Wayanad landslide was man-made , says Kerala Minister T Siddique
Post Office Passport Seva Kendra to open at Thavanur on July 8
No unrestricted right to hold DJ parties, Kochi City police tell HC
411-cr. package to address power issues in Malappuram
Holiday for educational institutions in Kozhikode, Wayanad on July 8
Company says Wayanad tunnel project followed all safety norms
Wadakkanchery police jeep fined for missing documents; excess penalty questioned
Police claim insurance was valid but not updated on portal; MVD says pollution certificate was missing and law applies equally to all
KU Syndicate cuts standing committees from 10 to seven; UDF secures all convenerships
This is for the first time since the University Act came into force in 1974 that the CPI(M) has not held a standing committee convenership in the Syndicate
Two killed in separate accidents in Kochi
Wayanad debris slip: experts, residents blame poor safeguards
Expert describes the tragedy as an 'engineering failure-induced disaster, arguing that extensive modifications to the terrain for the under-construction tunnel project had destabilised the slope
Watch: Monsoon rains trigger deadly debris slip in Wayanad |Above the Fold | 07.07.2026
From Kerala to Indonesia, and from Syria to the FIFA World Cup, in this episode, we look at the deadly debris slip in Kerala, Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Indonesia, explosions in Syria during French President Emmanuel Macrons trip, the Gujarat High Courts ruling on the 2008 Ahmedabad blasts case, and more.
Govt. accords formal sanction for CBI prosecution in cashew import scam
Local bodies in Kerala hit by funds crunch
The sharp fall in the Plan fund allocations in the Revised Budget presented by the United Democratic Front government is also of concern to local bodies
Womans death: court dismisses bail plea of accused
Contractors failure to remove debris led to Wayanad tragedy, says Chief Minister Satheesan
He says Wayanad District Collector and District Disaster Management Authority had, on June 20, directed the contractor to clear the excavated soil from the site
Amala nurses call off 113-day strike after mediation by Labour dept.
Management and union differ on whether the settlement includes a fresh pay hike; negotiations continue at Jubilee Mission Hospital
Three dead, several missing in Wayanad debris slip
Heap of excavated mud at tunnel construction site collapsed in heavy rain; builders ignored red flags raised by district administration, says CM; announces probe to fix accountability for the accident
Transport Minister C.P. John visits Sharadambal Temple in Palakkad
Minister interacts with Vedic students
Kochi school taps World Cup fever for anti-drug campaign
Forty-eight classrooms have been assigned participating teams, while a goal-scoring campaign aims to mobilise support for Operation Toofan
Class 8 student electrocuted while playing football in Thrissur
Badrinath came into contact with a corroded earthing wire near the main electrical switchboard and suffered an electric shock
Yellow alert for 11 districts in Kerala on June 8
State to receive rain for the next four days
Wayanad landslide: Three dead, several missing after landslide at Kalladi tunnel
Three people were killed and seven remain missing after a landslide struck the Kalladi tunnel construction site in Kerala's Wayanad district. Nine others were injured as rescue teams, including police sniffer dogs, launched a massive search operation amid heavy rainfall in the region
Wayanad debris slip: Accurate weather forecasting still elusive in Wayanad
The weather conditions in Wayanad on the eve of the tragedy on July 7 were strikingly similar to those preceding the July 2024 disaster. The catastrophic landslides then had claimed around 300 lives
Govt. will not allow hike in student bus concession fare: Transport Minister
GAIL Kerala gets new Officer-in-Charge
State plans 300 Jawaharlal Nehru centres to promote scientific temper
Bandanawazi Qawwals introduce students to soul of Sufi music
Court denies bail to CPI(M) workers accused of assaulting ED officials
No relief for 10 CPI(M) workers, including former councillor I.P. Binu, who are accused of assaulting ED officials during a raid on the residence of Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan two months ago.
Wayanad tunnel accident a serious lapse, says Suresh Gopi
Union Minister says he has brought the accident to the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi; he adds that the tragedy should serve as a lesson to prevent similar incidents
CPI(M) seeks justice for laid-off staff at CorroHealth in Kochi, Kozhikode
Private buses in Kollam to stay off roads today
Comprehensive action plan for the development of Paripally Medical College Hospital
Silence from Congress shifts focus to KC (M) in Pala impasse
Rather than precipitating a fresh political battle through a no-confidence motion against the chairperson, the party is expected to bide its time until the Congress arrives at a politically workable formula
1,348-crore drinking water project in Kozhikode targets March 2027 commissioning
Weather Tomorrow, July 8: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall across several parts of the country on Wednesday, July 8. Heavy to very heavy rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds, is expected in multiple states. The southwest monsoon continues to strengthen and is likely to cover the remaining parts of the country within the next two to three days. Residents in affected areas are advised to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and follow local advisories.
Keralas Leader of the Opposition expresses condolences over the deaths in the incident; he demands serious investigation to determine whether there was any lapse in taking emergency measures
Maya C. Nair takes charge as Victoria College Principal
Kerala: Three killed, several injured in landslide in Wayanad
Three people died and eighteen were trapped in a landslide at the Kalladi tunnel construction site. Rescue teams worked to free those still buried in debris after the incident. The agriculture minister stated this was a man-made landslide, not a natural event. Konkan Railways was alerted earlier but reportedly did not act on the warning. Efforts are ongoing to rescue all individuals affected by the disaster.
Fazal murder case: evidence missing from Ernakulam CJM court recovered
The evidence, a blood-stained towel, is considered crucial by the prosecution. After a gap, the trial of eight accused in the case will resume on August 4, 2026
What Is The Wayanad Tunnel Project: Explained
The mega budget tunnel road project is set to connect the towns of Wayanad and Kozhikode via the Kerala State Highway 83 by significantly reducing travel time
Wayanad debris slip: Why Kerala Minister said it was not a natural disaster
Kerala Agriculture Minister T. Siddique said the debris slip in Wayanad was caused by unscientifically stacked excavated soil, alleging that the contractors failure to remove the accumulated earth in time led to the incident
Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. , through its flagship sustainability initiative Bottles for Change (BFC), has signed a Letter of Association (LoA) with the Indian Coast Guard (Kerala & Mahe) to advance plastic waste management and promote environmental sustainability across coastal regions. This is also in line with ICG mission of Plastic Free Oceans. Bisleri International Signs Letter of Association with Indian Coast Guard (Mahe & Kochi) for plastic waste collection and awareness The agreement was formally signed by Dr. Angelo George, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bisleri International, and Deputy Inspector General Ashish Mehrotra of the Indian Coast Guard, in the presence of senior representatives from both organisations, including Mr. K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International; Mr. Dhinakaran, South Region Manager – CSR, Bisleri International; Mr. Jofin, CSR Executive (Kerala), Bisleri International; and Mr. Jabir, Chief Executive Officer, Green Worms. Deputy Inspector General Ashish Mehrotra, Indian Coast Guard (L) with Dr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International (R) Through this collaboration, Bottles for Change will work closely with the Indian Coast Guard to strengthen plastic waste management systems by promoting responsible collection, segregation, and recycling of post-consumer plastic. The partnership also aims to drive awareness, encourage behavioural change, and foster sustainable practices to prevent plastic waste from entering coastal and marine ecosystems. Commenting on the association, Dr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International , said, "It is an honour for Bisleri to collaborate with the Indian Coast Guard in advancing environmental sustainability. Through the Bottles for Change initiative, we are committed to supporting efforts to protect our coastlines and marine ecosystems. This partnership reflects our shared vision of responsible waste management and a cleaner, greener future for the nation." Deputy Inspector General Ashish Mehrotra of the Indian Coast Guard also appreciated the initiative which will promote greater awareness, strengthen waste management practices, and ensure the preservation of our coastal ecosystems for future generations. The Indian Coast Guard, entrusted with safeguarding India’s vast coastline, plays a crucial role in protecting marine environments. This collaboration will further enhance efforts to address the growing challenge of plastic pollution in coastal areas and oceans while promoting efficient waste management practices. As part of Bisleri’s Greener Promise, the Bottles for Change program continues to expand its impact by building strong partnerships with government institutions and community stakeholders. The association with the Indian Coast Guard marks a significant step in extending the program’s reach to coastal and marine ecosystems, reinforcing Bisleri’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. With a legacy of over 54 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water. Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and neighboring countries. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri Mineral Water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavors, such as Pop, Rev, Limonata and Spyci Jeera. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri @Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep. The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability. www.bisleri.com .
Expert says clearance for the Wayanad tunnel road project was given without conducting detailed geological and hydrological studies and stricter infrastructural guidelines and ecological safety measures should be enforced in fragile areas of the Western Ghats, considering the changing climate-rainfall regimes and the increased vulnerability to landslides
At least 2 dead as landslides ravage Wayanad, toll likely to rise
Wayanad: A major landslide was reported at Kalladi near Meppady in Wayanad on Tuesday, July 7, killing two and trapping several others under the debris. The death toll is likely to rise. Wayanad: Rescue operation underway after a landslide at Kalladi, near Meppadi tunnel project in Wayanad, Kerala, Tuesday. (PTI) The landslide occurred near Meenakshi 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 fishing boat operators seek wider consultations on Merchant Shipping Rules
The Federation of Fishing Boat and Fishery Industries of Kerala noted that the proposed rules could have far-reaching implications and therefore should be finalized after extensive consultations with all stakeholders
The former Chief Minister requests the Securities and Exchange Board of India to examine whether the disclosure made by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited in relation to the share purchase and subscription agreement concerning Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited conforms to contractual and regulatory requirements
DA hike: Kerala is considering a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance for state government employees to be disbursed in their August salaries, ahead of Onam festivities. An official order is awaited.
All efforts on to rescue those trapped in Wayanad debris slip, says Priyanka Gandhi
The Wayanad MP appeals to United Democratic Front workers, functionaries and members of the public to extend all possible support
One person was killed, and at least seven injured after a landslide in the southern state of Kerala's Wayanad district on Tuesday, media reports said.
Kerala: Landslide in Wayanad leaves one dead, several injured
A construction disaster in Wayanad has resulted in one fatality and several injuries following the collapse of a site, exacerbated by heavy rainfall. Rescue teams are actively searching for individuals who may be trapped in the debris. Officials, including the agriculture minister, have declared this incident a man-made landslide, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety measures as warnings are issued to Konkan Railways regarding further risks.
Around 265 mm rain lashed the Wayanad region in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 a.m. on Tuesday (July 7, 2026), which is classified as extremely heavy rainfall by India Meteorological Department
CorroHealths terminated employees locked out of office, despite assurance
A meeting between Labour Minister Bindhu Krishna and top executives of the firm has been scheduled for July 10
KEAM 2026 trial allotment result released at cee.kerala.gov.in; direct link to check here
The Kerala Commissioner for Entrance Examinations has released the KEAM 2026 trial allotment result. Candidates can check their provisional college and course allocations on the official website. This trial allotment offers a preview of potential seat assignments based on submitted choices. Students can edit their preferences until July 7, 2026, before the final allotment. The provisional Round 1 seat allotment will also be announced on the same date.
Chennithala orders review of 23 child deaths in Palakkad between 2010 and 2023
The Home Ministers Office said the government has tasked Deputy Inspector General of Police, Thrissur Range, T Narayanan, to head the review
Mudslide hits Wayanad tunnel road project site; rescue operation on
No fatalities have been officially confirmed, but authorities fear that more workers or heavy machinery operators may still be trapped beneath the collapsed wall and debris
Wayanad mudslide: CM holds emergency meeting; Agriculture Minister terms it man-made disaster
Agriculture Minister T. Siddique said the accident was caused by unscientifically stacked excavated soil, and alleged that the contractors failure to remove the accumulated soil on time led to the incident
2 Killed In Massive Landslide In Kerala's Wayanad After Heavy Rain
The landslide occurred near Meenakshi Bridge at Kalladi, close to the site of the ongoing Anakkompoyil-Meppadi tunnel road project connecting Malappuram and Wayanad districts.
Kerala Labour Dept Intervenes After CorroHealth Denies Entry to Laid-off Employees
The employees waited outside the office for hours before recording their attendance
GECO Launches its First Brand Film, 'The Geco Tales: The Castaway'
GECO, the nature-inspired construction solutions brand from the VNC Group, today unveiled its first-ever brand film, 'The Geco Tales: The Castaway'. The film marks a milestone for the young brand, translating its founding metaphor — the gecko's extraordinary natural ability to hold — into a cinematic fable. GECO introduces its first brand film, "The Geco Tales: The Castaway GECO Epoxy Tile Grout to the shore. Guided by the creature, the castaway rebuilds his wrecked vessel piece by piece — fixing tiles, sealing leaks, and finally sailing home. The story dramatizes the brand's core belief that the right hold can change everything, and carries its signature positioning: Inspired by nature. Engineered to hold. The Geco Tales: The Castaway | Tamil Watch The Geco Tales: The Castaway | Tamil The film puts GECO's tile and stone fixing solutions at the heart of the story — the tile adhesives and grouting solutions that anchor the brand's range. Under the GECO name, the VNC Group brings together its tile fixing, adhesives and sealants, and tapes categories into a single, unified brand, with the tile and stone fixing line leading the way. GECO was founded in 2021 under the VNC Group, which has operated across categories since 1983. In a short span, GECO has built a distribution network of more than 1,000 retail outlets across Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and was recognised by Industry Outlook as a Top 10 Adhesives & Sealants manufacturer in 2024. " With GECO, the VNC Group is expanding into an entirely new category — tile and stone fixing solutions — and The Castaway is where that journey begins ," said Gokul Basker, Brand Founder, GECO & Partner, VNC Group . " For over four decades, VNC has built its name across welding consumables, steel and fencing solutions. GECO extends that legacy into the world of tile fixing solutions, sealants and tapes, giving builders and applicators a brand of their own. This film is our first step, and there's much more to come .” Commenting on the film, Director Yokesh R (Yoki) of The Paper Plane, Chennai said, " A fable lives or dies on whether you believe in its world. We wanted the island, the storm and the little gecko to feel real enough that a simple truth about holding on could land emotionally. For a brand built on nature's own engineering, telling the story as a fable felt exactly right ." 'The Geco Tales: The Castaway' premieres in July 2026, across GECO's YouTube channel, television, OTT and social media platforms. The film is positioned as the first episode in an ongoing brand story-world, The Geco Tales. About GECO GECO is the VNC Group's dedicated brand for construction solutions, spanning tile & stone fixing solutions, adhesives and sealants, and tapes. Inspired by the gecko's natural adhesion mechanism and engineered for dependable performance, GECO's tile and stone fixing solutions lead a growing range built for professional contractors, civil engineers, architects and applicators. GECO is distributed across Tamil Nadu and Kerala through a network of 1,000+ retail outlets. About VNC Group Headquartered in Karur, Tamil Nadu, VNC Group is a diversified enterprise with strong market leadership across welding consumables, steel wires, and fencing solutions. With over 40 years of commitment to creating lasting value, VNC’s BEST range of brands serves more than 8,000 retailers across South India. VNC launched GECO and Indicus Paints in 2021 and has been rapidly expanding product offerings across both categories. VNC is also a leading distributor for Tata Steel, managing a wide portfolio of their retail products across Tamil Nadu. www.thegeco.in .
Feet on the Street: Ramesh Chennithala Takes Operation, Toofan's Fight to Perumbavoor's Ground Zero
Operation Toofan Strikes at the Perumbavoor, Kerala: In one of the most closely watched ground actions of Operation Toofan — India's largest anti-narcotics mission — Kerala's Home & Vigilance Minister Ramesh Chennithala led a sweeping crackdown in Perumbavoor, Asia's plywood capital, a town whose industrial reputation had been quietly hijacked by a narcotics network operating in the shadows of its migrant labour economy. Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennnithala holding up the hand of a migrant labourer at Kandanthara Bhai Colony at Perumbavoor. Benny Behanan MP, Manoj Moothedan MLA also seen. The Minister announced the formation of a dedicated Special Task Force in his recent visit to Perumbavoor on Friday, 03 July, 2026. The force is to be led directly by the State Police Chief, to coordinate anti-narcotics operations across the state and to dismantle drug networks that operate across state lines. Additional police personnel will be deployed in Perumbavoor to reinforce the crackdown. The efforts of ACP Hardik Meena, a young IPS Cadre Officer, who had been handpicked by the Minister to lead the enforcement efforts on the ground in Perumbavoor, earned the praise of all present. What sets this ground action apart is its explicit refusal to let migrant workers bear the stigma of a trade they had no part in. The Minister was unambiguous: the narcotics network had exploited migrant labourers as cover, and it is this web — not the workers themselves — that Operation Toofan targets. In a gesture that resonated widely, the Home Minister addressed migrant workers directly in Hindi, administered an anti-narcotics pledge to them personally, and awarded "Toofan Warrior" badges to migrant worker representatives at Kandanthara Bhai Colony. The entire population of Perumbavoor — residents and migrant workers alike — was declared "Toofan Warriors" by the Minister, a symbolic move signalling that the fight against narcotics is a shared civic identity, not a dividing line between local and outsider. The response from the migrant worker community has been notably warm. Long conversations between the Minister and workers at the colony, the Hindi-language pledge, and the direct engagement by senior police officers and elected representatives together signalled an approach workers welcomed — one that treats them as partners in reclaiming the town's name, not suspects in its problem. State Police Chief Rawada Asad Chandrasekhar said no narcotics network can survive when an entire community mobilises against it. Thirty-five hospitals have expressed willingness to join the "Toofan Care" initiative, following Angamaly Little Flower Hospital's lead as the first to partner. Thousands — including elected representatives, police officers, community organisation leaders, students, and business figures — took part in the "Toofan Jagaran" rally, which culminated in a mass anti-narcotics pledge and march through the municipal stadium.
AMMA row: Ansiba Hassan to implead in the case that stayed the functioning of ad-hoc committee
Rival factions have clashed over the interim order
Wayanad landslide: Several people feared trapped at Kerala's tunnel project site
A severe landslide hit Kalladi near Meppady on Tuesday, alarming authorities with concerns that several individuals could be trapped beneath the debris from a tunnel road construction site. Quick action from local residents led to the rescue of three individuals, prompting ongoing search efforts. Rescue teams from Fire and Rescue Services, police, and NDRF are on the ground, coordinating to assess the situation and ensure no one is left behind.
Ms. Hassans legal team has expressed dissatisfaction with the way the case has been framed, alleging obfuscation of facts to shield the accused
Kerala High Court disposes of petition in Malayidamthuruth land dispute
Two members of a Kerala family killed in Saudi road crash
Bus conductor sentenced to 5 years RI for sexually abusing minor girl
Migrant remittances are not reverse: CMID counters CMs remark
Man held on charge of sexually abusing minor
Actors Revathy, Padmapriya resign from Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes
Actors say resignation not in haste and not about a single incident
Exhumation of mans body ordered over alleged medical negligence
Ruling BJP faced with challenges on multiple fronts at the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation
Speculation rife over selection of new KPCC chief
AICC general secretary in charge of Kerala Deepa Dasmunshi is in Thiruvananthapuram reportedly to steer discussions with senior leaders regarding the choices before the party
Govt. chalks out reforms for medical college hospitals
Accused in Abhimanyu murder case plea not guilty
The case has been adjourned to July 24, when the prosecution will submit its list of witnesses and documentary evidence
Kerala Forest Minister is set to meet Union Minister Bhupender Yadav on Wednesday to press demand for granting Chief Conservators of Forests the authority to order the hunting of dangerous animals. He will also seek permission for aerial translocation of animals, and additional funding for compensation and mitigation efforts.
Kerala govt., Adani Group strive to resolve differences over sale of Vizhinjam port stake
APSEZ CEO says company wants to take Vizhinjam port to the next level only with the support of the Kerala and Union governments. Kerala govt. exploring the possibility of placing conditions on the stake sale as part of protecting the States interests
Idukki Collector urges tourists to avoid trips to Munnar in Kerala
Travel advisory after a major crack developed and a mudslide occurred on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway
Pothundy twin murder verdict put off to July 13
Additional District and Sessions Court-IV postpones verdict due to judges ill health
P.K. Sasis Democratic Marxist Front to merge with CMP on July 17
Sasi says DMF, along with other like-minded groups, will form a new Left platform in Kerala
Muthu was under police custody while undergoing treatment; the two children continue to be in critical condition
157 more houses for Wayanad landslide survivors to be completed by September 30, says Minister
Forest department links surge in tiger attacks to growing cattle population in Munnar
The abundance of easy prey has led to big cats living socially within the tea plantations
Minister reviews progress of Wayanad township project
Panel to study impact of Priyadarshini free bus travel scheme on private buses in Kerala
State-level distribution of K.M. Mani educational excellence award begins
Organisers say awards will be distributed across all 14 districts through district- and regional-level functions
Students should be made more competent, says Education Minister Samsudheen
Private hospital nurses launch indefinite stir in Kannur
IMD weather update: India braces for a deluge as the Meteorological Department forecasts heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across numerous states on Tuesday, July 7. A depression over Jharkhand is driving widespread showers, with thunderstorms and gusty winds also expected. The monsoon's advance is anticipated to cover more regions, including Gujarat and parts of Rajasthan, over the next three days. Residents are urged to stay alert for potential flooding and disruptions.
Nurses step up agitation in Thrissur; UNA to launch round-the-clock protest at Amala
Association warns of district-wide strike within 48 hours if wage dispute remains unresolved
