Latest news with #CochinInternationalAirport
News18
16-07-2025
- News18
163 Cocaine Pills Worth Rs 16 Crore In Stomach: Brazilian Couple Caught At Kochi Airport
Last Updated: DRI officials caught the couple on Saturday after a scan revealed they had swallowed drug capsules. A detailed luggage check found nothing, leading to the body scan In a major drug bust at Cochin International Airport, a Brazilian couple was caught smuggling 163 cocaine pills by swallowing them. A total of 1.67 kg of the drug, worth Rs 16 crore, was recovered from their stomachs. The suspects, identified as Lucas and Bruna, have been arrested at Nedumbassery, and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) will soon apply for their custody at the Angamaly Magistrate's Court. The couple was apprehended by DRI officials on Saturday morning after a scan revealed they had swallowed the drugs in capsule form. Following suspicions during a detailed examination, their luggage was thoroughly checked but yielded no contraband, prompting the scan. After a detailed examination, the couple was admitted to a private hospital in Angamaly, where multiple cocaine capsules were detected in their stomachs. The capsules were subsequently extracted over three days, preventing the potential fatality had any capsule broken inside them. Reports indicate that Lucas and Bruna had planned to travel from Kochi to Thiruvananthapuram and had booked a room in a hotel in the capital. Investigators are currently scrutinising their phone calls and other records as part of the ongoing inquiry. view comments First Published: July 16, 2025, 11:17 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
07-07-2025
- NDTV
Anand Mahindra Is Bowled Over By This Kerala Village: How To Go And Where To Stay
The chairman of the Mahindra Group, Anand Mahindra put the spotlight on the scenic Kadamakkudy islands in Kochi. In a recent social media post, the industrialist shared his travel plans to visit Kadamakkudy - believed to be one of the most beautiful villages in India. The post soon went viral among travel enthusiasts who described the place as "Kerala's raw beauty". He revealed that he plans to visit Kadamakkudy in December. He shared on X, "Kadamakudy in Kerala. Often listed amongst the most beautiful villages on earth… On my bucket list for this December, since I'm scheduled to be on a business trip to Kochi, which is just a half hour away". Kadamakkudy in Kerala. Often listed amongst the most beautiful villages on earth… On my bucket list for this December, since I'm scheduled to be on a business trip to Kochi, which is just a half hour away… #SundayWanderer — anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) July 6, 2025 About Kadamakkudy Kadamakkudy is nestled in the backwaters of Ernakulam district in Kerala. It is a cluster of 14 islands located 15 km from the bustling city of Kochi. Kadamakkudy is believed to be one of Kerala's best-kept secrets - a picturesque heaven for greenery, paddy fields, calm backwaters, and traditional village life. It is often described as a paradise for bird watchers where they may spot herons, egrets, kingfishers, and even migratory birds like painted storks. One of the most captivating things about the village is the chance to experience the rhythms of rural life. Not only would you enjoy the nature in its best form here, but you will also be experiencing history and culture. The must-visit destinations include St. George's Forane Chruch, Vallarpadam Basilica, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, and more. How To Reach Kadamakkudy You can get to this nature escapade via Cochin. The nearest airport to Kadamakkudy is the Cochin International Airport, which is approximately 30 kilometers away from the village. You can take a taxi or a local bus to Kadamakkudy. While there is no direct train or public ferry yet that takes you to the village, a short road through narrow village roads and bridges will give you the best experience. The best time to visit the place is post the monsoon season - in between October and March. Where To Stay When You Are In Kadamakkudy Unlike commercial tourist destinations, Kadamakkudy offers an authentic slice of Kerala life with more homestays and eco-friendly stays emerging slowly. If you plan to visit the beautiful village, here are some of the places you can stay: 1. Nihara Resort & Spa Where: Kadamakkudy Nestled in the serene Kadamakkudy Islands, Kochi that will help you experience the tranquility of nature around you. It is a 2-minute walk from Pizhala-Kothad Ferry terminal, 12 km from both Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary and Marine Drive, Kochi. Tariff* starts from Rs 6,000 2. Chittoor Kottaram - CGH Earth Where: Kochi, Ernakulam Former residence of the erstwhile ruling family of Cochin, Chittoor Kottaram was restored in 2005 and is considered one of the exclusive boutique hotels in Cochin. It is approximately 9.5 km away from the village. Tariff* starts from Rs 35,000 3. Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty Where: Mulavukad, Kochi Spread across 26 acres of plush green land of serene Bolgatty Island, this place offers lake and city views that feature more than 260 luxurious rooms, including 38 suites and 4 villas with plunge pools and private access. It is approximately 10 km away from the village and you can reach there via bus or a cab. Tariff* starts from Rs 17110 4. Kochi Marriott Hotel Where: Edappally, Kochi Adjacent to Lulu Mall, Kochi Marriott Hotel is located in the bustling heart of Kochi and provides a picturesque view of the backwaters. It is approximately 18 km away from Kadamakkudy village. You can go there via cab while enjoying a short road trip in nature's lap.
India Gazette
06-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Kerala: Vice President Dhankhar arrives in Kochi
Kochi (Kerala) [India], July 6(ANI): Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar arrived in Kochi on Sunday for a two-day visit to Kerala. He was warmly received at the Cochin International Airport by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and State Industries Minister P Rajeev. The Vice President is accompanied by his wife, Sudesh Dhankhar, on this official tour. On Friday, the Vice President's Secretariat stated that during his visit, Vice President Dhankhar will offer prayers at the Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur. VP Dhankhar will interact with students and faculty at the National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi. Earlier last week, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed a public gathering at 'Sneh Milan Samaroh' in Jaipur and highlighted that national interest should be above party politics. At the 'Sneh Milan Samaroh,' the Vice President said, 'When we travel abroad, there is no ruling or opposition party; we only represent Bharat, and this has now been demonstrated. This step shows that for us, the nation is supreme. National interest is our duty, Bharatiyata is our pride.' 'Whenever India is the topic, we do not stand divided. Political differences exist within the country, but there are no personal animosities. This is a powerful message that everyone must understand,' he said. Expressing concern over the current political climate, VP Dhankhar said, 'The current political atmosphere and temperature are not healthy, neither for individuals nor for democracy. It is a matter of concern and reflection.' He emphasised, 'Power keeps changing hands; the ruling party becomes opposition, the opposition becomes ruling party. But that does not mean we should become enemies. Our enemies may lie across the border, not within the country.' Highlighting that national interest should be above party politics, the Vice-President said, 'Whenever India is the topic, we do not stand divided. Political differences exist within the country, but there are no personal animosities. This is a powerful message that everyone must understand.' (ANI)
The Hindu
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
UK-made Indian arrack, Manavatty, wins global spirit awards
UK-based Malayali entrepreneur John Xavier remembers the code word the men in his family used for alcohol. It would be whispered in hushed tones, well out of earshot of the womenfolk. 'And that word was Manavatty,' he says laughingly over a call from Northampton. 'Back in the eighties and nineties, in Kochi, any alcoholic beverage was known by the code word 'Manavatty',' says John, who, years after his childhood in the city, founded an Indian arrack brand of the same name in the UK. In May this year, Manavatty won a bronze medal at the London Spirits Competition 2025, an event organised by the Beverage Trade Network and was chosen for the Spirit Bronze 2025 title at the International Wine and Spirit Competition Annual Awards Ceremony. The awards come as a sweet addition to the superlative reviews John has been getting for the drink after it was launched at the duty paid store at the Cochin International Airport in March 2025. The bottles flew off the shelves and in less than a week it was sold out. 'Getting that sort of reception from home feels great,' he adds. While locally distilled country alcohol is banned in Kerala, interest in the traditionally brewed alcohol outside India has been growing. Launched in small batches at John's toddy-shop modelled restaurant Kallu Shappu at Northampton in 2019, Manavatty grew to be a favourite. By 2023, he scaled up production and by 2025, it became a popular drink in the UK, available in over 250 off-license shops. While it could be interpreted in any way by arrack lovers, John says he picked the name because it draws from the words 'Mana', which means primal energy and 'vatty', the art of traditional vatting. Arrack is the common word for naturally distilled alcohol and the flavours are governed by various factors including the ageing process, and the ingredients that go into it. In Kerala, traditionally, everything from pineapple to paddy, toddy and fruits go into the potent drink, known as vaatu. However, in the UK, John makes use of the locally-available rae grain that is known for the smoothness it can lend to the drink, pure coconut water and a mild infusion of herbs. Matured in heritage vats, the drink with 'peppery notes and a balanced sweetness', is an ode to Kerala's vaatu. 'Every country has its own naturally distilled alcohol and they are proud of their drinks. Manavatty is a tribute to Kerala's traditional vatting, the technique passed down through generations,' says John. Crafted by his own company, London Baron Ltd, all the raw materials are sourced locally. This no-preservative, no added-colour drink, certified as zero carb, fat, and sugar, is best had neat or if you must pair it with something, coconut water works best, advises John. Since it has no taste of its own, it would lend itself 'wonderfully well' to cocktails too, he adds. It contains 44 % alcohol. John is planning to introduce another version of Manavatty with a higher alcohol percentage soon. 'That would not be for the faint-hearted,' he adds. Manavatty is available in all Gray Mackenzie & Partners stores in the UAE and CIAL Cochin Duty Free Shop.
United News of India
17-06-2025
- United News of India
Ban on drones, laser beams around Cochin International Airport
Kochi, June 17 (UNI) The use of laser beams and various aerial devices, including drones, has been banned within a five-kilometre radius – designated as a red zone – of Cochin International Airport. The order was issued based on reports from the airport director and the Ernakulam Rural District Police Chief highlighting that the unauthorised use of such devices poses a serious threat to flight safety. Microlight aircraft, aeromodellers, paragliders, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), drones, powered hand gliders, laser devices, and hot air balloons have been prohibited in the designated red zone area, as stated in an order issued by Ernakulam District Collector N.S.K. Umesh. Operating these devices near the runway and flight paths was found to endanger aircraft during takeoff, landing, and in-flight operations. This directive has been enforced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)-2023 to ensure the safe operation of aircraft. No individual is permitted to operate any of the banned devices within the red zone. Any such activity, if noticed, must be reported immediately to the nearest police station, the order said. UNI DS ARN
