The article discusses the rise of Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COLD) among smokers, surpassing lung cancer in the state of Kerala. Dr. Praveen Valsalan of the Cochin Thoracic Society and Dr. Babu John Mathew of Medical Trust Hospital highlight the severity of COLD, which can lead to death by suffocation and is not fully reversible even if smoking is ceased. The disease also affects passive smokers, with WHO statistics indicating a significant number of such cases globally. The doctors emphasize the need for stronger anti-smoking campaigns and education, as current efforts like warning images on cigarette packs are not effectively communicating the risks. The article suggests that increasing cigarette prices and media campaigns could be effective strategies to combat smoking-related diseases.

The article discusses the cultural practice of worshipping 'Kappiri Muthappan', a folk deity revered by around 15 families in the regions of Veli, Fort Kochi, and Mattancherry in Kerala. The deity is believed to be the spirit of an African slave, known as 'Kappiri', brought to Kerala by the Portuguese around 500 years ago. The myth suggests that the Portuguese buried their treasures along with the bodies of these slaves, hoping their spirits would guard the wealth. Over time, this tale became a local legend, and the deity is now worshipped with offerings of meat, toddy, cigarettes, and boiled eggs, or alternative offerings like bread and rice flour delicacies by those who do not consume meat, like Jaya Ramesh Pai, a Brahmin woman who has continued the ritual since purchasing her house. The offerings are later consumed as 'prasadam'.

The article focuses on the plight of abandoned and runaway children in Bangalore, India, highlighting the work of BOSCO, an organization that rescues an average of 20 such children daily from railway stations and bus stands. The narrative follows the experiences of children like Appu, his brother, and Om, who have faced neglect, forced labor, and emotional trauma. Counselors like Mary Triza and M D Shake Shafi discuss the challenges in understanding and healing the children's psychological scars, emphasizing the limited time they have to reunite the children with their families or present them to the child welfare committee. The article sheds light on the complexities of child rights violations and the need for deeper engagement with the emotional well-being of affected children.

The article focuses on the plight of abandoned and runaway children in Bangalore, India, highlighting the work of BOSCO, an organization that rescues an average of 20 such children daily from railway stations and bus stands. The narrative follows the experiences of children like Appu, his brother, and Om, who have faced neglect, forced labor, and emotional trauma. Counselors like Mary Triza and M D Shake Shafi discuss the challenges in understanding and healing the children's psychological scars, emphasizing the limited time they have to reunite the children with their families or present them to the child welfare committee. The article sheds light on the complexities of child rights violations and the need for deeper engagement with the emotional well-being of affected children.

Father Davis Chiramel, a priest from India, has been actively involved in raising awareness about kidney donation. In 2014, he performed a tandem skydive in the UK to promote this cause. He is known for his philanthropic work, including donating his own kidney to a stranger in 2009. Following his donation, he founded the Kidney Federation of India (KFI) in Thrissur, which has become a leading organization in organ donation in Kerala. His efforts have led to over 550,000 people pledging their organs. Fr Davis has also established the Accident Care and Transport Service in Thrissur, which has grown to include 15 ambulances and 30,000 volunteers. The National Kidney Foundation in America recognized his contributions by granting him an honorary membership. Fr Davis continues to engage in campaigns to address social issues such as violence, rape, alcohol abuse, and suicide.

The article focuses on the lives of painters like Boban and Sujith, who work on high-rise buildings in the city. Despite the dangers involved in their job, such as painting from a rope hanging off a ten-story building, they continue to do it for the higher pay it offers compared to interior painting. Six years ago, they were paid 300 rupees, which has now increased to 600 rupees, but considering inflation, this is a small increment. They acknowledge the risks but consider them a part of the job. The article also touches on the aspirations of some team members, like Abhilash, an English Literature graduate, who hopes for a white-collar job in the future.