Published Jun 20, 2025 | 5:47 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 20, 2025 | 5:47 PM
Cargo ship catches fire near Kerala coast. (Supplied)
Synopsis: The DRI is probing two shipping agents after the Singapore-flagged MV Wan Hai 503 exploded in the Arabian Sea. Of 1,754 containers onboard, only 157 were declared hazardous; the rest, labelled vague “general cargo,” raised suspicion. Wan Hai Lines had warned of $30,000 fines for misdeclaration. Investigators suspect undeclared dangerous materials may have triggered the blast
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence is investigating two shipping agents linked to the Singapore-flagged vessel MV Wan Hai 503, which caught fire following an explosion in the Arabian Sea.
Of the 1,754 containers onboard, only 157 were declared as hazardous. The remaining 1,597—labelled as general cargo—raised suspicion due to vague documentation.
Wan Hai Lines had earlier warned of penalties up to $30,000 for misdeclarations. Investigators suspect the explosion may have been triggered by undeclared dangerous materials.
The family of 40-year-old Razina, who died by suicide in Kayalode Parambayi, claims her male partner—not moral policing—was the cause of her distress.
Her mother alleged that the man stole gold and cash, pushing Razina into despair. However, police have arrested three SDPI workers, citing a suicide note that names them for harassment.
The accused were remanded by the Thalassery Court, while the police continue to trace Razina’s partner Raees, currently absconding.
After walking out of a Raj Bhavan event over a Bharat Mata portrait, Education Minister V. Sivankutty announced that revised Class 10 social science textbooks will feature a chapter on the constitutional role of governors.
He accused the Centre of misusing governors to destabilise state governments. The Governor’s office countered, saying the minister’s actions insulted the institution, while asserting Bharat Mata’s cultural importance.
With 24 deaths from electrified fences over two years, including recent child fatalities, the Kerala State Electricity Board has issued a public warning.
Many incidents involved illegally tapping power lines for anti-wildlife fencing. Only battery-operated, certified energizers are permitted. KSEB urged citizens to report illegal setups under Section 135 of the Electricity Act.
Health Minister Veena George announced a sweeping yoga initiative ahead of International Yoga Day.
Over 780 yoga centres and 10,000 AYUSH clubs have trained lakhs across Kerala. Special focus is being given to women, children, and the elderly.
Plans are underway to upgrade the Varkala Yoga Naturopathy Hospital to global standards, integrating yoga into public health and wellness tourism.
The HIV Testing Lab at Government Medical College has earned NABL accreditation under ISO: 15189-2022. Operated by the State AIDS Control Society, it offers free HIV, CD4, and viral load testing.
The lab shares space with one of India’s ten Virus Research and Diagnostic Labs (VRDLs), and a BSL-3 lab is under construction to boost advanced virus detection capabilities.
