Treated bamboo comprises about 50% of the construction material, with recycled and salvaged materials making up the rest, including doors and windows
Sub-inspectors to be back as SHOs in 414 police stations in Kerala from August 15: Chennithala
Sixty-four major stations that are city-centric and record a higher number of cases will retain inspectors in the SHO role.
Financial records are also under scrutiny to determine if doctors received illicit payments in the form of kickbacks or commissions to fast-track approvals
Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan visits Kollur, offers special pooja at Mookambika Temple
A staunch devotee of Kollur Sri Mookambika, Mr. Satheesan visited Kollur for the first time after assuming office as Kerala CM.
World Records Union recognises Biju BP from Kerala for his all-India motorcycle ride with a mission
A former banker, Thiruvananthapuram-native Biju PB, won the recognition for riding across the States and Union Territories, championing the cause of empowerment of girls through education
Over 300 employees hit as ecosystem company Talrop shuts offices across Kerala
Affected employees staged a protest march to the companys head office at Thrikkakara on July 11, demanding clearance of dues
The committee comprises Dr. C.P. Rajendran, geologist; Dr. Vishnudas, ecologist; Dr. P. Pugazhendi, Chief Wildlife Warden, Kerala; the Secretary, Public Works Department; and the Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department (convenor)
Kerala: Four Killed in Car Accident
There were five youths, all between the ages of 20-23 years, in the car and only one of them survived, but is in a critical condition
Switrus Expands Beyond Europe with Launch of Switrus Asia
In a significant milestone for the company, Switrus Holidays has announced the launch of Switrus Asia, a dedicated brand for Asian destinations, marking the company's expansion into the Asian tourism sector in August 2026. The expansion represents the company's first major move beyond its Europe-focused group tour operations and reflects the growing popularity of Asian travel among Indian tourists. Switrus Holidays now offers tour packages to destinations, such as China, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia According to the company, Switrus has organized more than 1,200 Europe group tours and served over 45,000 travelers over the past thirteen years. The company has built a strong customer base across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi. The launch comes at a time when interest among Indian travelers in Asian destinations is growing significantly. In its initial phase, Switrus Asia will focus on destinations including Japan, China, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam, Bali, and Thailand. The company plans to extend its Europe group tour model to Asian destinations, offering comprehensive group tour packages, professional tour management, structured itineraries, and services designed specifically for Indian travelers. Switrus currently operates Europe group tours for travelers from several Indian states and has expanded its operational network across major Indian cities and international markets, including Germany. “We aim to extend the trust, expertise, and operational experience we have built in European tourism to the Asian travel segment. Through Switrus Asia, our goal is to deliver high-quality international travel experiences to a wider range of Indian travelers," said Shabitha Abubacker, COO of Switrus Holidays . The company has announced that the details regarding Switrus Asia's initial group departures, annual travel calendar, and special launch offers will be revealed in the coming weeks. switrus.com .
Wayanad debris slip: search intensified for lone missing project manager
Mr. Rana, a project manager from Himachal Pradesh, remains unaccounted for after a massive debris slide struck the under-construction Wayanad twin-tunnel road project at Kalladi
Decision pending on direct purchase of land in Ayyankuzhi for Kerala waste management project
While acquisition through the direct purchase route will be swift, it would be more protracted under the Land Acquisition Act, district administration sources said
K.C. Venugopal seeks SC-monitored probe into Ayodhya Ram temple donations scam
Congress leader alleges SIT inquiry is a sham, accuses BJP governments of shielding those behind the alleged misappropriation
The FIFA World Cup excitement continues to build in India as fans gear up for four high-stakes knockout clashes.
Four killed in car accident in Keralas Kannur district
Kannur: Four people died in a car accident near Koodali here while travelling to attend a wedding, police said on Saturday, July 11. The incident occurred around 11.20 pm on Friday, July 10, when the car crashed into a tree and was completely wrecked. There were five youths, all between the ages of 20-23 years, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Kerala Government Forms Expert Panel for Safe Soil Removal at Kaladi Tunnel Site
New Delhi, July 11: The Kerala government has established a three-member expert committee to ensure the safe removal of soil from the construction site of the Kaladi Tunnel project in Wayanad district. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced this decision following a landslide caused by heavy rainfall at the site, which resulted in multiple casualties. The ... Read more Kerala Government Forms Expert Panel for Safe Soil Removal at Kaladi Tunnel Site
Five-year hunt ends in arrest of Kerala robbery accused
Mangaluru: Bringing to an end a five-year manhunt, the Puttur Town Police have arrested a robbery accused from Keralas Thrissur district who had been absconding since 2021 despite repeated court summons and as many as 41 non-bailable arrest warrants. The accused was produced before the jurisdictional court after his arrest. The arrested accused has been Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Kerala govt forms panel for Wayanad landslide debris removal
A three-member expert committee has been formed by the Kerala government. This committee will visit Wayanad tunnel and township project sites. They will submit a report on removing landslide debris accumulated there. Seven bodies were recovered after the Wayanad landslide occurred on July seventh. The committee will guide the District Disaster Management Authority in safe debris removal.
Kerala Child Dies After Anesthesia for Lip Repair, Doctor Faces Charges
Kannur, July 11: A tragic incident has occurred in Kannur, Kerala, where an 18-month-old child died after undergoing anesthesia for stitches on a cut lip. The childs condition remained critical for five days following the procedure, leading to legal action against the attending physician. On July 5, the child sustained a cut on the lip ... Read more Kerala Child Dies After Anesthesia for Lip Repair, Doctor Faces Charges
CBI Launches Major Operation Against Bank Fraud Exceeding 133 Crore in Mumbai and Kochi
Mumbai, July 10: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a significant operation related to a bank fraud case exceeding 133.52 crore. This action took place on July 10, targeting multiple locations linked to directors of a private company in Mumbai and Kochi, Kerala. An FIR was registered on July 9 regarding this matter. ... Read more CBI Launches Major Operation Against Bank Fraud Exceeding 133 Crore in Mumbai and Kochi
'Idhayam Murali' BO day 1: Opens with Rs 1.90 Cr
Atharvaa's new film Idhayam Murali opened with a modest box office collection of Rs 1.90 crore. The romantic drama garnered Rs 1.95 crore gross collection from Tamil Nadu alone. Karnataka and Kerala contributed Rs 15 lakh and Rs 7 lakh respectively to the film's earnings. The movie features a youthful cast and a breezy romantic narrative for audiences. Fahadh Faasil's cameo appearance also received positive feedback online.
Gray skies put tourists under monsoons magic spell
The monsoon season is attracting many travelers to various Indian destinations. Popular spots like Goa and Kerala are seeing increased tourist footfall this year. Hill stations in Himachal and Uttarakhand also report significant growth in hotel bookings. Overseas destinations like Tajikistan are experiencing a substantial rise in travel interest. Hotels and travel brands are offering attractive deals to boost seasonal tourism.
Amar Singh College survey has policy relevance
A research survey on digital addiction conducted by the Department of Political Science, Amar Singh College, Srinagar (ASC), has significant policy relevance for all institutions. It is a laudable academic endeavour by faculty members to implement the principles of the New Education Policy. The Economic Survey 2025-26, tabled in Parliament, has flagged digital addiction as a rising challenge for Indias youth in an increasingly online digital environment. It is noteworthy that 68 countries have already banned mobile phones in schools. In March 2026, Parliament was informed that approximately 20,000 children die by suicide every year as a consequence of this addiction. Digital Addiction The Economic Survey defines digital addiction as addictive behaviour linked to digital devices, including smartphones, the internet, gaming, and social media. It further describes it as a behaviour pattern of excessive or compulsive engagement that leads to distress and functional impairment, characterized by persistent, excessive, or obsessive computer and online use. Various studies show that children and youth spend up to eight hours a day on screens and mobile phones, amounting to more than 100 days every year. Excessive use of digital devices disrupts sleep patterns and increases the risk of depression and mood swings. The use of screens we are told causes a dopamine spikethe brain receives a rapid reward signal, which reinforces the behaviour and produces what is known as digital addiction. Scope of ASC Study The Amar Singh College study, titled Digital Distress and Development Minds, reveals that a staggering 75 percent of school-going adolescents in Kashmir spend more than four hours every day glued to their smartphone screens. Consequently, they suffer from severe concentration deficits, chronic morning fatigue, and an alarming spike in cyber safety concerns among youth. The study was conducted across four districts of the Kashmir Valley, namely Srinagar, Anantnag, Kulgam, and Shopian, covering 400 students. The findings are striking: heavy screen users struggle five times more with concentration; over half say stress and digital distractions disrupt their studies; nearly 72 percent report that screen time reduces outdoor play and physical activity; and half wake up feeling tired, indicating poor sleep and late-night screen use. The study rightly recommends that technology itself is not the problem; rather, its excessive and unregulated use requires policy attention. Many studies conducted in various countries have yielded similar results. There is a need for a whole of society approach to find equilibrium between technology, tradition, and education. Therefore, it is imperative to assess the digital ecosystem surrounding our students and the larger society. Digital Economy As already noted, any policy framework will advocate for a balancing act between the digital world and human interactions. According to the State of Indias Digital Economy Report 2024, India is the third-largest digitalized country in the world in terms of economy-wide digitalization and ranks 12th among the G20 countries in the level of individual users. The Economic Survey 2025-26 notes that the digital economy contributed 11.74 percent to national income in FY 2023, with projections of 13.42 percent in FY 2025. In India, the number of internet connections grew from 251.5 million in 2014 to 969.6 million in 2024, driven by the rollout of 5G and Bharat Net Fiber reaching 218,000 Gram panchayats. By 2025, 85.5 percent of households are expected to own at least one smartphone, making digital access nearly universal. Internet usage is also very high; in 2024, 48 percent of internet users watched videos online, 43 percent used social media, 40 percent accessed email or music, and 26 percent made digital payments. In absolute numbers, this translates to about 400 million users for over-the-top (OTT) video and food delivery and nearly 50 million users for social media. With the expansion of digital access, it is estimated that the digital economy will constitute one-fifth of national income by 2029-30. Therefore, the digital economy has become an integral part of our daily lives, with the main issue being digital exhibitionism. Digital Narcissus Madras High Court Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, in a thought-provoking article in The Hindu on December 25, 2025, explored how the misuse or overuse of digital devices is going to pose significant challenges for us. He stated that the real doomsday will not arrive with machines taking over human labor or governance. It will arrive when human beings stop thinking, when they cease to hear alternative voices, and when truth becomes a casualty of comfort. A good machine should dare to disagree, to ask for evidence, and to reveal bias. It should mirror our potential for honesty. Educators have been warning us about these issues surrounding digital addiction and how critical and analytical thinking is becoming a casualty, particularly as students and youth turn increasingly unquestioning and complacent. The digital love affair traps students and young people in echo chambers that hinder intellectual and societal growth. This is why there is an urgent need around the globe to regulate the overuse of devices, ensuring there is a proper alignment between thoughtful reflection and the impact of digital engagement. Global Best Practices As previously noted, 68 countries have banned the use of smartphones in classrooms for students. The World Health Organization has recognized Gaming Disorder as a mental health condition under the International Classification of Diseases. Australia has banned social media accounts for children under the age of sixteen. China limits online gaming time for minors through real-name systems. Singapore focuses on media literacy and cyber wellness. The United Kingdom has established a Digital Resilience Framework for schools and platforms. In India, responses have included the CBSE guidelines on safe internet use. The Pragyata guidelines for digital education, issued by the Ministry of Education, recommend capped daily screen times to safeguard students health. Developed by NCERT, the Pragyata framework outlines key steps for digital learning. The Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across Statesthe national mental health helpline launched in 2022has received over 3.2 million calls over time. The Online Gaming Regulation Act of 2025 banned online money games involving wagering and restricted related advertising. Likewise, some state governments within the Union of India have implemented safeguards for school-going children. Conclusion and Recommendations The Amar Singh College survey recommends: turn off phones, take your children outside, teach them to read and sketch, and travel as families again. It advocates for digital diets and a need for cybersecurity. There are lessons to be learned from other states as well. For instance, Kerala has launched the D-DAD (Digital De-addiction Centre) project, which focuses on combating excessive social media and gaming addiction among children through free counselling therapy and expert guidance. In my previous column, I recommended that the J&K government adopt the Finnish model of school education, which has many benefits for us. In Finland, every child feels seen, heard, and valued by teachers. School is not just about marks, uniforms, and grades; it emphasizes curiosity, creativity, and a love of books. Students are free to explore, and teachers are there to support them. In many ways, we feel compelled to argue that the old is gold. Professor Gull Wani is a Kashmir-based Political Scientist
Kerala govt. forms three-member panel for debris removal at Kalladi tunnel site in Wayanad
The decision was taken at a meeting attended by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on July 10
Medical negligence alleged in toddlers death
Kerala HC approves States circular on public prosecutor appointments
Fire at city hotel sparks panic on Friday evening
The fire broke out in the chimney of the hotel kitchen, following which smoke filled the ground and first floors, according to Fire and Rescue personnel
Industry players welcome relaunch of NCDEX Black Pepper Futures, call for strict regulations
NCDEX recently announced that the black pepper futures contract will start trading from July 15 with Kochi designated as the delivery and pricing centre
Wenlock Hospital urges district hospitals to confirm ICU bed availability before referrals
The hospital treated 2.7 lakh outpatients and 27,937 inpatients from Karnataka and Kerala in 2025-26
Six persons were arrested in connection with the alleged assault, stripping, public humiliation and forcible tonsuring of three youths accused of supplying ganja to a schoolboy
Kerala HC vacates police protection order for viral Kumbh Mela woman
Judge asks police to give the woman protection if she gives them a request in writing
Kerala Forest Development Corporation to launch tea and coffee retail brands
New initiative to generate more income through value-added products
Ranjith Sreenivas murder: Special public prosecutor appointed
Malayalam gets a cosy space in Australian public library
The Max Webber Public Library in the Sydney suburbs has opened a Malayalam section featuring 450 titles, following consistent demand from the diaspora. Malayalam has become the sixth Indian language to be represented in the library. Keralites there hope the initiative will help them connect with their culture language better
Demolition of tilted building in Kochi may take 7-10 days due to safety concerns
The decision followed advice from the structural stability expert engaged by the Kochi Corporation, who warned that proceeding without precautionary measures could endanger not only nearby buildings but also workers tasked with the demolition
Chief Minister wants Leader of the Opposition to explain what was the wrongdoing on the part of the present UDF government in relation with the Vizhinjam issue. He says the government will keep the States interests at the forefront when taking a decision on Vizhinjam
Centre gives in-principle approval to revival package for Keralas cashew industry
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman directs State to immediately submit a detailed project proposal
CUK launches two four-year UG honours programmes
Candidates who have appeared for the CUET (UG) conducted by the National Testing Agency can apply online through the university website until July 17
District administration initiates plans to develop Kasaragod coastal tourism circuit
The project aims to transform the coastal stretch, including Nellikunnu and Kasaba harbour, into a major tourism hub
One Nation, One Election need of the hour: Tushar Vellappally
Kerala Agricultural University releases five new high-yielding crop varieties
New chilli, brahmi, vetiver, ginger and turmeric varieties promise higher yields, better quality and improved farm income
Talks to resolve nurses strike in Kannur end without breakthrough
Indian Nurses Association alleges talks failed after the CITU and BMS demanded that any wage revision for striking nurses be extended to employees of all 36 private hospitals in district
Patients death at Neyyattinkara hospital highlights systemic errors
Lack of a triage system, inadequate casualty medical officers cited
Kerala Forest Minister seeks report after tribal man threatens to kill himself over vehicle seizure
His earth mover was seized by the Forest department four-and-a-half years ago in connection with a case
TDB to make financial transactions at Sabarimala digital
Booking of rooms, offerings and donations will be made digital; more rooms will be available to pilgrims for booking; TDB president says Ayyappa Sangamam will not be organised again
Govt.s intervention sought to resolve crisis gripping private bus sector
The State leadership of the Kerala State Motor and Engineering Labour Centre, affiliated with the Hind Mazdoor Sabha, says the Priyadarshini scheme, which offers free travel for women on KSRTC ordinary services, has triggered a crisis in the private bus sector
Over 1.6 lakh imposed as fines in food safety crackdown in Keralas Kollam
Food Safety department inspects 1,497 establishments in district over a span of three months to enforce strict quality standards
Kerala CM Satheesan to visit Kollur on Friday and Saturday
Civic bodies default on library cess; Kerala State Library Council to initiate legal proceedings
RTI information reveals that local self-government institutions have systematically failed to transfer these statutory funds, which are collected alongside property tax from citizens, to the council
Two Odisha men held with 12.9 kg ganja near Thrissur railway station
Excise steps up probe into source of ganja and its intended recipients in Thrissur
Cashew scam: Kerala HC asks Cashew Dept. Secretary to revise apology
Court directs the official to mention in the affidavit that he had independently evaluated the materials given by CBI while deciding on the prosecution sanction
Chennithala condemns vigilante assault on three youths in Perumbavoor
South Indian States, Central agencies to form permanent anti-drug coordination network
Mechanism involving police forces of southern Indian States of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, along with the Union Territory of Puducherry will be established to strengthen anti-drug surveillance in the region
Kerala medical student Sawariya Basanth killed over 'forced conversion' claims in Uzbekistan
A Kerala medical student was murdered in Uzbekistan by a fellow student. The victim allegedly faced repeated demands to convert her religion before her death. Uzbek authorities have arrested the accused student in connection with the ongoing investigation. Indian authorities are assisting the victim's family and liaising with Uzbek officials. A second post-mortem was conducted in Kerala after the body's repatriation.
Neka Sulaiman Takes Charge of HiLITE Group's Hospitality Division
HiLITE Group Chairman P. Sulaiman, has taken charge of the Group’s hospitality division as Director, HiLITE Holdings. She will lead HiLITE Group’s hospitality expansion, with a vision to develop 1,000 hotel keys across Kerala by 2030. Neka Sulaiman, Director, HiLITE Holdings Her appointment marks an important step in HiLITE Group’s next phase of growth, as the Group expands its presence beyond retail, residential, commercial and business infrastructure projects into the hospitality sector. As part of the new vision, HiLITE Group plans to build a diversified hospitality portfolio across luxury, upscale and midscale hotel segments. Kozhikode is expected to be a key focus market, supported by the city’s growing business, tourism, healthcare and education ecosystem. Speaking on her new role, Neka Sulaiman said the Group’s aim is to create hospitality destinations that become part of the city’s business, cultural and social life. “ This is the right time to strengthen Kozhikode’s hospitality landscape. Our target is not just about numbers, but about creating the right hospitality infrastructure for a growing city ,” she said. P. Sulaiman, Group Chairman, HiLITE Group, said Neka’s appointment reflects her commitment, character and willingness to take ownership. “ The true measure of a leader lies in character, judgement and responsibility. These are qualities I have seen in Neka over the years. I look forward to the fresh perspective she will bring to HiLITE Group ,” he said. Neka was associated with Hug a Mug, HiLITE Group’s home-grown café brand, during her educational period, gaining hands-on experience in operations, customer service and team coordination. She said the experience helped her understand business from the ground level. Neka completed her schooling at The White School International (International Baccalaureate) and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree. She has also completed CMA, strengthening her foundation in finance, management and business strategy. With Neka taking charge, HiLITE Group aims to build a strong hospitality vertical that supports Kerala’s growing demand for quality hotel infrastructure while carrying forward the Group’s legacy through new-generation leadership.
Kerala HC Withdraws Police Protection for Kumbh Mela Viral Girl
The girl became an internet sensation last year after photographs of her selling rudraksha malas at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj went viral
CPI(M) Thiruvananthapuram district leaders reject reports of internal differences, factionalism
At a joint press conference of top district leaders, CPI(M) district secretary V. Joy says fake narratives are being spread by some sections with ulterior motives to destroy the party and take public attention away from protests against Vizhinjam stake transfer
CPIM Appeals Kerala Cadres To Observe Achuthanandans Remembrance Day
VS Achuthanandan remained at the forefront of struggles for land rights, environmental protection, gender equality, human rights and secularism, said the party
Kerala HC orders immediate relief after Wayanad tunnel landslide
The death toll in the Wayanad tunnel road landslide rose to seven after another body was recovered, while one person remains missing. The Kerala High Court directed the state government to immediately disburse ex gratia compensation, provide free treatment to the injured and expedite the handover of victims' bodies.
Football fans in Kerala transform their homes into colourful tributes to their teams
For these two fans, who live near Kochi, who have painted their houses in the colours of the countries they support in the FiFA World Cup, football is more than a seasonal obsession
US firm CorroHealth closure in Kerala: No breakthrough in Minister-level meeting
Kerala govt issues ultimatum to medical coding firm to present alternative proposals to retain its workforce in the State or face prosecution for alleged violations of labour laws
Kozhikode railway station in Kerala restores train services after clock tower collapse
Debris clearance and demolition work continue at the site following the structural failure during monsoon rains
Warns that proposal can have far-reaching implications for higher education in the State
Kerala Man Repays 25-Year-Old Debt, Travels to Telangana to Keep Promise
Palakkad native tracks down friend in Jagityal, clears Rs 25,000 loan after decades
UDF members to head Syndicate panels in Calicut University
P. Rasheed Ahammed, who has been a Syndicate member since 2019, appointed pro Vice-Chancellor
Wayanad landslide: Ensure ex-gratia to deceased, injured disbursed on time, says Kerala HC
The Kerala High Court ordered timely ex-gratia payments for Wayanad landslide victims. It also directed the swift handover of deceased individuals to their families. The court sought a government report on work stoppage at the tunnel project site. Ex-gratia payments and injured treatment costs can be charged to the tunnel project. The government stated work was stopped on May 25 and July 5.
According to police, the fabricated poster falsely attributed a statement to Sudheeran as criticising and insulting Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan, and carried both their photos
US data scientist Navaneeth Unnikrishnan, who memorised more than 2,000 Indian songs by the age of three, is winning audiences in Kerala with a unique concert format. Having learnt Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi and Bengali through cassette tapes, he now decodes ragas and the stories behind classic film songs.
Anaesthetist in Kerala booked after toddler suffers brain damage
Allegations of medical negligence against private hospital in Kannur. Child is on ventilator support
Wayanad debris slip: One more body recovered as death toll rises to 7
The deceased is a surveyor from West Bengal. One person still reported missing
Value-added local products can unlock Keralas rural economic growth: KAU Vice-Chancellor
The Vice Chancellor urged small-scale entrepreneurs, farmers, and rural women to lead in transforming local resources into value-added products
Air India flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Bengaluru aborts takeoff after technical snag
Airport officials say the passengers are still inside the flight. Air India will be arranging another flight to Bengaluru to accommodate them
What a dolphins death in Kerala reveals about Indias marine plastic pollution
Necropsy of an endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphin that washed ashore on Kozhikode beach recently reveals fatal plastic fishing net ingestion, highlighting growing threats from marine pollution and ghost nets. CMFRI data show marine mammal strandings remain high, with coastal dolphins among the species most vulnerable
Actor Vinayakan is facing legal action in Kerala for allegedly insulting womanhood. Police registered a case after a complaint about sharing a minor's photograph online. The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights directed the police to investigate the matter. The complaint alleges the actor shared a child's photo and contact number with obscene remarks. Vinayakan, who is also working on 'Jailer 2', has faced controversies before.
J&K excels in Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Srinagar, Jul 09: Jammu and Kashmir has emerged among the best-performing regions in the country in terms of the Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR), with teacher availability remaining well within the targets envisaged under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Right to Education (RTE) Act. However, the latest national education data also points to anotherchallenge, i.e. theschools in the Union Territory have relatively low student enrolment, suggesting underutilisation of educational infrastructure. According to the UDISE+ Report 2025-26 - NEP Structure, released by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, on July 07, 2026, Jammu and Kashmir has an overall PTR of 16, significantly better than the NEP-recommended norm of 30:1. Across pedagogical stages, the UT maintains favourable ratios of around 10 at the Foundational level, 8-9 at Preparatory, 16 at Middle and 16 at Secondary, placing it among the better-performing States and Union Territories. The report notes that a lower PTR enables teachers to provide greater individual attention, strengthen classroom interaction and improve learning outcomes. However, the data also shows that Jammu and Kashmir has an average of only 126 students per school, much lower than the national average of 215 students per school. While this is considerably higher than Ladakh (64 students per school), it remains well below densely populated regions such as Chandigarh (1,194 students per school), Delhi (788) and Kerala (384). The report observes that States and UTs with very low student numbers per school including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Meghalaya may need to optimise school infrastructure for better resource utilisation. In contrast, Chandigarh and Delhi have managed to maintain both high enrolment per school and PTR levels within RTE norms, indicating efficient use of educational infrastructure. The findings underline that while Jammu and Kashmir has made substantial progress in ensuring adequate teacheravailability;improving enrolment density and optimising school infrastructure remain key challenges for the education sector.
CPI calls for social auditof Kochi Corpn.s functioning
Assault on youths highlights growing vigilantism in Perumbavoor amid anti-drug crackdown
Three youths were reportedly publicly tried, assaulted, stripped, and forcibly tonsured by a mob that accused them of supplying ganja to a schoolboy. Six persons have been arrested in connection with the incident
Building tilt prompts Kochi Corpn. to seek mandatory licence
The move comes in the wake of a recent incident in which a two-storey building, while being lifted, tilted onto an adjacent commercial structure along M.G. Road
Clock tower collapse: Kozhikode MLAs demand accountability, question delays in station redevelopment
Panchayat in Kannur launches volunteer disaster response force
The initiative aims to ensure rapid rescue operations, reduce casualties, and strengthen community preparedness. The local body has also initiated a comprehensive safety literacy campaign
Street vendors organisations step up stir against Kannur Corporations eviction drives
The protesters demand the Corporation to halt eviction drives and implement the Street Vendors Act by surveying vendors and issuing identity cards to eligible traders
Greens demand immediate cancellation of Wayanad tunnel project
The protesters seek legal action against the contracting company, its blacklisting from future projects, and the filing of criminal charges against it
A perfect storm: On the Wayanad debris slip
A combination of natural calamity and human failure laid Wayanad low
Munnar to host Rain 40' football tournament on August 9
Thirty-two teams will participate in the penalty shootout tournament 16 from Idukki district and the rest from other districts
The committee will study the functioning of excise departments in Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, including liquor procurement, retail operations, and employee service conditions, says K.Vignesh
The patient, Rajeshkumar of Koottapana, Neyyattinkara had come to the hospital around 6.30 p.m. complaining of chest pain, but the security staff allegedly did not permit him to see the doctor without an OP ticket
Neighbourhood shops and small retailers across the country are finding the going tough with e-commerce platforms and corporate-backed large retail stores rapidly establishing their business even in rural areas. A walk along the commercial areas as well as neighbourhoods reveals the plight of those who have been struggling to cope in the digital era. S.R. Praveen meets some of the retailers to understand the changing retail business scenario in Kerala
