Climate report: Warming trend persists in Kerala despite slight relief in 2025
According to Statement on Climate for the State of Kerala: 2025, temperatures remained higher than normal, though the year was significantly cooler than 2024 the warmest year on record for Kerala since observations began in 1901
Speaker A.N. Shamseer halts proceedings twice as Oppositions protests intensified
Kochi airport to become Indias first airport to operate hydrogen-powered buses
Procurement and operation of three hydrogen fuel cell electric buses at Kochi airport is part of Kerala Hydrogen Valley initiative under National Green Hydrogen Mission of Government of India
Kerala Lottery Result Today: Sthree Sakthi SS-505 lottery result will be declared today, on Monday, February 2. Check the live updates and full list of winning numbers from 3 pm.
Fresh parole for Kerala double-murder convicts sparks row, Oppn stages walkout
The case involves the 2019 political killing of Youth Congress workers Kripesh and Sarath Lal in Periya, a village in Kasaragod district in northern Kerala. CPM workers were convicted and handed double life terms by a trial court. Tenth accused Ranjith T was granted 15-day parole Monday, barely two-and-a-half months after similar relief earlier.
From Mongolia to Malabar: rare Isabelline shrike sighted in Kannur
Characterised by its sandy-brown plumage, partial eye mask and reddish tail, the Isabelline shrike breeds in Mongolia and China and migrates to North India, Pakistan and Africa during winter
Kerala CM seeks judicial probe into Roys suicide, writes to FM
Upholstery unit gutted in fire in Kochi
Biju Radhakrishnan, three others booked in fresh cheating case
Three booked on cheating charge
The Kothamangalam police registered a case against three people, including two local BJP leaders, for allegedly cheating a 58-year-old man of nearly 10 lakh
KGMCTA defers boycott of OP services, academics for one week
Kufos launches new initiative to conserve Kadamakudy
As the first phase of the initiative, Kufos will undertake a detailed local-level survey in Kadamakudy panchayat
Kerala youth caught at Bengaluru railway station with 6 bundles of ganja worth Rs 5 lakh
SC junks plea against Kerala PSC policy accepting higher qualifications for junior nurse post
Rajya Sabha takes up Motion of Thanks to Presidents Address
BJP's C Sadanandan Master initiated the debate on the President's Address by accusing Kerala's Left of violence and intolerance, recounting his own leg amputation. The Opposition countered, alleging a societal rift, attacks on minorities, and rising economic disparity, questioning the government's development claims and inclusive growth.
Data shows variety of drugs find takers in Kochi
While suspected ganja and MDMA make up most of the narcotics seized by the authorities, annual data from the police and the Excise show that peddlers have also found a market for other addictive substances in the city and its suburbs
Five from Udayamperoor, two from Thrippunithura bitten by stray dog
The dog was eventually caught by a team of animal handlers from the Kochi Corporation on January 31, 2026, says local body representatives
Grand plans in the making for Idukki hydel projects golden jubilee
The birthday of Keralas largest hydroelectric project falls on February 12. The first stage of the project was dedicated to the nation in 1976 by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi
ASHAs protest against Union Budget
Faunal survey uncovers new species in Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary
The survey, carried out from January 22 to 25 documented 171 bird species, 177 species of butterflies, and 42 species of odonates, with several recorded in the sanctuary for the first time
OP department of Ernakulam MCH functions despite doctors strike
A total of 1,553 patients sought medical services at the department on the day, most of them unaware that such a strike was under way
Payyambalam beach murder: accused found guilty
Man sentenced to double life imprisonment for murdering wife
Alappuzha Additional Sessions Judge Bharathi S. awarded the sentence to Rajeshkumar alias Rajan of Pallipuram near Cherthala for murdering his wife Ambili in 2024
BJP/RSS activists acquitted in murder case of DYFI activist
Court says prosecution failed to prove that the accused were involved in the conspiracy and assault that led to the death in 2013
Robotics kit distribution begins in Kerala schools
The new advanced kits are being distributed to empower students to build IoT (Internet of Things)-based devices
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has requested a judicial inquiry into the death of Confident Group founder CJ Roy. Roy died during an income tax search in Bengaluru. Vijayan highlighted procedural lapses by tax officials. The state government has formed a special investigation team to probe the incident.
Deepak death case: All Kerala Mens Association move HC seeking probe by independent agency
Not all AIIMS are in robust health, says B. Ekbal
Public health activist says of the 26 AIIMS, only the first phase establishments are faring relatively well. Major problems facing the newer institutions are an acute shortage of doctors, infrastructure issues and crowding of patients. Kerala too might face the same issues, despite the State boasting a strong PHC network
Assembly poll buzz builds as Kottayam prepares for major rallies
Rallies by the LDF and UDF are scheduled to arrive in the district this month; BJP has initiated grassroots outreach programmes
Centre announces 3,795-crore budgetary outlay for rail development works in Kerala
Railways clarifies that the announced outlay represents the total project cost of various development works currently under way in the State. This does not mean that the entire 3,795 crore will be spent in next financial year. Rather, it reflects the cumulative cost of projects already under construction
Ayurveda must go beyond tourism product, says Mohamed Riyas
2026-27 State Budget: general discussion begins in Assembly
From Mangolia to Malabar: rare Isabelline shrike sighted in Kannur
Characterised by its sandy-brown plumage, partial eye mask and reddish tail, the Isabelline shrike breeds in Mongolia and China and migrates to North India, Pakistan and Africa during winter
Lookout notice issued for man accused of ramming car into bikers
167 residents seek inclusion in Neelakurinji Sanctuary settlement list
Notices were issued to landholders requiring verification of ownership documents by February 14, with Subcollector V.M. Arya confirming that a proposal to include the excluded residents has been sent to the government.
Bus drivers timely action saves five-year-old from accident
Three held for allegedly duping doctor of 37lakh
MGU partners with foreign universities for global dual degrees
The university has formed academic partnerships with Ghent University (Belgium), Central European University (Vienna), and Leeds Beckett University (U.K.) to offer these programmes
CPI(M) to observe black day against Union Budget on February 3
The CPI(M) State secretariat in a statement on Monday says that the State had raised 29 demands in a discussion with the Union Finance Minister before the Budget, but none were considered
Walayar lynching victims brother launches protest against bail for accused
Ram Narayans brother Sasikanth Baghel urged the State government to move the High Court to seek cancellation of the bail, and also appoint a special public prosecutor to handle the case
Five years on, Keralas first food analytical lab remains a non-starter
Town Planning Committee to examine digital billboards as complaints mount
So far, around 12 large boards mounted on two pillar-like structures have been installed, streaming continuous digital commercials. The Corporation has received numerous complaints about these boards, which are now under consideration by the Town Planning Committee
Moderate rainfall forecast for western ghats due to cyclonic circulations: IMD
Weather officials said a low-level cyclonic circulation is currently active over the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining areas of the Lakshadweep and Kerala coasts. Another low-level cyclonic circulation has also formed over the Comorin Sea and surrounding regions
Emirates marks 20 years of operations from Thiruvananthapuram
Emirates SkyCargo has played a key role in supporting Keralas export-led economy by connecting local producers and businesses to global markets
KSWDCs Escalera 2026 womens fete begins today
Theme-based conclaves, entrepreneurship training sessions, exhibition-cum-sale, and cultural programmes will be held as part the week-long festival
Four-month-old infant found dead in Bekal
CPI(M) will make Dhanaraj martyrs fund accounts public, says Govindan
Party will disclose the accounts at a press conference on February 6, following a directive from the State leadership to clear doubts among cadre
First motorised TAVI in govt. sector performed at Kannur Medical College Hospital
Union Budget has neglected States wildlife conflict crisis: Forest Minister
Unnatural death of youth: Court to consider plea for custody of accused on February 5
BJP national president Nitin Nabin to visit Kerala on February 6, 7
Mr. Nabin is scheduled to review the partys preparations for the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections
NTPC Kayamkulam retirees meet at Cheppad
Medical college doctors boycott OP services indefinitely in Kerala
Demands include payment of pay revision arrears pending since 2016, rectification of pay revision anomalies and appointment of more doctors. Academic activities in medical colleges have come to a halt from January 22.
Opposition stages walkout, boycotts Kerala Assembly proceedings
Move in the wake of Speaker disallowing its notice for an adjournment motion on granting parole to a CPI(M) councillor serving a 20-year prison sentence after being involved in an attempt to kill police personnel by hurling a bomb. Ruling front terms it a non-issue
Periye twin murder case convict granted parole again
10th accused in the case was released on parole two-and-a half months ago. Jail authorities say all norms have been adhered to
E. Sreedharan opens office for high-speed rail project at Ponnani
Technocrat claims he was asked by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to prepare a detailed project report for the proposed 1 lakh-crore high-speed rail corridor. State govt. sceptical about claim as no mention was made about it in the Union Budget
Supreme Court notice on challenge to Kerala HCs dismissal of plea on appointment of temple priests
The plea challenges a Kerala High Court decision that temple priests must be appointed in accordance with religious texts
Kerala Lottery Result Today: Here's full list of winning numbers for Bhagyathara BT-39 lottery for Monday, February 2, 2026.
Sreedharan pushes Kerala bullet train plan despite no mention in Budget 2026
E Sreedharan opened an office in Ponnani to start work on a proposed ThiruvananthapuramKannur high-speed rail project, despite Kerala being excluded from the Union Budget 2026 rail corridors. He said DPR and survey work will begin soon, expressing confidence of central approval
Building startups in Kerala: what a decade of Kerala Startup Mission shows
From college labs to global markets, Kerala Startup Missions decade-long push has shaped how founders scale ideas across robotics, agritech and edtech. From 300 startups in 2016 to over 7,800 today, how has the State shaped Keralas technology ecosystem?
CCTV Video Shows Moment Wild Buffalo Crashed Into Bike Showroom In Kerala
The Forest Department launched a search operation for the animal.
Anvar is UDF candidate in Beypore, confirms KPCC
P.V. Anvar, who emerged victorious from Nilambur, a United Democratic Front (UDF) stronghold, in 2016 and 2021 as a Left Democratic Front-backed Independent candidate, later severed his ties with the front, protesting against the policies of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan
BJP has many invisible friends, Budget 2026 designed for them: Akhilesh Yadav
Opposition leaders have voiced strong criticism of the Union Budget 2026-27. Akhilesh Yadav claims the budget favors invisible associates of the Bharatiya Janata Party. MPs from Kerala have labeled it an 'anti-Kerala Budget'. Vaiko of MDMK alleges discrimination against Tamil Nadu, particularly impacting its textile industry.
Budget: Opposition MPs from Kerala protested the Union Budget, calling it anti-Kerala. Meanwhile, the Kerala Legislative Assembly witnessed scenes of uproar. The Speaker rejected an Opposition notice demanding a discussion on alleged violations of the Kerala Prisons Act. Congress leaders boycotted the session, accusing the government of releasing criminals on parole to protect political interests.
Opinion: Opinion | How Budget 2026 Renders Kerala Invisible
What Kerala needs is not just sympathy or slogans. We need an alternative that commands respect in Delhi and delivers development in Kerala. Right now, we have neither.
Kerala Businessman Shot At, Robbed Of Rs 6 Lakh Outside SBI ATM In Hyderabad
A work visit to Hyderabad turned into a nightmare for this Kerala businessman after he was shot at and robbed of Rs 6 lakh. The 26-year-old businessman was depositing money into a State Bank of India (SBI) ATM when two unidentified men opened fire.
'Forgotten On India's Map': Budget Leaves Kerala Disappointed As State Flags Neglect Ahead Of Polls
CM Pinarayi Vijayan said the states long-standing demands for AIIMS, high-speed corridors for railway development and a special package for Vizhinjam port development were ignored
Mr Vijayan said the suspected death by suicide of the entrepreneur had shocked civic society and the business community. He termed the incident a blot on the countrys tax administration
Political storm erupts over Confident Group chairman C J Roy's suicide during an Income Tax search. Kerala CM seeks a judicial probe, citing procedural lapses and questioning how Roy accessed a firearm. Karnataka opposition echoes concerns over internal failures. Investigators are recording statements and reconstructing the crime scene, noting inconsistencies in initial complaints.
Key Financial Highlights Aster DM Healthcare for Q3 FY26: Revenue for Q3 FY26 grew 13% YoY to INR 1,186 Crs Operating EBITDA (ex-Kasaragod) grew 17% YoY to INR 237 Crs. in Q3 FY26 Operating EBITDA Margins (ex-Kasaragod) stood at 20.2% in Q3 FY26 Vs. 19.3% in Q3 FY25 Normalised PAT 1 (ex-Kasaragod) grew 22% YoY to INR 98 Crs. In Q3 FY26 Aster + QCIL (Combined Proforma) Performance for Q3 FY26 Revenue for Q3FY26 grew by 15% to INR 2,366 Cr Operating EBITDA grew by 22% to INR 503 Cr Operating EBITDA margin stood at 21% Post NCLT order, Shareholders’ meeting to be convened between Feb 27 and Mar 13, 2026 Aster DM Healthcare , one of the leading integrated healthcare service providers in India, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025. Aster DM Healthcare delivers steady Q3 FY26 performance Commenting on the performance for Q3 FY26, Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, said, “As we move closer to the completion of merger between Aster and Quality Care India Limited, the proforma performance of the combined platform remains encouraging. On a proforma basis in Q3 FY26, revenues grew by 15% YoY to Rs. 2,366 Cr and operating EBITDA increased by 22% YoY to Rs. 503 Cr. The combined performance remained largely consistent throughout the three quarters of FY26, supported by strong patient volumes and improving case mix. Over the past year, the combined entity has added over 560 beds, taking the combined capacity to 10,620 beds across 28 cities, with a pipeline of more than 4,000 additional beds to support long-term growth. With continued focus on strengthening clinical talent, leadership depth, and execution excellence, we remain well positioned to deliver sustainable expansion and provide high-quality, accessible healthcare at scale. We are also pleased with the progress made on the merger and are confident of shareholders’ approval pursuant to the NCLT order marking an important step in toward creating a scaled, integrated healthcare platform to become the top 3 hospital chains in India.” On Q3 FY26 performance of Aster DM Healthcare, Dr. Moopen said, “We have delivered a steady performance with revenues increasing 13% YoY to Rs. 1,186 Cr and excluding the impact of the newly commissioned Kasargod facility, operating EBITDA grew 17% year on year, with margins expanding to 20.2%, reflecting strong operating leverage and cost management.” India Performance Highlights Overall Business: Double-digit YoY growth in Revenue & Operating EBITDA led by growth in Kerala, strong growth in international revenue and better case mix ARPP IP rose 9% YoY to INR 1,22,294 in Q3 FY26, driven by improved specialty mix CONGO mix increased by 240 bps to 52% in Q3 FY26 Total patient volume grew by 10% YoY with IP volume growing by 5% YoY and OP volume growing by 11% YoY in Q3 FY26. ALOS improved by 4% YoY to 3.1 days in Q3FY26, aided by increased robotics surgeries and efficient hospital operations Significant growth in MVT revenue by 41% YoY Healthy growth in Oncology revenue by 27% YoY; contribution increased to 11% in Q3 FY26 from 10% in Q3 FY25 Aster Labs revenue grew by 17% YoY in Q3 FY26 and Op. EBITDA grew by 31% YoY with margins improved to 10.5% in Q3 FY26 as compared to 9.4% in Q3 FY25 Core Hospital Business Core hospitals & clinics business delivered an Op. EBITDA margin of 21.4% in Q3 FY26 (22.8% Ex-Kasargod) Matured hospital Operating EBITDA margins stood at 25.1% in Q3 FY26 (24.4% in Q3 FY25) Aster Medcity revenue grew by 24% YoY and Op. EBITDA grew by 33% YoY in Q3 FY26 with margins at 30% Aster MIMS Calicut revenue grew by 14% YoY and Op. EBITDA grew by 20% YoY in Q3 FY26; Margin at 26% Aster Whitefield revenue grew by 14% YoY in Q3 FY26 Cluster-wise Performance: Kerala total patient volume increased by 15% YoY delivering 20% YoY revenue growth Andhra & Telangana revenue grew 13% YoY, supported by 9% YoY increase in total patient volume Growth in Kerala MVT revenue of 64% YoY during the quarter Kerala Cluster Operating EBITDA grew by 18% YoY (28% ex-Kasargod) with margins at 22.9% (25.4% ex. Kasargod) in Q3FY26 from 23.5% in Q3FY25 Andhra & Telangana cluster Operating EBITDA grew by 7% YoY with margin at 13.2% in Q3FY26 Update on Merger Post receipt of the shareholders’, CCI and stock exchange approval, the Company has completed the preferential allotment of ~3.6% stake to Blackstone and TPG in the Company in lieu of initial acquisition of 5.0% stake in Quality Care India Ltd. by the Company. The shares issued under the preferential allotment are now listed on stock exchanges (BSE and NSE). The Company received no-objection letter from the Stock Exchanges for the merger and has made application with National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in December 2025. As per NCLT direction, the shareholders meeting is to be convened between February 27, 2026, and March 13, 2026. The closing of transaction is pending fulfilment of regulatory and compliance requirements, including receipt of NCLT and shareholders’ approval. The transaction is expected to be completed by Q1 FY27. QCIL Q3 FY26 Performance QCIL has posted a strong performance in Q3 FY26, reporting a 17% year-on-year increase in revenue to INR 1,181 Cr. Operating EBITDA grew by 32% to INR 279 Cr, supported by a healthy operating EBITDA margin of 23.7%, underscoring the company’s continued focus on operational excellence and sustainable growth. Combined Proforma Performance for Q3 FY26 The combined entity (Aster and QCIL), with over 10,620+ beds across 39 hospitals in 28 cities, delivered strong proforma results this quarter—revenue up 15% to INR 2,366 Cr and Operating EBITDA up 22% to INR 503 Cr (ex-Kasaragod up by 25% to INR 516 Cr) with healthy EBITDA margin at 21% (22% ex-Kasargod) and ROCE at 20.7% (ex-Kasargod 21.2%), reflecting the platform’s strength and potential. About Aster DM Healthcare, India Aster DM Healthcare Limited is one of the largest healthcare service providers operating in India with a strong presence across primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary healthcare through 20 hospitals with 5,451 beds, 10 clinics, 203 pharmacies (Operated by Alfaone Retail Pharmacies Private Limited under brand license from Aster), and 302 labs and patient experience centers across 5 states in India, delivering a simple yet strong promise to different stakeholders: “We’ll Treat You Well.” DISCLAIMER: Certain statements in this document that are not historical facts are forward looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties like government actions, local, political or economic developments, technological risks, and many other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statements. Aster DM Healthcare will not be in any way responsible for any action taken based on such statements and undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. QCIL Numbers are Indicative and subject to statutory audit adjustments. Proforma numbers for merger entity are also subject to finalization and audit of the merged accounts. Actual amounts, losses or impact on net profit could materially differ from those that have been estimated. In addition, other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated include harmonization of accounting policies and practices.
Kerala Lottery Result Today Live: Bhagyathara BT-39 Winning Numbers For February 2, 2026
Kerala Lottery Result Today: The Bhagyathara BT-39 lottery result will be declared today, on Monday, February 2. Check the live updates and full list of winning numbers from 3 pm.
Union Budget ignores public education, betrays workers: V. Sivankutty
Terming the Budget as anti-worker and pro-corporate, he alleged that the Centre has completely sidelined the working class
PIB Srinagar organises media tour for journalists to Kerala
SRINAGAR: The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Srinagar Region, has organised a press tour for journalists from Srinagar, as part of its ongoing media outreach initiatives. The tour commenced today and will continue till 7 February 2026. A 14-member press delegation, comprising journalists from Srinagar, including organising officials from PIB, is participating in the tour. Ahead []
Budget 2026: India sets out to map rare-earth rich states to build aatmanirbharta amid China threat
India is establishing rare-earth corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu to boost domestic mining, processing, and manufacturing. This strategic move aims to reduce import dependence, particularly for rare earth permanent magnets crucial for electric vehicles and renewable energy, following global supply chain disruptions.
No freebies, only long-term support for poll-bound states in Budget 2026
The Union budget prioritizes long-term growth for poll-bound states. New projects include rare earth mineral corridors in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. High-speed rail corridors will benefit Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Agriculture support targets coconut farmers in Kerala. Tourism development is a key focus with new circuits and destinations. Fisheries and women-led startups also receive attention.
Resist efforts to revive unscientific practices: Kerala CM
Opposition-ruled South has reasons to cheer with higher tax share on its way
The 16th Finance Commission's recommendations will increase central tax devolution to southern states in 2026-27, with Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu set to receive thousands of crores more. While some states acknowledge the increase, Karnataka's Chief Minister expressed disappointment, citing a reduced share of divisible taxes.
Union Budget 2026: A budget for difficult times
Budget 2026 sets the Centres capital expenditure target at 12.2 lakh crore, proposes dedicated rare earth corridors, construction of new national waterways and measures to improve industrial productivity; poll-bound States such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu find mention
VACB seizes unaccounted money from Bevco staff in Ernakulam
Industry forums in Kerala welcome development proposals in Union Budget
The FICCI and the Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Cochin, praised initiatives aimed at bolstering manufacturing, with significant funding for bio-pharma and electronic components.
Youth held with 53.98 g of suspected MDMA
Curtain comes down on 16th International Theatre Festival of Kerala
Eight-day festival featured 47 performances, including 8 international and 14 national productions
KEAM 2026 registration deadline extended: Check the last date and direct link to apply here
Kerala CEE has extended the KEAM 2026 registration deadline to February 6, 2026, 5:00 PM. This applies to new applicants and those needing to complete their submissions. Key documents must also be uploaded by February 6th and 7th. Admit cards are expected April 1st. Further course additions will be enabled later.
Government to fix school staff strength based on students UID: Minister
Sivankutty says this is to curb fake admissions that cause major financial loss to the exchequer
SSLC examinations to be held from March 5 to 30; results on May 8
The SSLC IT examinations will be held from February 2 to 13, while model examinations are scheduled from February 16 and 20
UDF will come to power in Kerala after Assembly polls, says Thangal
At LDFs northern region development rally, CM Pinarayi Vijayan slams Centres neglect of Kerala
Union Budget disappointing: K.N. Balagopal
