Kerala CM Defends Mocking UDF MLA in Assembly
He was misusing the protection of being a member of the House to attack the watch and ward staff, who are supposed to bear everything silently, Vijayan said.
Centre rejects Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan permit to visit gulf nations: Report
The Union government has reportedly rejected permission for Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayans proposed visit to Gulf countries. According to a report by Mathrabhumi.com, the decision was communicated to the state through the Ministry of External Affairs, though no specific reason was mentioned. The state government has received an official notification informing of the denial, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
EC may roll out all-India SIR in phases, beginning with states where polls due next year
The Election Commission (EC) is set to begin a phased pan-India Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, starting with states where assembly elections are due in 2026, including Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
Kerala CM seeks PM Modis intervention to safeguard States finances and drive development
After meeting Modi in Delhi, Pinarayi Vijayan says Kerala and Centre will remain in a constant mode of productive engagement for national development and public welfare
Menstrual leave in Karnataka: Check policies and benefits across Indias other states as well
Karnataka has approved 12 paid menstrual leave days annually for women employees, a first for both government and private sectors in India. This policy aims to create supportive work environments by recognizing women's health needs. Other states like Bihar, Odisha, and Kerala have also implemented similar initiatives for employees and students, highlighting menstrual leave as a health necessity.
From Temple To Actor's Home: Untold Story Of Sabarimala Gold Door's Journey
An NDTV investigation has reconstructed a strikingly irregular chain of custody for a sacred artefact from Kerala's Sabarimala temple showing that the pieces were removed in July 2019, travelled across southern India for more than a month.
Pinarayi says Amit Shah conveyed that Centre will bear a significant part of the cost of raising the battalion, including training, weapon procurement, and imparting operational readiness
NDTV Exclusive: Sabarimala Gold Door's 39-Day Journey Across South India
An NDTV investigation has reconstructed a strikingly irregular chain of custody for a sacred artefact from Kerala's Sabarimala temple showing that the pieces were removed in July 2019, travelled across southern India for more than a month.
Kerala High Court orders registration of case over missing gold from Sabarimala idols
Travancore Devaswom Boards Vigilance wing submits report to Kerala High Court
Priyanka Gandhi's Kerala Visit Puts Cow 'Alia Bhatt' In Spotlight
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi's visit to a dairy farm in Kerala's Wayanad has put the spotlight on a cow named Alia Bhatt.
Kerala HC Orders Registration of Criminal Case in Connection with Sabarimala Gold Issue
It appears that insofar as the side frames or lintels are concerned, misappropriation of gold has been carried out: Kerala HC
Kerala Tourism marks John Lennons 85th birthday with Imagine-inspired post celebrating peace
A picture featuring five women artistes clad in the traditional attire of three religious art forms and crossing a road with the tagline Imagine/ all the people/ livin life in peace reminds netizens of John Lennons message about peace
Suresh Gopi Suggests Probe Against Actors An Attempt to Divert Focus from Sabarimala Issue
Two film actors have been put before the Kerala public for judgment to play down the Sabarimala gold issue: Suresh Gopi
Four migrant workers injured in cooking gas explosion in Keralas Kannur; two critical
All are Odisha natives
Kerala MLA U. Prathibhas remark on inviting scantily clad stars for inaugurations sparks row
Speaking at an event, Kayamkulam MLA said when an actor comes without wearing proper clothes, people flock to that programme in large numbers. We should tell them to stop that
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) uses the Cell Broadcast System (CBS) to send emergency alerts during disasters like floods, cyclones, or earthquakes.
Haal Makers Go To Kerala High Court After Censor Board Denies Certificate Over Beef Biryani Scene
The makers have approached the Kerala High Court against the Censor Board's decision
Jammu Kashmir Among Four Teams Qualify for Semi-Finals of 69th National School Games
SRINAGAR: The 69th National School Games 2025 for the Under 19 Boys Football category witnessed a seismic day of action as the Quarterfinal matches concluded, setting a thrilling stage for the semifinals. The host team, Jammu Kashmir, secured a hard-fought victory to cement their place in the final four, joining the dominant forces of Kerala, []
Tax, non-tax revenues up, says CAG
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as the state recorded modest increase in tax and non-tax revenues, overall revenue receipts declined in 2023-24, partly due to the dip in central grants, the CAG report on state finances, that was tabled in the assembly on Thursday, showed. The states own tax revenue increased by 3.28% from Rs 71,968.16 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 74,329.01 crore in 2023-24. Non-tax revenue increased by 8.12% along with a 19.07% increase in the states share from central taxes and duties. However, grants-in aid from the Centre decreased by 55.92% -- from Rs 27,377.86 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 12,068.26 crore in 2023-24. The total revenue receipts, sum total of tax revenues, grants in aid and central tax share, declined 6.21% from Rs 1,32,724.65 crore to Rs 1,24,486.15 crore. The report called for all-out efforts by the government to realise revenue arrears. There were huge arrears of revenue amounting to Rs 24,462.50 crore as on 31 March 2024 pending collection of which Rs 6,880.85 crore was outstanding for more than five years, it said. The revenue expenditure, on the other hand, posted a modest 0.48% growth, of Rs 675.41 crore, over 2022-23. Analysing the previous five years, the report put the revenue expenditures annual growth rate at 8.03%. It rose from Rs 1,04,719.92 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 1,42,626.34 crore in 2023-24. The report also highlighted the issue of off-budget borrowings. The state government, through public sector undertakings, raised Rs 10,632.46 crore as off-budget borrowings, which did not flow into the consolidated fund of the state but are required to be repaid and serviced through budget, it said. The outstanding liability was 37.84% of GSDP as against the limit of 33.70% prescribed in the Kerala Fiscal Responsibility Act, the report said. Revenue Receipts Year-on-year figures for 2023-24 Total revenue receipts down 6.21% Own tax revenue rises 3.28% Non-tax revenue up 8.12% Share from central taxes jumps 19.07% Grants-in aid from Centre drops 55.92% Revenue expenditure inched up 0.48% Source: CAG report on state finances
Dwarapalakas were gold cladded in 1999, says former special commissioner
KOCHI: Refuting the claims of Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) that the Dwarapalaka idols, doors and pillars of Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple were not covered with gold by industrialist Vijay Mallya, former special commissioner to Sabarimala Justice K P Balachandran said he was personally convinced that the the idols and other structures were gold cladded in 1999. I was the special commissioner for Sabarimala from 1997 to 2000 May and the gold cladding of the temple was taken up during this period. I am personally convinced that the doors of the Sreekovil, Dwarapalaka idols, pillars and other structures were gold covered by Vijay Mallya in 1999, he told TNIE. Former administrative officer of Sabarimala temple Murari Babu had told TNIE on Tuesday that the 30.3 kg of gold donated by Vijay Mallya was used only for gold cladding of the roof of the sreekovil. He claimed the Dwarapalaka idols, the rain gutter above the offerings box, the front doors of the sreekovil, the kamakudam, the six pillars etc were gold plated later using 1.3 kg of gold. As the quantity of gold used for gold plating was low, the colour of the gold plates deteriorated by 2019 which necessitated re-plating in 2019, Murari Babu had said. Refuting the claim, Justice K P Balachandran said he cannot reply to such distortions. They might have corrected the documents. But I am convinced that it was not the roof alone that was gold cladded in 1999. I was there with senior officials during Makaravilakku festival after the gold cladding, he said. Sabarimala row: Did TDB ignore change of name in warranty? Justice Balachandran asked why the panels were taken out for gold plating in 2019. If the panels could be covered with gold at the Maramath (works) building at Sannidhanam in 1999, why it could not be done in 2019? Why did they take the panels to Chennai without seeking permission from the High Court? The works should have been completed under the control and direction of the court, he reminded. Prayer meeting at Pampa Ganapathi temple The Achara Samrakshana Samithi, which played a prominent role in the protest against women entry at Sabarimala in 2018 has decided to hold a prayer meeting at Pampa Ganapathy temple on Sunday. It will be a peaceful meeting chanting the name of Ayyappa and praying to save the temple from exploitations. Ayyappa devotees from Pathanamthitta district, and tribal community members will participate, said chairman P V Anojkumar.
Suspension of MLAs a political conspiracy, alleges Satheesan
PATHANAMTHITTA: Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan on Thursday lashed out at the LDF government over the suspension of three UDF MLAs from the assembly, terming it a blatantly unjust and politically motivated decision executed through a conspiracy between the Speaker and the government. Addressing reporters here, Satheesan said MLAs Roji M John, M Vincent and Saneesh Kumar Joseph were suspended after the House was guillotined. They committed no offence, nor did they indulge in violence like CPI(M) members have done in the past. They neither attacked the Speaker nor attempted to storm the Speakers dais, he said. Accusing the Speaker of provoking the Opposition, he said, For the first time in the history of the Kerala Assembly, a Speaker ordered the snatching and tearing of an Opposition banner. During the UDF regimes, no Speaker ever ordered the tearing of CPM banners or placards inside the House. The Congress leader accused the chief minister and ministers of deliberately provoking the Opposition inside the House on Wednesday, and said the protest will now move to the streets. Responding to a legal notice served by former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran, Satheesan said he would face it legally but asserted that his questions were valid. It was the High Court that observed the Dwarapalaka idols of Sabarimala were sold. If that is the case, who sold them? Which millionaire bought them? Satheesan asked. He accused the devaswom board and the government of trying to cover up the scandal. The High Court verdict clearly states that temple artefacts went missing since 2022 and the government was aware of it. Why was it hidden? Satheesan asked. He concluded that both the LDF government and the Travancore Devaswom Board have no defence in the temple corruption scandals.
Yesteryear film producer P Stanley dies
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Yesteryear film producer and writer P Stanley, 81, died here on Thursday after a cardiac arrest. Stanley had also donned the roles of assistant director and scenarist in the film industry in Madras, along with A Vincent and Thoppil Bhasi, for over three decades. He was the assistant director of around 25 films, notable among them being Velutha Kathreena, Enippadikal, Asuravithu, Thulabharam, Nadhi, Ashwamedham and Nizhalattam. Stanley also produced films such as Thoovanathumbikal, Mochanam, Varadakshina and Theekkali. He was also the distributor of films such as Rajan Paranja Kadha, Tholkkan Enikkun Manasilla and Wayanadan Thamban. The son of first time Communist leader Polycarp, Stanley was born in 1944 in Kollam. He completed his schooling from Craven School. Stanley also underwent training in journalism and film director from Don Bosco Institute, Madras. He founded Sithara Printers in Kollam in 1944 and shifted to Madras in 1966. He came back to Kerala in 1990 after undergoing a heart surgery and has been residing at Nalanchira in Thiruvananthapruam.
Migrant worker beaten up by mob, cops after fleeing employers sexual assault
KOZHIKODE: A 19-year-old migrant worker from Assam was brutally assaulted by a mob and subsequently by the police in Koodaranji on Tuesday after a local resident falsely accused him of chain snatching to cover up an alleged sexual assault attempt. The worker, Maminul Islam, was left injured and traumatised by the ordeal that began after he fled from his employers house in terror. The incident unfolded after Islam completed his work at the residence of Saji Mazhuvanchery, 56, a former expatriate. According to Islams statement to the police, the homeowner then insisted he perform a body massage, during which Saji allegedly attempted to sexually harass him. Terrified, the young man immediately fled from the residence. Sensing trouble, the homeowner Saji alleged that the worker ran away after stealing his gold chain and raised an alarm. Following this false accusation, a crowd of local residents quickly gathered and began assaulting the migrant worker. The trauma was compounded when Thiruvambady police officers, who arrived at the scene, also allegedly beat up the worker before taking him to the police station. The people never listened to my side of the story and beat me up, a distraught Maminul Islam stated. It was only during a detailed interrogation at the police station that the truth began to surface. Islam consistently denied the theft and narrated his terrifying account of the alleged sexual assault. This prompted the police to summon Saji Mazhuvanchery for a detailed questioning. A subsequent search of Sajis house led to the discovery of the gold chain he had reported stolen, confirming that his complaint was entirely false. Fellow migrant workers in the area have rallied in support of Islam, alleging that the complaint filed by Saji was a malicious fabrication from the start. In response to the incident, Thiruvambady police have filed a case against Saji Mazhuvanchery for assault. SHO Prajish K acknowledged the events, stating, There was a minor conflict when the residents stopped the Assam- native man as the accused Saji was repeatedly saying that his gold chain was stolen. Even the police also questioned him, but there was a communication gap and later we came to know about the incident when the victim explained. There was no intentional confrontation, said Prajish. Despite the official statement, the incident has cast a harsh spotlight on the recurring issue of police assaults. The latest case echoes a recent incident in Meppayur, where a young man was assaulted by police following a misunderstanding over an accused persons identity. Maminul Islam said: I will go ahead with the police complaint against the accused. He is determined to take legal action for the false accusation, the alleged sexual harassment, and the assault he endured. Police are continuing their investigation into the conduct of the homeowner.
Kerala HC seeks Union govts view on denial of film certificate
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has sought the Centres response on a petition against the denial of issuing certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification to the Malayalam movie Haal, starring Shane Nigam. The court issued the order on the petition filed by the producer and the director. The board informed the petitioners that the film has been viewed by the revising committee, and it has come to the conclusion that the film is not suitable for unrestricted public exhibition but may be suitable for public exhibition restricted to adults provided the excisions/ modifications are made. The board directed the makers of the film to delete the dialogues Dhwaja Pranamam, Abhyanthara Shathrukkal, Ganapati Vattam, and Sangham Kavalund (also from subtitles), the scene of eating beef biryani, and blur rakhi.
Former Prant Sanghchalak of RSS P E B Menon passes away at 86
KOCHI: Former Kerala Prant Sanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) PEB Menon passed away at a private hospital in Kochi on Thursday. The 86-year-old RSS leader, respected by the Sangh for his contributions during the past two decades in building the organisation, was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kochi. The body will be kept for public homage at Aluva Town Hall from 10 am to 1 pm on Friday. The funeral will be held at Aluva Thantra Vidya Peedam at 3 pm. He is survived by wife Vijayalakshmi, son Vishnu Prasad, daughter Vishnu Priya, son-in-law Rajesh and daughter-in-law Anupama. A reputed chartered accountant by profession, PEB Menon was attracted to the Kerala Kshetra Samrakshana Samithi through his association with RSS Pracharak and ideologue late P Madhavji. Later he joined the RSS and served as the taluk and district sanghchalak. He assumed charge as the Kerala Sah Prant Sanghchalak in 1999 and was elevated in 2003 to the post of Kerala Prant Sanghchalak and led the organisation for two decades. Amid his busy professional life he found time to travel across Kerala inspiring the pracharaks and completed three years of Sangh Siksha Varg. He used to tell the pracharaks that Sangh is a family and mutual respect, faith, discussions and teamwork are the fundamentals of success, said RSS South Kerala Prachar Pramukh M Ganesan. Menon was the guiding force of many organisations in Aluva including Grama Seva Samithi, Thantra Vidya Peedam, Bala Samskara Kendram, Dr Hedgewar Memorial Seva Samithi, Vidyadhiraja School, International Sri Krishna Centre and Rashtra Dharma Parishad. Paying tribute to PEB Menon, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat said he was an ardent swayamsevak of the first order. His vision and foresight coupled with his social stature and professional experience provided a great leadership to the Sangh movement in Kerala. Menon inspired the Sangh work to grow in various dimensions. He endeared himself to the Swayamsevaks by his care and affection, he said.
Interstate luxury bus services hit as Karnataka operators halt services to Kerala
KOCHI/BENGALURU : Scores of passengers travelling between Kerala and major South Indian cities like Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad were left stranded after several private luxury bus operators cancelled trips, citing safety concerns following alleged assaults on drivers. According to operators, a section of drivers resorted to a token strike, demanding adequate protection after one of their colleagues was reportedly attacked by anti-social elements near the Kerala border. The drivers handed over a letter about their protest only last night. We had to cancel several trips and block charts for the day. Services are expected to return to normal from Friday, said Rijas A J, who oversees inter-state operations for Sona Travels. Sources said the drivers of buses operating via Walayar and Coimbatore suspended services following the incident. One of us was assaulted by a Coimbatore-based private bus owner and his gang. Another bus was stopped in Chennai on Wednesday. We want authorities to take strict action and ensure our safety on these routes, said a driver, requesting anonymity. Meanwhile, in Karnataka, the State Private Bus Owners Association confirmed that most Karnataka-owned private buses had suspended services to Kerala over the past week, alleging repeated instances of physical assault and harassment. Our drivers are scared to operate in Kerala after being stopped and attacked. Until the issue is addressed by the departments concerned, many have chosen to stay off the road, said association president S Nataraj Sharma. He added that while around 20 Kerala-owned buses continue to operate normally, nearly all Karnataka-owned services remain halted. The association has taken up the issue with Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy and Transport Commissioner Yogeesh A M, sharing video evidence of the incidents. If the operators provide proof, we will pursue the matter, the Transport Commissioner told TNIE.
Fever-induced pneumonia led to Anayas death: Report
KOZHIKODE: Nearly two months after the death of nine-year-old Anaya, who was suspected to have succumbed to amoebic meningoencephalitis, the post-mortem report has finally reached the Thamarassery police. The report, received on Thursday, attributes her death to fever-induced pneumonia, though officials maintain that the chemical examination report is still awaited to confirm the precise cause. Speaking to TNIE, Thamarassery DySP P Chandramohan said, The delay in receiving both the post-mortem and chemical analysis reports appears to have triggered the anguish of Anayas father, Sanoop, who had repeatedly expressed distrust in the earlier preliminary report. The DySP noted that the Regional Chemical Examiners Laboratory in Kozhikode, which handles samples from five north Kerala districts, is overburdened with backlog cases, causing significant procedural delays. The chemical examination results will be crucial in establishing the exact medical cause of death. The waiting time is longer because the laboratory prioritises cases based on urgency, and many samples from across Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod are pending, the officer said. The delay, and Sanoops growing frustration over what he perceived as medical negligence, tragically culminated in a violent episode at the Thamarassery Taluk Hospital on Wednesday. CCTV footage has since emerged, capturing the chilling moments leading up to the attack on Dr Vipin P T, casualty doctor at the hospital. In the footage, Sanoop is seen entering the doctors room after instructing his two children to wait outside. One of the childrens school bags, investigators said, contained a concealed machete (koduval), its handle visibly sticking out. Moments later, Sanoop charged at Dr Vipin, inflicting a deep head wound before bystanders intervened and restrained him. Dr Vipin, who sustained a seven-centimetre-deep wound on his scalp, was rushed to Baby Memorial Hospital, Kozhikode, where he underwent emergency plastic surgery. Hospital officials confirmed that his condition is stable and there is no brain injury. Dr Vipin was shifted from the ICU to a room and is recovering well, said hospital authorities. He underwent a successful procedure under Dr Krishna Kumar, chief of plastic surgery department. Meanwhile, Sanoops wife, Rambeesa, condemned her husbands violent act, saying he should have sought justice through legal means. She revealed that Sanoop had been emotionally devastated since their daughters death on August 14, and that doctors at the medical college had hinted that her life could have been saved had she been brought in sooner. He couldnt sleep at night and often cried while holding our children, she said. I still want justice for Anaya, but violence was never the answer. The initial diagnosis was changed later, which made us doubt the reports. We will seek a proper legal investigation. She also voiced fears that the post-mortem findings might have been altered, though authorities have firmly denied this. Hospital superintendent Dr Gopalakrishnan dismissed claims of conflicting reports, reiterating that amoebic meningoencephalitis remained the confirmed diagnosis based on tests from Kozhikode Medical College. He recalled that Sanoop had visited the hospital multiple times seeking a death certificate, and staff had even assisted him with filing an online application through the municipal corporation. He never displayed aggression during those visits, the superintendent said. I now believe I may have been his intended target that day, but Dr Vipin happened to be present when the attack occurred. Police officials investigating the case stated that Sanoop showed no remorse during interrogation. Mystery behind death Anaya was admitted to the Thamarassery Taluk Hospital on August 14 with high fever and was referred the next day to Kozhikode Medical College, where she passed away. Her samples later tested positive for Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis - a rare but deadly infection caused by an amoeba commonly found in contaminated water.
Much-awaited NH 66 to be reality by Jan, says Public Works Minister Riyas
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The highly-anticipated national highway project, NH 66, will be inaugurated in January. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari will inaugurate the completed stretches of the 678-km-long highway, state Public Works Minister P A Mohamed Riyas said on Thursday. The decision was taken during a meeting that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Riyas held with Gadkari earlier in the day. After the meeting, Riyas told reporters that over 450 km of the highway project is already over. At the meeting, it was decided that a number of other projects, including the Palakkad-Kozhikode Greenfield Highway, which would reduce travel time between the two cities to one-and-a-half-hours from the current 3-4 hours, would also be inaugurated in January. NH66 dream project of Keralites: Public works min Asserting that NH 66 was a dream project of Keralites, Riyas said the state had pointed out certain issues related to its development. Construction along more than 450 km of NH 66 has been completed. Of the 16 reaches of the NH in Kerala, the government aims to complete maximum reaches by January. At some places, work is not progressing at the required pace due to the lackadaisical attitude of the contractors. The state wants strict action taken against them. To speed up the project, the number of workers has been increased at certain places, he said. Gadkari has promised that efforts will be taken to complete all reaches by January itself. An urgent meeting of contractors and officials will soon be held in Delhi to speed up construction. Taking into consideration Keralas special interest in NH development, Gadkari has agreed to write off `237 crore in lieu of land acquisition, Riyas said. Decisions regarding completion of the Thiruvananthapuram outer ring road project, the Kollam-Shenkottai Greenfield Highway inauguration, one-time improvement of NH 744 and DPR revision of Edamon-Kollam stretch, among others, were also taken at the meeting. During his Kerala visit in January, Gadkari will assess the progress of the construction along the remaining portions. Pointing out that the NH project had been abandoned in 2014, Riyas said attributed its completion to the stand taken by the state government. There were regional level issues along Kasaragod-Taliparamba, Azhiyooor-Vengalam, Vadakara and Thiruvananthapuram, but those have been addressed. As far as the state government is concerned, the project should be completed in a time-bound manner, Riyas said.
Congress pinning hopes on D K Shivakumar's magic in Kerala too?
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Will there be a D K Shivakumar effect in the Kerala assembly election as had happened in Telangana? The question has popped up with the appointment of Harsha Kanadam, a protg of the Karnataka deputy CM, as chairperson of the Congress state war room in Thiruvananthapuram to oversee its campaign and strategy formulation. It doesnt mean Shivakumar will be directly involved in Congress election strategy planning, but there are enough straws in the wind that suggest the ace strategists possible deep involvement in the process. Shivakumar had played a pivotal role in the campaign and Congress subsequent return to power in Telangana, a leader from Karnataka told TNIE. He held no official positions, but was camping in Telangana to oversee the campaign and drawing up strategies. In the last Lok Sabha election also he helped the Congress in Kerala, he said. Of the five states going to polls next year Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the high command pins high hopes on Kerala to wrest power. Helping Congress wrest power 1st priority: Harsha However, the disunity within the state leadership with a group of senior leaders eying the CM post has been a concern for some time. Harsha Kanadam would take charge after meeting the leaders at the war room in Delhi. My first priority is to help Congress wrest power in Kerala, Harsha told TNIE. We will be connecting to the people at the grassroots with technology. This will be done by taking into confidence local leaders and with the guidance of senior leaders. I will be accessible to all workers, he added. Harsha was an AICC observer in Haryana, Maharashtra and Delhi assembly elections. The Congress high command is of the opinion that unless the party came to power in maximum number of states, particularly in south India, its future would be bleak.
J&K, Kerala, Manipur Meghalaya reach semis
69th National School Games Excelsior Sports Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 9: J&K, Kerala, Manipur, and Meghalaya today advanced to the U/19 Boys Football semifinals at the 69th National School Games 2025 following a thrilling day of Quarterfinal action. Host team J&K secured a hard-fought victory to book their place in the final four. The day began with Pre-Quarterfinal clashes. At the TRC Ground, J&K defeated Maharashtra by 2-0, with local talent Hanan Gul standing out. Kerala routed Chandigarh by 6-0 at [] The post J&K, Kerala, Manipur Meghalaya reach semis appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
City Gas project: company asked to restore excavated roads in a fortnight
HC seeks SPCs response on allegations against police officer by film producer
SFI, UDSF claim victory in college union polls in Kozhikode
Tusks and tensions: On the Wild Life Protection (Kerala Amendment) Bill 2025
Keralas changes to Wildlife Act will devolve national safeguards
Panathuthazham flyover: Kozhikode MP alleges negligence on govt.s part
The project remains stalled because the land acquisition process was never even started, claims M.K. Raghavan
Kerala reiterates request for additional borrowing space
Jammu Kashmir Storm into Semi-Finals of 69th National School Games
SRINAGAR: The 69th National School Games 2025 for the Under-19 Boys Football category witnessed a seismic day of action as the Quarter-Final matches concluded, setting a thrilling stage for the Semi-Finals. The host team, Jammu and Kashmir, secured a hard-fought victory to cement their place in the final four, joining the dominant forces of Kerala, []
General Hospital to have parenting clinic
Olympics-model school games to begin in State capital on October 21
Nearly 20,000 students will take part in the Kerala School Sports and Games 2025
Eleven Bills passed on final day of Assembly session
Prithvi Shaw, Jalaj Saxena Named In Ankeet Bawane-led Maharashtra Ranji Trophy Squad
Maharashtra Ranji Trophy: India batter Prithvi Shaw and seasoned domestic all-rounder Jalaj Saxena have been included in Maharashtras 16-member squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, which begins on October 15. The state selectors appointed Ankeet Bawane as the full-time captain for the campaign, with Maharashtra set to face Kerala in their opening fixture in Thiruvananthapuram from October 15-18. Shaw, who switched from Mumbai ahead of the season, is aiming for a fresh start after a turbulent period that saw him lose his place in the red-ball setup. His move to Maharashtra is seen as a significant step in trying to revive his red-ball career. Meanwhile, Saxena, one of the most consistent all-rounders in domestic cricket, joins the squad after a long stint with Kerala, where he played a key role in their run to the Ranji final last season. He was part of the team that played a warm-up match against his old team, Mumbai, in which he got into a heated confrontation with Musheer Khan, raising his bat to nearly hit Musheer. Shaw is in good form as he scored 181 against Mumbai. India international Ruturaj Gaikwad, a regular feature in Maharashtras setup and a former captain, is also part of the squad. The selectors have leaned on experience, picking Pradeep Dadhe over young fast bowler Rajvardhan Hangargekar. In the previous Ranji season (2024-25), Maharashtra finished fifth in Elite Group A, managing two wins, two draws, and three losses from seven matches. India international Ruturaj Gaikwad, a regular feature in Maharashtras setup and a former captain, is also part of the squad. The selectors have leaned on experience, picking Pradeep Dadhe over young fast bowler Rajvardhan Hangargekar. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Maharashtra squad: Ankeet Bawane (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prithvi Shaw, Arshin Kulkarni, Siddhesh Veer, Saurabh Nawale (wk), Mandar Bhandari (wk), Jalaj Saxena, Vicky Ostwal, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Mukesh Choudhary, Pradeep Dadhe, Hitesh Walunj, Siddharth Mhatre, Harshal Kate, Rajneesh Gurbani. Article Source: IANS
K. Mohandas, former Director of SCTIMST, passes away
His cremation will be held at Santhi Kavadam in Thycaud on Friday at 5.30 p.m.
CAG report flags flaws in e-way bill system under GST
CAG recommends government to get National Informatics Centre, which manages the e-way bill common portal, to correct the system deficiencies
CAG report highlights poor execution, unutilised funds in Kerala's higher education scheme
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has pointed out serious lapses and delays in the implementation of the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in Kerala, citing deviation from guidelines, delayed projects, unutilised funds, and poor monitoring mechanisms that undermined the objectives of improving access, equity, and quality in higher education. RUSA, a centrally sponsored scheme launched in 2013 by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, aimed to strengthen state higher education systems through institutional and infrastructural development. The scheme was to be implemented in two phasesRUSA 1.0 (201317) and RUSA 2.0 (201822). However, the CAG found that the State amended the Kerala Higher Education Act, 2007, in line with RUSA guidelines only in July 2018, five years after the schemes launch. Even then, several provisions remained inconsistent with the central framework. While the RUSA guidelines stipulated that the Chairman of the State Higher Education Council should be an eminent academic or public intellectual, the amended Act designated the Minister for Higher Education as the Chairperson, diluting the intended autonomy of the body. The audit also revealed significant delays in preparing the State Higher Education Plan (SHEP), which serves as the foundation for RUSA implementation. The mandatory baseline survey to assess needs related to access, equity, and excellence was never conducted. Seven selected institutions delayed submission of their final Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) by periods ranging from 347 days to 4 years. Further, the State Governments decision to limit the scheme to government institutions excluded 166 aided colleges with NAAC accreditation from the RUSA 1.0 benefits. The Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) was sidelined from managing RUSA funds, in deviation from the central guidelines. There were also delays of up to 395 days in releasing the states share of funds to the State Project Directorate, affecting timely project execution. Due to delays in submitting inspection reports to the Project Approval Board, several institutions were denied final instalments of both Central and State shares. Despite RUSAs objective of increasing investment in higher education, the states actual spending between 2018 and 2023 remained stagnantranging from only 0.44 to 0.51 per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). At the institutional level, multiple cases of poor project management were flagged. The Government College, Tripunithura, had not finalised its project even three years after DPR approval, leading to unutilised funds. The SPD made full payment of Rs 1.24 crore to KELTRON without verifying completion of integration work at 31 locations, resulting in infructuous expenditure. Moreover, only four of 16 test-checked institutions included proposals for disability-friendly infrastructure, despite RUSAs focus on equitable access. Monitoring mechanisms were weak, with only 19 out of 157 funded institutions geo-tagging their project data on the RUSA website. The CAG concluded that Kerala failed to fully achieve the prerequisites of RUSA 1.0 or meet the targets of RUSA 2.0, highlighting inadequate planning, delayed execution, and poor governance as key factors hampering the schemes impact on higher education in the state.
Session on organ, tissue transplant on Saturday
Pinarayi, who is leading a ministerial delegation consisting of Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal, Tourism and PWD Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, and a host of senior bureaucrats, holds successive discussions with Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Amit Shah; Union Minister for Transport and National Highways Nitin Gadkari; and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda. He will likely meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (October 10, 2025)
State yet to make rules for juvenile justice Act
Formulation of State rules will enhance efficiency of State Child Protection Society and district child protection units, says latest CAG report
Suspect in burglary case at doctors in Kozhikode house nabbed
A native of West Bengal,who is suspected to have burgled 45 sovereigns of gold ornaments and 10,000 from the house of a doctor, taken into custody
KSRTC continues to give thumbs down to electric buses
Ganesh Kumar cites higher cost required for procurement, cost of setting up electric charging sub-stations, and annual maintenance expense after two-year warranty period as the reasons for not promoting more electric buses
SIT formed to probe unauthorised removal of gold-cladded copper coverings
Palakkad division sweeps top honours in Southern Railway
West Coast Express is the best maintained train and Palakkad Junction the best kept station in Southern Railway
CAG report pegs revenue arrears at 24,462.50 crore
However, it shows a decrease from the 27,902.45 crore in the previous fiscal
Husband was mentally disturbed, says wife of Thamarassery doctor attack accused
Assembly passes University laws amendment Bills to mandate frequent Syndicate meetings
New legislative amendments introduced to ensure greater accountability of Vice-Chancellors and to safeguard the functioning of Syndicates, says Higher Education Minister R. Bindu.
Medha Patkar urges Kerala, TN governments to initiate steps to construct new tunnel at Mullaperiyar
Kerala health dept issues new guidelines for treating cough in children
Kerala's health department has issued new technical guidelines for treating cough in children, including strict precautions for dispensing medicines. This follows reports of child deaths linked to cough syrups, prompting an expert panel's recommendations. The guidelines emphasize avoiding self-medication and using syrups only under specialist advice, with specific age-related restrictions.
Kerala Congress factions organise formation day celebrations
Construction and demolition waste management plant proposed in Edayar industrial area
Human rights panel takes suo motu case over youths death on railway platform
Commission directs police and railway authorities to submit a report within 15 days after Chalakudy native dies due to ambulance delay
Kerala luxury cars smuggling: ED finds links with ex-Bhutan Army man; Coimbatore duo under scanner
Enforcement Directorate's probe into luxury vehicle smuggling to high-net-worth individuals, including actors, revealed two Coimbatore operatives sourced vehicles from Bhutan via a former army personnel. These vehicles were allegedly smuggled without import duty and sold as spare parts, with payments routed through unauthorized channels.
A few banks from the Gulf countries have started sending their representatives to Kerala in search of their debtors, who reportedly left the countries without clearing their loans. G Ragesh speaks to the bankers as well as the investigators who are following the money trail
Former Plus Two teacher held in Thrissur with 70 g of MDMA
Ragil, who lost his job after a previous drug arrest, was caught again while on his way to court for trial
CBFC demands makers to cut beef biriyani eating and several other scenes from Malayalam movie Haal
The makers of the film starring Shane Nigam, with a budget of around 16 crore, approach the Kerala High Court against the CBFC. Court directs the Union governments counsel to make clear its stand during the next hearing on October 14. Makers say they have already postponed the release date of the film twice, first to September 19 and later to October 10.
OP services hit as govt. doctors stage protest in Kozhikode
State government has been ignoring the demands to strengthen security steps on the premises of hospitals even two years after the murder of Vandana Das, claims KGMOA
Kerala finances marked by increasing trend of liabilities, says CAG report
11.97% growth in Gross State Domestic Product in 2023-24 over the previous fiscal, according to report. Balagopal says CAGs findings on off-Budget borrowings were already rejected by Public Accounts Committee
Kalamandalam to open global outreach centre at Fort Kochi
Jan Shatabdi Express gets an additional stop at Changanassery
Survey in Idukki sanctuary reports first record of spider species Araneus nox in India
81 species of spiders spotted during monsoon survey conducted in the sanctuary in two phases
Massive fire engulfs shops at Taliparamba
According to locals, the fire is believed to have started in a footwear shop located next to a transformer, before spreading rapidly to other commercial units
Palakkad to host mega protest against Israel on Saturday
An Indian national, Aswin V Sajeevan, received a 5.5-month jail sentence in Canada for spying on female housemates through a bathroom peephole and making videos. Justice Craig A Brannagan cited immigration consequences for not imposing a longer sentence. Sajeevan came to Canada from Kerala with a student visa to study computer programing but was suspended due to a low GPA. He works as a line cook in a restaurant.
Ahead of local body elections, Kerala Congress reinstates members expelled over BJP alliance
Ganeshs story of resilience moves Moyan girls to tears
Ganesh Kailas urges the students to never give up, no matter what life throws their way, inspiring them with his own story of resilience
Palakkad industrial smart city: Infra development to be completed in single phase
Kerala is far ahead in the procedural timeline compared to the 12 Industrial Smart City projects being developed across the country
Kadakampally sues Leader of the Opposition Satheesan for libel
Apologise publicly for the offensive remarks, or face criminal prosecution, including a payment of 2 crore in compensation for the alleged affront, demands Surendran.
Kerala Single Dwelling Place Protection Bill passed in Kerala Assembly
The bill protects families from losing homes due to loan defaults. It covers those with a loan amount not exceeding 5 lakh, with the government taking over the liability. The total repayment amount should not exceed a maximum of 10 lakh.
Kerala government reaches agreement to end Arippa land protest
KOLLAM: Bringing an end to one of the states longest-running land protests, the state government has struck an agreement with protest groups leading the 14 year old Arippa land struggle in Punalur, Kollam. Revenue and Housing Minister K Rajan announced that all six protesting organisations have accepted the conditions proposed by the government. Under the settlement, 35 families from the Scheduled Tribe communities who originally had rights over one acre of land in Arippa will now be given 20 cents for homestead and 10 cents for cultivation, without affecting their existing land claim. In addition, 209 families from SC communities will be given 12 cents each, while 78 families from the general category will receive 10 cents each. Title deeds will be issued to all eligible families under the agreement. All six protesting organisations accepted this during the discussion, said the minister. The government will now initiate steps to officially transfer land ownership to the people, the minister added. As many currently reside in makeshift huts on the protesting land, demarcation and settlement procedures will be required. The Punalur RDO has been appointed as the settlement officer, and land surveys are scheduled to begin on Monday, with a directive to complete the process within ten days. The government aims to distribute the land as a New Year's gift by January 2026. The 94 acre parcel in Thinkalkarikkam village, Punalur taluk, was once in the illegal possession of Thanagal Kunju Musaliar, violating lease terms. It was reclaimed by the state on August 4, 1997, following intervention by then MLA P S Supal and Revenue Minister K E Ismail. Of this, 13.55 acres were allocated to the Kulathupuzha Model Residential School and 21.53 acres to the Chengara land protesters. Since December 31, 2012, Dalit and Adivasi families, who remained landless, had been protesting on the remaining land demanding land for habitation and farming. They have now been allotted 39.9 acres, excluding land marked for roads, playgrounds, and other public utilities. The total available land in Arippa stands at 48.83 acres. Minister K Rajan said the agreement was achieved after multiple rounds of discussions and sustained interventions. He also pointed out that in the earlier Chengara land distribution, many beneficiaries had abandoned the plots citing uninhabitable conditions. The state is now exploring alternative land options across Kerala to address their needs. Revenue Additional Secretary Anu S Nair has been appointed as the nodal officer to coordinate the further steps.
CAG flags serious lapses in Keralas Integrated Financial Management System
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has unearthed major deficiencies in the implementation of the Integrated Financial Management System Kerala (IFMS-K), a key e-governance project meant to modernise the states financial administration. The audit watchdog's report exposed weak planning, poor documentation, and several system-level lapses that undermined the objectives of transparency and efficiency in financial management. According to the CAG, the absence of a Service Level Agreement (SLA) between the government and the implementing agency weakened the projects foundation. Critical documentation related to change requests and actions taken was unavailable, making the government dependent on the system integrator. The report also found that, contrary to the envisaged Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) model, the National Informatics Centre (NIC) developed modules in a piecemeal manner over eight years, with review meeting decisions being the only reference for further development. The audit revealed that the department lacked essential records related to data migration, including pre- and post-migration reports, exception reports, and confirmations from treasuries. No acceptance test plan was prepared, there was no secure testing environment, and no professional third-party agency was entrusted with final testing. Out of 251 functional requirements, 100 were not developed. The CAG noted that the Kerala Treasury Code, Kerala Financial Code, and Budget Manuals were not amended to align with the re-engineered processes. The Budget 2.0 application lacked adequate validation controls, allowing additional authorisation of funds beyond savings and failing to reflect expenditure revisions made by the Accountant General. Similarly, the system lacked mechanisms to restrict reappropriation of excess savings or to analyse probable savings within grants. Serious flaws were also observed in the Expenditure Module and the Human Resources application (SPARK). Due to the absence of sanction orders in the system, treasuries continued to rely on physical documents. SPARK contained inconsistent and invalid data, undermining its purpose. The Accounts and Audit Module allowed unprofessional backend access that enabled manual editing of stored procedures, while the systems inability to reconcile GST transactions led to unreconciled balances. The Core Treasury Savings Bank (TSB) module was found to have critical deficiencies, including non-migration of accounts, lack of controls for closing inoperative accounts, and negative balances in 3,136 accounts. The absence of KYC data and weak signature verification processes increased the risk of errors and possible malpractices. Other serious findings included the use of an unlicensed version of DB2 for the State Budget application, the lack of a Database Administrator, and the absence of a Business Continuity or Disaster Recovery Plan. The system also permitted multiple logins across applications, creating security vulnerabilities. The CAG made 46 recommendations to strengthen IFMS-K. It urged the government to fix timelines for completing pending functionalities, develop a Requirement Traceability Matrix and Performance SLA to monitor progress, and introduce automated tools to calculate and claim interest and damages from banks for delayed credit of government funds. The report concluded that the IFMS-K, launched to improve financial discipline and transparency, continues to suffer from weak project governance, inadequate documentation, and poor system controls issues that must be urgently addressed to safeguard public financial management in the State.
Kannur airport on threshold of transformation as land acquisition and road upgrades gain pace
A recent high-level meeting in Thiruvananthapuram decided to assign special officers to expedite land acquisition for the Chorukkala-Bavuparamba-Mayyil-Kololam-Mattanur Airport Link Road.
Keralas BioEconomy touches $8.24 billion; sets path to become green growth leader
The report notes that the BioPharma sector remains the largest component of the States bio-based economy, accounting for 44% of the total value
Husband strangles ailing wife, jumps to death from hospital in Thiruvananthapuram
Police suspect financial distress behind the incidents
ASHA workers 'disappointed' as committee recommends hike in their honorarium
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Recommending an increase in the monthly honorarium for ASHA workers, the government-appointed Haritha V Kumar committee has proposed a hike of Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500. The report suggests that workers with over 10 years of service be granted a Rs 1,500 raise, while others receive Rs 1,000 more. Ensuring the timely disbursal of honorarium by the 10th of every month was among the major recommendations. The report made no mention of the ASHA workers' persistent demand for a Rs 5 lakh retirement benefit. The workers, currently on protest, have also been demanding a raise in their monthly honorarium to Rs 21,000. The committee was constituted six months ago to examine the scope for revising honorarium rates. However, the report was not officially released by the government. The reports contents surfaced only after an RTI application was filed. Terming the report disappointing, ASHA workers said it reflects an anti-worker and anti-women stance, especially surprising since four out of the five members in the panel are women. The protest, which will complete eight months on Friday, is expected to intensify. On October 22, ASHA workers plan to march to Cliff House, the Chief Minister's official residence, demanding direct intervention and resolution. Thousands of ASHA workers from across the state will join the march, said the KAHWA members. Hundreds rally at Kerala Secretariat in support of ASHA workers' protest for fair wages
Inception workshop on low-carbon rice farming begins at Kerala Agri varsity
A major focus of the programme is the promotion of low-emission rice farming techniques, particularly Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD)a water-saving technology developed by IRRI
Kochi daylight robbery: Police take five into custody; alleged robbers still on the run
Two cars seized
How Mubeena P A, a young mother of three, became a bodybuilding champion in a matter of months
In May, when Mubeena P As name was announced as the South Asia Gold Medallist in bodybuilding at a grand event held in Mumbai, the 35-year-old mother of three could not believe her ears. I never thought Id reach this far, she tells TNIE . I only wanted to see how strong I could get. Indeed, her journey began far from the world of witness. Originally from Kochi, Mubeena was working in a salon in Dubai when she fell seriously ill. I had a terrible stomach pain, she recalls. And when I consulted doctors, they told me I needed immediate surgery. So, Mubeena returned home and was admitted in a local private hospital. But the operation that ensued only complicated matters. I had to immediately get yet another surgery at a different hospital to undo the damage. But even then, it was the post-recovery part that was the most painful, she says. For seven months, Mubeena was confined to her bed and with a colostomy bag. Those were hard days, she recalls. To pass the time, she began watching reels online, and quickly enough, went down a rabbit hole on fitness videos. I saw reels of women lifting, training, and transforming themselves, says Mubeena, who was an enthusiastic athlete during her school and college years, having taken part in many relays and sprints. Something about those women gave me energy. I wanted to feel my old strength again, Mubeena continues. So, when her stitches healed, she asked her doctor if she could start exercising. He agreed. I was scared at first, Mubeena admits. I kept thinking, What if something breaks inside? Well, it didnt. And what began as slow walks soon turned into light training and eventually gym visits. Then came the routine that would shape her days: waking at 4.30am, running long stretches, cardio in the morning, weight training in the evening, and work at a city salon in between. Discipline became everything, Mubeena says. No steroids, no shortcuts. Just hard work and diet. In November 2024, Mubeena stepped onto her first stage for the Miss India bodybuilding event in Chennai and finished second runner-up. The results only pushed her further. In less than a year since beginning her training, she won titles at Miss Ernakulam, Miss Kerala, Open Kerala Silver, and the South India Championship, before clinching the South Asia Gold in Mumbai. Mubeena P A Each medal came with its own price. I dont have sponsors, she says. I often take loans to be able to compete. But its worth it when Im on stage. The hardest part, however, wasnt financial, but social. Some people cant accept women in bodybuilding, especially when were on stage in bikinis, says Mubeena, who hails from a conservative Muslim background. They think its wrong. But I dont do it to impress anyone. This is my passion. I know myself. Thats enough. Even injuries havent slowed her. After I broke my left hand, I had steel plates inserted for a while. Even after they were removed, people warned me about returning to the gym. They said my hands would be weak and prone to injuries. But I believed I could heal stronger, Mubeena says. Mubeena P A Next, shes gearing up for the Miss Universe Championship in Haryana next year, where she hopes to earn a Pro Card, officially making her a professional athlete. Thats my dream, she says. Ive been selected already, but I have not lined up sponsors yet. Besides, I think I should reset my body, Mubeena says. But she does not plan to stay idle. The routine will continue, of course, and now, given that her name rings loud in bodybuilding circles, several young women have also started to approach her seeking a mentor and others, inspiration. I always tell them, Im just a normal woman. If I can, you can too. Once you push through that first wall, be it family, fear, whatever it is, the support starts coming, she says. In my case, the win is not important. Ive already achieved the courage to start again, to rebuild my life. Thats what matters, she adds. Indeed, for Mubeena, bodybuilding isnt about vanity or validation. Its about endurance. The quiet, persistent kind that begins when no ones watching. When I look back, she says, I dont see muscles or medals. I see a woman who didnt give up. Forget the first few days or weeks. Keep training, regardless of how you feel. Soon, it wont tire you. Instead, it will give you an abundance of energy, mental clarity. I used to have breathing issues when I was young. Consistently training has improved my breathing. Now, I dont even need an inhaler. My body feels strong and my head is calm, despite the storms around me. Mubeenas advice to those who think going to the gym is tiring...
Three UDF MLAs suspended after protest injures Kerala Assembly Marshal
Three Congress-led UDF MLAs were suspended from the Kerala Assembly for the remainder of the session after fierce protests over the Sabarimala gold issue. The opposition disrupted proceedings for the fourth day, leading to alleged injuries to the watch-and-ward chief marshal. The government's motion for suspension was passed in the opposition's absence.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) searched Malayalam superstar Mammootty's Chennai property as part of a luxury vehicle scam investigation. The operation targeted a network allegedly using fake documents, including those linked to the Indian Army, to fraudulently register cars. This probe also involves tax evasion and smuggling, with raids conducted across multiple locations in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Kerala Assembly: Three Opposition MLAs suspended on charge of attacking security personnel
The suspended members are Roji M. John, M. Vincent, and Saneesh Kumar. Tabling government resolution, Parliamentary Affairs Minister M.B. Rajesh says UDF members have crossed the point of no return by seriously injuring Watch and Ward personnel
Three UDF MLAs Suspended over Sabarimala Gold Row Protests
Kerala Assembly bars opposition MLAs Roji M John, M Vincent and Saneesh Kumar Joseph for disrupting proceedings
