admiral’s Cup this time,” he beams.

Reddy has been training in sailing since the time he joined for B.Tech at INA four years ago. This is his fourth international sailing championship. At the five-nations Commandant’s Cup Sailing Regatta in Sri Lanka in January, he clinched the gold. 

In his third international event, in Brazil, the Indian team won a bronze. “That was a proud moment. In Brazil, we were in new waters. We got just one day for practice. Yet, we got the bronze,” says Reddy.
The final round of the prestige battle at Ezhimala will be held on Friday. Along with the Admiral’s Cup and Runners-Up Cup, the male and female champions will also be awarded.

Participating teams

India, Russia, the UK, France, Japan, Italy, Sri Lanka, Iran, Spain, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa, Vietnam, New Zealand, Oman, Bangladesh, Tanzania and Venezuela (debut)

Positions, as on Thursday 

Individual: 1. Seaman Gorkunov Petr (Russia) 2. Mishipman Avallone Antonio (Italy) 3. Cadet G Y Reddy (India)  

Team: 1. Italy 2. India 3. UK

KOCHI:  It is December. However, tourism sites across Ernakulam continue to wait for a rise in footfall of foreign tourists. Stakeholders say the entire reason for their current predicament is the absence of adequate promotion of tourist places in the district. The hassle of getting a visa adds to the problem. It is also alleged that more effort is going towards promoting North Kerala among tourists, while Central Kerala gets the short end of the stick.

“Kochi has been reduced to a transit point for tourists. Tourists fly to Kochi and immediately proceed to Munnar or Thekkadi. They have no idea that Ernakulam too has places that give well-known hill stations a run for their money,” says Jose Pradeep, president of Kerala Travel Mart. He said even the well-known Fort Kochi and Mattanchery are reporting low footfall. Promoting Ernakulam as a big package is the need of the hour, says Pradeep.

M P Sivadathan, director, of Kerala Homestay and Tourism Society (K-HATS), says Ernakulam is a ‘package’ that allows tourists spend around four hours for just sightseeing. “The district has heritage sites like Fort Kochi, Mattanchery and the Muziris besides coast, plains and hills, a combination that makes it very interesting. However, its potential is not being fully tapped,” says Sivadathan, adding K-HATS will submit a letter to the chief minister during the Nava Kerala Sadas on Friday.

“For tourism to prosper, the authorities need to have a clear-cut understanding of sites with immense tourism potential and their importance. In Kochi’s case, everything is handled by different departments: DTPC, Kerala and Central Archaeology departments, Kochi corporation, panchayats, Kudumbashree and others. They lack coordination and it has proved detrimental to the maintenance and promotion of the tourist sites.”

He suggests setting up a dedicated authority to promote tourism in Kochi, something like the Kochi Tourism Authority, says Sivadathan, adding, “Look at what happened to the Kumbalangi Eco-tourism Village project. It took off on a big note but only half the project has been implemented.”

Besides Fort Kochi, Mattanchery, Kumbalangi and Muziris, he adds, Ernakulam has Kothamangalam and 
Perumbavoor. “Mamalakandam is a sight to behold. There is Thattekad bird sanctuary. All these sites need to be properly promoted. A dedicated authority is needed,” says Sivadathan.

KOCHI:  Tourism industry stakeholders deplore the changes in parking charges at the Kochi international airport, cautioning that the decision to implement entry fees for commercial vehicles on the airport premises could hit the district’s fragile tourism sector.

As per Cochin International Airport Ltd’s new Fastag system, commercial vehicles will be charged `60 for the first 10 minutes. An additional payment of Rs 40 permits taxi drivers to park their vehicles inside the airport compound for two hours. Thereafter, Rs 30 will be charged for every additional hour for taxi drivers. 
While CIAL maintains that the move is aimed at optimising parking facilities, industry stakeholders urge an immediate rollback of the new fee system. “Who is CIAL trying to help –  the people or the contractors?” questioned Jose Pradeep, state president of Kerala Travel Mart. 

He believes that the airport was pushing for tourist taxis to pass on the parking fees to passengers. “Isn’t that ridiculous? Are they trying to discourage tourists from arriving in Kochi?” he asked, trashing notions that CIAL was facing revenue shortages.

At present, Jose added, some of the taxis wait at Athani and drive to the airport when the passengers call them. “But, with the increase in the parking fee, the number of taxis parking at Athani will go up. That could lead to traffic congestion,” he said. 

“It is being said that CIAL opened a new parking facility after the local body complained about the taxis taking over the open spaces in Athani. Do you think charging an entry fee of Rs 60 for 10 minutes at the CIAL facility would solve the issue? Well, I don’t think so.” 

The spike in parking charges have sparked displeasure among the taxi driver’s association as well. “Initially, the management had waived the fees for the first 10 minutes. Now, the CIAL authorities have instructed us to charge the entry fee of Rs 60 to the passengers, and we find this unfair,” said Ajith M A, a taxi driver. “On behalf of the CITU taxi drivers’ union, we have expressed our displeasure. We are planning a strike.” 

Meanwhile, CIAL officials argued that fixed entry fees for taxis were a norm at airports across the country. 

“This is not a new system; it’s a national norm. The taxi operators need to charge the entry fee to the passengers. There is nothing we can do,” said an official.

KOCHI:  Kochi Metro’s phase 2 — comprising a 11.3km-stretch from JLN Stadium to Infopark — is expected to be commissioned by November 21, 2026. This was revealed by the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs,  Kaushal Kishore, while responding to a question by Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Hibi Eden had sought clarity on expansion of new routes, to which the minister responded based on the schedule submitted by KMRL to the central govt on completion of phase 2 work. 

The minister said preliminary discussions have been initiated with rolling-stock manufacturers for additional trains required for phase 2.

“KMRL has initiated various schemes to increase the ridership, by providing additional services during festivals and major events organised in the city and also attracting commuters by offering various schemes and programmes at stations,” said Kishore.

The metro also offers special concessions and discounts during off-peak hours, providing a group booking facility and feeder bus services, ensuring first-and-last mile connectivity.

The average daily ridership of Kochi Metro, following the commissioning of Tripunithura station, is expected to cross 1 lakh. 

KOCHI:  “The public, their representatives and the government should stand together to raise the issues of development in the state with concerned persons. Unfortunately, a section of society – the UDF – has refused to join the initiative intended for the welfare and development of Kerala,” said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, while addressing the Nava Kerala Sadas in Aluva. 

“This is an event for the people of the state. For a while, the opposition has not been cooperating with the government in implementing such initiatives. They have failed to come together to address the problems of the people. They have even declined to oppose the factors that stand in the path of our development,” said the CM on Thursday. 

He also slammed Aluva MLA Anwar Sadath for not participating in the event. “The MLA is responsible for organising the event in his constituency. He should also preside over the event. This would have ensured wholehearted support for the initiative. However, the MLA has not only boycotted the event but also denounced it,” Pinarayi said, adding that he should have used the event to voice his concerns over the welfare and development initiatives in his constituency. 

Criticising members of Parliament from Kerala, the CM said that they are not interested in raising issues faced by the state in the Lok Sabha. “UDF has 18 MPs from the state. However, they have shied away from questioning the approach of the Central government. What is stopping them,” he asked. 

Thousands participated in the event in Aluva. Pinarayi said the number of people gathered was indicative of the public mood. Ministers V Vasavan, V Abdul Rahman, and Ahammad Devarkovil also spoke. The CM and his ministers will be in the Ernakulam district till December 10 as part of the Sadas.

DYFI ACTIVISTS ATTACK KSU MEMBERS, SCRIBES
Kochi: A few KSU activists and two journalists were injured after being attacked by a group of DYFI activists at Aluva on Thursday evening. The incident took place after the Nava Kerala Sadas event in Aluva. According to police, two KSU activists who reached Aluva to showcase their protest against the Nava Kerala Sadas were rounded up by a group of DYFI members. Though the KSU activists tried to flee the place, the DYFI members chased them and continued the attack. At the time, reporter Vishnu Prakash and cameraman Mahin Jafar reached the place and recorded the attack. Irked by this, they attacked the scribes, too. Aluva police will register a case soon. 

CM, MINISTERS TO TAKE RIDE ON WATER METRO
Kochi: As part of the Nava Kerala Sadas in Kochi, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his cabinet colleagues will travel on the Water Metro to evaluate its operations at 11am on Friday. The ministers will board the ferry at High Court junction terminal at alight at Vypeen.  Since its launch in April 2023, over 12.5 lakh people have travelled on the Water Metro. At present, KWM operates on three routes – High Court Jn to Vypeen, High Court Jn to Bolgatty, and Vytilla to Kakkanad, with 12 electric boats.