KOLLAM l FRIday l February 27, 2026 l `9.00 l PAGES 12 l city EDITION No addl fee for changes within 48 hours of air ticket booking You can now cancel or change air tickets without additional charge within 48 hours of booking, subject to certain conditions, the DGCA said | P7 Representational image Facility if departure date is over 7 days Regulator DGCA revises Refund norms Fliers will get a ‘look-in option’ for 48 hours after booking tickets. During this period, a passenger can cancel or amend the ticket without additional charges. “This facility shall not be available for a flight whose departure is less than 7 days for domestic flight and 15 days for international flight from booking date when ticket is booked directly through airline website” ■ ■ “In case of purchase of ticket through travel agent/portal, onus of refund shall lie with the airlines as agents are their appointed representatives.” Refund must be processed within 14 working days No addl fee allowed for name correction if the flier points out the error within 24 hours of booking directly through the airline’s website March 26 Operational date for the new passenger-friendly norms CHENNAI ■ MADURAI ■ VIJAYAWADA ■ BENGALURU ■ KOCHI ■ HYDERABAD ■ VISAKHAPATNAM ■ COIMBATORE ■ KOZHIKODE ■ THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ■ BELAGAVI ■ BHUBANESWAR ■ SHIVAMOgGA ■ MANGALURU ■ TIRUPATI ■ TIRUCHY ■ TIRUNELVELI ■ SAMBALPUR ■ HUBBALLI ■ DHARMAPURI ■ KOTTAYAM ■ KANNUR ■ VILLUPURAM ■ KOLLAM ■ TADEPALLIGUDEM ■ NAGAPATTINAM ■ THRISSUR ■ KALABURAGI Late-night hearing in HC over ‘Kerala Story 2’ release E XPR E S S N E W S S E RVIC E @ Kochi hours after a single judge of the Kerala High Court stayed the release of the movie Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, a division bench held a late-night emergency hearing of an appeal filed by producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah, seeking to quash the single judge’s order. The bench, comprising justices Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and P V Balakrishnan, reserved its order. Earlier in the day Justice Bechu Kurian Tho, mas had stayed the release of the film for 15 days. The single judge passed the order on petitions filed by Sreedev Namboodiri of Kannur and Freddy V Francis of Ernakulam, challenging the theatrical, digital and satellite release, as well as further exhibition and circulation of the film. In the appeal before the division bench, the producer submitted that the court should allow the release as the film is scheduled to be screened in more than 1,800 theatres across the country and in 355 centres abroad. If the film is not released on the scheduled date, the makers would suffer financial losses. Counsel for the producers submitted that the single judge erred in substituting his own assessment of the film’s content for the expert determination of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the sole statutory authority constituted under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, to examine and certify films for public exhibition. The CBFC examined the complete film, ordered several cuts, which were duly complied with, and then granted certification. Senior Supreme Court lawyer Neeraj Kishan Kaul, appearing for Shah, said: “Today we are , 75 years into the republic. Are we so frail in this country of great harmony that we can say portrayal of a social evil in one religion, or a section of a religion, will scandalise the faith and tenets of that religion? There is nothing in the movie to denigrate the state of Kerala. It is a state loved by everyone. It only shows a protagonist emerging from the state, and the narrative goes beyond it. If a section within a religion is shown practising a social evil, that cannot be ter med an insult or denigration of the religion.” The counsel said the CBFC had taken a clear view that the film does not denigrate the State. The protagonist is not from Kerala alone, but from other states as well as narrative extends to ● More on P4 Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.  What did the single judge say? The repeated portrayal of the theme in a second movie of almost the same name and concept, as evident from the admitted scenes in the sequel, could create contempt towards a religious group in the state and towards the State itself, promote communal and fanatical attitudes, and endanger public order. There is a possibility that Kerala, otherwise known for communal harmony and friendly people, could be identified by viewers across the globe as a hub of fanaticism and communal divide. There is nothing to indicate that the CBFC had considered the above factors while certifying the film with a UA 16+ rating. SC orders ban, seizure of NCERT book Says heads must roll, slaps contempt notice on NCERT director and Secretary, Department of School Education S UCHITRA KALYA N M OHA N TY @ New Delhi THE Supreme Court on Thursday imposed a blanket ban on the NCERT’s Class 8 social science text book containing a controversial section on ‘corruption in the judiciary’, and issued a contempt notice to the NCERT director and Secretary Department , of School Education and Literacy . A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant held that the book contains “offending” material not suitable for young students in their formative years. “As an abundant precaution, a complete blanket ban is hereby imposed on any further publication re: printing or digital dissemination of the book titled ‘Exploring Society India , and Beyond’,” said the order by the bench, also comprising justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi. The SC ordered that all physical and digital copies of the book currently in circulation— including those held in storage, retail outlets, or educational institutions—be immediately seized and removed from public access. During the hearing, the bench observed that publication of the book with offending references amounts to crimi- The Union education ministry wrote to the ministries of information and broadcasting, and electronics, asking them to stop the dissemination of the NCERT textbook through digital platforms and electronic media. Earlier in the day, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said an inquiry would be conducted and action taken against those involved in preparing the book, adding there was no intention to disrespect judiciary. nal contempt of court. The court directed the NCERT to submit the members of the national syllabus committee who approved the “offending chapter”, names of the textbook development team responsible for drafting the chapter, and the original minutes of all meetings where the chapter was deliberated and finalised. All these must be produced on March 11, the next date of hearing, it said. “It is my duty as head of the institution to find out who is responsible; heads must roll… We won’t close the case,” the CJI said, adding, “We would like to have a deeper probe.” Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the chapter had already been withdrawn and only 32 copies had reached the market. Blaming the NCERT for the goof-up, the bench observed that there appeared to be a deep-rooted conspiracy to demean the dignity of judiciary . “They have fired a gunshot and the judiciary is bleeding,” the CJI said. The bench refused to accept the apology tendered by the NCERT on Wednesday night, hours after the SC took suo motu cognisance of the matter. “The question as to whether the apology has been tendered genuinely... or to evade the consequences... we will consider at an appropriate stage,” the order said. India, Israel forge special strategic partnership J aya n t h J a c o b @ New Delhi India and Israel on Thursday elevated their ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership” during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second state visit to Israel in nine years. The move signals a deepening of cooperation across defence, trade, technology and regional connectivity, even as both sides underscored shared concerns over terrorism and instability in the Middle East. Following delegation-level talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi described the relationship as “time-tested” and rooted in trust and democratic values. “Our relationship is founded on the strong bedrock of deep trust, shared democratic values, and human sensitivities. Our bond has stood the test of every trial of time,” Modi said at a joint press conference. A series of agreements were signed to boost collaboration Full support to Gaza peace plan, says PM Modi reaffirmed India’s support for peace efforts in Gaza. “India’s stance is clear: humanity must never become a victim of conflict. A path to peace has been created through the Gaza Peace Plan. India has fully supported these efforts,” the PM said, adding New Delhi would “continue dialogue and cooperation with all countries.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu before his departure from Jerusalem on Thursday | PTI in trade, agriculture, energy, cyberspace and digital payments. The two sides agreed to work towards finalising a “mutually beneficial” free trade agreement. Modi also announced the launch of a new partnership on critical and emerging technologies, aimed at accelerating cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and critical minerals. ED gets sanction to prosecute PC in two alleged corruption cases “I am pleased that an agreement has been reached for the use of UPI in Israel,” Modi said, referring to India’s digital payments interface, in a move expected to strengthen fintech linkages. Security ties remained central to the talks. Modi reiterated India’s firm opposition to terrorism in all forms. “India and Israel are completely clear that there is no place for terror in the world. In any form, in any expression, terrorism cannot be accepted.” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said mobility had emerged as a “sunshine sector” in bilateral ties. Israel will open its manufacturing and restaurant sectors to Indian workers, with over 50,000 Indian workers expected to travel to Israel over the next five years under a newly signed protocol. The leaders also reviewed progress on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and cooperation under the I2U2 framework grouping India, Israel, the UAE and the US. EXPRESS READ Akkulam-Chettuva waterway opened T’Puram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the first phase —the 280 km-long Akkulam-Chettuva stretch — of the Kovalam- Bekal West Coast Innovation project on Thursday. The CM also inaugurated various projects by the Inland Navigation Waterways projects during the ceremony. Varkala municipality makes it to UN’s global ‘Zero Waste City’ list S h a i n u M o h a n @ T’Puram E x p r ess N e w s S e r v i c e @ New Delhi With the Centre granting sanction to prosecute former Union finance minister P Chidambaram in two separate money laundering cases, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday shared the orders with a special court in New Delhi and urged it to expedite trials. Prosecution sanction in the INX Media and Aircel-Maxis deal cases were granted on February 10. The agency has approached Centre to get prosecution sanction following a Supreme Court verdict in November 2024, which held that prosecution sanction under Section 197(1) of the CrPC is mandatory even for complaints filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. In the INX Media case, the ED began probe under PMLA in 2017 based on a case registered by the CBI against INX Media and others, including Chidambaram’s son Karti. The p r o b e f o u n d t h a t wh e n Chidambaram was finance minister, FIPB (Foreign Investment Promotion Board) approval was granted and subsequently regularised for INX Media in alleged exchange of illegal gratification. Will probe the matter and take action: Pradhan chennai express Today’s Match 7pm: England vs New Zealand (Colombo) Abhishek Sharma hits form with a half-century against ZImbabwe in the must-win Super 8s game in Chennai on Thursday. With a late flourish from Hardik Pandiya and Tilak Varma, India scored their highest T20 World Cup total of 256 for 4 | ashwin prasath In a significant recognition for Kerala’s decentralised waste management model, Varkala municipality has made it to the list of 20 urban settlements worldwide to be featured as a ‘Zero Waste City’ by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as part of the International Day of Zero Waste observation on March 30. It is learnt that Varkala is one of only two cities from Asia to make it to the prestigious global list. The recognition, which is expected to further boost Varkala’s tourism potential, IThe recognition highlights growing global attention towards Kerala’s decentralised waste management model. — M B Rajesh, Local SelfGovernment Minister would be officially announced soon. Local Self-Government Minister M B Rajesh said the recognition highlights growing global attention towards Kerala’s decentralised waste management model. “It’s a huge recognition for Kerala’s decentralised waste management initiative. Our best practices were also highlighted at the COP30 summit in Brazil, where global models were discussed. Our approach focuses on scientific methods — recycling what can be recycled and incinerating only what cannot,” he said. The minister added that the recognition reflects the state’s broader, comprehensive efforts in sustainable waste management. Rajesh also noted that Varkala is among the best-performing municipalities in the state and credited the role of Haritha Karma Sena, calling it a key component of the model and a major climateaction initiative. LSGD special secretary T V Anupama said Varkala has consistently ranked among the top-performing municipalities with a comprehensive waste management system.  ● More on P4 a g a i n s t a l l o dds Para-swimmer Aasim adds golden lustre to his global exploits S u p r i ya @Kochi Muhammed Aasim’s latest achievement is literally a shining proof of his resolve and resilience. The 20-year-old from Velimanna in Kozhikode won a gold for India at the recent World Para Swimming Series held in Gold Coast, Australia, adding another milestone to his international exploits. Aasim, who is 90% disabled, was part of the national team that stood on top of the podium in the mixed 4x50m freestyle relay event. In the process, he became the first Indian in the S2 para-swimming category to win a global medal. Currently, he ranks eighth in the world, second in Asia, and first in India ian his category . The competition in Australia, held from February 20-22, involved more than 150 athletes from 12 countries. India sent the second-largest contingent, with 21 athletes and 12 officials and support staff. Aasim — who does not have arms and balances on stunted legs — was accompanied by his father Muhammed Shaheed and physiotherapist Dr Ashkar Ali Kelath. “Aasim competed in five individual events -- 50m, 100m, and 200m freestyle, and 50m and 100m backstroke -- improving his timings every time he hit the pool,” says Ashkar. “It was because of Aasim’s im- pressive performance in the five events that he was invited to join the team for the mixed 4x50m freestyle relay For Aasim, win.” ning a gold for the nation was a dream come true. “I have put in sustained hard work, countless hours of practice over the years,” he adds, expressing his gratitude to Ashkar. Notably, his journey to swimming glory did not begin in a state-of-the-art training facility, but in a river near his home. “I was encouraged to overcome my limitations and dream big by a coach named Saji Valasseril,” he says. One of Aasim’s early feats was swimming across the Periyar, covering nearly 800m in 61 minutes, in 2022. His achievements include competing at the World Para Swimming Series in Paris and reaching the finals at the World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore last year.  ● More on P4