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Video: Clashes Between Rival Carol Groups In Kerala Leave Several Injured
Several people, including women and children, were injured after clashes broke out between two groups of Christmas carol singers in Kerala's Alappuzha district on Wednesday.
BJP names V.V. Rajesh as Thiruvananthapuram mayoral candidate after historic win
The BJP secured control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation with 50 seats, breaking a Left stronghold that had lasted for four decades. The Congress-led UDF also made significant gains by doubling its seat tally
TN steps up surveillance after bird flu cases in Kerala
Blood samples collected from the affected birds by Keralas Animal Husbandry Department were sent to a laboratory in Pune, where tests confirmed the presence of H1N1 avian influenza
2017 actress assault case: Martin Anthony challenges conviction in Kerala HC
One of the convicts in the 2017 Kerala actress assault case has approached the Kerala High Court, challenging the trial courts verdict. The accused argued that the alleged conspiracy was not proven and that he was treated differently from another acquitted accused
Kerala lottery Karunya Plus KN 603 (25 Dec 2025) results out: The Kerala State Lottery Department announced the Karunya Plus KN 603 lottery results on Friday. The top prize is 1 crore, with second and third prizes of 30 lakh and 5 lakh respectively. Numerous smaller prizes are also available, offering multiple winning opportunities.
2017 actress assault case: Convicted man moves Kerala HC against verdict
Weeks after a Kerala court acquitted Malayalam cinema actor Dileep in the sensational case and convicted six others, the convict, identified as Martin, has sought the setting aside of his conviction and sentence
NCB busts inter-state hashish oil racket; 4 kg contraband seized, five arrested in Visakhapatnam
NEW DELHI: In a significant operation against inter-state drug trafficking, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) dismantled a hashish oil trafficking network and arrested five accused during an operation conducted in Visakhapatnam, the agency said. Officers of the federal anti-narcotics agency, with the assistance of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), mounted a targeted operation at Duvvada Railway Station. The action led to the interception of five individuals, including one woman, and the seizure of 4 kg of hashish oil on Tuesday night. Following interrogation, all five persons were arrested under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, a senior officer said. The arrested individuals include two persons from Thrissur district in Kerala, who were the intended receivers and had arrived in Paderu to coordinate with the supplier. The supplier, a resident of Srikakulam district, has also been apprehended. The remaining two accused, including a woman, were employed as carriers and were tasked with transporting the contraband to Kerala for delivery to the receivers. Investigators said the receivers had given money to the carriers to transport the contraband, while they themselves avoided carrying the substance out of fear of being caught in possession. All five accused had travelled from Paderu to Duvvada by bus. Preliminary investigation revealed that the supplier as well as both receivers were previously involved in NDPS-related cases. Further investigation is under way to identify and apprehend other members linked to the trafficking network. This preventive action highlights the NCBs unwavering commitment to dismantling organised drug trafficking syndicates operating across state boundaries. The Bureau continues to intensify efforts to curb the menace of narcotics and safeguard society from drug abuse, the officer said.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has busted an international hashish oil trafficking network, arresting five individuals, including a woman, and seizing 4 kilograms of the contraband. The operation, conducted with RPF assistance at Duvvada Railway Station, targeted a supply chain involving carriers and receivers from Kerala and a supplier from Srikakulam.
PM Modi to meet chief secretaries on Friday; aims to enhance coordination between Centre, states
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend a three-day conference of Chief Secretaries, scheduled to take place from Friday, December 26, to Sunday. This will be the fifth such national-level meeting and is regarded as one of the most significant administrative forums in the country, bringing together the highest-ranking officials from the Centre and the states. During the conference, the Prime Minister will engage in detailed discussions on several key policy priorities, with a strong focus on improving the ease of doing business, strengthening governance mechanisms and accelerating the implementation of flagship schemes. Senior officials said that the meeting aims to enhance coordination between the Union Government and the states, while identifying best practices that can be replicated nationwide. According to sources, deliberations over the three days will revolve around five major themes. These include women and child development and welfare, higher education, skills development, and other critical sectors linked to inclusive and sustainable growth. States will make detailed presentations highlighting their progress, challenges and innovative approaches in implementing various schemes. States from southern India are expected to play a prominent role in the discussions. Kerala is likely to present its initiatives and achievements in the education sector, while Tamil Nadu is expected to focus on skill development and employment generation. Several other states will also showcase their models and experiences across different thematic areas. In addition to state presentations, key Union ministries, including the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, are expected to make presentations before the Prime Minister. These sessions will provide an opportunity to align national policies with state-level implementation strategies and reinforce cooperative federalism.
Kerala marks Christmas with prayers, voices concern over attacks
Calling for peace, Major Archbishop of the Malankara Catholic Church Cardinal Baselios Cleemis urged people to pray for those spreading hatred and appealed to those in power to govern with justice and a sense of responsibility
Several injured in Christmas carol clash in Keralas Alappuzha
A verbal duel between two groups flared up into a physical fight
Kerala Lottery Karunya Plus KN-603 Result Today 25/12/2025; First Prize Rs 1 Crore
Kerala Lottery Result Today Live Updates, 25-12-2025: Heres Guessing Numbers for Karunya Plus KN-603 for Thursday, December 25. Check the full list of winning numbers from 3 pm.
Kerala government reconstitutes wildlife board
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will head the newly reconstituted Kerala State Board for Wildlife. Minister for Forests and Wildlife A K Saseendran will serve as the vice-chairperson. The board includes MLAs V Sasi, Sebastian Kulathunkal from Poonjar constituency and A Prabhakaran from Malampuzha constituency. Other members include environmentalists, conservation activists and representatives of non-governmental organisations. Senior officials from major departments such as forest, police, tourism, fisheries and animal husbandry are also members. The government has also amended the Kerala Wildlife (Protection) Rules, 1978. As per the new rule, nominated members will have a term of three years from the date of nomination.
Film chamber ban on government cinemas: Saji Cherian intervenes
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following the Kerala Film Chambers decision not to screen movies in government-owned cinemas from next month, Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian said on Wednesday that inter-departmental interventions have been initiated towards their demands. They have given a letter regarding this, and we have held a discussion with them. But many of their demands require coordinated efforts of multiple departments, including Electricity and Local Self-Government Departments, the minister said at a press meet here on Wednesday. Based on their demands, we have prepared a document and handed it over for the consideration of other departments. Some departments have accepted them, while others have denied, he said. Mentioning that some of their requests are genuine, the minister, however, said that not all demands can be accepted. The next meeting on this will be convened on January 7, the minister added. The Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday announced that they would not distribute films to cinemas run by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation as they alleged the state government has not responded to their repeated requests, including the ending of double taxation on movie tickets.
Kerala govt hikes Medisep monthly premium to Rs 810
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has increased the monthly premium under the Medisep health insurance scheme for government employees and pensioners from Rs 500 to Rs 810. An official order to this effect was issued on Tuesday. The scheme will be implemented with effect from January 1, 2026. Employee organisations have protested the steep hike and demanded that the government contribute an equal share to the premium, instead of placing the entire additional burden on the staff. They have urged the government to reconsider the decision in view of the financial restraint on employees. The cabinet had earlier granted approval for the implementation of Medisep Phase-2 through Oriental Insurance Company. The annual premium has been fixed as Rs 8,237, excluding 18% GST, for the first policy period of 2026- 2027. This results in an increase of Rs 301 in the monthly deduction from their salary. The new premium shall be deducted from the salary for the month of December 2025 and from January 2026 of pensioners. Employee organisations argue that the revised scheme is unfair. The LDF government implemented the Medisep scheme in 2022, after discontinuing the medical allowance of Rs 500, said Secretariat Action Council Convenor M S Ershad. Now the premium has been increased to Rs 810 while the government contributes nothing. He also added that according to Kerala Government Service Medical Attendance Scheme, the government is duty-bound to safeguard the health of its employees. The opposition-backed organisations have demanded that the government contribute an equal share of the premium. They also claimed that many reputed hospitals are distancing themselves from the scheme due to low payouts and urged the government to either make the scheme optional or to enhance its contribution to make it more attractive to healthcare institutions. Pensioners have also expressed deep concern over the increase.
BJP struggles to seal mayor deal in Thiruvananthapuram amid closed-door huddles, rift
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The BJP on Wednesday held a series of meetings with its councillors in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation to finalise its mayor and deputy mayor candidates. Sources said that the party leadership decided to defer an announcement amid differences of opinion with the RSS. Though an announcement was expected on Wednesday, the leadership chose to keep the names under wraps after the RSS strongly pitched for an experienced councillor to be named mayor. Party insiders said the RSS has suggested senior councillor V V Rajesh for the post, placing the BJP leadership in a tight spot and prompting it to avoid a hasty decision. According to sources, the RSS raised concerns over whether councillor and former DGP R Sreelekha would be able to withstand sustained protests from the Left and the Congress if appointed mayor. Sreelekha is not a seasoned politician. The Left and Congress will mount strong protests against decisions taken by the BJP. Only an experienced politician like Rajesh can effectively handle such situations, an RSS leader said on condition of anonymity. While the RSS is insisting on experience for the mayors post, party sources said it has no objection to R Sreelekha being considered for the deputy mayor post. Insiders said V V Rajesh, R Sreelekha and Karamana Ajith are currently under consideration for the mayors post, with the leadership yet to arrive at a final decision. Sources added that a significant number of the NDAs 50 councillors are also inclined towards Rajesh, though they have assured the leadership of full support for any candidate chosen for the post. This has further complicated matters for the state leadership. Many state and central leaders, including Rajeev Chandrasekhar, have expressed a preference for Sreelekha as mayor candidate. However, the RSS has strongly pushed for Rajesh, creating a difficult situation for the leadership, a senior BJP leader admitted. With the party preparing for the crucial assembly elections, a section of BJP leaders acknowledged that completely ignoring the RSS could be risky. At the same time, sources said the Central leadership has given the state unit the freedom to take a final call. As a result, the BJPs district leadership in the capital has been holding multiple rounds of discussions with councillors on Wednesday. These meetings were chaired by city district president Karamana Jayan, along with senior leaders S Suresh and K Soman. Sources said they briefed Rajeev Chandrasekhar on the councillors assurance to back the leaderships decision. Many leaders said Christmas Day is likely to see hectic meetings among BJP leaders in the state capital. Rajeev Chandrasekhar has reiterated that the party would reveal its mayor and deputy mayor candidates on December 26. RSS raises concern Sources say the RSS raised concerns over whether councillor and former DGP R Sreelekha would be able to withstand sustained protests from the Left and the Congress if appointed mayor
Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT probe extended to TN, Karnataka
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Still clueless over the fate of the gold that was stolen from Sabarimala artefacts, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the gold theft cases have fanned out its probe to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The sleuths visited various locations in Chennai in a bid to collect more evidence against Smart Creations CEO Pankaj Bhandari. Another team of officers conducted another round of search at Roddam Jewellers in Ballari in Karnataka. Roddam Jewellers is owned by Govardhan, who is in judicial custody along with Pankaj after the SIT arrested them for allegedly being part of the subterfuge. The sleuths had earlier recovered about 470g of gold from Roddam, but sources said investigators could not verify whether it was part of the missing gold from Sabarimala artefacts. The Chennai-based probe of the SIT has got another dimension as well. A businessman based abroad had allegedly testified before the SIT about the suspected involvement of international rackets engaged in antique trafficking.
Kerala govt announces Rs 30 lakh solatium to family of mob lynching victim
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has announced a financial assistance of Rs 30 lakh to the family of Ramnarayan Baghel, the migrant worker who was lynched to death by a mob in Palakkad. A sum of Rs 5 lakh each will be given to Ramnarayans mother and wife, while Rs 10 lakh each will be allotted to his children as fixed deposit. The amount will be disbursed from the Chief Ministers Disaster Relief Fund, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday. Lashing out against the Sangh parivar for the incident, the chief minister said that the incident should be seen as a move to replicate the tried-and-tested mob-lynching occurrences from North India. We should take this as a responsibility to prove to them that Kerala will not be a ground for such practices... (Sangh parivar) even labelled the youngster a Bangladeshi refugee, he said. Adding that the death of Ramnarayan Bhayar has shaken the conscience of Kerala, CM also said that some of the convicts have criminal backgrounds. The incident took place on Monday, when a group of people lynched Ramnarayan from Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, after mistaking him for a thief. Following the incident, the CM stated that stringent action would be taken against the perpetrators. Meanwhile, the political dimension of the incident broke out when CPM leaders accused the RSS of being behind the assault. Connecting this to other recent incidents, the chief minister also mentioned the attacks launched during the Christmas celebrations of other states. Mentioning that such moves disgrace the festival, which gives light to the world, he said the Sangh is part of all these. The same people who visited Christian homes with cakes last year are now launching these attacks, he said. Pinarayi also mentioned the attack on the Christmas carol group in Palakkad, pressure from RSS-affiliated organisations against schools that organised Christmas celebrations, and the BMS move to sing RSS ganageetam during Christmas celebrations in postal offices. Senior BJP leaders even made insulting remarks against the carol teams that they generally drink alcohol and perform indecently, he said.
Stories that mattered in Kerala
In a year shaped by uncomfortable truths, TNIE brought to light stories that exposed fault lines in governance, society and the environment, prompting debate and remedial action by authorities. As the year draws to a close, we look back at the stories that raised eyebrows, stirred public conscience and made an impact Verdict leak shock Judgment leaked? Key details of actor assault case verdict out a week before P Ramdas | December 10 The breaking report exposed how key details of the actor assault case verdict were allegedly leaked a week before it was officially pronounced. The report, based on an anonymous letter circulated among 33 individuals connected with the judiciary, claimed that the seventh accused Charly Thomas, eighth accused Dileep and ninth accused Sanilkumar alias Mesthiri Sanil would be excluded from the verdict, with judgment delivered only against the remaining six accused. One of the recipients, the High Court Advocates Association, forwarded the letter to the Chief Justice seeking a detailed probe. The report went viral on social media, drawing reactions from celebrities and prominent figures. Following the exposure, investigation officer DySP Baiju Paulose approached the state police chief, seeking a probe into the alleged leak. The court is considering the possibility of an inquiry. Identity debate Thiyyas and Ezhavas are different: Study M P Prashanth | October 12 A TNIE report revealed findings of a KIRTADS-funded study stating that Thiyyas are not part of the Ezhavas, as recorded in official documents, citing significant cultural differences between the two. The study reinforced a long-pending demand of Thiyya organisations in Malabar for a separate identity. The report triggered wide social debate and had a major impact, with Thiyya organisations approaching the HC, seeking a direction to the government to declare Thiyyas as a separate caste. Visa hurdle Kids with cerebral palsy await UK visa for tourney M S VIDYANANDAN | August 14 A group of children with cerebral palsy, selected to represent the country at an intercontinental football tournament in Loughborough, UK, faced an anxious wait for visas after being chosen for the event. Following a TNIE report highlighting their plight, the Chief Ministers Office intervened, with Chief Principal Secretary K M Abraham and OSD Harikishore S coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs and the UK Embassy in India to secure visas in the nick of time. Despite the intervention, the five girls were unable to attend the tournament owing to non-availability of flight tickets. A warning before first bell 104 schools in Kerala flagged as drug hotspots Shan A S | May 31 Just days before school reopening, TNIE exposed shocking findings of the excise department, which had identified 104 schools across the state as drug hotspots, citing rampant substance abuse among students. The report jolted public consciousness, sparked widespread discussion among parents, educators and policymakers, and brought the growing drug menace in schools into sharp focus, prompting urgent calls for coordinated action. Wake-up call Wild jumbos feast on chicken, parotta as food waste drives change in appetite Manoj Viswanathan | July 6 A TNIE report highlighting how wild elephants had developed a taste for cooked food such as chicken curry, egg masala, chapathi and parotta, drawn by food waste dumped by hotels and homestays along forest fringes, prompted swift action from the forest department. Tribal leaders, including Raman of the Allimooppan settlement in the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, had warned that open dumping was endangering elephant health and increasing the risk of humanwildlife conflict. Following the report, the forest department launched awareness drives and seminars and initiated stringent action against establishments dumping food waste in forest areas. When humanity had no cover Traders accused of leaving cattle to die for insurance claims Pooja Nair | April 28 The report exposed a major scam in which a group of unscrupulous cattle traders allegedly allowed cows to die in agony to claim inflated insurance payouts, a practice locals described as murder for money. The revelations triggered widespread protests and demands for urgent government intervention. Following the report, the State Human Rights Commission intervened and directed the district administration and the department concerned to take necessary action. A tax too bitter No small fry! Malayalis beloved banana fritter caught in tax tangle Rajesh Ravi | January 23 The story of 18% GST on pazhampori resonated with Malayalis across the globe, with vloggers, other publications, and even the Lok Sabha following up on the issue. The revelation that pazhampori, or banana fritters, was being taxed harshly compared to other snacks struck an emotional chord across the state. Hidden Labour 140 child labour hotspots identified; 56 rescued Varsha Somaraj | June 14 The story triggered wide public and official discussion on the prevalence of child labour in Kerala. The State Public Relations Department acknowledged the report and issued an official release drawing directly from its findings. Other newspapers followed up on the issue in subsequent days, while the report also prompted follow-up action by authorities at multiple levels. A nudge that saved lives Brain-dead organ donations hit 9-year high, govt colleges lag Unnikrishnan s | December 3 TNIE highlighted the poor performance of government medical colleges in initiating organ donations despite a rise in family consent rates. Following the publication, the government moved to strengthen the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (K-SOTTO), designating it as the sole authority for deceased and living donor programmes and granting it full control over organ donation activities in government hospitals. 'Not once in a generation' anymore 2018-scale deluges to become more common, cautions STUDY Rahul R | November 7 A new study reported by TNIE warns that floods on the scale of Keralas devastating 2018 disaster, earlier considered a once-in-150-years event, could now recur every 25 years due to climate-change-driven shifts in rainfall patterns. The study flags outdated flood models and infrastructure designs that grossly underestimate the risk, leaving the state highly vulnerable unless planning norms, dam operations and disaster preparedness are urgently overhauled. When inclusion stayed on paper Inclusive sports venues fail students WITH DISABILITIES Aswin Asok Kumar | October 23 The report exposed the lack of disabled-friendly facilities at the main venue of the Kerala School Sports Meet, contradicting official claims of inclusivity. After the issue was raised, Education Minister V Sivankutty said the matter would be studied and assured that corrective measures would be implemented from the next School Olympics onwards. Breaking the mould Pageant for tribal women gives Idukkis Sudhalakshmi the wings to dream again NEJMA SULAIMAN | May 23 The TNIE report spotlighted a rare act of defiance against entrenched patriarchy within a tribal settlement, where a young woman chose aspiration over silence. The story triggered wider media attention, with several outlets following up and a separate media organisation initiating work on a documentary on Sudhalakshmis journey. The sustained coverage helped bolster her standing within the community and provided quiet but crucial moral support in her effort to challenge long-standing social barriers. Text: Anil S, EDITING: ACHUTH VINAY, Design: NIKHIL P A
Financial crisis: Kerala submits memorandum to Centre
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has submitted a six-point memorandum to the Union government to ease its financial crisis. Finance Minister K N Balagopal, in a letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman blamed simultaneous shocks to state revenues and constraints on borrowing capacity for the current crisis. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a press conference on Wednesday, had severely criticised the centre for the discrimination in allocating central funds to states and also the new restrictions imposed on market borrowings. The CM said the state will overcome the financial sanctions of the centre through peoples resistance. The memorandum sought to restore the reduced IGST amount of Rs 965.16 crore. The state government has constituted the Guarantee Redemption Fund as per the direction of the Reserve Bank of India. Also, Rs 250 crore was credited to the fund. As RBI has recommended a five-year period for building the corpus, the centre may permit more time, preferably five years, for contributing the remaining amount to the GRF. Hence it is requested to restore Rs 3,323 crore to Keralas net borrowing ceiling (NBC) for 2025-26, it said. As per the revised guidelines of the Department of Expenditure for FY 2025-26, any shortfall in the GRF contribution, as compared to 0.25 pc of GSDP or the RBI working group recommendation of 5% of outstanding guarantees, is to be deducted from the borrowing limit. Based on this, Rs 3,323 crore was reduced from the borrowing ceiling for the first three quarters of FY 2025-26. The memorandum sought to reconsider the deduction of Rs 5,944 crore from the NBC on account of off-budget borrowing of SPVs. The centre was asked to re-estimate the current year GSDP and NBC of the state and allow consent for the eligible balance amount of Rs 4,250 crore. Another request was to restore Rs 1,877.58 crore which was adjusted from the NBC until final GSDP figures of MoSPI are available. The centre was asked to consider the Rs 6,000 crore spent by the state on land acquisition for National Highways development as additional capital expenditure and to allow additional borrowing sanction for the same amount.
Setback in Kerala local body election: LDF will make course Correction, says CM Pinarayi Vijayan
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the Sabarimala issue could have been one of the reasons for the LDFs poor performance in the local body elections. Addressing media after cabinet, he said LDF will look into the fronts performance and make necessary corrections. However, he refused to give undue importance to Sabarimala in the election outcome, pointing to the result in Pandalam municipality, which the LDF wrested back from the BJP. Pinarayi alleged a nexus between the BJP and UDF in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation for temporary gains. Despite the nexus, and the BJPs communal campaign, the LDF garnered most number of votes. In 12 seats, LDF lost by a margin of less than 60 votes, he said, adding in many wards where the BJP won, UDF vote share has come down. The poll results show that only the Left is able to effectively resist the BJP. CM questions how Potti got Sonia Gandhis appointment Pinarayi asserted the those guilty in the Sabarimala gold theft case should be punished. Claiming that the LDF has never looked at this issue through the prism of party politics, he criticised the Congress for attempting to politicise the gold theft case. Selective photographs are being circulated to create a false narrative. It is being alleged that Unnikrishnan Potti, an accused in the theft, was present near me during the inauguration of an ambulance for Sabarimala at the Secretariat. Such propaganda is clearly aimed at dragging my name into the controversy, he said. However, emerging evidence suggests several individuals connected to the theft have close ties with the Congress, he said. Photographs have surfaced showing Potti, now under arrest, and Govardhan, a Ballari-based businessman accused of purchasing the stolen gold, standing with Sonia Gandhi. In one image, Sonia Gandhi is seen accepting a gift from Govardhan; in another, Potti is tying something on her wrist, in the presence of Congress MPs Anto Antony and Adoor Prakash. Sonia Gandhi is among the most heavily protected leaders in the country. How did the accused in a gold theft case gain entry to meet her, an appointment that even senior Congress leaders struggle to secure? What relationship does Anto Antony and Adoor Prakash share with Potti and Govardhan? he asked. He also wondered how Potti and Govardhan were able to participate in several key ceremonies at Sabarimala during the UDF regime. Given these facts, on what grounds does the Congress attempt to malign the LDF? The people of Kerala deserve a clear and honest explanation from the Congress, he said. CM justifies car travel with Vellappally TPuram: Refuting charges that SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan travelling with him played a key role in the LDF debacle in the local body polls, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday justified the former travelling with him in his official vehicle. He came to meet me when I was about to attend the programme in Pampa. Since both of us were heading to the same destination, he too entered my vehicle. I too decided to travel with him, the chief minister said in a press meet here. Case against Pottiye Kettiye song not govts stand, says chief minister About the gold theft case, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the case taken against the viral Pottiye Kettiye song is not part of the governments stand on the same. If a complaint is handed over, we might have to take it up as a case, but later, it is the governments policy that gets implemented. The case will go its way. We have seen many such songs and have a clear stand on such situations, he said.
Kerala deals nativity card to address citizenship worries
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government is planning to introduce a permanent nativity card as a new identification document to prove residency as it looks to address concerns related to citizenship. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who announced the cabinet decision on Wednesday said the card will replace the nativity certificate currently issued in the state. Terming as worrying the situation faced by people who have to prove their citizenship, Pinarayi said an authentic and legally-backed document would benefit them. We are aware of the fear among people over citizenship. This card will serve as a document to establish that the person is a Keralite and an Indian, the CM said. He clarified that the proposed document has nothing to do with the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. SIR is a different process altogether. This is to address a larger issue related to citizenship, he said. The revenue department has been tasked with evolving the draft law to give legal validity to the nativity card in consultation with the law department, he said. The authority to issue such cards would rest with tahsildars and the document could be used for services related to the state government and for other needs. The CM said the government had received numerous complaints from people who have to approach revenue authorities each time the nativity certificate is required. In its current form, the nativity certificate is a document that proves the birth and long-term residence of a person in a state. However, it is not a legally binding document. What is it A permanent card that proves a person is a Keralite and an Indian It seeks to replace the nativity certificate, which has to be obtained each time it is needed Tahsildar will be the authority who issues the card It can be used to avail govt service and other needs The card is not mandatory. It will be issued to anyone who applies The state govt currently issues nativity certificate to prove birth, long-term residence of a person. The certificate is not considered a legally binding document
Malabar Bakerys plum cake remains icing on Kannurs Christmas festivity
KANNUR: Like every Christmas, Malabar Bakery near Kannur Market continues to uphold a cherished tradition of preparing its classic icing plum cake. Serving the people of Kannur for the past 115 years, the bakery is a symbol of nostalgia and trust. Even today, the original cake that has delighted customers for generations is baked and sold, garnering special demand during the Christmas season. For many in the town, the familiar taste of Malabar Bakerys icing plum cake is an indispensable part of the festive spirit of Christmas. Nakkady Achuthan founded Malabar Bakery in 1910 at Camp Bazaar, which was then the headquarters of the Malabar military division. In its early days, the bakery supplied products to the military, nearby convents, and surrounding areas. Recognised as the first bakery in Kannur district, Malabar Bakery soon expanded its reach, exporting its products to places such as Hyderabad, Mangalore, and Madras, and several other regions. In 1928, the business was taken over by Nakkady Madhavan, and today, the bakery is run by the third generation of the family, with N M Swaroopkumar at the helm, continuing the legacy. Malabar Bakery in 1917 Malabar Bakery began making its iconic icing plum cakes in 1920, at a time when every step of the process was done entirely by hand, Swaroopkumar, 63, said. As November approaches each year, we receive inquiries from various places, even from abroad, about our cakes. While many from the older generation continue to return for the familiar taste they grew up with, members of the younger generation are also drawn to the shop, eager to experience the timeless flavour that has defined Malabar Bakery for more than a century. In December, Malabar Bakery fills its shelves with Christmas icing plum cakes and continues to do so till mid-January. The cake is baked without infusing rum which is a regular query of customers. Apart from icing plum cakes, they also sell traditional cream cakes. The dedication to offering only its own creations has helped preserve the bakerys original taste and identity, earning the trust of generations of customers.
Home births drop by 80 per cent in Malappuram
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Malappuram, which once reported the highest number of home births in Kerala, has witnessed a remarkable turnaround this year with an 80% drop in such cases. The district reported 36 home births so far in the current financial year, a major drop from 191 reported in the previous fiscal. The demise of 35-year-old Asma, who bled to death during a home birth at her rented house in Malappuram on April 5, proved a turning point. Following the botched delivery, field workers, with the backing of religious leaders, successfully persuaded families to shift to institutional deliveries. There was a marked change after Asmas death. We have been closely monitoring pregnant women to sustain the awareness, said Dr Pameeli N N, Malappuram district reproductive and child health officer. The authorities, which included members from local bodies, the women and child development department and the police, actively worked to curb the existing tendency of encouraging home births. Dr Pameeli emphasised that religious leaders intervened when other options failed. Field-level officers were able to convert over 40 planned home births to institutional deliveries, she said. 8 home births attributed to migrant labourers Of the 36 home births, eight were attributed to migrant labourers whom the authorities could not track, while two were from relatively inaccessible tribal areas of Nagamala in Idukki. Malappuram was where people from other districts visited for home births. This too changed after the government took strong action in the wake of Asmas death. The rise in home births had posed a threat to Keralas hard-won success in maternal and infant health. In 2024 alone, the department linked 17 stillbirths and 12 neonatal deaths to home births. Malappuram, in particular, was at the centre of the crisis, recording 1,244 home births out of 2,931 total deliveries between 2019 and September 2024. Frustrated by the recurring cases, Dr K Pratibha, a medical officer at Tanur Family Health Centre in Malappuram, escalated the issue through official channels and eventually approached the Kerala High Court, seeking strict government action and clear guidelines on preventing such practices. In 2023, while posted at Thanaloor FHC, she dealt with 17 home birth cases in a single month. Her persistent efforts, combined with mounting pressure from the public and judiciary, helped bring the issue to the spotlight.
South and central Kerala see sharpest decline in voter numbers after SIR
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The draft electoral roll for the 2026 assembly election published on Tuesday registered an overall dip in voter numbers by 8.65% compared to the voters list prior to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Of this, the sharpest drop in voter numbers was recorded in Thiruvananthapuram at 14.31%, followed by Idukki, Ernakulam and Kottayam. Notably, the northern districts of Kannur and Malappuram recorded the least drop in the number of voters. Chief Electoral Officer-Kerala Rathan U Kelkar told TNIE that the drop in voter numbers in predominantly urban districts such as Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam was owing to the lukewarm response of citizens in the 18-30 years age group to either enrol in the electoral roll or participate in the SIR process that requires establishment of a link with the 2002 electoral roll. Of the 2.78 crore voters we had before SIR, nearly 56 lakh in the 18-30 years age group have found a place in the latest draft voters list. However, the population of that age group is close to 90 lakh. This means around 35 lakh people have not come forward to register, Kelkar explained. According to the official, even by conservative estimates, at least 30 lakh people in the 18-30 year age group are expected to come into the electoral roll when it is finalised on February 21. Notably, the number of voters who have been left out of the draft voters list comes up to 24.08 lakh. In the coming days, we will be launching special campaigns to encourage fresh enrolments, the official added. Asked how Idukki, that is predominantly a rural district, came second in terms of the drop in voter numbers, Kelkar said, People of Tamil origin, who also have votes in Tamil Nadu, have not given back the enumeration forms. This was noticed more in the taluks bordering Tamil Nadu.
Amid migrant attack fears, police officials rescue Jharkhand worker lost in Idukki
IDUKKI: At a time when Kerala is witnessing disturbing incidents of migrant workers being attacked by mobs on mere suspicion sometimes after being labelled thieves or outsiders - one such suspicious stranger walking alone through a forest road in Idukki last week could easily have met a similar fate. He was walking alone on a deserted forest stretch clothes torn, body trembling, and a sack slung over his shoulder. To many, he looked like danger. In truth, Baran Marandi was a hungry, lost husband searching for his family, and one wrong assumption away from disappearing forever. The incident, which occurred on November 11, came to light following a phone call to the Kanjikuzhy police station from Aneesh, a KSRTC bus conductor residing in the area. He reported that an unknown man was roaming around residential pockets of Panamkutty and Pakuthipalam, triggering fear as women and children were alone at home. Based on the information, a police team comprising sub-inspectors Thajudheen and Ajith Kumar, along with senior civil police officer Sheriff P A, rushed to the area and began patrolling. During the search, a local resident informed them that a man carrying a sack on his shoulder was seen walking towards the Pambla dam area and was suspected to be mentally unstable. At the dam site, the police spotted the man, later identified as Baran Marandi, aged around 40. He appeared weak, disoriented and exhausted. The officers immediately gave him food, after which he gradually regained his senses. Speaking to TNIE, SI Thajudheen said, The security guards at the dam told us that they had seen the man wandering a day before and that a sack belonging to him was kept on the side of the road. Apart from speaking Hindi, he could not comprehend Malayalam or any other languages. We tried to communicate with him in Hindi and came to know that he came to Idukki with his wife Miri Soren and three kids one month ago to work at a cardamom plantation at Kadassikadavu in Vandanmedu, he said. Leaving them there, he went to Jharkhand. However, when returning to Idukki, he missed the vehicle he was travelling in at Pambla. Without knowing the language or anyone here, he had been wandering without food for nearly three days, he added. Police found that Baran had not eaten for days and was on the verge of collapse. The sack recovered from the roadside contained a few clothes, garments belonging to his wife and children, his childs Aadhaar card, and a handwritten phone number. Later, the police contacted the number and spoke to Sudha, the employer at the cardamom plantation. She confirmed that the husband of a Jharkhand woman working there had been missing for the past few days. As a KSRTC Kumily bus service passed through the route, the police stopped the vehicle and requested the conductor to drop Baran at Kadassikadavu. The conductor agreed and assured the officers that he would ensure Baran reached safely. Baran was later received by his relatives at Kadassikadavu. The conductor confirmed his safe arrival over the phone and forwarded a photograph of Baran reunited with his wife, bringing relief and closure to the officers who had traced him. Police officials said the team was fortunate to have located him at the dam site, as the road beyond leads deep into forest terrain. Had he walked further, survival would have been uncertain. Wandered 3 days without food According to SI Thajudheen, the worker couldnt understand any language except Hindi. We tried to communicate with him in Hindi and came to know that he came to Idukki with his wife and three kids a month ago to work at a cardamom plantation in Vandanmedu. Leaving them there, he went to Jharkhand. However, when returning to Idukki, he missed the vehicle he was travelling in at Pambla. Without knowing the language or anyone here, he had been wandering without food for nearly 3 days, he said.
Mob lynching: Kerala govt announces Rs 30 lakh aid to victims family
KOCHI, Dec 24 : Kerala government on Wednesday announced financial assistance of Rs 30 lakh to the family of Chhattisgarh native Ramnarayan, who was killed in an alleged mob lynching incident near Walayar in the northern Palakkad district. Addressing a press conference here, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said a Cabinet meeting decided to grant the aid to the family of Ramnarayan, from the Chief Ministers Distress Relief Fund. Of the total Rs 30 lakh being granted, Rs five lakh each [] The post Mob lynching: Kerala govt announces Rs 30 lakh aid to victims family appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
PAC seeks immediate action on human-animal conflict situation
IUML to get one-year term for Deputy Mayors post in Kochi Corporation
Power connection to HMT restored on Christmas eve
DDMA temporarily shuts 12 shops at Mather Bazaar in Kochi for flouting safety norms
Sargaalayaarts andcrafts festival begins
Ban on films at International Film Festival of Kerala: An attack on progressive cinema
The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting denying censor exemption to as many as 19 of the 206 films charted for screening at the International Film Festival of Kerala is worrying
Sangh Parivar Creating Hatred Against Christians Will Be Dealt with Sternly: Pinarayi
A prayer group was attacked in Madhya Pradesh, and even in Kerala, a carol group in Palakkad was targeted.
Arundhatiand the power of perspective
Her career is not about the wickets taken or matches played, but about opening the doors for those waiting to break through; the move to Kerala brought about a massive change in her approach
Sabarimala gold case: Vijayan raises questions over Sonia Gandhi-Potty meeting
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan challenged Opposition leaders regarding the Sabarimala gold theft case. He dismissed claims of accused individuals having personal access to him. Vijayan highlighted photographs showing the accused meeting senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. He questioned how the accused secured such meetings, suggesting these were formal engagements.
Mob Lynching: Kerala Govt Announces Rs 30 Lakh Aid To Victim's Family
A Cabinet meeting decided to grant the aid to the family of Ramnarayan, from the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan
Kerala CM Alleges Financial Blockade by Centre
Kerala is the only state to bear 25 per cent of land acquisition costs, and has already paid Rs 5,580 crore out of an approved Rs 6,769 crore.
Vasantholsavam, light show open in Thiruvananthapuram city
Narendra Modi Stadium Ground: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, along with Ishan Kishan and Devdutt Padikkal, smashed centuries to benefit their respective teams in Round One of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26 Season on Wednesday. It was a day on which a record 22 individual centuries were scored on the opening day of the competition. From a team perspective, Karnataka and Bengal completed mammoth successful run chases to make a big statement on Day One of Indias premier domestic mens one-day tournament. Kohli marked his return to Bengaluru with a commanding century as Delhi chased down 299 against Andhra with more than 12 overs to spare in their Elite Group D opener on Wednesday. Kohli's 58th List A hundred - 131 off 101 balls with 14 fours and three sixes - at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground overshadowed Ricky Bhui's 122 for Andhra as Delhi secured a four-wicket victory. Delhi pacer Simarjeet Singh was adjudged Player of the Match for picking 5-54. Meanwhile, in Jaipur, another former India captain, Rohit Sharma, produced a masterclass in front of over 20,000 spectators at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, smashing an unbeaten 155 off 94 balls to guide Mumbai to an eight-wicket victory over Sikkim in Elite Group C. Rohit raced to his 37th List A century in just 62 balls before adding another 50 runs off 29 deliveries, cutting and driving at will against an inexperienced Sikkim attack that had posted 236/6, as Mumbai chased down the target in 30.3 overs. In Ranchi, Bihar posted a staggering 574/6 - now the highest score in men's List A cricket - as teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed 190 off 84 balls and captain Sakibul Gani blasted an unbeaten 128 off 40 balls - the fastest by an Indian batter in men's List A cricket - to crush Arunachal Pradesh by 397 runs in a Plate Group match on Wednesday. Suryavanshi struck 16 fours and 15 sixes in his blistering knock at a strike rate of 226.19, adding 158 runs for the opening wicket with Mangal Mahrour (33) before combining with Piyush Singh (77 off 66 balls) for a 103-run second-wicket partnership. Wicketkeeper Ayush Loharuka continued the carnage with 116 off 56 balls, including hitting 11 fours and eight sixes, before Gani unleashed mayhem in the final overs by hitting 10 fours and 12 sixes to propel Bihar past the 500-mark. Bihar's bowlers then completed the rout, dismissing Arunachal Pradesh for just 177 in 42.1 overs with Akash Raj (3-29), Suraj Kashyap (3-31) and Himanshu Tiwari (2-33) sharing eight wickets between themselves. In Rajkot, Dhruv Jurel and Rinku Singh hit half-centuries as Uttar Pradesh opened their campaign with an 84-run win over Hyderabad at the Niranjan Shah Stadium. Apart from the duo, Abhishek Goswami and Aryan Juyal were among their other half-centurions. UP's spin trio - List A debutants Zeeshan Ansari (4-31) and Prashant Veer (3-47), along with Vipraj Nigam - stifled Hyderabad's chase of 325 after the UP top-order posted 324/5. Hyderabad captain Tanmay Agarwal's 53 off 43 balls threatened briefly before the lower-order collapsed, as they were bowled out for 240. Defending champions Karnataka pulled off a stunning run chase, overhauling a record target of 413 against Jharkhand with 15 balls to spare at the Narendra Modi Stadium Ground B in Ahmedabad. Player of the Match Devdutt Padikkal's brilliantly-paced 147 off 118 balls eclipsed Ishan Kishan's explosive 125 off just 39 balls - the second fastest List A century by an Indian male batter - as Karnataka romped home despite losing five wickets on the way. Captain Mayank Agarwal (54 off 34 balls) and Padikkal added 114 in the first 11.5 overs before Abhinav Manohar (56 not out) and debutant Dhruv Prabhakar (40 not out) sealed Karnatakas victory with an unbroken 88-run stand off 41 balls. Kishan had earlier clubbed 14 sixes in his whirlwind knock, helping Jharkhand amass 151 runs in the final 10 overs to post 412 for nine. Meanwhile, at the main Narendra Modi Stadium, Tamil Nadu opened their campaign with a 101-run victory over Pondicherry, with Pradosh Ranjan Paul (73) and captain N. Jagadeesan (67) laying the foundation for a total of 310/9. Bengal completed a successful chase of 383 against Vidarbha, with Abishek Porel (56 off 35 balls), captain Abhimanyu Easwaran (71), Sudip Gharami (68), and Shahbaz Ahmed (71 off 58 balls) guiding them to a stunning victory. Shubham Khajuria smashed an unbeaten 129 as Jammu and Kashmir thrashed Chandigarh by 10 wickets, with Nasir Lone taking four wickets and recent IPL auction pick Auqib Nabi claiming two. Himachal Pradesh defeated Uttarakhand by 95 runs as Akash Vasisht took three wickets, while Arzan Nagwaswalla's four-wicket haul powered Gujarat to an eight-wicket victory over Services. Saurashtra successfully chased down a 346-run target against Odisha with five wickets in hand, powered by Gajjar Sammar's unbeaten 132. Odisha's Swastik Samal had earlier smashed 212 with Biplab Samantaray contributing 100. Kerala thrashed Tripura by 145 runs after posting 348 for eight, with Baba Aparajith taking 5-15. Vignesh Puthur created List A cricket history by taking six catches as a fielder - the most ever in an innings, surpassing the previous record of five shared by 21 fielders. Punjab defeated Maharashtra by 51 runs, with Naman Dhir's 97, Anmolpreet Singh's 85, and Prabhsimran Singh's 60 laying the foundation for their big win before debutants Sukhdeep Bajwa and Krish Bhagat claimed two wickets each. Brief scores: Andhra 298/8 in 50 overs (Ricky Bhui 122; Simarjeet Singh 5-54, Prince Yadav 3-50) lost to Delhi 300/6 in 37.4 overs (Virat Kohli 131, Nitish Rana 77; Maramreddy Hemanth Reddy 2-6, Satyanarayana Raju 2-74) by four wickets Sikkim 236/7 in 50 overs (Ashish Thapa 79, Shardul Thakur 2/19) lost to Mumbai 237/2 in 30.3 overs (Rohit Sharma 155) by 8 wickets. Bihar 574/6 in 50 overs (Vaibhav Suryavanshi 190, Sakibul Gani 128 not out; Tadakamalla Mohith 2-99, Techi Neri 2-83) beat Arunachal Pradesh 177 in 42.1 overs (Kamsha Yangfo 32 not out, Techi Doria 28; Akash Raj 3-29, Suraj Kashyap 3-31) by 397 runs. Odisha 345/6 in 50 overs (Swastik Samal 212, Biplab Samantaray 100) lost to Saurashtra 347/5 in 48.5 overs (Gajjar Sammar 132 not out, Chirag Jani 86) by five wickets Services 184 in 42.2 overs (Arzan Nagwaswalla 4-34) lost to Gujarat 185/2 in 34.5 overs (Aarya Desai 77 not out) by eight wickets Haryana 267/9 in 50 overs (Himanshu Rana 126, Parth Vats 57) lost to Railways 270/4 in 43.4 overs (Ravi Singh 109 not out, Upendra Yadav 80) by six wickets Uttar Pradesh 324/5 in 50 overs (Abhishek Goswami 81, Dhruv Jurel 80) beat Hyderabad 240 all out in 43 overs (Tanmay Agarwal 53, Rahul Buddhi 47; Zeeshan Ansari 4-31) by 84 runs Jharkhand 412/9 in 50 overs (Ishan Kishan 125, Virat Singh 88; Abhilash Shetty 4/72) lost to Karnataka 413/5 in 47.3 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 147, Abhinav Manohar 56 not out) by five wickets Tamil Nadu 310/7 in 50 overs (Pradosh Ranjan Paul 73, N. Jagadeesan 67) beat Pondicherry 209 in 46.5 overs (Neyan Kangayan 60, Gurjapneet Singh 4/32) by 101 runs Punjab 347/6 in 50 overs (Naman Dhir 97, Anmolpreet Singh 85) beat Maharashtra 296/8 in 50 overs (Ramakrishna Ghosh 73, Prithvi Shaw 46) by 51 runs Tamil Nadu 310/7 in 50 overs (Pradosh Ranjan Paul 73, N. Jagadeesan 67) beat Pondicherry 209 in 46.5 overs (Neyan Kangayan 60, Gurjapneet Singh 4/32) by 101 runs Also Read: Live Cricket Score Chhattisgarh 233 in 48.5 overs (Amandeep Khare 76, Mayank Verma 64; Deepraj Gaonkar 4/35) lost to Goa 234/4 in 44.1 overs (Snehal Kauthankar 107 not out) by six wickets Article Source: IANS
Attack on childrens Christmas carol draws protests across the State
Police arrest an RSSworkerfor assaulting the children who were part of the carol group and damaging their musical instruments. In protest, DYFIorganisessome 2,500protest carols across Palakkad. Chief Minister slams BJP leaders for their disparagingremarks against the carollers
Big Tree Fest adds glow to Fort Kochi's year-end verve
Time slows down in Fort Kochi every December. There is always something special about the Christmas - New Year season in this nook of the world. Its not just about the old-world charm and colonial hangover the place is known for. The special vibe comes from the communitys warmth and camaraderie. And at the centre of this stands a 400-year-old rain tree at Veli Ground. Gathering around this tree during festivities has been an age-old tradition. Over time, however, this tradition has evolved into whats called the Big Tree Festival. A celebration rooted in memories of the neighbourhood. Held annually from December 23 to January 1, the festival has grown into one of Fort Kochis most anticipated year end events, drawing thousands of people. Its beginnings, however, were modest. As they say, Christmas in Fort Kochi is not assembled overnight. In 1999, a group of teenagers who spent most evenings playing cricket at the ground wondered why their neighbourhood did not have a communal Christmas tree. That casual chit-chat after a match spurred the idea of a community-led celebration. Those teenagers united by sports evolved into a collective identity when three local clubs Sparks, Eagles and Sharjah came together to form SES Kochi, which was later renamed Knights United. For the past 25 years, the group has been organising the Big Tree Festival. Members of the group say they view the tree as a local matriarch. We protect and care for the tree throughout the year, says Swaraj T R, secretary of Knights United. Several other trees in the area have fallen due to neglect. But this one remains firmly rooted. The initial concept of the tree fest was to have a homely gathering of residents, says Sanoj P S, president of Knights United. People would get together and share their food and joy of Christmas until the New Year, he recalls. The scene, however, changed with social media. Now domestic and foreign tourists throng the tree festival. As part of this years celebration, the tree is now adorned with claybells, ball string lights, about 1,800 LED strips, and a 40kg neon star. The festival experience extends beyond the tree. A 350m stretch of road leading to the Veli Ground is lined with arches, stars and festive hangings, turning the approach itself into part of the celebration. We must thank Nixon Jose Antony a brother to the group whose encouragement during the early years helped us sustain the effort. He is now a police officer, but continues to guide in spirit, says Sanoj. The festival has no business motives, he adds. Members of Knights United including daily wagers do the decorations by taking leave from their jobs. We dont have any big title sponsors or funders. Its a typical middle-class festival for middle-class people. The lights on ceremony will be held on Christmas day, with actor Soubin Shahir, and local socio-political figures expected to be in attendance. Cultural programmes will be held on a daily basis, culminating in New Year celebrations on January 1. The organisers urge visitors to park vehicles at least 100m away from the venue to avoid congestion in the neighbourhood.
Kerala to open help desks in village offices to help eligible people excluded from SIR draft list
Over 24 lakh voters in Kerala have been excluded from the draft electoral roll published by the EC
CM defends detente with Governor over V-C postings, travel with Natesan
Pinarayi Vijayan dismisses Congress charge that Left Democratic Front government had capitulated to Governor to appease Union government
Actor rape case convict seeks cancellation of his sentence
Martin Antony has challenged his conviction by arguing that he, like actor Dileep, who was acquitted in the case, did not commit any sexual assault and was not present in the vehicle when the rape took place
Kerala CM demands Union government to end economic embargo imposed on State
Centre reduced Keralas market borrowing limit with retrospective effect from 2021-22 by consideringKIIFBsexternal borrowings as State loans, thoughReserve Bank had clarified in 1999 that guarantee and loan are not the same, saysPinarayi
Man allegedly assaulted by carol gang for seeking receipt in Ernakulam
CM seeks answers from Cong. about Pottis pictures with Sonia Gandhi
Pinarayi says that given Sonia Gandhis known reluctance to provide a personal audience to even senior Congress leaders, it remains a mystery how Potti and Govardan, both in judicial remand, could breeze into her house and office, escorted by two MPs
Vakkam Maulavi Memorial Lecture on December 29
Kerala seeks restoration of slashed crores from borrowing limit, submits memorandum to Centre
Kerala seeks, among other things, restoration of 5,944 crore deducted from the borrowing limit reportedly citing off-Budget borrowings by special purpose vehicles
The UDF will also field Mary Pushpam, who has served as a councillor in the past few terms, for the Deputy Mayor post
Bird flu recurrence exposes government failure: Kodikunnil Suresh
Congress divided over selection of Thodupuzha municipal chairman nominee
Kerala CM warns against communal intolerance over attacks on Christmas celebrations
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday expressed deep concern over increasing attacks on Christmas celebrations in different parts of the country and said such incidents undermine the universal message of peace associated with the festival. Terming such incidents as deeply disturbing, he said reports have emerged of widespread attacks on Christmas celebrations in 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 to introduce nativity card to address citizenship concerns
Chief Minister says Cabinet has approved in-principle the issuance of a permanent nativity card with a photo in place of the nativity certificate currently being issued in the State
CM to inaugurate new surgical block at Kottayam medical college
Centuries-old duck-rearing practice at risk as avian flu hits Kuttanad again
The latest outbreak of bird flu, the seventh in the region in 11 years, has already resulted in the death of around 55,000 birds, with more set to be culled as part of preventive measures. A decade ago, 10-15 lakh ducks were reared in the region annually, which has fallen to around three lakh now and is likely to decline further, say farmers' forums
Actor Vinayakan discharged from hospital
KEAM 2026 registration to begin soon: CEE Kerala releases list of documents required to apply online
Kerala's KEAM 2026 registration is set to begin soon. Candidates seeking reservation benefits or fee concessions must prepare valid certificates from revenue authorities. This includes Non-Creamy Layer, caste, income, and EWS certificates, with specific requirements for NRI quota applicants. Ensure all documents are state-educational purpose valid to avoid admission issues.
IIM-Kozhikode declares CAT results
Pinarayi announces 30 lakh compensation for kin of mob lynching victim
Third-time councillor Saiji Jolly to be Aluva municipal chairperson
Saiji Jolly, deputy chairperson in the previous council headed by Congress veteran M.O. John, won from Nazreth ward, defeating BJPs Sivapriya G. Kammath
CPO dismissed from service citing indiscipline
Dismissal was ordered by Pathanamthitta District Police Chief for repeatedly insulting the State police force and senior officers on social media and for committing acts of indiscipline
Kollam district administration steps up food safety enforcement
1.6 lakh names struck off electoral rolls
Govt. invites agri-business companies to partner with farmer groups under KERA project
The programme aims to create structured market linkages that connect Keralas premium agricultural produce to local, national and international markets, ensuring that farmers receive better prices and a secure market linkage
Murder accused arrested with MDMA
On Sabarimala Gold Theft, Pinarayi Vijayan's All-Out Attack On Sonia Gandhi
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has hit out at Sonia Gandhi over the Sabarimala gold and idol smuggling controversy, claiming links between the senior Congress leader and two accused in the case - Unnikrishnan Potti and jeweller Govardhan.
Christians Being 'Targeted' Nationwide, Alleges Kerala LOP
The Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly targeted the right wing group in a Facebook post on the eve of Christmas
SIT moves closer to questioning more TDB higher-ups in Sabarimala gold theft case
Notably, two TDB officials who were in charge in 2019, K.P. Sankar Das and N. Vijaykumar, have moved the Enquiry Commissioner and Special Judge, Vigilance, Kollam, for protection from arrest. Officials said the SIT had not named any 2019 TDB member as an accused in the case
Histories of theatre often remember movements, institutions, and landmark productions. What they forget are the people in rehearsal rooms and backstage corners the women who acted, wrote, and sustained the stage, yet rarely entered official histories. For the Love of Art: The Lost History of Women in Kerala Theatre, Jayasree Kalathils English translation of Sajitha Madathils acclaimed Malayala Nataka Sthree Charithram, steps into this silence with urgency, restoring women to the centre of Malayalam theatres cultural memory. Widely recognised for its depth and courage, Sajithas original work traces womens presence in Kerala theatre from the late 19th to the early 21st century. These women were not just peripheral participants; they shaped performance traditions, labour practices, and political movements. Yet their contributions remained scattered or overshadowed by dominant male narratives. Jayashrees translation now brings this vital archive to English readers without flattening its texture or intent. Jayashree says she was looking for a book that was significant, genuinely engaging with a social-cultural or political question in relation to Kerala, and was drawn to Sajithas refusal to treat women as marginal. Instead, the book places women firmly at its centre as rightful creators and owners of its cultural capital. Sajitha begins by examining the structures that kept women away from the stage. Rather than repeating the familiar narrative of male actors performing female roles, she probes deeper anxieties around caste, morality, and respectability that rendered womens public performance suspect. The argument is incisive without being academic, and Jayashree preserves this clarity, allowing complex ideas to unfold with narrative ease. The book turns to the first women who entered the theatre despite stigma, surveillance, and exploitation. Sajitha writes about them not as romanticised pioneers but as workers negotiating family resistance and low wages to remain connected to their art. Among the most compelling figures is Palluruthy Lakshmi, The Anarkali of the Stage. Her hunger for performance was elemental. Sir, I cant live without singing Its like how we need water or air, she tells a policeman in a dramatised retelling, explaining why she left home. Even as tuberculosis confined her to bed, Lakshmi insisted on being buried in her stage costume a final gesture that captures the intensity of womens artistic labour in a society that offered them little security. But not all stories culminate in recognition. Sajitha is equally attentive to the women forced to leave the stage. One retired actor reflects: I cant tell you how it suffocates me, not being able to be on stage. And when I see drama troupe vehicles passing by... my heart breaks. This reveals the quiet cost of a system that treated womens artistic ambition as expendable. A significant section focuses on political theatre. The writer traces how Left cultural movements, particularly Kerala Peoples Arts Club (KPAC), expanded opportunities for performers like KPAC Lalitha, KPAC Sulochana, Nilambur Ayisha, and Adoor Pankajam. Their work shaped Malayalam theatres evolution, with figures like KPAC Lalitha carrying this legacy into cinema. Reflecting on the broader conditions of their practice, Sajitha writes: The experiences of these women show that they have made every effort to understand and apply the grammar of a medium they were not familiar with. Several women described theatre as consuming, like an ember smouldering slowly, yet impossible to abandon. The book concludes by charting how women gradually carved out institutional spaces theatre collectives and feminist groups as an ongoing, unfinished journey. Sajitha positions these women as the thinkers and innovators who formed the spine of Malayalam theatre. Jayashrees translation amplifies this clarity while retaining the earthy, textured voice of the original. For readers of gender studies, cultural history, or powerful nonfiction, For the Love of Art is indispensable. It asks us to look again at the stage this time with attention to the women who shaped it against all odds. The book is available on Amazon for `499 Theirchest hurtswhen they cant perform What first pushed you to write this book? I wrote this book in 2010. However, its roots go back to my earliest years in theatre. I began my long tryst with theatre in 1988, with the street plays of the Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad. The discussions on gender between 1986 and 89 influenced me deeply, and they eventually took me to Kolkata to study drama. I was already an activist and a feminist by then. When I returned to Kerala and started reading theatre history, I realised there was nothing on women. That silence pushed me. I had studied theatre for my MPhil and worked on a project for the Kerala Sangeet Natak Akademi, and slowly, through research and interviews, the book began to take shape. When written records were scarce, how did you remain truthful to their stories? Each chapter demanded its own method. I had to read between the lines of existing texts, dig deeper, listen to memories, conduct interviews, and run surveys. I knew I couldnt rely on the usual method of writing theatre history, as those had ignored women in the first place. History keeps on growing. So, I added new findings to the second edition. While researching, was there a story or memory that stayed with you? There are so many. I vividly remember my conversations with actor M K Kamalam. She acted in just one film and chose to return to the theatre right after. Another is of an actress whose name I cant reveal because shes still living. She had to stop acting after marriage, and only returned to the stage at 60. She told me she would watch when vehicles of theatre troupes drive past her home in Kozhikode and weep, saying,My chest physically hurts that I cant perform.You can understand a whole life in that one line. Theres also my visit to KPAC Leela in 1991 or 92. Someone pointed me to what they said was her home. She opened the door but refused to acknowledge that she was KPAC Leela at all. I had to keep insisting, and only then did she finally speak so beautifully. But that denial, that refusal of her own artistic identity, broke my heart. I still think of Velukkutty Aashan, known for playing Vasavadatta at a time when men performed for women. His style shaped how women were expected to act. When he fell ill, and they needed someone for a fundraiser, they convinced Mavelikkara Ponnamma to perform. She told me,I had to become Velukkutty first, then Vasavadatta.What you can see is that men had determined how female characters should be played, even by women. When piecing together the lives of these women, what responsibility did you feel? It was a strong one. Ive always been a feminist, and whenever I asked male theatre artists about women, they would brush it off Oh, women havent done much. They were just there for money. Of course, money mattered as it does for anyone but when you talk to these women, you know thats not what kept them there. Thats why theirchest physically hurtswhen they cant perform. What was the most challenging part of writing a book of this scale, and what kept you going? Structuring it. Everything was scattered stories, interviews, fragments. Organising them into meaningful chapters felt overwhelming. The more I researched, the more the material grew. Eventually, I decided to structure the book by themes and periods so readers could follow it without getting lost. Convincing publishers and even people around me that such a book was necessary was another battle. But here we are. How do you see womens presence in Malayalam theatre today compared to the period you documented? I see a big change. More young women are studying theatre now and entering it simply out of passion. Theyre brave, hardworking and willing to work as a team. As someone inside the field, I have real faith in the coming generation. Is it the exact scale of change we once hoped for? Maybe not. But the change is definitely there. What do you hope English readers take away from this translation People in Kerala may know these women, but outside the state, almost no one is aware of their contribution to theatre. Theyre rarely spoken about, unlike the women artists from the Northern belt. I still remember the National School of Dramas Poorva festival back in 2003. There were mentions of women even from Tamil Nadu, but not Kerala. I hope Jayasrees English translation carries these stories further, to readers whove never encountered this lineage before. Even Anuradha Kapur said much of it was new to her, and Revathy described it as a powerful testament to womens courage and tenacity in theatre. Above all, I want readers to know these women were here working, shaping, and leaving their mark on theatre history.
According to the list, only eight of the more than 180 films released so far in 2025 were classified as super hits, with the estimated total loss pegged at around 360 crore. Manohar is the director of Malayalam political thriller Narivetta released earlier this year
Christmas Cake Recipe: Learn to bake delicious Christmas plum cake and cookies at home with this simple guide. From rich Kerala-style plum cake to easy butter cookies, these festive treats embody the spirit of togetherness. Discover traditional recipes, oven-free methods, and the heartwarming history behind these beloved holiday bakes.
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Police questioned Muhammed and later released him from custody in accordance with a district court order granting the director anticipatory bail and protection from arrest
PT Kunju Muhammed's arrest recorded by Cantonment police, released on bail later
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Film maker and two-time MLA P T Kunju Muhammed's arrest was recorded by the Cantonment police on Tuesday in a sexual assault case registered on a complaint filed by a woman film director. He was later released as he had obtained pre-arrest bail from the principal sessions court. The court had ordered that in case the accused was arrested, he should be released on bail. The accused reportedly denied the allegation before the investigators. The police on December 7 registered a case against the director, who was the chairman of the committee to select films for the Malayalam Cinema Today section of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), for sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of a woman, which are non-bailable offences. According to the complainant, a woman working in the film industry, the incident occurred at a city hotel in November during the screening to select films for the upcoming International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). Kunju Muhammed and the complainant were part of the committee to select films for the Malayalam Cinema Today section of the festival. Both were staying at the hotel. He allegedly invited the woman to his room and misbehaved with her, as per the complaint. In his anticipatory bail plea, the accused had argued that the allegation was fabricated and was part of a conspiracy. The plea said the woman filed the complaint 21 days after the alleged incident, and that too not with the police but the CM, which was suspicious. The prosecution had strongly objected to the plea and said the woman had to discuss the matter with her relatives before filing the case. Statement of woman to be recorded in harassment complaint against noted film-maker P T Kunju Muhammed
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Filmmaker and ex-MLA Kunju Muhammed arrested for sexual assault
Filmmaker and ex-MLA Kunju Muhammed was recently arrested after being accused of sexual assault by a woman. However, he was soon released on bail. The victim claimed that he sexually assaulted her while serving as the chairman of the jury responsible for selecting films for the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK)
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RSS-BJP worker Aswin Raj allegedly assaulted the children and damaged their musical instrument. The police have arrested him
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