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ManipalCigna Insurance Fined ₹1.7 Lakhs for Denying Claim Over 12-Year-Old Surgery

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ManipalCigna Insurance Fined ₹1.7 Lakhs for Denying Claim Over 12-Year-Old Surgery

KOCHI – In a significant ruling, the Ernakulam District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has imposed a fine on ManipalCigna Health Insurance Company, ordering it to pay ₹1,71,908 in compensation to a customer after unfairly denying a claim. The court determined that the company’s action constituted a “deficiency in service” and an “unfair trade practice.”

The case was brought forward by M.S. Prathapan, a resident of Aluva, against the insurance giant. Prathapan had purchased a Pro-Health insurance policy from ManipalCigna for the period between July 2023 and July 2024, which also covered his son.

In May 2024, his son was admitted to Renai Medicity Hospital in Kochi for treatment of a condition known as Bilateral Idiopathic Genu Valgum, where the knees touch each other. The total medical expenditure for the treatment amounted to ₹1,41,908.

ManipalCigna fine insurance claim denial

After Prathapan submitted the claim, the insurance company rejected it, stating that he had failed to disclose a surgery his son underwent at the age of two on the proposal form. The complainant then approached the consumer court, challenging the company’s decision.

During the proceedings, the bench, presided over by D.B. Binu with members V. Ramachandran and T.N. Sreevidya, noted that ManipalCigna failed to produce any documents to support its claim of non-disclosure.

Based on this, the court ordered the company to pay the full treatment cost of ₹1,41,908. Additionally, it mandated a compensation of ₹25,000 for the service deficiency and ₹5,000 to cover legal costs. Advocate T.J. Lakshmana Iyer represented the complainant in court.

Tata Group Seizes Kochi’s City Hospital Over ₹46 Crore Debt, Patients Displaced

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Tata Group Seizes Kochi’s City Hospital Over ₹46 Crore Debt, Patients Displaced

KOCHI – In a major development on Thursday, the City Hospital on M.G. Road, Ernakulam, was officially seized by the Tata Capital Group due to a massive loan default. The action was taken to recover an outstanding debt of ₹46 crore owed to the financial institution.

The seizure, executed on the order of the Ernakulam Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court, was carried out under the provisions of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act of 2002.

At the time of the seizure, there was one patient still undergoing treatment, while all other patients had been shifted from the premises. The enforcement action took place in the afternoon, with officials taking control of the hospital building and assets.

According to the hospital’s management, attempts were made to resolve the financial crisis by selling the property. However, these efforts were unsuccessful as the hospital’s valuation was not satisfactory, and potential buyers failed to arrive in time to complete the transaction, leading to the legal action by Tata Capital.

The incident highlights the growing financial distress faced by some private healthcare institutions. The swift legal action by Tata Capital has brought the hospital’s operations to a halt, leaving the future of the facility and its staff uncertain.

Tamil Actor-Comedian Robo Shankar Passes Away at 46; Tributes Pour in

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Tamil Actor-Comedian Robo Shankar Passes Away at 46; Tributes Pour in

CHENNAI – Beloved Tamil actor and comedian Robo Shankar passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025, in Chennai. He was 46. The news of his sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the Tamil film industry and his vast fan base.

Shankar was admitted to GEM Hospital, a private hospital in the city, on Tuesday after he reportedly fainted on a film set. According to Dr. S. Asokan, CEO of GEM Hospital, Perungudi, Shankar was in critical condition. “He was admitted with a massive gastrointestinal bleed and multiorgan dysfunction secondary to a complex abdominal condition,” Dr. Asokan stated. “He was managed in the critical care unit with intensive medical management. Despite the best efforts of our multidisciplinary team, his condition deteriorated rapidly.”

The actor’s health worsened on Wednesday, and he was moved to the intensive care unit. He breathed his last at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Thursday evening.

Born in Madurai, Shankar earned the moniker ‘Robo’ for his unique, robot-like dance moves. After appearing in minor roles in the early 2000s, his career-defining moment came with the reality stand-up comedy show “Kalakka Povathu Yaaru” on Star Vijay. His exceptional comedic timing and distinctive body language quickly made him a household name.

Following his television success, Shankar transitioned to the big screen, featuring in notable films like Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara and Vaayai Moodi Pesavum, the latter of which significantly boosted his fame. Over the years, he starred in a number of popular movies, including Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran, Singam 3, Viswasam, and Cobra. However, he is perhaps best remembered for his memorable role in Dhanush’s blockbuster film Maari.

A few years ago, Shankar had taken a break from the limelight to receive treatment for jaundice, and his significant weight loss at the time had raised concerns among fans. In 2023, he faced a brief controversy for housing Alexandrine parakeets, a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act.

Despite these challenges, Shankar made a strong comeback, appearing in recent films like Are You Ok Baby?, Singapore Saloon, and Jolly O Gymkhana. His last screen appearance was in the 2025 comedy-drama Sotta Sotta Nanaiyuthu.

Robo Shankar is survived by his wife, actor Priyanka Shankar, and their daughter, actress and influencer Indraja Shankar. Tributes from colleagues and fans have been pouring in on social media, mourning the loss of the talented entertainer.

Hogenakkal Falls Reopens for Coracle Rides Amidst Decreasing Inflows; Bathing Still Restricted

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Hogenakkal Falls Reopens for Coracle Rides Amidst Decreasing Inflows; Bathing Still Restricted

Dharmapuri: As the Southwest monsoon continues to lash the Wayanad region of Kerala and the Cauvery catchment areas in Karnataka, the inflow into the Kabini and Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) dams in Karnataka has significantly increased. Both reservoirs, now at full capacity, have been releasing surplus water into the Cauvery River for safety.

This overflow has caused the Cauvery to surge through the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border at Biligundulu, making its way to Hogenakkal in Dharmapuri district. Two days ago, Hogenakkal recorded an inflow of 32,000 cusecs. However, with a reduction in surplus water discharge from the Karnataka dams, the inflow decreased to 24,000 cusecs by 6 PM yesterday. Despite the drop, the Main Falls, Cine Falls, and Five Falls at Hogenakkal continued to roar with a powerful flow.

Central Water Resources Department officials are continuously monitoring the Cauvery River’s inflow at Biligundulu, the interstate border. For the third consecutive day yesterday, a ban remained in place on bathing and coracle operations in the Hogenakkal Cauvery River.

In a recent development, as water levels began to subside, the flow of tourists to Hogenakkal started to increase. The district administration has now granted permission for tourists to enjoy coracle rides in the Cauvery River. However, authorities have clarified that tourists will only be permitted to bathe in the falls once the water inflow drops below 15,000 cusecs.

‘Withdraw Sabarimala Affidavit’: Opposition Slams Govt’s ‘Hypocritical’ Ayyappa Conclave

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‘Withdraw Sabarimala Affidavit’: Opposition Slams Govt’s ‘Hypocritical’ Ayyappa Conclave

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the LDF government’s upcoming ‘Ayyappa Sangamam’, labelling the event “political hypocrisy” and a cynical “election stunt” to mislead devotees.

Speaking at a press conference at Cantonment House, Satheesan posed a series of pointed questions to the government, demanding clarity on its stance on the Sabarimala pilgrimage before organizing such a conclave. He accused the ruling CPM of orchestrating the event through the Travancore Devaswom Board to exploit the sentiments of devotees for political gain.

“The same government that complicated the Sabarimala issue by amending the UDF-era affidavit in the Supreme Court to facilitate the violation of traditions is now displaying a fake affection for Lord Ayyappa,” Satheesan stated. “This is an insult to the common sense of the devotees.”

The Opposition Leader laid out three key demands for the government:

  1. Withdraw the Affidavit: Will the government withdraw its current affidavit in the Supreme Court that supports the entry of women of all ages, which the UDF claims is a violation of temple customs?
  2. Withdraw Police Cases: Is the government prepared to withdraw the pending police cases against thousands of devotees, including UDF leaders, who participated in the peaceful ‘Nama Japa’ (chanting) processions against the verdict?
  3. Clarify Development Record: Satheesan accused the LDF government of not lifting a “little finger” for Sabarimala’s development over the past 9.5 years, alleging that it failed to pay the statutory annual grant to the Devaswom Board for three consecutive years. He contrasted this with the previous UDF government, which he said acquired 112 acres for the Sabarimala Master Plan.

Satheesan made it clear that the UDF would not consider participating in the conclave until these questions were answered. “This isn’t a political conference for us to announce a boycott,” he remarked. “Let the government answer our questions, and then they can invite us.”

He also addressed his name being included in the event’s organizing committee, stating it was done without his consent and criticized the Devaswom Board President for allegedly misrepresenting a meeting request. “The hypocrisy of the CPM and the government will be recognized by the devotees,” he concluded.

Chennai Weather: Thunderstorms and Moderate Rain Likely for Next 48 Hours

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Chennai Weather: Thunderstorms and Moderate Rain Likely for Next 48 Hours

CHENNAI: Residents in Chennai and its suburbs can expect spells of moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning over the next 48 hours, according to the latest weather forecast. The change in weather is primarily attributed to variations in the speed of westerly winds.

While a well-marked low-pressure area has formed over the Northwest Bay of Bengal off the coast of North Odisha, it is expected to move inland over Odisha and adjoining areas within the next 24 hours. The weather pattern in Tamil Nadu is an indirect effect of this system, combined with local wind conditions.

City and State Forecast

Chennai and Suburbs

For Wednesday (Sep 3), the forecast indicates partly cloudy skies with a possibility of light to moderate rain and thunderstorms in some areas of the city. The maximum temperature is expected to be around 34°C, with a minimum of approximately 27°C. Strong surface winds of 40 to 50 km/h are also possible across the state.

On Thursday (Sep 4), skies will remain partly cloudy with chances of light rain in some parts of the city. Temperatures are predicted to range between a maximum of 34-35°C and a minimum of 27-28°C.

Outlook for Tamil Nadu

Across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, scattered light to moderate rain is expected over the next week. Thunderstorms are likely to accompany the rain on September 3, 6, and 7. The intensity and spread of rainfall may increase slightly towards September 9, with a few places likely to receive showers.

Tamil Nadu Secures ₹7,020 Crore in German Investments During CM Stalin’s Europe Visit

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Tamil Nadu Secures ₹7,020 Crore in German Investments During CM Stalin’s Europe Visit

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu has secured investment commitments worth ₹7,020 crore from 26 German companies during the first leg of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s ongoing European tour. The agreements are expected to create 15,320 new jobs in the state.

In a letter to his party cadre written en route from Germany to London, the Chief Minister detailed the outcomes of his visit, which aims to attract investments to help Tamil Nadu achieve its goal of a $1 trillion economy. The German leg of the tour, focused on the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), culminated in a successful investors’ conference in Düsseldorf on September 1.

During the conference and in separate meetings, the Tamil Nadu delegation engaged with top global firms, including automotive giant BMW, EBM-Papst, Knorr-Bremse, and Nordex. Mr. Stalin pitched Tamil Nadu as the “Germany of India,” highlighting the state’s robust industrial infrastructure, skilled workforce, and the government’s role as a proactive partner in industrial growth.

Addressing the value of his direct engagement, Mr. Stalin stated, “Clarity and confidence are established when the Chief Minister of the state comes and explains things directly to the investors.” He added, “I dismiss the criticisms made for political reasons with the back of my hand,” emphasizing that such visits are crucial for Tamil Nadu’s economic progress and employment generation.

Beyond business, the Chief Minister’s itinerary in Germany included significant cultural diplomacy. He visited the renowned Tamil Department library at the University of Cologne, which houses over 40,000 Tamil books and ancient palm-leaf manuscripts. He noted his government’s financial support for the institution and accepted several ancient manuscripts for preservation at the Roja Muthiah Research Library in Tamil Nadu.

The Chief Minister has now traveled to the United Kingdom for the next phase of his tour. His agenda in London includes further investor meetings and a landmark event at the University of Oxford, where he will unveil a portrait of social reformer ‘Thanthai’ Periyar.

Kerala’s Thiruvonam Bumper Lottery Sales Soar Past 3.2 Million Tickets in First Month

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Kerala’s Thiruvonam Bumper Lottery Sales Soar Past 3.2 Million Tickets in First Month

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Sales for the highly anticipated Thiruvonam Bumper Lottery 2025 have surged past 3.2 million tickets within the first month of its launch, signaling unprecedented public enthusiasm for the state’s biggest lottery draw. The Kerala State Lotteries Department reported that 32,13,290 tickets have already been sold since the lottery was unveiled by Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal on August 28.

Leading the sales rush is Palakkad district, which has recorded the highest number of ticket sales in the state. The massive demand is attributed to the lottery’s staggering prize structure, headlined by a first prize of ₹25 crore.

A key feature of this year’s bumper lottery is the extensive distribution of high-value prizes beyond the jackpot. The prize structure includes:

  • Second Prize: ₹1 crore each for 20 winners.
  • Third Prize: ₹50 lakh each for 20 winners.
  • Fourth Prize: ₹5 lakh each for 10 series of winners.
  • Fifth Prize: ₹2 lakh each for 10 series of winners.

Additionally, thousands of other cash prizes are on offer, ranging from ₹5,000 down to ₹500, making it one of the most attractive lottery schemes in the country.

Priced at ₹500 per ticket, the Thiruvonam Bumper draw is a major annual event in Kerala, generating significant revenue for the state government’s welfare initiatives. The lucky numbers will be drawn on September 27 at 2:00 PM.

Kerala Spends Over ₹20,000 Crore on Onam Welfare, Defying ‘Central Squeeze,’ Says FM

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Kerala Spends Over ₹20,000 Crore on Onam Welfare, Defying ‘Central Squeeze,’ Says FM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government’s total expenditure for the Onam festival season has surpassed ₹20,000 crore, funding a massive welfare and bonus package, Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal announced Wednesday. The minister emphasized that this significant spending was achieved despite a severe “financial squeeze” created by the central government’s policies.

Speaking to the media about the state’s festive interventions, Mr. Balagopal detailed a multi-pronged approach aimed at ensuring a prosperous Onam for all. “Even amidst the financial constraints imposed by the Centre, the state government has managed to spend over ₹20,000 crore to ensure the welfare of its people during Onam,” he stated.

Key components of the expenditure include the pre-festival disbursement of two months’ worth of social security pensions and the distribution of free Onam food kits, containing 15 essential items, to over 600,000 beneficiary families.

The government also rolled out enhanced festival allowances for a vast spectrum of workers. Allowances were increased for government employees, pensioners, ASHA workers, Anganwadi staff, and mid-day meal workers, who will now receive ₹1,550. Approximately 550,000 MGNREGA workers were given ₹1,200 each.

Targeted support was provided to workers in distressed sectors. Financial aid of ₹2,250 was allocated to 13,835 labourers from 425 closed cashew factories, who also received a portion of rice. Furthermore, 2,149 workers from defunct plantation estates were given ₹1,000 gift coupons for purchasing Onam kits from Supplyco.

To prevent price hikes during the high-demand season, the government allocated ₹262 crore to public distribution agencies like Supplyco for effective market intervention, ensuring the availability of subsidized essentials.

Wayanad, Kasaragod Medical Colleges Get NMC Green Light for 100 MBBS Seats

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Wayanad, Kasaragod Medical Colleges Get NMC Green Light for 100 MBBS Seats

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM • In a major development for medical education in the state, the Government Medical Colleges in Wayanad and Kasaragod have received final approval from the National Medical Commission (NMC), Health Minister Veena George announced on Wednesday.

Each of the new colleges has been granted sanction for 50 MBBS seats, adding a total of 100 undergraduate medical seats to the state’s roster. The approval was granted after the colleges successfully met the stringent standards set by the NMC for infrastructure, faculty, and academic facilities.

“This is a landmark achievement for the state’s public health sector,” Minister George stated. “We have ensured all necessary facilities as per the NMC norms, and this recognition is a testament to those efforts. With these additions, the current government has successfully secured approval for four new medical colleges.”

The minister confirmed that the government will immediately initiate the necessary procedures to ensure that student admissions for these 100 seats can take place within the current academic year (2025-26). The establishment of these colleges is expected to significantly enhance healthcare access and provide more opportunities for medical aspirants in the northern districts of Kerala.

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