GCTO accuses Kannur University of violating norms by fixing exams on Saturdays
Government norms allow only five working days a week, with Saturdays becoming working days only in emergencies, it says
Cash, ornaments stolen from temple in Kannur
WATCH: 5 stranded mid-air in sky dining restaurant near Munnar in Kerala, rescue opsunderway
Media reports said that a four-member family from Kannur district and a restaurant staff member have been trapped in the sky dining restaurant. According to the operators, they cannot lower the crane as its hydraulics have stopped working.
BJP accuses LDF, UDF of stalling development in Kannur Corporation
CM Pinarayi seeks MPs' support for wildlife bill approval, union fund disbursement
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a move to facilitate effective centre-state interactions, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged the MPs from the state to intervene for the President's nod in the Wildlife Protection (Kerala Amendment) Bill. This permission is instrumental as the bill passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly simplifies the major obstructions in the 11th section of the Wildlife Protection Law 1972. In an online meeting convened on Thursday, the CM also asked the parliamentarians to stress for the disbursement of the central share to be provided to the victims of the human-animal conflict. The meeting was also attended by the state ministers and other officers concerned. Seeking the MP's intervention to reinstate the sum of 6,757 crores and 3,323 crores, which were cut from the state's borrowing limits in the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26, respectively, Pinarayi reiterated the stand to increase a state's borrowing limit to 3.5%. Pointing out that the centre only provided 260.56 crores for the Meppadi-Chooralmala rehabilitation against the sought support of 2,221.03 crores, Pinarayi also asked the parliamentarians to help the state avail its deserving share. Urging that the central government should increase their share in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) 2.0, the CM also asked the MPs to intervene to avoid the display of PMAY boards before them. Making an attempt to reduce the duration of the Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargode rail journey, the CM urged to initiate the third and fourth line survey in the Thiruvananthapuram-Mangalore section, along with the deployment of Namo Bharat Rapid Rail here. Other key projects, including AIIMS, Attappady Irrigation Project, and the rail projects in the Angamaly-Sabari, Thalassery-Mysore, and Nilambur-Nanjangud routes, should also be highlighted before the union government, the CM stressed. He also mentioned that the point of call for foreign airlines to begin services from the Kannur Airport had not yet been provided, despite repeated requests. The CM also asked the MPs to raise questions in the parliament regarding the central nod for the Kochi Global City (Node 2) as part of the Kochi-Bangalore Industrial Corridor. Seeking interventions to exempt all Khadi products from GST, the CM also said that kerosene must be availed at subsidised rates for fishing requirements. He further noted that the Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Right Rules 2025 were notified without consulting the opinion of states, as part of which a letter was already sent to the Prime Minister. Disbursement of other funds, including GST loss compensation and a 1000 crore package for foreign returnees, was also discussed in the meeting.
Family of late Kerala dalit activist Chitralekha faces eviction after bank issues foreclosure notice
Kannur Co-operative Urban Bank, controlled by Congress-led management committee, has ordered the family to vacate the house by December 7, warning that it will be seized on December 18 if the dues remain unpaid
Its raining young leaders in Kerala's local body elections
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The youth and student organisations of the CPM outnumber other political groups in the number of leaders contesing in this local body elections. With the withdrawal of nominations concluding, the DYFI and SFI together have 1,473 members contesting on CPM ticket. Around 1,141 candidates are from Congress youth and student organisations, the Youth Congress and KSU. CPIs AISF and IUMLs Muslim Students Federation (MSF) have 14 and 47 leaders, respectively, in the fray. DYFI has the most candidates at 1,413. They include two central committee members and 22 state committee members. There are eight women on the list. Across all levels, 996 DYFI candidates are in the fray in grama panchayats, followed by 165 in block panchayats, 38 in district panchayats, 184 in municipalities and 30 in corporations. Youth representation is crucial in local governance, and it is the Left, particularly the CPM, that consistently ensures meaningful opportunities for young people, said DYFI state secretary V K Sanoj. Though the final tally of candidates from YC is not ready, an estimated 1,060 candidates are contesting on the Congress symbol. They include 40 state office-bearers and several national secretaries. Nine women have been fielded. We have fielded candidates from the current and previous state committees, including those from the earlier body led by Shafi Parambil, said YC state president O J Janeesh. Although we believe more leaders should have been accommodated, the political context required the party to weigh several considerations. The KSU has been allotted 81 seats, including one for a transgender candidate, the lone contestant from the community. There are 22 state committee members and 59 assembly-level office-bearers in the list. As many as 60 candidates are from the SFI. Maintaining that voters never raised concern about their political inexperience during campaigning, SFI state committee member P Thajuddeen, the LDF candidate from Kozhikode district panchayats Nadapuram division, said his political journey with the organisation had given him ample experience to work for peoples welfare. KSU Thiruvananthapuram district vice-president Vyshna Suresh, the UDFs candidate for Thiruvananthapuram corporations Muttada ward, opined that student leaders contesting in the elections can perform better, thanks to their background in campus politics. Hoping that the new gen politicians will bring in refreshing and advanced views in politics for the public, Vyshna said this generation shift will help mould better leaders for tomorrow. CPIs candidate in the Konni division of Pathanamthitta district panchayat and AISF state president Bibin Abraham felt the increased participation of youngsters could be because of the partys evaluation that the young leaders are critically needed in certain areas. Ayisha Banu P H, the first woman state vice-president of MSF who is contesting from the Pookkottur division of Malappuram district panchayat, said the new trend can help reduce the apolitical stand seen among youngsters. None from ABV P The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has not fielded any candidates, in line with RSS policy of not sending its organisational workers in electoral contests. The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) has seven state office-bearers, five state committee members and eight district presidents in the race. Two women BJYM leaders are contesting as BJP candidates MYL fields 3 women leaders The Muslim Youth League (MYL) has nominated three women leaders national secretaries Mufeeda Thasni (Kannur district panchayat) and Najma Thabsheera (Kozhikode corporation), and state secretary Fathima Thahilliya (Kozhikode corporation). National V-P Sajid Naduvannoor is contesting in Kozhikode district panchayat.
Normalcy returns to Indian skies, Air India cancels six flights to carry out precautionary checks
NEW DELHI: The chaos in Indian skies on Monday night, triggered by the volcanic eruption in Ethiopia and the eastward drift of ash, subsided on Tuesday after the ash cloud moved towards China. While Air India cancelled seven of its domestic flights as a precautionary move, other airlines have reported normal operations. An Air India statement said the following six domestic flights stood cancelled on Tuesday (November 25) - AI 2822 ChennaiMumbai; AI 2466 HyderabadDelhi; AI 2444 MumbaiHyderabad and AI 2445 Hyderabad to Mumbai; AI 2471 MumbaiKolkata and AI 2472 Kolkata to Mumbai The following Air India flights have been cancelled as we carry out precautionary checks on those aircraft which had flown over certain geographical locations after the Hayli Gubbi volcanic eruption, it said. The airline had cancelled seven international flights on Monday AI 106 NewarkDelhi; AI 102 New York (JFK)Delhi; AI 2204 DubaiHyderabad; AI 2290 DohaMumbai; AI 2212 DubaiChennai ; AI 2250 DammamMumbai and AI 2284 DohaDelhi. Akasa Air had already announced cancellation of all its flights to and from Jeddah, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. It had done the same on Monday too. Indigo had diverted its flight from Kannur to Ahmedabad on Monday. Massive ash cloud drifts toward northern India as Ethiopias Hayli Gubbi erupts after 10,000 years Spokespersons from Indigo, Spicejet and Air India Express said that they had not cancelled any of their flights on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) in a statement said there was no cause for concern presently. Following the 23 Nov volcanic eruption in Ethiopia and the eastward movement of the ash cloud, MoCA along with ATC, IMD, airlines and international aviation agenciesis ensuring seamless coordination. AAI has issued the necessary NOTAM and all affected flights have been kept informed. Operations across India remain smooth, with only a few flights rerouted or descended as a precaution, it added. There is no cause for concern at this moment. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide timely updates to ensure passenger safety, the Ministry added. Air India passengers upset Passengers whose flights were cancelled took to social media to lash out at Air India for not keeping them informed for hours even after the flight was cancelled. Flyer Teekam Singh Gehlot said he had booked a ticket on his Air India flight from Mumbai to Kolkata on Tuesday. No information about cancellation of flight and boarding pass was issued, he said. Only after security checks, he learnt about the cancellation, he said billing it a horrible experience. Passenger Aswari E said, I had my booking from Dammam to Mumbai. Very pathetic service by ground staff , no clear communication. After 6 hours they brought all the passengers from immigration area and left them stranded in the departure area. Until now no one contacted me for the rescheduled flight, she said. Referring to the same flight, Ruchit Mehta added, Very pathetic treatment at Dammam Airport. No food or refreshment provided to passengers till 3 AM in the morning. No accommodation or travel allowance given to some passengers. The Air India statement added, Our ground teams across the network are keeping passengers updated on their flight status and are providing immediate assistance, including hotel accommodation. We are making every effort to arrange alternative travel at the earliest. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen situation beyond our control. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority. Ethiopia volcano eruption disrupts flights in India; ash cloud to clear by evening
UDF, BJP campaign boards vandalised in Kannur
LDF secures 14 wards in Kannur unopposed as nomination scrutiny ends
KANNUR: With the completion of the final scrutiny of nominations in Kannur, the LDF has secured uncontested victories in 14 wards across the district. The presiding officers have rejected a total of four nominations, two from Anthoor municipality, both filed by UDF candidates, and two from Kannapuram panchayat, one each from the UDF and the BJP rendering the CPM unopposed. LDF candidates have now secured six wards of Kannapuram, three wards of Malapattam panchayat, and five wards of Anthoor municipality. In Anthoor municipality, CPM candidates K V Premarajan in Thalivayal ward and E Rajitha in Kodallur ward were declared winners without facing any opposition. Similarly, in Kannapuram panchayat, Usha Mohan in Ambalapuram ward and Mohanan T E in Chemmaravayal ward were elected unopposed, marking a significant outcome shaped entirely by the scrutiny process rather than electoral competition. In Kannapuram panchayat, the nomination of INC candidate in Ambalapuram ward was rejected after the nominator denied the signature during scrutiny, and in Chemmaravayal ward, the nomination of BJP was rejected because the nominee refused to sign, both under Section 55(2)(c) of the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act. In Anthoor municipality, the nominations in both Thaliyil ward (INC) and Kodallur ward (IUML) were rejected after the respective nominees submitted written and in-person statements confirming that they had not signed the nomination papers. The nomination papers of the Congress in Malappattam and Anthoor and the BJP in Kuthuparamba were rejected on close scrutiny due to fake signatures.
72,005 in the fray for local body elections in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A total of 72,005 candidates are officially in the fray across the state for the upcoming local body elections, as per provisional data released by the State Election Commission late on Monday. The final picture of the candidates became clear after the deadline for withdrawal of nominations ended on Monday. The list of candidates includes 37,786 women, 34,218 men and one transgender person. Meanwhile, all major fronts are facing the menace of rebel candidates who have refused to withdraw their candidature despite efforts by party leadership to mollify them. While the LDF and the UDF have five rebel candidates each in Thiruvananthapruam corporation, 11 rebels are causing headache to the Congress-led front in Kochi corporation. Six-time BJP councillor Shyamala S Prabhu, who turned a rebel this time, is taking on the official candidate of the saffron alliance in Kochi corporations Cherlai ward. While the UDF has six rebel candidates in the fray in Thrissur corporation, four rebel candidates are poised to play spoilsport for the LDF that rules the civic body. The BJP-led NDA too has a rebel candidate in Vadookara ward, its sitting seat in Thrissur corporation. Kannur, the lone UDF-ruled corporation, has rebel trouble for the Congress-led front in three seats. A CPM rebel candidate in Kannur corporation withdrew his candidature on Monday, offering relief to the LDF. Relief for Wayanad UDF as YC rebel withdraws The UDF in Wayanad heaved a sigh of relief after Youth Congress leader Jasheer Pallivayal, who had entered the fray as a rebel for the district panchayat, withdrew his nomination on Monday following last-minute intervention by senior party leaders. In Alappuzha district panchayats Ambalappuzha division, the conflict within the UDF over the seat has been resolved, with the IUML agreeing to withdraw its rebel candidate at the last minute. The LDF has already secured 14 seats unchallenged. In Kannur, LDF secured two additional unopposed victories in Anthoor municipality after the nomination papers of UDF candidates were rejected during fresh scrutiny on Monday. With this, five LDF candidates have been elected unopposed in the civic body.
Massive ash cloud drifts toward northern India as Ethiopias Hayli Gubbi erupts after 10,000 years
After the long-silent volcano erupted for the first time in nearly 10,000 years, a massive ash cloud from Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi has begun drifting toward northern India. The eruption covered the nearby village of Afdera in dust and pushed thick plumes across the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman before the cloud shifted eastwards. According to the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), the explosive activity began around 8.30 am UTC and marked the volcanos first known eruption in almost 10,000 years. Although the eruption has now stopped, the Toulouse VAAC said that a large ash plume is moving toward northern India, prompting meteorological agencies to closely monitor its trajectory. Even though no injuries have been reported, local officials worry economic implications for the local community of livestock herders. The volcano, part of Ethiopias Erta Ale Range, last showed activity around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago. After the eruption, volcanic ash was observed over parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Airlines issued cautionary messages for flights passing through the Middle East. Indias aviation regulator, DGCA, has instructed all airline operators to follow a volcanic advisory issued by the Airport Authority of India. In view of the DGCA advisory, several airlines, including Akasa Air, KLM, Air India and IndiGo, cancelled flights operating on routes that pass through the affected corridor. An Air India flight from Delhi to Tokyo was cancelled moments before take-off. Flights to Jeddah and Dubai from Kochi were also cancelled as a precaution. An IndiGo flight from Kannur to Abu Dhabi was diverted to Ahmedabad as a safety measure. Akasa Air said it was monitoring the situation and assessing potential impacts on nearby regions in line with international aviation guidelines. Following recent volcanic activity in Ethiopia and the resulting ash plume in the surrounding airspace, our flights to and from Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi scheduled for 24th and 25th November 2025 have been cancelled, the airline said in a statement. SpiceJet said volcanic ash may impact flight operations flying through the affected regions. In a statement, the airline added, Passengers travelling to/from Dubai (DXB) are advised to keep a check on their flight status, noting that safety teams are coordinating with aviation authorities. The Afar region is known for frequent earthquakes. Residents told The Associated Press they heard a loud sound and felt what they described as a shock wave. It felt like a sudden bomb had been thrown with smoke and ash, one resident said. By Monday, the village near the Danakil desert, a popular tourist destination, remained covered in ash. Tourists and guides travelling to the desert were stranded in the village, according to a report by AP . Local authorities also shared images and videos showing a towering plume of ash rising from the volcano. (With inputs from Agencies)
'EC, SIR Will Be Responsible': After BLOs Suicide In Kerala, Another Officer Threatens Suicide
Antony, a BLO in Kottayam, threatened suicide over SIR workload, days after Aneesh George, a BLO in Kannur, died by suicide due to similar stress linked to election duties.
CPM winning elections by threatening public: Sreelekha
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP candidate in Sasthamangalam ward and former DGP R Sreelekha on Sunday alleged that the Communist party wins votes and governs the state by intimidating and threatening the public. In a Facebook post, she questioned whether there was anything wrong in making such a statement. Referring to Kannur, Sreelekha said, Reports claimed that there were no Opposition candidates in four LDF wards. The reason is clear: If anyone contests, they will be killed. This is their democracy. She also expressed concern over the incident in which a CPM candidate attacked the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club secretary and an independent candidate. Sreelekha also talked about the sudden announcement of a new candidate, Sreelatha V V, in the Sasthamangalam ward. The former DGP said she didnt know if the candidate was contesting as an independent or belonged to the CPI(ML), but claimed the intention was evident. According to her, voters might mistake the candidate for her due to the similarity in names, which would ultimately benefit the LDF.
Congress demands removal of Malappattam poll officer
KANNUR: The Congress has alleged that CPM leaders in Kannur threatened UDF candidates and prevented them from filing nomination papers in several wards, leading to uncontested wins for the CPM. The party has also lodged a complaint with the chief electoral officer demanding the removal of the Malappattam election officer over alleged lapses. The Congress mandalam president said the UDF could not field candidates in all seats in Anthoor due to long-standing intimidation by the CPM. He alleged that the CPM maintains a stance that no UDF candidate should contest in the ward where the CPM state secretary resides. The Congress also accused former municipal chairperson P K Shyamala, wife of CPM state secretary M V Govindan, of leading efforts to prevent UDF candidates from entering the fray. CPM leaders rejected the accusations, stating that the Congress candidates withdrew voluntarily. Shyamala countered that the Congress was blaming the CPM for its own inability to field candidates. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala criticised the CPM, saying that not allowing rival candidates to even submit the nomination papers amounts to fascism. KPCC president Sunny Joseph said the CPM won unopposed in certain wards only after threatening UDF candidates. Congress leaders alleged that in two wards each of Anthoor municipality and Malappattam panchayat, their candidates were unable to submit nominations due to CPM pressure.
UDFs weakness not CPMs fault, says K K Ragesh
KANNUR: CPM district secretary K K Ragesh has said that the UDF and Congress should not try to blame the CPM for not having enough people to contest in the elections. He said the Congress has spread false claims across the state, including allegations regarding destruction of Mahatma Gandhis statue, and boasted about conquering Malappattam panchayat, while they themselves were unable to find even two candidates to file nominations in the panchayat. Instead of addressing their own shortcomings, Congress is attempting to shift the blame onto the CPM. They even circulated false news that the CPM had kidnapped a person who submitted nomination in Anthoor municipality, but when the police checked, the person was found safe at home, said Ragesh. He pointed out that in Anthoor municipality, five members of a single family are contesting in five different wards under the UDF banner. However, he said the UDF had to withdraw nominations in two wards simply because they could not find people to propose their candidates. In Kannapuram panchayat, a candidate sent their oath through WhatsApp instead of appearing before the returning officer. While a proposer can submit the nomination form on behalf of the candidate, the oath must be taken by the candidate in front of a gazetted officer, who must certify it. Since it was not followed, their nomination was cancelled. Fake signature forced a UDF candidate out of fray In Malappattam, Ragesh said, the candidate filed the nomination using a fake signature. Four earlier signatures were on record, and all of them differed from the one provided at the time of submitting the nomination papers. When the person came to sign, the signature did not match any of the previously given ones.
Bar hotel employee found dead in Kannur
Rebels, turncoats pose headache for fronts in Kerala local body elections
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Local body polls often act as a launch pad for new political faces, making them a keenly watched affair. These elections spawn leaders, disruptors, and at times kingmakers. Unlike general elections, voters are often kinder to those hopping from one party to another, finding fault with the policies they had espoused earlier, and contesting on a new label. The cabin of democracy during local body polls is so accommodating that there is room for turncoats and rebels. It is no different this time either. The three major political fronts LDF, UDF and NDA are having to deal with aspirants who can upset their apple cart. In Thiruvananthapuram corporation, where the LDF is locked in a seesaw fight with the NDA to retain power, intra-party feud in at least two divisions are giving the left coalition a headache. Former Desabhimani Thiruvananthapuram bureau chief K Sreekandan, a party member for the past four decades, is contesting from Ulloor ward, an LDF bastion, as an independent. He decided to throw down the gauntlet after the CPM agreed on another candidate. The bitterness prompted Sreekandan to come out against former minister and party strongman Kadakampally Surendran, accusing him of a deal with the BJP. In Chempazhanthy, former CPM local committee member Annie Asokan is contesting as a rebel candidate. The Kazhakoottam block panchayat president from 2004 to 2010, she chose to be a rebel after the party opted for Sheela Mohanan. Annies ire was also directed against Kadakampally. In CPMs sitting ward of Vazhottukonam, former CPM branch secretary K V Mohanan is contesting as a rebel candidate. His justification of going against the party is that a person having real estate interests has been picked as the candidate. For the UDF, too, which is trying to offset the previous electoral losses, is also bogged down by defections. K Maheswaran Nair, a former Leader of Opposition in the corporation and a four-time councillor from the Poojappura ward, has joined the BJP and is contesting from Punnakkamugal. Former Congress leader Padmini Thomas, who had joined the saffron party, is the NDA candidate in the Palayam ward. Another former Congress leader, Thampanoor Satheesh, is in the fray in Thampanoor for the NDA. In Kochi corporation, defection has been the order of the day. In the previous elections, the LDF won 33 seats and managed to garner the support of two independent candidates to grab power in the 74-member council. The UDF won 31 seats, while the NDA and independent candidates won five each. Muslim League rebel T K Ashraf, who had supported the LDF last time and was given the health standing committee chairperson post in return, has made a homecoming and has been fielded as the UDF candidate from North Kaloor. P M Harris, a League councillor and a former public workbns standing committee chairperson, is the LDF candidate against Ashraf. On its part, the LDF has fielded six former UDF councillors to retain power. In Vyttila division, CPM former area committee member V P Chandran has been fielded as an independent candidate by the UDF. In a tit-for-tat response, former KPCC member A B Sabu was fielded by the CPM as their candidate. Thoppumpady councillor Sheeba Durom, who was suspended from the Congress party in 2023, will now contest the election on behalf of the LDF from the same ward. Gracy Joseph, the LDF candidate in Kathrikadavu division, was a UDF councillor and was suspended by the Ernakulam District Congress Committee (DCC) in 2020. Another candidate, M B Muraleedharan, contesting from Vennala, was a three-term Congress councillor and was also the UDF parliamentary party secretary. Former Congress councillor Mary Calista Prakashan, who represented the Mundamveli division, is contesting from the same ward on a CPM ticket this time. Malini Kurup, a three-term councillor, has already left the Congress after being denied the Girinagar seat. This came as a shocker for the Congress which had witnessed its Vyttila councillor Sunitha Dixon joining the BJP and declared as its candidate in Ponnurunni East. Devankulangara councillor Santha Vijayan too defected. In Thrissur corporation, which has a rich history of turncoats becoming kingmakers, there is no dearth of rebels and turncoats this time too. Mayor M K Varghese himself was a Congress rebel candidate after the party denied him a seat in 2020. Varghese won the election and pledged support to the LDF, which cobbled up votes barely enough to catapult it to power. Varghese entered into a pact with the LDF and became the mayor. Former deputy mayor and LDF councillor for 15 years, Beena Murali has announced that she will contest from Krishnapuram as an independent. She had resigned from the CPI after being refused a seat. Janata Dal (S) councillor Sheeba Babu has now joined the BJP and will contest as the party candidate from Kalathode. The BJP too has to endure rebel woes as I Lalithambika, the partys councillor from Kuttankulangara, has deserted the ship. She is contesting as a CPI-backed independent from the same division. UDFs Kuriachira councillor Nimmy Rappai has left the Congress and is now contesting as an LDF-backed candidate. In Kannur corporation, the spotlight for the past 10 years was on P K Ragesh, a rebel Congress leader. He helped shape the corporations political landscape by helping to elect its first mayor, E. P. Latha of the LDF, in 2015. At the time, the UDF and the LDF had won 27 seats each in the 55-member council, while Ragesh secured a seat as an independent after breaking away from the Congress. By extending his support to the LDF, he was made the deputy mayor. However, in 2019, he shifted his stance by successfully backing a UDF-led no-confidence motion against Latha. Later that year, following compromise talks initiated by K Sudhakaran, he rejoined the Congress, paving the way for Congress leader Suma Balakrishnan to become the mayor while he retained the post of deputy mayor. He was expelled in 2023 from the party due to an internal feud. Now, he is working through the Rajivji Cultural Forum, which plans to field candidates in several wards of the corporation under the banner of Aikya Janadhipathya Samrakshana Samithi. Senior leaders who switched sides Former Congress leader K. Maheswaran Nair, ex-Leader of the Opposition in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. Now contesting as NDA candidate Thampanoor Satheesh, once a close aide of K Karunakaran, is now contesting for the NDA from Thampanoor Former rebel Congress leader P K Ragesh became deputy mayor under the LDF regime. Now, he leads Aikya Janadhipathya Samrakshana Samithi LDF candidate in Kathrikadavu, Gracy Joseph, was earlier a UDF councillor. She was suspended from Congress in 2020 Muslim League rebel T K Ashraf had supported LDF last time. He has made a homecoming and is now the UDF candidate from North Kaloor in Kochi Thrissurs ex-deputy mayor, CPIs Beena Murali, is contesting from Krishnapuram as an independent CPM former area committee member V P Chandran has been fielded as an independent candidate by the UDF in the Vyttila division of the Kochi corporation Forgiving voters Unlike general elections, voters are often kinder to those hopping from one party to another, finding fault with the policies they had espoused earlier, and contesting on a new label during local body polls
NIA to probe wider conspiracy in 2010 Kerala professor hand-chopping case
KOCHI: Nearly 15 years after the brutal hand-chopping attack on college professor T J Joseph, and the arrest of first accused Savad last year, the National Investigation Agency is set to carry out further investigation to determine whether more members of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) were involved in the heinous assault. According to NIA, the custodial interrogation of Savad, who allegedly severed the professors right palm, had exposed a network of alleged PFI operatives who sheltered and arranged employment to him in Tamil Nadu and Kerala while he was on the run. Further investigation is necessary to secure additional scientific evidence and ascertain the role of other individuals in the wider conspiracy that may have fuelled the attack, the agency told the NIA Special Court in Ernakulam on Thursday. The court accepted the agencys Kochi units request. As per the NIA chargesheet, the accused attacked Joseph, former Malayalam professor at Newman College, Thodupuzha, on July 4, 2010. It said Savad chopped off the victims right palm and threw it away in the nearby compound as part of executing their radical belief. While chopping off the hand, Savad uttered that This hand that insults Islam will not be used in future, the NIA chargesheet said. After nearly 14 years on the run, Savad was arrested by the NIA on January 10, 2024 from Kannur, where he was living under the pseudonym Shajahan. The NIA had filed a chargesheet against 27 accused persons under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Explosive Substances Act and Indian Penal Code. After the trial, the NIA Special Court in Ernakulam convicted 19 accused in 2023. Since Savad was absconding, the case against him was split up and refiled. Trial of Savad and Shaffer pending In its latest submission, the NIA said after the crucial arrest, the investigation found that Shaffer C, a PFI cadre, willfully arranged shelter and provided other logistics support to Savad at Chakkad and Mattannur in Kannur from 2020 till his arrest. He was arraigned as the 55th accused and remanded in judicial custody. Savads custodial interrogation revealed that PFI cadre/leaders arranged shelter and secured employment for him at Pandrimalai in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, and in Kannur. Savads lawyer termed the NIAs move a tactics to delay his pending trial. The trial of Shaffer is also pending. Recap July 4, 2010: Seven PFI members attack Malayalam prof T J Joseph, chop off his right wrist for allegedly hurting religious sentiments 2015 & 2023: A Total 19 accused were convicted by NIA court; trial was held in two phases January 10, 2024: First accused Savad arrested from Kannur after nearly 14 years; trial pending
LDF claims win in 10 wards in Kannur, Kasaragod
With no opposition, LDF secures four wins in Kannur
CPI(M) bags two seats in Anthoor municipality and two in Malapattam grama panchayat. DCC president says UDF candidates nominations were rejected to help the LDFs cause
Another BLO Dies By Suicide In Bengal, Family Alleges SIR Work-Related Stress; Note Recovered
Rinku Tarafdar, a BLO in West Bengal, was found dead amid SIR workload stress. Similar suicides occurred in Jalpaiguri, Jaipur, and Kannur. Mamata Banerjee urged suspension of SIR.
164 of 165 CCTVs faulty at Viyyur prison, admits superintendent in court
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a stunning disclosure, the superintendent of Viyyur high-security prison admitted that 164 of the facilitys 165 CCTV cameras are defunct, leaving the prison without meaningful surveillance for over a year. Rajesh Kumar R S made the revelation before the Ernakulam NIA special court on Thursday. Installed on February 28, 2019, the cameras stopped working after the five-year warranty expired. The assistant engineer of PWDs electronics division in Thrissur reported that both the network switch and cameras are damaged, rendering the entire system useless. The court was hearing a petition filed by NIA case undertrial Manoj P M, in which he alleged that he and fellow inmate Azharuddin were brutally assaulted by prison staff following an altercation with the warden on November 13. When the court sought CCTV footage, the superintendent submitted that since the cameras are malfunctioning he could not produce it. The medical records submitted before the court also purported to throw light on the systematic legal and human rights violations at the facility. According to the petition, around 15 jail officials dragged the two prisoners out of their cells after 6pm, in violation of prison regulations that prohibit removal after lock-up. They were allegedly beaten, denied medical treatment, and transferred before dawn the next day -- Manoj to Poojappura central prison and Azharuddin to Kannur central prison -- though a Thrissur district hospital doctor advised further treatment for Manoj. Manoj claims that he was further beaten up by Poojappura prison staff. He was reportedly admitted to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital, after he began a hunger strike. The medical reports submitted to the court state that the patient sustained trauma to head and abdomen around 5pm on November 13. He had sustained severe injuries including subcutaneous hematoma to left premaxillary, left frontal and left periorbital region. He also alleged that while his plea to file a complaint was denied, a counter complaint was registered against him for allegedly assaulting prison staff. Unimpressed by the explanations of both the superintendents of Viyyur and Poojappura prisons after they failed to produce Manoj on a video call, the two-member NIA court on Thursday directed the superintendent of Viyyur prison to appear in person on November 24. The superintendents of central prison Poojappura shall produce the accused personally on the 24th, the order said.
Congress fields senior leader in Vengad panchayats 15th ward in Kannur
Congress rebel predicts repeat of 2015 in Kannur Corporation
Renewed visa Israeli gift for Kannur womans heroics during Hamas attack
KOCHI: There are many real-life heroes among us who dont court attention, but end up getting recognised nonetheless. During the Hamas offensive of October 7, 2023, Sabitha Baby displayed great presence of mind and bravery in safeguarding the elderly couple she was caring for in Kibbutz Nir Oz, a settlement in southern Israel, near the Gaza border. And, as it ended up, the 40-year-olds effort didnt go unnoticed. The Israeli government has approved Sabithas second-term B1 regular work visa, which is automatically renewed annually for every five-year term. This is a gracious gift from the Israeli government. Now, if I want to stay beyond five years, I can renew my visa, Sabitha told TNIE by phone from Nir Oz. The standard duration for an Israeli caregiver work permit/visa (B1) is five years and three months. The countrys regulations permit extensions or re-employment under specific guidelines for caregivers who have been in the country for between 52 to 63 months. New guidelines allow workers to take on temporary positions while still in Israel, up to the 63-month limit. Prior to October 7, 2023, Israel used to recruit workers from Gaza, said Sabitha, who hails from Kannur. However, this stopped after the Hamas attack. The need for trained caregivers and workers in other sectors increased. The elderly couple who were under Sabithas care passed away not long after this. At the time, she had completed three years and eight months in her caregiving role in the country. Taking a job with another employer, she continued working in Israel for four years and five months. The Israeli government allows a caregiver to stay back for a year, under a humanitarian visa, if the patient being cared for dies during the period of the visa. After the surviving member of the couple she was caring for was transferred to a nursing home, Sabitha only had a few months left on her visa. So, she decided to apply for jobs that open up when contracted caregivers take vacation leave. Around the time, I received a call enquiring whether I would be ready to work in Nir Oz. I was contacted by Dalit, the daughter of the elderly couple, Rachel and Shmoulic, whom I had been taking care of when Hamas struck. She asked me to come back as she had a job for me in the community. I was contracted to look after an elderly woman named Margalit Moses, who had been abducted by Hamas. She was released as part of the second ceasefire deal, said Sabitha. Good fortune smiled on Sabitha when the Moses family and Dalit moved papers highlighting her contribution in safeguarding Israeli citizens. The government cleared the papers within two hours and granted me a regular visa. This is a rarity in Israel, added Sabitha. Reliving the memories of the Hamas offensive, Sabitha said, The house we lived in had been converted into a transit spot by militants. Hence, it was not burnt down. All other houses on both sides of the streets had been looted and gutted, their occupants either abducted or killed. Sabitha and her colleague Meera managed to barricade the safe room of the house for more than 12 hours. Since arriving in Israel in 2021, I have witnessed frequent bombings. But, October 7, 2023, was something very different. We were saved by the grace of God, she reminisced.
Face value! Giridharans moustache proves a smash hit on campaign trail
KANNUR: In the busy run-up to the local-body election, the UDF candidate for ward 9 of Valapattanam grama panchayat has been drawing attention for reasons far removed from political slogans or campaign promises. A popular figure in his locality of Kalarivathukkal, Giridharan V V stands out instantly in any crowd with his large, carefully groomed moustache, that has become his signature. Locals say that he looks like a character straight out of a film, and his distinguishing style has made him easily recognisable on the campaign trail. While others rely on posters and loudspeakers, the 70-year-olds unique look has already made him a memorable figure this election season. I used to maintain a small moustache before joining the military in 1976. After two years, I started growing it, and it started to gain attention. Throughout my service, both senior officers and colleagues appreciated my moustache. The only time I ever trimmed it was for my wedding, after which I let it grow back to its full, signature form, says Giridharan. It was smooth sailing as Giridharan went door-to-door on the hustings in his neighbourhood. But further afield, people were pleasantly surprised to see a candidate with such a striking face. But once his campaign photos began circulating, his distinctive moustache started attracting wider attention. What was once a local trademark soon becoming a talking point beyond the ward, adding to his popularity as the election season progressed. Many venture to ask him about his distinctive facial hair, with some even requesting permission to touch it -- which he obliges, albeit with a little hesitation. Several others make do with requests for photographs and selfies. Giridharan adds that even in Kalarivathukkal, people to whom his name may not ring a bell identify him by his moustache. Hailing from a family with a strong Congress background, several of his relatives have contested elections in the past. Growing up in such an environment gave Giridharan an early understanding of politics, which eventually inspired him to step forward and contest the election himself.
Kannur farmer reaps 25-ft CPM symbol at farm
KANNUR: In the village of Palanad in Koodali panchayat, a simple paddy field has unexpectedly transformed into a popular photography spot in the election fervour, drawing curious local residents and party workers alike. The centre of attention is a striking CPM party symbol featuring the hammer, sickle, and star, carefully crafted using grass by 58-year-old P Madhusoodanan. The grass-art installation stands out not just for its 25-ft size and precision, but for the dedication behind it, turning a patch of farmland into a living canvas that celebrates political enthusiasm. Madhusoodanan has been nurturing this unique hobby for years. A farmer by profession, he also works as a security guard at a nearby school, and it is after his duty hours that he dedicates his time to craft these imaginative works. During the previous election as well, Madhusoodanan has shaped various figures and symbols using different natural materials, contributing creatively to campaigning. He said that his latest creation was born out of his desire to support the CPM in the local body elections. He said he had been tending to the grass that grew naturally in the paddy field for several weeks, carefully trimming and shaping it so that it retained both its form and thickness. Using simple tools like a spade, shovel, and knife, he patiently carved out the party symbol, turning the field into a stunning display of his craftsmanship. Madhusoodanan never reveals his ideas in advance, choosing instead to surprise everyone with his unique creations. His latest work quickly drew admiration from friends, family, and people in the neighbourhood. Madhusoodanan said this was the first time he had attempted such a large creation using grass. He said that several other plants had to be cleared with care to shape the design properly. The 25-ft-wide symbol, he added, will be maintained until the election results are out.
BLO workload allegations CPM, Congress agenda: Muraleedharan
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ahead of the local body elections, senior BJP leader V Muraleedharan speaks to TNIE about the partys position on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), of electoral rolls, the recent controversies related to officials poll-related workload, and the BJPs expectations, particularly in Thiruvananthapuram. Key excerpts: BJP was the only party that supported implementing SIR amidst the local body elections. Recently, a BLO in Kannur died by suicide, and his family claims it was due to SIR-related workload. Has the BJP now changed its stand on SIR? The district collector has already clarified that the incident in Kannur had no connection with the SIR. A large percentage of employees engaged as BLOs belong to the CPM and Congress. Thus, they are making such allegations based on political interests. What pressure do BLOs face? The public fill out the forms, BLOs only have to distribute them to households. This is purely political agenda of the CPM and Congress. There is no change in BJPs stand on SIR. It is essential to prevent bogus voting. Congress alleges CPM engages in bogus voting in Kerala, yet it opposes SIR. It is contradictory. What are the first major decisions usually ken by BJP-led panchayats, corporations, and municipalities? We generally prioritise issues related to roads, waste management and drinking water. Thiruvananthapuram is considered the BJPs strongest local body. Will the recent suicides affect its poll prospects? The party has already responded to that issue. So it wouldnt be appropriate for me to comment further. Do you see this local body elections as an assessment of the governments performance? Every election is an evaluation of the government and the local administration. This election too is the peoples assessment of the governments performance. What is your message to voters? People have realised that development will not happen under the UDF or LDF, which have ruled so far. Voters should support a change, and for that, they should back the NDA.
Aneeshs suicide: BLO was under pressure from CPM, alleges Congress
KANNUR: The Congress has alleged that booth-level officer (BLO) Aneesh George, who died by suicide on Sunday, was pressured by the CPM. Releasing audio of a phone conversation between the BLO and Congress worker and booth-level agent (BLA) Vyshakh at a news conference here on Monday, DCC president Martin George said that BLAs deputed by political parties are supposed to accompany BLOs to help identify households. However, instead of sending the BLA, CPM deputed its branch secretary Chandran to accompany the BLO. On the second day, Chandran was replaced by a DYFI leader. On the third, Aneesh reportedly called Vyshakh and told him not to accompany him as there were problems. Martin said the CPM put pressure on the BLO not to take the Congress BLA along with him on house visits. But the CPM dismissed the allegation. Party local secretary T Thamban termed it politically motivated. Opposition leader in Kerala alleges CPM role in Payyannur BLO suicide case Meanwhile, rejecting the Kannur district collectors claim that Aneesh had not been subjected to any work-related pressure, his family members and those close to him said that pressure was mounting on the BLO. According to them, Aneesh had been visibly stressed in the days leading up to his death, struggling with the responsibilities assigned to him as part of the electoral list revision work. T Vijayan, the CPM candidate from Ettukudukka and a close acquaintance of Aneeshs family, shared how the latters parents had described the mounting stress he was under in the days before his death. According to them, Aneesh would often stay awake late into the night, sometimes even until 1am, overwhelmed by the stress of his BLO duties and frequently walking back and forth. Seeing him struggle, his parents would sit with him and try to comfort him, unaware that the pressure he faced was far heavier than he let on. Vijayan said Aneesh was unfamiliar with the area he was assigned to and felt he lacked the confidence needed to handle the responsibilities of BLO, leaving him increasingly distressed. Those who knew Aneesh described him as someone who kept to himself and had limited interaction with people outside his daily routine. He would go from home to school and church, rarely spending time with neighbours or the wider community. Because of this, he was not well acquainted with residents in the booth area assigned to him. This lack of familiarity added to his stress, as he struggled to carry out his duties as BLO in a place where he barely knew the people. Shyju, a relative, said Aneesh had become fully absorbed in his booth-level duties, leaving him with little to no time to spend with his family. He only wanted to complete the duty. In a statement released on November 16, the district collector noted that Aneesh had been making good progress with his form distribution work. He had distributed 825 of the 1,065 forms, with 240 pending. On the morning of the incident, around 8.45am, the BLO supervisor called Aneesh to ask if he needed any help with the remaining forms. Aneesh replied that he would complete the work on his own, the collector said.
BLO given tearful farewell in Kannur
Car Gets Stuck Between 2 Sections Of Under-Construction Bridge In Kerala
A Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire got stuck between two sections of an under-construction bridge and was left hanging mid-air in Kerala's Kannur district on Sunday after its driver entered the flyover while drunk.
Congress, BJP allege CPI(M) threat led to BLO Aneesh Georges death
Kannur District Congress Committee (DCC) president releases audio clip to back the claim.
121 nominations filed in Kannur for local body polls on day 1
UDF finalises seat-sharing in Kannur Corporation; candidate list released
Opposition leader in Kerala alleges CPM role in Payyannur BLO suicide case
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, V.D. Satheesan has alleged that CPM had a 'role' in the suicide of booth-level officer Aneesh George in Payyannur. He said the CPM leaders threatened the BLO for taking the Congress BLA along for SIR-related activities. He added that the pressure of this threat and the stress due to workload pushed the officer to end his life. He demanded a serious and convincing investigation by the government and said that the Election Commission should study the issue with greater seriousness. He said BLOs across the State have been reporting heavy workload. Most of them are women who struggle to complete the assigned tasks. They must visit each house three times, and each booth has between 700 and 1500 voters. He alleged that both the BJP and CPM are trying to misuse the SIR system to prevent UDF-supported votes from being added. According to him, the BJP implements SIR with malicious intent, and CPM carries out the same intent in another manner in Kerala. He said the UDF will resist such attempts and will challenge any disruption of honest poll procedures both politically and legally. BLO dies by suicide in Kannur; family blames pressure from SIR work The opposition leader said the BJP has witnessed two suicides and one suicide attempt recently. He said the suicide notes refer to financial dealings involving BJP leaders. He also asserted that senior BJP leader M S Kumar has raised grave allegations against the party leadership, and veteran leaders too have made serious charges against the new leadership. He alleged that CPM is trying to establish links with the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram at a time when the party is embroiled in allegations and financial dealings. He said two former CPM leaders, who were a block panchayat president and a Deshabhimani bureau chief, have made serious allegations against Kadakampally Surendran. Senior leaders who left the party have alleged that the former minister is a BJP agent. He said CPM has fielded a person who used to be in RSS as the LDF candidate in Pangode ward. Kerala SIR: ECI receives first filled-out enumeration form from tribal voter He alleged CPM has stepped in to help BJP in Thiruvananthapuram as the party weakens. He described this as the latest example of what he called the BJP-CPM illicit nexus. He also alleged that in Thrissur, the Chief Minister asked ADGP M R Ajith Kumar to hold talks with RSS leader Hosabale to help the BJP win, which also affected the Pooram. On Vyshna Suresh's issue, he said she is a voter in the ward where she is contesting. Her name was removed from the voter list due to an incorrect house number. He said she produced clear evidence during the hearing and is not a bogus voter. He alleged that the complainant has multiple votes and that both CPM and BJP are trying to tamper with the voter list. He warned that the Election Commission must not support what he described as a vile attempt to remove her name in anticipation of her candidature. He pressed that the commission must make her eligible to vote.
IUML leader P.K. Kunhalikutty alleges unholy haste by ECI in conducting SIR in Kerala
IUML raises various issues, including death of Kannur booth level officer allegedly due to work pressure, as reasons for seeking a halt to SIR in Supreme Court
Kannur BLOs death linked to work pressure, claims panchayat president
Kankol-Alappadamba panchayat president M.V. Sunil Kumar says Aneesh George was under extreme pressure adding that he repeatedly told superiors he was unable to cope with the responsibilities assigned
SIR claims a life in Kerala? 44-year-old BLO dies by suicide, family alleges...
A 44-year-old Booth Level Officer (BLO) in Kerala's Kannur district was found dead at his home, allegedly due to mental pressure from Special Intensive Revision (SIR) duties.
Kerala's electoral roll revision faces a boycott by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) on Monday following the death of one in Kannur, allegedly due to intense work pressure. Trade unions claim unrealistic targets for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and upcoming local body polls are pushing BLOs to the brink. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the BLO's death.
BLO's Suicide in Kannur Triggers Huge Protest in Kerala
Who took the extreme step because of alleged huge work pressure on Sunday
Kannur BLO Commits Suicide Amid SIR-Related Work Stress
Local people and his family members alleged that Aneesh George (44) took the extreme step due to work pressure in connection with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls.
BLO dies by suicide in Kannur; family blames pressure from SIR work
KANNUR: A sense of shock spread through Ettukudukka in the KankolAlappadamba panchayat near Payyannur after 41-year-old Aneesh George was found dead at his home on Sunday, in what is suspected to be a case of suicide. Aneesh, a school attendant who was also serving as a booth-level officer (BLO), had been actively involved in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the states electoral roll. According to his family and neighbours, he had been struggling under immense pressure related to the task. Shyju V K, a neighbour of Aneesh, said, He took his family to church in the morning and returned home, and it was after that he ended his life. Although he faced some difficulty understanding a few houses during his BLO work, he managed by asking others for help. We never imagined he would take such a step. He leaves behind his wife and two children. Following the incident, Peringome police registered a case of unnatural death under BNSS 194 on November 16. According to the police report, he hanged himself from a hook in the hall on the upper floor of his house. Kannur District Collector Arun K. Vijayan, IAS said, Our preliminary inquiry shows no signs of work-related pressure. Aneesh had been performing well as a BLO. In the first phase of the SIR processdistributing enumeration forms to householdshe had already completed 77% of the work in his ward under the Payyannur Assembly constituency. The Chief Electoral Officer has asked for a detailed report on his death. After combining the findings from the ERO and the police, a consolidated report will be sent to the CEO. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)
Extend deadline for Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls: CPI State secretary Binoy Viswam
He was reacting to the alleged suicide of a booth-level officer, Aneesh George, in Kannur
Case of unnatural death registered after booth-level officer found dead in Kannur
Chief Electoral Officer seeks report from District Collector on the incident
Woman under treatment at Kannur MCH found dead
Kerala local body polls: CPI(M) announces new line-up for Kannur district panchayat polls
CPI(M) demands VACB probe into corruption in Kannur Corporation
Kodi Sunis mother approaches Kerala HC, seeking his transfer to Kannur prison
LDF finalises seat allocation for Kannur district panchayat polls
Malappuram clinches hat-trick win in Kerala school science fest
Malappuram secures 1,548 points to claim the championship for the third consecutive year. Though Palakkad and Kannur record 1,487 points each, Palakkad takes second place on the basis of 17 first prizes it won and Kannur third.
Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha and Ernakulam will go to polls on December 9. Thrissur, Malappuram, Wayanad, Palakkad, Kannur, Kasaragod, Kannur and Kozhikode on December 11
Anusree, now a CPI(M) district committee member, is being positioned as the likely district panchayat vice-president if the Left front retains the council. The party is banking on new faces to strengthen its hold on the Kannur district panchayat
LSGD identifies new sites for regional sanitary waste incineration facilities in Kerala
The proposed plants, each capable of processing 20 tonnes of waste per day, will be established in Kottarakara in Kollam, Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam, Kuttippuram in Malappuram and Kadannappalli in Kannur.
Entries invited for short film contest at Kannur University
Kannur Corporation denies graft charge, says STP yet to get clearance
Kannur University senate members flag data-fraud risk in exam registration process
SIR of voters list begins in Kannur; writer T. Padmanabhan fills first enumeration form
Man, stabbed by relative, succumbs to injuries at Kelakam in Kannur
Three-month-old baby found dead in well in Keralas Kannur; case registered
Covid death relief only for 500 docs kin: RTI
NEW DELHI: Only 500 families of doctors who succumbed to COVID-19 during the first and second waves have been compensated by the government so far, latest RTI data has revealed. Though the union government has always maintained that they dont have data on the total number of doctors who died during the pandemic, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has put the number at nearly 1,600. According to the RTI, the government has paid compensation to 500 families of doctors so far. The latest figure of families of doctors who have been compensated so far comes in the backdrop of the Supreme Courts order of October 28, which observed that Society will not forgive us if we dont take care of our doctors and dont stand for them. The apex court was considering a plea that raised the issue of the eligibility of private doctors under the governments insurance scheme, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP), announced on March 30, 2020. The SC, which heard the matter after nearly two years, underlined the need to support doctors who put themselves on the line during the COVID-19 pandemic, even if they were working in private hospitals, and lost their lives during the pandemic. According to Dr KV Babu, who has been pursuing the issue since 2022, although the government does not have data on the number of doctors who are beneficiaries of the insurance scheme, a rough estimate indicates only 500 doctors families have received compensation so far. As per the scheme, insurance coverage of `50 lakh would be provided to healthcare providers, including community and private health workers, who succumbed to COVID-19. In his RTI, filed on September 22, Dr Babu had asked for the total number of beneficiaries under the scheme who died of COVID-19 and the amount disbursed to them from March 30, 2020, to date; the total number of doctors who are the beneficiaries and the amount disbursed to them till now and state-wise data from Delhi and Kerala. To the RTI queries from the Kannur-based ophthalmologist, The New India Assurance Company Ltd., which is disbursing the compensation, stated that the total number of claims settled by them for all health workers under the scheme is 2,294. Total amount disbursed is `1147 crores up to 11 June 2024. We were directed by the Ministry to hand over all the pending original PMGKP claim documents to the concerned department of the Ministry. Accordingly, we have handed all original files to them on 12th June 2024. They will handle all the pending as well as future claims. Hence, data is not available as on date, said the insurance company.
Three Pharma students from Karnataka drown in Kannur
Three Medicos Drown Off Kannur Coast
The incident occurred around 11 am when a group of eight students entered the sea for a swim.
Multi-level parking facility opened in Kannur
Aviation growth story piggybacking on foreign travel: AAI report
NEW DELHI: The growing desire for international travel continues to fuel Indias aviation growth story. According to the latest data released by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the first half of the current financial year, foreign travel has surged by nearly 7% compared to the same period last year. The Air Traffic Report, made public on Wednesday, shows that 3.95 crore passengers travelled abroad from India between April and September 2025, up from 3.69 crore during the same period in 2024. Overall passenger traffic grew by 2.6%, with 20.21 crore people flying in the six-month period this year compared to 19.69 crore last year. Domestic air travel recorded a modest 1.6% increase, with 16.25 crore passengers this year versus 15.99 crore in the previous fiscal period. The total Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) arrivals plus departures rose by 2.8%, reaching 15.77 lakh in AprilSeptember 2025 compared to 15.35 lakh last year. Thanks to airlines regularly announcing new international routes, several relatively smaller airports such as Surat, Coimbatore, Guwahati, Jaipur, Varanasi, Mangaluru, Kannur, Bagdogra, Pune, Indore, and Udaipur have registered strong double-digit growth in international passenger traffic. Among them, Bagdogra and Coimbatore posted remarkable increases of 51% (13,492 flyers) and 50.5% (1,60,597 flyers), respectively, in AprilSeptember 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Among major airports, Bengaluru recorded an impressive 28.9% surge in international traffic, handling 34,58,308 passengers in the first half of the current financial year. Hyderabad showed substantial growth of 19%, while Mumbai registered a 5.6% increase. Delhi, however, saw a slight 0.5% decline. Domestic Travel Trends Sindhudurg Airport reported the highest growth in domestic passenger traffic, with an 84.1% increase and 21,936 flyers over the previous financial year. Other airports that recorded notable growth include Kishangarh (65.7%, 59,421 flyers), Darbhanga (64.3%, 3,86,174), Gorakhpur (57.5%, 5,62,596), Cuddapah (53.9%, 33,973), and Pithoragarh (56.5%, 8,215). Airports such as Tiruchirappalli (55.6%), Tirupati (42.9%), Jeypore (42.1%), Bilaspur (38.1%), Rajahmundry (33.7%), and Kurnool (22.9%) also posted impressive domestic growth figures. Among major airports, both Delhi and Mumbai reported negative growth in domestic travel. The closure of Terminal 2 at IGIA and changes in flight schedules significantly impacted Delhis numbers, which dropped by 5.8% to 2,64,91,445 passengers, compared to 2,81,07,645 last year. Mumbai saw a 0.8% dip, handling 1,91,02,987 passengers. Meanwhile, Hyderabad registered strong domestic growth of 11.3% with 1,26,64,800 flyers, while Chennai saw a 5.1% increase with 83,79,339 passengers.
Safety concerns over stadium in Kannur mount ahead of football league
The ground will serve as the home venue for Kannur Warriors FC, which will play its first Super League Kerala match here on November 7
State-wide crackdown nets 263 in cyber financial fraud cases
The Ernakulam Rural police recorded the highest number of arrests in the drive, nabbing 43 suspects. Malappuram came second with 30 arrests, followed by Kannur City and Kozhikode City
The protesters shouted slogans demanding the Ministers resignation, holding him responsible for the alleged gold theft in Sabarimala
Two multi-level parking centres to be opened in Kannur city on Nov. 1
The fully-automated parking centres were built at a cost of 12.4 crore under the AMRUT project
Congress high command issues stern warning to Kerala unit
NEW DELHI/TPURAM: Worried over the deepening factional feud within the Congress in Kerala, the partys central leadership has bluntly told the state leaders to mend their ways and project a united front before the people ahead of the crucial local body and assembly elections. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi held closed-door one-on-one meetings with state leaders, sources said. Incidentally, AICC general secretary (organization) K C Venugopal and general secretary in-charge of Kerala Deepa Dasmunshi did not attend the meetings, they said. A leader told TNIE that he has conveyed to the leadership that the open fights between top leaders are impacting the prospects of the party in the upcoming elections. Another leader said he discussed the disquiet in the party over the recent Youth Congress rejig. State party chief Sunny Joseph, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, senior leader Ramesh Chennithala, Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Kannur MP K Sudhakaran were among the leaders who were present. Sudhakaran told reporters after the meeting that a section of leaders is responsible for spoiling the atmosphere of unity in the party. When asked about Sudhakarans remarks, Kharge responded that everything cant be discussed with the media. Satheesan reportedly informed the leadership of his resentment in the delay in publishing the new list of KPCC secretaries. UDF convenor Adoor Prakash expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of consultation when the KPCC general secretary list was prepared. According to sources, the leadership is increasingly concerned over the divide within the state unit and conveyed that it could have serious consequences for the partys poll prospects. However, Kharge told reporters that there was no factionalism in Kerala and the party will return to power in the state. We are holding discussions with all leaders. Later, we will meet younger leaders. After collecting the feedback, we will process it and see what is to be done, he said. Dasmunshi said there are many points to be noted and discussed for the upcoming elections. I am happy that the high command has taken every small issue into consideration. It shows that they are so serious about Kerala, she said. There is no factionalism in the Congress in Kerala. Its all created by the media, the LDF and the BJP. All are unitedly standing for the Congress, she added.
Cyclone Montha likely to bring heavy rainfall in Kerala; orange alert for three districts
An orange alert warning of very heavy rainfall has been issued for three districts Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod on Monday, while the rest of the State, except for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam, has been put on yellow alert
Driver killed after truck plunges into gorge in Keralas Kannur
1 killed, 18 injured as tourist bus overturns on MC Road in Keralas Kottayam
The bus, travelling from Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur, overturned while negotiating a curve around 2 am. 49 people were onboard at the time
Isolated heavy showers to continue in Kerala; yellow alert for six districts on October 26
Yellow alert for Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Thrissur
Shift tribal students from unfit govt school to safe premises in Wayanad: Priyanka Gandhi
Wayanad(Kerala), Oct 23: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday urged Kerala Minister O R Kelu to shift the tribal students of an unfit government school in Wayanad to a safe institution within the district. The Congress MP asked Kelu, the state Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes, to reconsider the decision to relocate them to a school in the neighbouring district of Kannur. Priyanka, the MP from Wayanad constituency, claimed that the governments decision [] The post Shift tribal students from unfit govt school to safe premises in Wayanad: Priyanka Gandhi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Kerala rains: IMD withdraws red alert, puts 10 districts on orange alert
Yellow alert sounded for Kasaragod, Kannur, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday
Local residents said water levels rose rapidly following hours of intense rainfall in upper catchment areas
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Project to support children of incarcerated persons launched in Kannur
SPRUHA Plus targets children aged between eight and 18 years, offering holistic care through legal, emotional, and educational support
The Kerala Excise Department has announced a provisional shortlist for Civil Excise Officer Trainee positions in Kannur. Candidates who passed the Endurance Test can now check their names. Those listed will proceed to the Physical Measurement and Efficiency Test. Applicants should monitor the KPSC website for further details on the upcoming tests and final selection.
Initiate measures to restore mangroves in Kannur, HC tells govt. agencies
Initiate measures to restore mangroves in Kannur, HC tells govt. agencies
Kannur University faculty chosen for Inherit Fellowship
Two Migrant Workers Killed, One Injured in Lightning Strike in Kannur
The victims from Assam and Odisha were walking back to a quarry when lightning struck suddenly in Keralas Kannur district
Second fisherman dies after gas leak fire in Kannurs Puthiyangadi
