KOZHIKODE l thursday l July 02, 2026 l `9.00 l PAGES 12 l city EDITION Indigo launches ‘lite fare’ for flyers with only cabin baggage IndiGo has introduced an entry level lite fare for passengers traveling on both domestic and international flights with only cabin baggage Available when booking directly with airline weeks after Air India’s ‘basic fare’ launch Lite fare can be availed when booking tickets directly with the airline including the website, mobile application and contact centre. The low fare option will be applicable across both domestic and international, non-stop routes for both adult and child passengers, the airline said in a statement. It will be available only for economy class passengers ■ ■ “Customers will enjoy a lower base price with an auto-assigned seat at no additional cost, and a cabin bag allowance of up to 7 kgs,” the airline, operated by InterGlobe Aviation, said in a statement It comes weeks after Tata Group’s Air India introduced its own basic fare, where it gave the option to opt out from complementary meal 2,100 Flights operated daily by Indigo, which is India’s largest airline 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 Mbappe show in NYNJ At the rate Les Bleus are going, the others may as well stop bothering right now. Against Sweden, they dazzled with Kylian Mbappe adding two more goals to his tally. He’s now level with Lionel Messi with six. Michael Olise also sparkled with two more assists Mexico break knockout curse In front of a heaving Azteca, Mexico were all over Ecuador like a rash and scored the goals to take them to the last 16. It was their first knockout win at the World Cup in 40 years and the residents emptied out on to the streets to celebrate the landmark. With them playing the last 16 game also at the Azteca, there’s promise of more glory Bleus is the warmest colour Mbappe embraces coach Didier Deschamps following France’s progress | AFP Today’s matches: Spain vs Austria: 12.30 AM*, Portugal vs Croatia 4.30 AM*, Switzerland vs Algeria 8.30 AM* ( IST Friday) No nod sought yet for Vizhinjam stake sale, says CM Satheesan E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ T”Puram Asserting that government approval is mandatory for transfer of shares in the Vizhinjam International Seaport, Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Wednesday said the Adani Group has not sought the state’s permission for the proposed transfer of 49% stake to Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). The government learnt about MSC’s proposed acquisition of a stake in the Vizhinjam port project, involving an investment of Rs 13,000 crore, only through media reports, Satheesan told the state assembly during question hour. “No file seeking approval for the share transfer has come before the government so far. We would examine the proposal if and when such a request is submitted,” he said. He said any share transfer requires the state’s approval and, in certain cases, clearance from the Union government. Meanwhile, Adani Group officials maintained that the divestment is fully in line with Govt’s 5 parameters to decide on share transfer  National security Safeguarding public interest through a common-user facility Ensuring fair competition Promoting equal investment opportunities for all companies  Long-term developement of Vizhinjam Port No file seeking approval for the share transfer has come before the government so far. We would examine the proposal if and when such a request is submitted — V D Satheesan, CM We will formally intimate the state and Union governments. The transaction will materialise only after obtaining their explicit approvals — Adani Group official the group’s contractual rights and remains subject to statutory approvals from the state and Union governments. Later replying to a submission moved by Leader of the Road accident cases SC firms up ITR yardstick for compensation SUCHI T R A K A LYA N MOH A N T Y @ New Delhi In an attempt to bring uniformity in motor accident compensation cases, the Supreme Court on Wednesday framed guidelines for determining annual income of the deceased or injured claimants based on their income tax returns (ITR). “ITRs are statutory records and carry a presumption of correctness. In case of salaried individuals, income does not fluctuate significantly making the latest ITR the most accu, rate reflection. For self-employed persons, earnings vary so , a three-year average ensures a realistic assessment,” said a two-judge bench of justices Sanjay Karol and N Kotiswar Singh. The bench observed that while no straitjacket formula can be fixed for computing income under the Motor Vehicles Act, a distinction must be drawn — in these accidental claims cases — between the salaried employees and self-employed persons when relying on ITRs for Factoring in promotion compensation. The verdict came on an appeal by an In cases where a insurance firm challenging a high court promotion or pay order that had fixed the deceased’s in- revision had come by picking the highest ITR from the taken place last five years. Disapproving the method, shortly before the the bench said selecting the highest re- accident and was turn in isolation would result in inflated not reflected in awards and unfairly burden insurers. the ITR, courts The court further said tribunals could could consider deviate from ITRs if a particular year re- promotion letters flected exceptional income due to one- and other records time gains or abnormal losses. Where ITRs are not filed, it said, courts may rely on Form 26AS, bank statements or salary slips, but must record reasons for doing so. The bench also said fluctuation in income of selfemployed victims needs to be factored in. It could arise from the nature of the business, growth pattern and impact of death on the business and its potential growth. The court directed its registry to circulate the guidelines to all Motor Accident Claims Tribunals and high courts across the country to ensure uniform application in pending and future matters. Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, Satheesan said the government will decide on the proposed share transfer based on five parameters: national security, safeguarding public interest through a common-user facility, ensuring fair competition, promoting equal investment opportunities for all companies, and the long-term development of Vizhinjam Port, including off-port activities and their impact on the state’s revenue. Only after examining all these aspects would the government consider granting approval, he said Referring to the concession ag reement gover ning the project, the CM said Clause 5(3) stipulates that prior approval of the state government is mandatory for any transfer of shares. Any such transfer without approval would have no legal validity he added. , While the Companies Act generally treats the transfer of more than 75% of shares as a change in ownership, the concession agreement sets the ● More on P4 threshold at 25%. EXPRESS READ GST mop-up grows 14% to Rs 1.95L cr in June New Delhi: GST collections rose 14% to about I1.95 lakh crore in June on higher tax mop-up from imports as well as domestic supplies, government data showed on Wednesday. Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenues were over I1.94 lakh crore in May and I1.71 lakh crore in June 2025. Finance Bill lowering low-alcohol tax passed T’Puram: Amid a boycott by the opposition LDF, the state assembly on Wednesday passed the Finance Bill, which includes a controversial provision to reduce the tax on low-alcohol beverages. P4 Study points to space constraints in jails Kochi: A report by the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA) — based on inspections of correctional institutions such as prisons, jails, detention centres across the state — has revealed that severe space shortages have forced inmates to sleep in shifts. P5 Bill to axe arrested CM may be back Controversial Constitution Amendment Bill may figure in the Monsoon session Ra j e s h K u m a r T h ak u r @ New Delhi The contentious 130th Constitution Amendment Bill on disqualifying prime ministers and chief ministers could be back in Parliament as its vetting by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) ios about to be over. The government is said to be keen on piloting the bill that was first introduced last year, for possible passage in the forthcoming Monsoon Session. The session is expected from July 20 but not later than July 27. As per the proposed amendment, offices of the PM and CMs would automatically fall vacant if the incumbent remains in judicial custody for more than 30 days without bail. The government maintains that the measure is intended to strengthen accountability and reinforce public confidence in the holders of high constitutional offices. Opposition parties, however, have expressed serious reservations, arguing that the proposal could have far-reaching constitutional and political consequences, particularly in cases where judicial proceedings remain unresolved. They have also questioned its compatibility with established constitutional principles, particularly the presumption of innocence till proved guilty . The bill was referred to a 31-member JPC chaired by former IAS officer-turnedpolitician and BJP MP Aprajita Sarangi. The panel is expected to finalise its report before the Monsoon Session. Led by the Congress, the Opposition boycotted the JPC, contending that participation would serve no meaningful purpose. The ruling NDA, however, rejected those objections and defended the JPC’s functioning, arguing that the bill was the need of hour. The bill is now expected to be tabled in the Lok Sabha. Sources indicated that it figures prominently in the legislative agenda for the upcoming session. Horror at B’luru IT firm’s daycare centre as toddlers tortured; 5 booked E XPR E SS N E WS S E RVIC E Staff being questioned, videos analysed: Police IN a horrific incident, toddlers were allegedly subjected to physical abuse at a daycare centre located inside an IT company campus in HAL police limits. The caregivers allegedly placed children inside a washing machine, sprayed water into their mouths using toilet jet sprays, and locked them inside a washroom as punishment for crying. According to the FIR registered at HAL police station on June 29, based on a complaint filed by an official of the District Child Protection Unit, Bengaluru East, the incident occurred at Society General Police registered an FIR against the daycare in-charge and four caregivers under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act. Police are questioning the accused women and verifying the authenticity of the videos, when the incidents occurred, and how many children were subjected to similar abuse @ Bengaluru Baby Care, a daycare facility operating on the Capgemini Technology Services India campus in Brookefield, where employees of the IT company leave their children during working hours. The complaint stated that the Child Helpline received videos showing children being subjected to mental and physical abuse by daycare caregivers Manjula, Vijayalakshmi, Bhavani, Sindhu and Bindu. It is alleged that whenever the children cried or created a disturbance, the caregivers intimidated them by placing them inside a front loading washing machine, making them sit inside a Western-style toilet commode, forcefully spraying water into their mouths using the health faucet, locking them inside bathrooms, and subjecting them to other forms of physical abuse. According to the videos, more than 15 toddlers aged between two and four years were present at the daycare. Legislative priority Apart from the bill to disqualify PMs, CMs and ministers, the govt is expected to accord priority to a limited number of other bills during the Monsoon Session, including the Women’s Reservation Bill, indicating a focused legislative agenda on major policy initiatives Opposition boycott Members of main Opposition parties like the Congress, Trinamool Congress, SP, DMK and the Left boycotted the panel. However, the NCP (Sharad Pawar), AIMIM and other fencesitters such as the BJD, YSRCP and SAD participated in the committee Re-NEET had 2 lakh fewer candidates than first exam S La l i t h a @ New Delhi More than two lakh students who took the May 3 NEET-UG did not appear for the subsequent retest held on June 21, according to the National Testing Agency’s initial estimates. A total of 22,05,035 candidates appeared for the first exam, while the retest had about 20 lakh candidates, a 9% dip. The National Testing Agency (NTA) officials said the exact figures are being compiled. Meanwhile, as many as 21 students took their lives in the period between the first test and the retest. Experts in the field of education pointed to the mental trauma of the paper leak and a lack of trust in the examination process owing to the leak. Sources at the NTA, however, cited changed circumstances or practical reasons. “A good number of aspirants also take up the JEE examination (decider for engineering colleges) and the JEE-Advanced exam for admission into IITs. If they did well in it, they could have decided to give up on the medical dreams,” an NTA source said. A few aspirants also apply to institutions abroad and could have decided to opt out, as studying abroad is viewed by most Indians as very prestigious, the source added. Another source said, after the answer keys of the original exam were released on May 6, some aspirants may have felt that they are just not cut out for this kind of strenuous exam. House nod for bill, state a step closer to becoming Keralam E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ T’Puram Paving the way for Kerala to be rechristened Keralam, the state assembly on Wednesday unanimously approved a Presidential reference in that regard. Notably, this is the first unanimous decision taken by the recently elected state assembly . In a rare gesture of unity, the ruling UDF and the opposition LDF and NDA joined hands to endorse all 10 clauses of the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill 2026, which was referred by President Droupadi Murmu to the state assembly on June 17, seeking the legislature’s opinion. This is the first such Presidential reference the state assembly has received. Once the bill clears the final step, the name of the state will become Keralam in all the official and legal proceedings and communications. Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, who read out the Presidential reference seeking the assembly’s approval, termed it a historic moment. “The assembly had already taken a decision to rename the state, and the Union government immediately took action on the same. The House unanimously approved the legislation for the entire people of Keralam,” Thiru● More on P4 vanchoor said.  L 1 6 . 5 c r ra i sed i n 3 da y s Kerala comes together to put cheer back in baby Mia’s life A b h i r a m i A n i l @ Kochi It’s a tale of compassion and collective hope. For the past three days, Kerala came together to give little Mia Maria a stronger chance at life. Thousands of people, most of whom have never met the seven-month-old baby or her family chipped in to raise a massive , `16.5 crore for life-saving gene therapy after the child was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1, a rare and aggressive genetic disorder affecting infants. From `10 to lakhs, donations poured in generously, helping achieve the fundraising campaign target in just three days. For Mia’s parents, Nimmy Joshi and Jinu George from Muvattupuzha, the nightmare began when they noticed their daughter’s movements slowing down. “We first took her to a nearby hospital, where we were told things would improve with time,” recalled Nimmy. “But when we consulted specialists at Aster Medcity they advised a genetic , test.” On May 13, the diagnosis confirmed their worst fears when Mia Maria was diagnosed with SMA Type 1. Doctors told the family that gene therapy was We thank everyone who stood with the Save Baby Mia Campaign. Your donations, prayers, and encouragement helped us successfully reach our fundraising goal — A post on Save Baby Mia campaign social media page Mia’s only hope of survival. Without it, they warned, the disease would progressively weaken her muscles, eventually affecting her breathing, with little chance of surviving beyond her first year. “By then, she had already started developing respiratory issues,” said Nimmy. “Because of her condition, she cannot travel much and is now undergoing treatment at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Ernakulam,” she said. With the treatment estimated to cost Rs 16.5 crore, Mia’s parents, along with local panchay- at officials, opened a joint bank account and launched a crowdfunding campaign. “We couldn’t just stand by and do nothing when there was a treatment that could save our child,” said Nimmy. “People understood that this was a life-threatening illness with a possible cure, and they came forward in ways we never imagined,” she said. Among those who helped spread the appeal for help was social worker Muhammed Sabeer from Muvattupuzha. “I didn’t know Mia personally he ,” ● More on P4 said.