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Electoral defeat of LDF a lesson for everyone, says Satheesan
Photo: India defeats SL by 15 runs, complete 5-0 series whitewash
Thiruvananthapuram: Indias players celebrate a wicket during the fifth T20 International cricket match of a series between India Women and Sri Lanka Women, at Greenfield International Stadium, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (PTI Photo)(PTI12_30_2025_000447B) Thiruvananthapuram: Indias players celebrate the wicket of Sri Lankas Hasini Perera during the fifth T20 International cricket match of 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 .
Extend Kogilu-style Rehabilitation to Entire State, Demands Sriramulu
Speaking to the media in Ballari, Sriramulu claimed that the Chief Minister had hurriedly announced rehabilitation for Kogilu victims to appease minority interests and with an eye on the Kerala elections.
Contest to name Kerala-made premium brandy
CPI upset about CMs association with Vellappally
CPI meet emphasises need for serious introspection to understand why people had given the Left the short shrift despite the governmentsstrong performanceon many fronts
Congress U-Turn Reflects Internal Political Compulsions, Says Vijayendra
The decision was reversed a few days later following a statement by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and pressure from AICC general secretary KC Venugopal on the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, he said.
Attingal municipal chairperson prioritises infra, waste management projects
A major project will be taken up in association with the Kerala Water Authority to address drinking water scarcity in several areas
Nithyasree Mahadevan guides Swaralaya crowds through magic of ragas
Kozhikode prepares for New Year Eve with music, dinner and midnight fireworks
Kerala govt to launch citizen response programme field study on Jan. 1
From January 1, trained volunteers will conduct door-to-door visits across homes to record peoples responses. Named NavaKeralamCitizen ResponseProgrammeDevelopment/ Welfare Study,the initiative is a means for the government to understand the development needs of the people and involve them in the policy-planning process
Cong. not to act against Manju who quit as Agali grama panchayat chief
Railways to develop stations in Ernakulam to boost train handling capacity
The major works under the initiative include expanding the existing terminals with additional platforms, stabling lines, pit lines, and adequate shunting facilities, identifying and creating new terminals in and around urban areas, and setting up maintenance facilities
MGU presents its annual Budget
Sexual assault of minor: accused awarded 65 years of RI and fine
1,200 police to be deployed for crowd management at New Year revelry in Fort Kochi
New Year celebrations, mainly the burning of Pappanji effigies, will be held this year at Parade Ground and Veli Ground
Curriculum and textbook revision for Classes I to XII in Kerala nearing completion
All academic changes introduced will strictly follow the Kerala Curriculum Framework formulated independently by the State, says General Education Minister V. Sivankutty. Kerala will academically resist all attempts by the Centre to force the NEP and unilaterally impose curriculum changes, he says
Applications invited for Chief Ministers Research Fellowship for Minorities
Sabarimala gold theft: HC allows inclusion of two more cops in SIT
Master plan for town, market renovation top agenda of Angamalys new chairperson
The Congress leader, who was elevated to the chairpersons chamber after winning sixth term as a councillor, also said that steps for the beautification of the town will be initiated without delay
P. Vishwanathan scripts history for the Paniya tribe
Chilly weather triggers a surge in tourism, Munnar witnesses hours-long traffic blocks
The traffic crisis turned fatal on Sunday when a 35-year-old man died after the vehicle transporting him got stuck in a snarl
Former Dharmadam MLA K.K. Narayanan dead
Medical camp opens for Sabarimala pilgrims in Kumily
The camp will operating until January 15 with 24-hour service during peak pilgrimage days. It will offer a variety of treatments including allopathy, ayurveda, homoeopathy, and siddha.
Sabarimala temple reopened for Makaravilakku
Security arrangements have been significantly stepped up, with a 1,593 member police force deployed under the leadership of Crime Branch Superintendent of Police M. Krishnan
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to inagurate Vibe 4 Wellness campaign on January 1
A Health departments survey puts the prevalence of hypertension in Kerala at 34% and that of diabetes at 24% among adults above 30 years of age. Data from the India Hypertension Control Initiative, which is being implemented in the State suggests that roughly one-third of the adult population has hypertension.
Stadium, ring road, and hospital upgrade among priorities, says Koothattukulam municipal chief
Regi John Plathottathil has outlined a five-point development agenda, which will serve as the focal point during his initial days as chairperson of the municipality
CPI(M) turns to Kumarakom to bolster narrative of Cong.-BJP collusion
Party asks Congress whether it has the courage to expel those who engineered alleged collusion to manipulate the mandate in Kumarakom panchayat. The dramatic power shift in the local body last week saw an Independent assume charge as president with the backing of UDF and three BJP members
Police step up vigil on New Year eve
Sanskrit university Syndicate members flag concerns over revenue from KCA cricket stadium project
Lack of clarity on revenue earnings for the university in return for providing free user rights on the land to the cricketing body for a period of 33 years. The KCA will develop/construct multi-sports facilities, including a football ground with an athletic track, say university officials
Mavelikara court acquits accused in Vishal murder case
20 people, including one minor, were charge-sheeted in the case. Of these, 19 faced trial and were acquitted by the court
Remand prisoner escapes from Kuthiravattom mental health centre
Another straying tiger trapped in Pathanamthitta
Revised railway timetable to come into effect on January 1
Logo of ASAPs Superskill Hero Awards campaign unveiled
Global spice routes conclave to unveil heritage network
The three-day event to be held in Kochi from January 6 will explore new ways to strengthen cultural and heritage tourism among a host of countries which are part the famed global trade corridor
Dear Indians, Stop Behaving Like This: Man Calls Out Tourists For Littering Kerala Beach
Influencer Sachin K Dhir's video from Kerala's Varkala Cliff Beach calls out tourists for leaving behind trash, urging for greater civic responsibility and environmental awareness.
Political theatre unfolds after Surendrans questioning by SIT in the Sabarimala gold theft case
Mr. Surendran dodged pointed questions about whether he had blamed former TDB president A Padmakumar, another CPI(M) leader.Earlier, Mr. Padmakumar had stirred controversy by dropping hints about the alleged role of some saintly higher-up in the crime.
Officials said the SIT suspects its investigation might meander into interstate rackets that palm off ordinary everyday objects, including metal pots and idols, as rare treasures with magical properties to unsophisticated, overeager wealthy collectors for significant sums of money.
Surendran reportedly told the SIT that the governments role in TDB administration was limited to policy and sweeping administrative oversight, primarily through the Revenue departments Devaswom wing.
Eden working hard to improve his white-ball skills
The 20-year-old Kerala pacer admits he needs to learn to control the movement while his formative coach and former State captain Sony feels his ward needs to develop variations to succeed in the shorter formats
Twisting My Comments: DK Shivakumar Clarifies We Don't Want Keralites Remark
DK Shivakumar clarified his we don't want Keralites remark, stating it targeted Kerala government's interference, not its people.
NEP orientation programme in Alappuzha
2025 bids adieu with fond memories of seasonal weather
The year 2025 will go down in Keralas weather history as a remarkably tranquil period, with the state experiencing only five extreme rainfall events and no major natural disasters, a stark contrast to the catastrophic floods of 2018. In 2024, Kerala officially confirmed two deaths due to heatstroke.
Mohanlal`s mother Santhakumari dies at 90
Malyalam actor Mohanlal`s mother, Santhakumari Amma, has passed away at the actor`s residence in Kochi, Kerala on Tuesday. She was suffering from age-related ailments for several years and passed away in the presence of her beloved son
V-P says Narayana Guru and Adi Shankaracharya are the greatest contributions of Kerala to Indian society
Kerala paradox: Where migrants build dreams, and lose lives
A migrant worker from Chhattisgarh was lynched in Kerala after being mistaken for a thief, highlighting growing xenophobia despite the state's progressive image. This incident, the third of its kind in three years, raises concerns about the integration of internal migrants and the need for better support systems.
Actor Mohanlal's mother Santhakumari passes away
She was 90. The death occurred at the actors residence at Elamakkara in Kochi. Santhakumari had been ailing for some time owing to neurological disorders
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Surendran confirms that his statement was recorded last week, as he was the Devaswom Minister when the alleged loss of gold from Sabarimala temple occurred. Former TDB presidents P.S. Prasanth too questioned
Kerala in 2025: A defining year for State on many fronts
Explore how 2025 became a transformative year for Kerala, highlighting its challenges, growth, and significant social and environmental milestones
What pains society the most is Prime Ministers loaded silence in the face of these attacks and such silence sends a disturbing message at a time when moral clarity is needed, says Archbishop Thazhath
Sabarimala gold theft: Kerala High Court allows expansion of SIT
The Kerala High Court on Tuesday permitted the induction of two additional officers into the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe the alleged removal of gold from the Dwarapalaka idols, temple structures and fixtures at the Sabarimala shrine, located in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. The Vacation Bench of Justice Ziyad Rahman AA and Justice [] The post Sabarimala gold theft: Kerala High Court allows expansion of SIT appeared first on India Legal .
How Keralas love for water adventure took off in 2025
How kayaking, skimboarding, scuba diving, surfing and more are drawing locals and tourists to Keralas abundant waters
Spiritual and social life cannot be separated, says VP Radhakrishnan
Varkala (Kerala), Dec 30: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Tuesday said spiritual life and social life cannot be separated, and if faith does not uplift society, then it remains incomplete. As India moves towards Viksit Bharat, machines and highways alone will not build the nation, but values, unity, and love will, he said. The Vice President was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the 93rd Sivagiri Pilgrimage at Sivagiri Mutt, founded by saint-social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, at Varkala near [] The post Spiritual and social life cannot be separated, says VP Radhakrishnan appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Social media storm over politicians English proficiency triggers debate in Kerala
Heated debate sparked by viral memes mocking Parliamentarian A.A. Rahim, national president of DYFI, during a recent visit to Bengaluru. Following the demolition of illegal structures, Rahim acknowledged his need to enhance his language skills but emphasised the importance of his empathy towards those displaced
Major fire guts several shops in Kochis Broadway
No casualty was reported though the blaze is estimated to have caused losses to the tune of lakhs of rupees
Six hospitalised after heavy rush at rapper Vedans concert in Keralas Kasaragod
Police said the crowd swelled unexpectedly late in the night during the concert, overwhelming security arrangements.
A husband has been jailed for six months in Kerala for harassing his wife under Section 498A. The Kerala High Court ruled that testimony from the wife's sister, brother, and an auto driver is enough. The court stated that domestic cruelty happens behind closed doors and does not need independent witnesses.
Kerala Congress leader and former MLA P.M. Mathew passes away
P.M. Mathew, who represented Kaduthuruthy Assembly constituency from 1991 to 1996, was closely associated for long with Kerala Congress (M) leader K.M. Mani
Officials said SIT had interviewed the businessperson, who allegedly goes by several aliases, including D. Mani, in his office last week. The SIT yet is to name him as an accused in the case
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Pappanji to be burnt at Kovalam Crafts Village
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Bringing the long-running Fort Kochi Pappanji tradition to Kovalam, a 40-feet-high effigy has been set up at the Kerala Arts and Crafts Village and will be set on fire at midnight on December 31 as part of the New Year celebrations. This is the first time Kovalam is formally adopting the Pappanji ritual, believed to symbolise bidding farewell to the old year and its troubles. The effigy has been built over 10 days by a team of around 10 artists. The structure has been designed to be visible from a distance inside the campus. Chief Operating Officer T U Sreeprasad added that the preparations were in the final stage. Public viewing of the effigy will be allowed till 3 pm on December 31. From 7 pm, stage programmes will commence at the venue, which will continue till midnight. The burning of the effigy along with a fireworks display will mark the beginning of the New Year. As Kovalam is now joining the list of venues hosting Pappanji burning, organisers expect the event to grow into an annual New Year attraction similar to the Fort Kochi model, though on a smaller scale to begin with. The celebrations are being held under the banner Epilogue, the fourth edition of the New Year event at the venue.
Personal laws are a major challenge for Muslim women: Kadeeja Mumthas
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Personal laws have been disguised as unchangeable divine words against modern Muslim women who are progressing with education and a sense of democratic rights, former Kerala Sahitya Akademi vice-president Kadeeja Mumthas said on Monday, adding that the persistence of these laws was the greatest challenge faced by them. She was delivering the Vakkom Moulavi Memorial Lecture organised by the Vakkom Moulavi Memorial Research Centre (VMMRC) at Christ Church Centenary Hall in Thiruvananthapuram. Calling the inheritance laws opposite in spirit to the Islamic ideals of equality, justice and independent reasoning (Ijtihad) upheld by Vakkom Moulavi, Kadeeja said the intellectual revolution carried out through language by Moulavi and Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai is an unforgettable chapter in the independence struggle of Kerala and the princely state of Travancore. Mentioning that Moulavi strongly reacted against superstitions, regressive rituals, the communitys tendency to ignore the Malayalam language and modern education, and discrimination against women, Kadeeja said he emphasised that worldly matters could be amended by considering logic, public good and justice according to changing times, while keeping faith in the Quran and Prophetic traditions. Remembering Moulavis contribution to the freedom struggle is highly relevant in the current political climate, where Muslims are increasingly being marginalised, she said. On the occasion, the Vakkom Moulavi Memorial Award was presented to senior writer and journalist G Priyadarshanan. Former director of Malayalam Mission Suja Susan George presided over the event. A book Navothanathinte Neekkirippukal: Vakkom Moulaviyude Sampoorna Krithikal, edited by K M Seethi, was also released.
DCM DK Shivakumar visits Kogilu, says wont allow government land grab
BENGALURU: Days after the demolition of slum houses in Fakeer Colony and Wasim Layout at Kogilu took a political turn with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan taking a dig at the Congress government, saying it was following the UP model, Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar visited the demolition site and sought details like voter ID card and Aadhaar for verification. The DCM said, The government will not give land grabbers a chance. He added that the contentious site was a quarry pit, and about 10 years ago, the government gave land to the corporation and waste management department to build a biogas plant, animal rendering unit and coconut rendering unit. Overnight, some sheds have mushroomed. The place has turned into a garbage mound, and there is a leachate tank, the DCM said, justifying the Greater Bengaluru Authoritys demolition drive. The DCM stated that the local MLA was aware of the situation and when some people approached him seeking his intervention, he did not entertain, citing the genuine reason of health for rejecting their proposal for housing. To a media question on Kerala leaders commenting on the demolition and embarrassing the government, the DCM said, The Kerala CM and Left party are scared of losing, they want to bank on minority voters, and tried to politicise this issue. The Kerala team is here because an election is coming. There is no question of embarrassment; we have to keep the city clean and maintain law and order. We cannot allow people to just occupy government land. a woman sleeps in a tent | Kevin Nashon Will you allow people to come and occupy your property? he asked the media. The Kerala CM is on the verge of losing the election, that is why he is doing politics. This is a local issue, and I appeal to him not to interfere in Karnatakas affairs. Shivakumar said the land belongs to the corporation and an agency that deals with waste management, which is completing fencing work, but before that, the protest happened. He said the agency had informed them about the demolition. The DCM said a meeting will be held with CM Siddaramaiah and Housing department, and the deserving will be given justice. SHRC visits Kogilu site After the Kogilu slum demolition sparked off a hot debate and slugfest between the Congress government and Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) Chairman Sham Bhat visited the spot on Monday and directed officials to gauge the impact on children. Bhat told TNIE, The dwellers have claimed they have all documents and termed the demolition illegal. Only after a preliminary report will SHRC be in a position to comment and make recommendations to the government, and the ADGP, DySP will probe. The SHRC police wing will conduct inquiries, and those affected will need to submit documents. If it is government land, we will examine records and make recommendations, Bhatt told reporters. Meanwhile, residents allege alternative arrangements were not made before the demolition, although media reports indicate temporary shelter centres were opened at a distance. Social activist and complainant T Narasimha Murthy said GBA had not followed due process, which resulted in a humanitarian crisis. Before demolition, GBA has to ensure the rehabilitation of dwellers. Their accommodation, food and medicines should have been taken care of, but GBA left over 250 families, including children and the vulnerable, in the biting cold, said Murthy. SHRC also served notices to Bengaluru Urban DC and Greater Bengaluru Authority, seeking their response within seven days.
ED quizzes Malayalam actor Jayasurya, wife in money laundering case
KOCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday interrogated Malayalam actor Jayasurya and his wife Saritha Jayasurya, in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged cheating scam involving an online investment platform. According to sources, the ED received information indicating that Jayasurya had entered into an agreement to serve as the brand ambassador of an online bidding application named Save Box. The platform is an alleged fraudulent investment scheme operated by Swathik Rahee, also known as Swathi Rahim. The case originates from at least four FIRs registered by the Thrissur police, which allege that investors were cheated through the Save Box scheme. The ED had earlier recorded Rahims statement, in which he claimed that a portion of the funds collected from investors was diverted to the film industry, with certain transactions allegedly involving the 47-year-old actor. As per the official, Rahim told investigators that a part of the money was paid to Jayasurya for endorsing the scheme as its brand ambassador. He further alleged that around Rs 30 lakh was paid to the actors wife. While a portion of the sum was allegedly paid in cash, the rest was transferred to a bank account in the name of the boutique run by her. Based on these claims, the ED summoned Jayasurya and his wife to verify the allegations and to examine the nature of their association with the scheme. The agency is currently probing the proceeds of crime generated in the case, the source added.
Guruvayur temple receives 9,000 new silver lockets
GURUVAYUR: The long-standing shortage of silver lockets at the Guruvayur Sree Krishna temple has come to an end with the arrival of fresh stock manufactured at the Hyderabad Mint, a Central government undertaking. A total of 9,000 lockets, each weighing five grams and bearing the official emblem of Lord Guruvayurappan, have now been delivered to the Guruvayur Devaswom. The lockets were produced using 100 kg silver. Devotees will be able to purchase the lockets once official procedures, including price fixation, are completed. With gold prices rising sharply, demand for silver lockets has increased significantly. While gold lockets were available in sufficient quantity at the temple, silver lockets had been unavailable for more than a year. Officials stated that approximately five tonnes of silver in the possession of the Devaswom were melted and refined, yielding four tonnes after purification. From this refined silver, 100 kg were used for the present batch of lockets. The remaining approximately 3,900 kilograms of silver are being safely stored at the Hyderabad Mint. Devaswom Chairman Dr V K Vijayan said that, with the approval of the Devaswom Commissioner, the Hyderabad Mint has been entrusted with auctioning the remaining silver. Devaswom officials added that the transportation of silver articles from the temple to the mint and the return of the finished lockets were carried out under strict security arrangements.
Makaravilakku: Sabarimala temple to open today
SABARIMALA: The Sabarimala Ayyappa temple will be opened on Tuesday for the 22-day long Makaravilakku season, marking the concluding phase of the annual pilgrimage. Melsanthi E D Prasad will open the sreekovil at 5 pm in the presence of Thantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru. As per the prevailing temple practice, no rituals will be performed at the sreekovil in the evening. Key events during the Makaravilakku season include the three-day long procession carrying the Thiruvabharanam -- the golden attire to be adorned on the idol of Lord Ayyappa during the Makaravilakku ceremony on January 14 -- from Pandalam, the auspicious Erumely Pettathullal on January 13, the Makaravilakku ritual on January 14 and the ceremonial guruthi ritual at Malikappuram on January 19. The temple will be closed at 6 am on January 20 after the customary darsan by the representative of the Pandalam Raja.
Tradition and modernity coexist in Kerala, says Vice-President
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala stands out as a land where tradition and modernity go hand in hand, said Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan. He was addressing the Trivandrum Fest, organised by the CSI Church in association with various Christian organisations and Kerala Tourism to spread the message of Christmas and communal harmony, at the state capital on Monday. Kerala is renowned for its religious harmony and rich culture. It presents a fine confluence of tradition and modernity, he said. Stressing the importance of celebrating festivals together, the Vice-President said programmes such as the Thiruvananthapuram Fest highlight the need for unity across the country. Christmas is not a celebration of Christians alone. It is a festival that brings people from all walks of life together in joy, he said. He added that culture and progress must coexist and that every achievement should contribute to the welfare of society. Minister M B Rajesh, Mayor V V Rajesh, Latin Archdiocese Archbishop Thomas J Netto, Shantigiri Ashram general secretary Swami Gururathnam Jnana Tapaswi, Palayam Imam V P Suhaib Maulavi, Changanassery Archdiocese Vicar General Monsignor John Thekkeckara and representatives of various faiths too attended the event. The Vice-President reached the state capital for a two-day visit to Kerala on Monday. On Tuesday, he will attend the 93rd Sivagiri Pilgrimage at Varkala and later take part in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Mar Ivanios College.
CPI trains guns on CM Pinarayi Vijayan, CPM for Kerala local body election failure
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a sharp criticism, the CPI has come down heavily on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPM alleging that their actions created distrust among the voters and contributed significantly to the LDFs setback in the local body election . At its state secretariat and state executive meetings held on Monday, the CPI concluded that strong anti-incumbency against the state government is the key factor behind the poll defeat. Members stated that certain positions taken by the CM on some issues had raised doubts among the public regarding the governments true intentions.They specifically highlighted CPMs soft approach and CMs silence over SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesans communally charged remarks. It is not right to justify the act of the Yogam general secretary accompanying the CM in the latters car. People now have serious doubts about the CMs intentions, leaders observed. The leaders further noted that the electoral setback, despite the government issuing welfare pensions ahead of the polls, clearly reflected prevailing anti-incumbency sentiments, adding that the Sabarimala gold theft case played a role in the loss. The front failed to clarify its stand on this issue. Though Rahul Mamkootathil is an MLA, Congress expelled him after sexual assault complaints were raised against him. However, the CPM did not take any action against former TDB president A Padma Kumar. This seriously affected the poll prospects. Members also criticised the government for signing the PM-SHRI agreement with the Centre. Kerala local body poll results: Pinarayis invincibility myth breaks as LDF strategy falters
Central funding delay risks choking Jal Jeevan Mission rollout in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala faces delays in the release of central funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), aimed at ensuring piped drinking water to rural households, according to senior officials. Before the implementation of the project, just 17.50 lakh (25.06% of the total) rural households in the state had access to piped drinking water. Since the Union government launched JJM in August 2019, the number of connections has increased to 38.71 lakh households, covering nearly 55.54% of the total 69.82 lakh rural households. When the project began, only three districts Alappuzha, Ernakulam, and Thrissur had over 25% coverage. At present, seven districts Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Palakkad, Kannur and Thrissur have crossed 50% coverage. Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Malappuram have achieved over 45% coverage, while the remaining districts have crossed 30%. So far, 117 panchayats have achieved 100% coverage, enabling them to divert funds to other development sectors. Before the project, only 116 panchayats had over 50% coverage. Currently, 403 panchayats have crossed the 50% mark. Among assembly constituencies, nine Dharmadam, Kalliasseri, Kannur, Beypore, Vypeen, Ernakulam, Kochi, Aroor and Vaikom have achieved 100% coverage, while 73 have crossed 50%. According to senior officials with the Kerala Water Authority (KWA), the project was initially scheduled for completion by March 2024. It was extended to March 2025, and further to December 2028, as was announced in the Union Budget 2025-26. The total estimated cost for achieving 100% coverage in Kerala is Rs 44,714.79 crore. So far, Rs 11,643.59 crore has been spent in the state. Of this, Rs 5,610.30 crore was central share, with the remaining Rs 6,033.29 crore made available by the state. KWA officials said the state could increase coverage from 55.54% to nearly 75% by December 2026 if the Centre ensures timely release of funds. Though the project has been extended, the Union cabinet is yet to approve fund allocation. From March onwards, no central funds have been released. Yet, we carried out work worth nearly Rs 6,000 crore between March and December 2025, which will ensure connections to about eight lakh households. Half of this amount has to come from the Centre, a senior official said, requesting anonymity. Sources said the state arranged its share of the spend from March to December through Nabard, but further delays in central fund release would affect the pace of the project. With the deadline extended to 2028, senior state government officials fear prolonged delays in fund allocation. However, many believe that if funds are released on time, Kerala can achieve 100% rural piped water coverage by 2027. This is a crucial project as cities are expanding into nearby rural areas. Ensuring water availability will encourage people to move to rural regions close to cities. The project needs to be accelerated, a senior official from the state revenue department said.
Special prosecutor appointed in Thiruvananthapuram MCH doctor's suicide case
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has appointed former additional government pleader and public prosecutor M Salahudeen as the special public prosecutor in the sensational suicide case of a young female doctor, who was a student of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital in 2023. Dr Shahana A J, a second-year PG student in the surgery department, died by suicide on December 2, 2023, at her apartment near the MCH. She took the drastic step after her lover, Dr EA Ruwais, who was also her colleague, backed off from the marriage promise demanding a huge dowry. Shahanas family had alleged that Ruwais demanded one acre of land, 150 sovereigns of gold and a BMW car as dowry. She later died by suicide by injecting a high dose of anesthesia. Ruwais was arrested by the Medical College Hospital after he was booked for abetting suicide.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The new city corporation council will verify all allegations raised by previous BJP-led opposition, said Mayor V V Rajesh . In a brief interaction, Rajesh shared with TNIE his vision about the new city, corruption allegations, stray dog management, waste management reforms, electric buses, streetlights, and BJPs political prospects. Over the past five years, the BJP has raised several allegations against the corporation, including corruption and backdoor appointments. What action will the new administration take? All the issues we raised while in the opposition will be examined thoroughly. We have started scrutinising all relevant documents. After examining them, we will decide what legal steps can be taken. At that stage, discussions with legal experts and corporation officials will naturally follow. There were serious discussions and allegations on hundreds of backdoor appointments made by the LDF. All those aspects will be examined in detail as part of this process. The Attukal Pongala issue was among the first matters we flagged. All documents related to every issue raised by us earlier are now being examined. What steps are being taken on stray dog management and the proposed dog shelter? Sterilisation will be expedited. That is a key step we are focusing on immediately. Today we initiated discussions on stray dog management and setting up of a dog shelter. After examining the Supreme Court verdict, we will consult experts, including veterinary doctors. We need clarity on the design and area requirements for dog shelter This process has already been initiated. What are your plans for improving nightlife? No, that discussion has not started yet. We can talk about it later. I dont want to state my personal perspective without having a discussion on the matter. Streetlights not functioning is a major complaint across the city. What is your plan? As a former councillor, I am well aware of the pain and inconvenience caused by non-functional streetlights. We are investigating the reasons behind the failures and steps will be taken to resolve them. This is a serious issue within the city limits and also in rural areas. Electric buses purchased for Thiruvananthapuram are reportedly being operated in other districts. Will the corporation intervene? We have asked for the agreement documents between Smart City and KSRTC. These buses were procured to reduce pollution in our city. There must be a clear agreement outlining the conditions, including the corporations share and responsibilities. We need to examine whether those conditions are being complied with. We can only implement existing ones. If KSRTC is complying with the agreement, there is no issue. If there is a violation, then the corporations intervention is necessary. That decision can be taken only after examining the documents. Waste management continues to be a major concern. What changes are you planning? The changes we are planning will address all existing shortcomings. Issues related to service delivery and waste handling will be resolved. There are several successful models in the country - Indore, Goa, and others. We need to assess which model suits Thiruvananthapuram best, considering land availability and local conditions. That model will be implemented. With BJP now having four assembly constituencies within the corporation limits, how do you assess the partys prospects in the next assembly elections? BJP will not just win in four constituencies. With the development happening in Thiruvananthapuram, the party will expand its presence across Kerala. The growth of BJP in Kerala is evident, just as it has been across India.
Kerala education department to revamp PTA structure in govt, aided schools
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a move to facilitate smoother communication between parents, teachers and department authorities, the state government has decided to revamp the structure of parent teacher associations (PTAs) in the government and aided schools of the state. The move comes following the departments observation of improper practices within PTAs of certain schools. A workshop regarding this will be held in the first week of January, according to department sources. Speaking about the new initiative, General Education Minister V Sivankutty told TNIE that this will bring a uniform pattern among the PTAs. Currently, the PTAs are functioning in each school with their own rules, and have zero coordination with those of others. Provisions to monitor their collection of funds and support auditing are also actively under consideration, the minister told TNIE . Stating that rigged election practices within PTAs of certain schools will be eliminated through this, Sivankutty also mentioned that setting up of PTAs at the district and state levels will also be done, specifics of which, including the proportion of parents and teachers, is only being drafted. A higher official working with the education department remarked that the new structure would provide firsthand information about the parents take on various issues. Currently, the only way the department receives feedback is through teachers associations, but never through parents. With the new revamp in order, we will bring everything under one umbrella, giving enough weightage to the concerns of all stakeholders involved, the official said. However, the revamp will not be an easy process for the department, as legalities pose challenges. Even though School Management Committees (SMCs) have been formulated as per the Right to Education, the PTAs have been functioning as per unwritten norms. While 51% of members are parents in PTAs, the share is higher in SMCs, and efforts to unify them will be a tough task, a senior department official said.
Kerala temples strike gold with silver
KOCHI: For decades, silver in Keralas temples lived in the shadows always the bridesmaid to glittering gold, rarely the bride. Offered by devotees as lamps, vessels and ornaments, and tucked away in backspaces and strongrooms, the white metal was long treated as ceremonial surplus rather than serious wealth. That changed dramatically in 2025 as the global silver prices crossed the $77-an-ounce mark this week, gaining over 167% so far this year. A stunning surge in silver prices has pushed the once-overlooked metal into the spotlight, turning dusty temple inventories into valuable financial assets. Nowhere is this shift more visible than at the iconic Guruvayur Sree Krishna temple. Long content to keep its silver holdings out of sight, the temple recently monetised nearly five tonnes of the metal, unlocking about Rs 35 crore in the process. As per available data, the Guruvayur temple receives an average 120125 kg of silver annually as offerings from devotees. In November 2025 alone, it received 12.154 kg of silver, followed by 8.025 kg in December. Similarly, big temples like Attukal and Sabarimala, as well as Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple receive huge offerings in silver in various forms like lamps, bowls, statuette, said B M Nagarajan of Rajan Jewellery in Chalai, Thiruvananthapuram. Miniature human figurines are offered for prosperity and good health. When I started my shop 50 years ago, a half-gram figurine in silver (alroopam) cost about 50 paise. Today, it costs over Rs 25, he said. Ezhikode Sasi Namboothiri, who has served as melshanti at both Sabarimala and Guruvayur, said silver has always been an intrinsic part of temple rituals, with some traditions placing it ahead of gold because of its properties. Price rally has altered market psychology For certain poojas, silver bowls are mandatory. People have been offering miniature human figures to temples for decades, and silver has been the preferred metal, he said. Trade bodies say the price rally has altered market psychology. S Abdul Nazar, general secretary of the Gold & Silver Merchants Association, told TNIE that silver prices have surged sharply, at times even outperforming gold. Investment demand, its inclusion in the US critical minerals list, and momentum buying have all played a role, he said. Silver, he added, is now trading around Rs 250260 per gram, up from about Rs 100125 per gram a year ago. Sundaravalli Narayanaswami, chairperson of the India Gold Policy Centre -IIMA, said silver prices are set to increase further. I dont perceive any immediate downside. At best, it may plateau sometime soon. Again, the causes are due to macroeconomic factors and global markets. India is impacted, but has little influence on this, she added.
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Sreejith V. Nair Elected New President Of Kerala Cricket Association
Kerala Sports Infrastructure Development Scheme: Sreejith V. Nair has been elected as the new President of the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) during the organisations 75th Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) held on Monday. Nair, a former treasurer and secretary of the Association, will take over from Jayesh George, whos currently serving as Chairman of the Womens Premier League (WPL). Satheesan K, a former member of the Apex Council, has been elected as the Vice President. Incumbent Secretary Vinod S. Kumar and Joint Secretary Bineesh Kodiyeri will continue in their respective positions. T. Ajith Kumar, Secretary of the Palakkad District Cricket Association, has been elected as the new Treasurer, while Muhammed Naufal T., Secretary of the Kasaragod District Cricket Association, has been appointed as the General Body Representative to the Apex Council. The new office bearers also approved a one-year comprehensive development plan aimed at upgrading cricket infrastructure in all 14 districts and raising player development systems across the state to international standards. KCA will implement major projects under the Kerala Sports Infrastructure Development Scheme announced by the State Government, utilising the special concessions granted under the Land Act. As part of the plan, cricket grounds and related facilities will be developed in all 14 districts of the state. Infrastructure for other sports will also be developed alongside cricket facilities, with the objective of ensuring uniform training standards and modern amenities across districts, said the KCA. Nair also said the KCA aims to construct an international cricket stadium in Kochi in collaboration with the state government. Further discussions will be held with the government to secure a long-term lease of the Sports Hub International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram and to establish a High Altitude Sports Centre at Munnar for cricket, football and other sports, he said. As part of the plan, cricket grounds and related facilities will be developed in all 14 districts of the state. Infrastructure for other sports will also be developed alongside cricket facilities, with the objective of ensuring uniform training standards and modern amenities across districts, said the KCA. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In addition, the General Body resolved to further strengthen the existing High Performance Centre, ensuring advanced training facilities, sports science laboratories, fitness and rehabilitation centres, and access to expert coaches, concluded KCA. Article Source: IANS
'Playing politics': CM Siddaramaiah slams Kerala CM over his statement on Ktaka demolition drive
Turf war brews in health sector over parallel workforce
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Disaster Waste Management Protocol notifief by Kerala govt.
The protocol prepared by Suchitwa Mission clarifies the roles and responsibilities of departments in waste management during disasters
VHT: Shrijith, Shreyas Gopal Help Karnataka Beat TN By Four Wickets, MP Defeat Kerala
Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group: Wicketkeeper K.L. Shrijith and leg-spin bowling all-rounder Shreyas Gopal shared a match-winning 116-run partnership for the fifth wicket as defending champions Karnataka chased down 289 to beat Tamil Nadu by six wickets with 17 balls remaining in their Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group A encounter at the Gujarat College Stadium on Monday. Karnataka appeared in trouble at 136/4, especially with captain Mayank Agarwal making 58, before Shrijith, who made 77, and Gopal, who scored 55, combined to rescue their side with smart running between the wickets and clinical punishment of loose deliveries. After both fell in quick succession, Abhinav Manohar remained unbeaten on 20 while Vidyadhar Patil contributed 17 not out to guide Karnataka home with a flurry of boundaries. The victory extended Karnataka's winning streak to three matches in the tournament. Previously, Tamil Nadu captain N. Jagadeesan played a fluent 65 while Pradosh Ranjan Paul's 57 and R. Sai Kishore's 38 provided some late impetus, but Abhilash Shetty's incisive bowling led the way for Karnataka to bowl out Tamil Nadu for 288. In another Group C match at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Madhya Pradesh secured their second consecutive victory by dismissing Kerala for 167 and win by 45 runs. Himanshu Mantri top-scored with 93 off 105 balls, sharing a crucial 66-run ninth-wicket stand with Tripuresh Singh, who made 37. On a turning wicket, Kerala's batting collapsed against Madhya Pradesh's spin attack. Shubham Sharma claimed 3-16, while Shivag Kumar and Saransh Jain took two wickets each. N.M. Sharafuddeen's aggressive 42 coming at the back end of the innings reduced the margin of defeat for Kerala. Brief Scores: Tamil Nadu 288 in 49.5 overs (N. Jagadeesan 65, Pradosh Ranjan Paul 57; Abhilash Shetty 4-57) lost to Karnataka 293/6 in 47.1 overs (K.L. Shrijith 77, Mayank Agarwal 58; Sunny Sandhu 1-25, Gurjapneet Singh 1-35) by four wickets Madhya Pradesh 214 in 46.1 overs (Himanshu Mantri 93, Tripuresh Singh 37; Ankit Sharma 4-38, B Aparajith 3-36) beat Kerala 167 in 40.1 overs (N.M. Sharafuddeen 42, Salman Nizar 30; Shubham Sharma 3-16, Saransh Jain 2-17) by 47 runs Brief Scores: Tamil Nadu 288 in 49.5 overs (N. Jagadeesan 65, Pradosh Ranjan Paul 57; Abhilash Shetty 4-57) lost to Karnataka 293/6 in 47.1 overs (K.L. Shrijith 77, Mayank Agarwal 58; Sunny Sandhu 1-25, Gurjapneet Singh 1-35) by four wickets Also Read: Live Cricket Score Tripura 286 all out in 49.5 overs (Tejasvi Jaiswal 61, Sridam Paul 50; Aniket Choudhary 3-64, Khaleel Ahmed 2-51) beat Rajasthan 220 in 44.2 overs (Karan Lamba 61, Vijay Shankar 4-30) by 66 runs Article Source: IANS
Operation Bar Code: VACB carries out checks at bar hotels, excise offices across Kerala
Water Metro service to be disrupted
UDF wins Vengola panchayat in postponed election
The UDF candidates secured nine votes against the LDFs eight. Twenty20 which has six members and Social Democratic Party of India which has one member abstained from voting
Ex-TDB member Vijayakumar arrested in Sabarimala gold theft case
He was a member of the Travancore Devaswom Board during the tenure of former President A. Padmakumar
ED issues notice to interrogate Ex-MLA P.V. Anvar in KFC loan misappropriation case
Waste management to get top priority, says Eloor chairperson Laiji Sajeevan
The focus will be on ensuring the scientific processing of waste generated in various wards, says chairperson
The first meeting of the new council, to be held on January 1, 2026, will discuss measures to overcome hurdles in the construction of new infrastructure projects in the civic body in view of the restrictions imposed under green zone regulations
