NCB arrests seven traffickers, including two foreigners; seizes 33 gm cocaine
Digital Desk | Kozhikode, Sep 17 (IANS) The NCB disrupted an interstate cocaine trafficking network with the arrest of seven accused, including three persons deported from the UAE and two foreign nationals, and seized 33.1 grams of cocaine valued at Rs 16.55 lakh, an official said on Thursday. The Narcotics Control Bureau, Cochin Zonal Unit, made the arrests on September 10 based on credible information regarding certain persons who had been deported from the UAE in connection with drug-related offences, the official said. The NCB had been closely monitoring their activities and their linkages with a drug trafficking network operating between Bengaluru and Kerala, he said in a statement. On September 10, the NCB intercepted Gurpreet Singh of Kapurthala, Punjab, Hamdan Ahammed of Beypore (N), Kozhikode and Aflah P of Arakkinar, Kozhikode, at Faroke Railway Station, Kozhikode, and arrested them with 8.12 grams of cocaine. Preliminary interrogation revealed that the contraband had been procured from Bengaluru, said the statement. The interrogation of the accused revealed the involvement of Sidharth Damor, who was intercepted while travelling from Thiruvananthapuram to Kozhikode on September 10, said the statement. Damor is an upcoming DJ associated with the party scene in Kerala and also owns a resort in Ooty, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. His examination led the NCB to Arun Rajkumar, who was identified as a key facilitator in the network. Accordingly, Rajkumar was also arrested, the NCB said. Rajkumar, a Tamilian based in Bengaluru and employed in the IT sector, was found to be sourcing cocaine from certain foreign nationals and facilitating its supply to other peddlers as well as consumers. Based on the interrogation of Damor and Arun Rajkumar, the NCB identified the involvement of two foreign nationals in the cocaine trafficking network. Chizoba Helen Anthony alias Sonia, a Nigerian national, who had entered India on a Medical Attendant Visa and had been overstaying for the past 10 years, and Mufukare Vittalis Tadiswanashe, a Zimbabwean national, who had entered India on a Student Visa and had been overstaying for the past two years, were apprehended from Bengaluru on September 12 and 13, respectively, the NCB said. They were found in possession of 16 grams and 8.98 grams of Cocaine, respectively, it said. During interrogation that NCB found out that Sidharth Damor, Hamdan Ahammed and Aflah P had earlier been convicted and incarcerated in the UAE in connection with drug-related offences before being deported to India. During their period of incarceration, Aflah, Gurpreet and Sidharth had come in close contact and subsequently attempted to establish a stronger drug trafficking network, the NCB said. Further trails are being pursued to identify and disrupt the remaining linkages of the network and to completely destroy the trafficking chain, the NCB said.
Kerala High Court directs Railways to shift electrical infrastructure at Pachalam
Court issued the direction based on a public interest litigation filed in this regard
Kerala Brahmana Sabhas Kalanjali arts fest to begin in Alappuzha on September 19
The seventh edition of the arts fest will have nearly 700 participants competing in 61 events
Exhorbitant price of patented life-saving medicines: Kerala HC reserves verdict
100-week Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan to begin with nationwide Rashtriya Sankalp Samaroh tomorrow
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) The Department of Youth Affairs will launch on Friday a 100-week nationwide Youth Pledge and Signature Campaign to mobilise support for a collective commitment for a Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat through awareness and community-led activities, an official said. The Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) and the National Service Scheme (NSS), will commence the Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan with the Rashtriya Sankalp Samaroh, said the official in a statement. The Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 2 through a virtual address to spiritual organisations, industry associations, NGOs and university associations. The campaign is structured around four pillars Prevent, Protect, Recover and Lead. Since its launch, the initiative has recorded participation from over 30,200 locations, more than 2.5 crore viewership and over 1 crore pledges. As part of the opening phase, the Rashtriya Sankalp Samaroh will be organised by NSS from September 18 across 300 identified locations. The participating network comprises educational institutions located across States and Union Territories and includes colleges, universities and other institutions identified through NSS Regional Directorates, the statement said. The identified institutions include, among others, institutions in Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Maharashtra and Kerala. The first Sunday of the 100-week Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan will be observed on September 20, with activities being organised across 485 MY Bharat units, including MY Bharat District Offices and Youth Hostels. The Rashtriya Sankalp Samaroh will centre on a collective Youth Pledge and Signature Campaign, complemented by thematic street plays, slogan writing and youth-led discussions. These activities will provide young people with platforms to participate in awareness-building and reaffirm their collective commitment towards a Nasha Mukt Bharat. The opening of the 100 Weeks Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan will be followed by a structured 12-week activity calendar from September to December 2026, with three thematic phases My Health, My Pride, Fit Youth, Addiction-Free Youth and Life Skills Month, said the statement. The programme will feature health check-up and BMI camps, meditation and wellness sessions, health walks and runs, Yuva Melas, yoga sessions, traditional sports, mini marathons, cyclothons, sports leagues, decision-making workshops, discussions on peer pressure, problem-solving activities and youth-led role plays and street plays, said the statement. Under the NSS component, activities will subsequently be conducted on Fridays and Saturdays, with 200 locations planned for each of the following 11 weeks, taking the projected NSS coverage to 2,500 events during the 12-week period, it said. MY Bharat will undertake weekly activities across its designated units, with the implementation plan providing for 3,235 MY Bharat unit-level activities during the period, it said.
Oil India to spend 15,000 cr over three years on deepwater drilling
State-run Oil India plans to drill deepwater exploration wells across the Andaman, Krishna-Godavari, Mahanadi and Kerala-Konkan sedimentary basins over three years.
Seven Arrested In Major Cocaine Trafficking Bust
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has arrested seven individuals, including two foreign nationals, for their involvement in an interstate cocaine trafficking network operating between Bengaluru and Kerala. The operation, named 'Domino', led to the seizure of 33.1 grams of cocaine worth Rs 16.55 lakh and uncovered links to individuals previously deported from the UAE for drug offences.
With southwest monsoon set for withdrawal, rain deficit in Keralam widens to 28%
State likely to receive showers around September 19 and 20, followed by widespread rain, as a low-pressure area develops in the Andaman Sea and nearby areas. With El Nio firmly established, experts do not anticipate a normal or above-normal northeast monsoon season too this year
Vigilance court convicts former Thiruvananthapuram Corporation officials and building owner
For sanctioning the construction of a building in violation of the Kerala Municipality Building Regulations
Vigilance court convicts former Thiruvananthapuram Corporation officials and building owner
For sanctioning the construction of a building in violation of the Kerala Municipality Building Regulations
Union Minister Suresh Gopi praises V.D. Satheesan government
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 17 (IANS) Union Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi on Thursday praised the Kerala government led by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, saying the Centre was receiving unprecedented cooperation from the state in taking forward development projects. Gopi said the state government was now extending support in a manner that had not been seen during the previous 10 years. He said he could approach Chief Minister Satheesan and other members of the state government on matters concerning development and central projects. Today, we can approach Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and others for anything, he said. He said the improved coordination between the Centre and the state would help bring more Central government projects to Kerala. Gopi's remarks assume significance as the BJP and the Congress-led state government have often been political rivals in Kerala. His comments indicate a willingness to work with the new state government on development projects despite political differences. Gopi also came out in support of the police action in the recent raid on the office of Reporter TV in connection with the investigation into alleged financial fraud. Defending the police action, he said raids were part of normal procedure and could take place at any time. He questioned the different reactions to police searches depending on whether the person being searched was a journalist or an ordinary citizen. When police enter the house of an ordinary person, nobody usually reacts, he said. Gopi said officials conducting searches would normally take possession of phones and carry out inspections as part of the procedure. He also rejected the suggestion that journalists should be treated differently during such searches, saying journalists were also ordinary citizens. His remarks come amid a political controversy over the police action against Reporter TV and its Managing Editor Anto Augustine. Opposition parties and others have questioned whether the action could have implications for media freedom. The Kerala government has maintained that the police action was connected to the investigation into alleged serious offences and had nothing to do with the functioning of the media organisation or its news coverage. Gopi, however, backed the police action and questioned the basis of objections raised in the name of press freedom. Asked specifically about media freedom in the context of the raid, the Union Minister responded sharply, asking the questioner: Who are you? His comments on both issues, cooperation with the Satheesan government and the Reporter TV raid, came at a time when relations between the Centre and the newly elected state government are being closely watched. While the BJP remains the principal political opponent of the Congress in Kerala, Gopi's statement suggested that political differences need not stand in the way of cooperation on development projects. His support for the police action, meanwhile, is likely to add another dimension to the ongoing debate over the raid and the limits of police powers when a media organisation is involved.
Schoolteachers union to take out protest march in Keralam
Demands include reversal of the States educational policies that align with the communal policies of the Union government
Case over allegations of Keralam CMs second marriage: city police start investigation
The FIR cites multiple charges, including forgery and defamation, as authorities try to verify the authenticity of documents related to the supposed marriage, which is claimed to have occurred in Karnataka in 2012.
Director of Health Services appointed in Keralam
Comprehensive master plan for development of hospitals in capital city
Infrastructure Kerala Limited (INKEL) has been entrusted with the task of preparing the master plan
Comprehensive master plan for development of hospitals in capital city
Infrastructure Kerala Limited (INKEL) has been entrusted with the task of preparing the master plan
Kerala PSC Assistant Engineer Answer Key 2026 - Download PDF at keralapsc.gov.in
Kerala PSC has released the provisional answer key for Assistant Engineer (Kerala Water Authority), Category No. 706/2025, exam held on 16 September 2026. Check Question Paper Code 84/2026 answers for all four alpha codes (A, B, C, D), download the PDF, and learn how to raise objections through your OTR profile within the 5-day window.
Kerala University released the Sixth Semester B.A Honours English Language and Literature Supplementary exam time table 2026 for 2022 and 2023 admission candidates on 17.09.2026. Check exam dates for BAHE 161 to BAHE 164, exam timing, and the official notification PDF link
Kannur Warriors Aim for Back-to-Back SLK Titles, Faces Tougher Competition Ahead
Andre Chernyshev, manager of Kannur Warriors, seeks to defend their title in the Super League Kerala amidst heightened competition. Kannur Warriors Aim for Back-to-Back SLK Titles, Faces Tougher Competition Ahead
RPF foils smuggling of ration rice from Tamil Nadu to Kerala
Digital University Kerala Project Technical Support Recruitment 2026 - Walkin
Digital University Kerala Recruitment 2026 for 2 posts of Project Technical Support. Candidates with Graduate, BTech/MTech can attend walkin. The Walk-in on 22-09-2026. For detailed information please visit Digital University Kerala official website.
Kerala State Womens Commission raises concerns on safety of elderly women
Kerala State Womens Commission chairperson P. Sathidevi says elderly women are often being abandoned by their families after receiving their share of property. Women face severe isolation in old age when they need love and care, she says, adding that such a situation was not healthy for society
141 new recruits trained in firefighting, rescue operations and disaster response pass out from Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Academy in Viyyur
Gold jewellery sector seeks MDR exemption on high-value UPI transactions
S Abdul Nazar, State General Secretary of the Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants Association, said it would particularly impact small and medium enterprises
Tests reveal high pollution levels in Kadambrayar river in Keralam
Presence of total coliform and faecal coliform detected in samples
Ex-Keralam DGP Tomin Thachankary gets four-year jail term in disproportionate assets case
Vigilance court imposes a fine of 30.84 lakh on Thachankary, who is set to be shifted to Thiruvananthapuram Central Jail
Four booked for attempt to murder after setting ablaze man in Keralam
Vigilance seizes unaccounted 44,000 in raids at sub-registrar offices in Thiruvananthapuram
Inspections based on information that officials were accepting bribes through document writers for services
Kerala High Court Office Attendant Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 17 Posts
High Court of Kerala has released the Office Attendant Recruitment 2026 notification for 17 anticipated vacancies. Candidates who have passed SSLC or an equivalent examination and have not acquired a graduation degree can apply online from 23 September to 26 October 2026.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi praises Keralam CM, UDF govt for support to his projects
Thrissur MP says the support extended to him now was not available during previous Left front government
Debate rages over plan to shift Thiruvananthapuram zoo in Keralam
Former Mayor V.K. Prasanth alleges commercial interests after current Mayor V.V. Rajesh backs Chief Ministers proposal
BJP's Suresh Gopi praises Keralam CM Satheesan, UDF govt for support to projects
Union Minister Suresh Gopi lauded Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan for project cooperation. He stated this support was absent during the previous Left front government. Three Swadesh Darshan projects were secured after becoming a central minister. Departments acted on Thrissur Sakthan Market projects after the CM's ultimatum. Gopi urged against politicizing development project cooperation between governments.
Gold merchants association proposes 2,000-crore jewellery park in Keralam
KGSMA says the proposed project is expected to attract an investment of more than 2,000 crore and would require around 30 acres of land
Keralam power crisis: Electricity consumption soars in September
Consumption so far in September has averaged 93.6 mu, which is arguably unprecedented for Keralam which is accustomed to cooler weather and lower State-wide electricity usage during June-September southwest monsoon season
CPI(M) back in familiar opposition role, questions Satheesan's zoo relocation plan
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 17 (IANS) The CPI(M) in Kerala has moved swiftly to oppose Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan's proposal to relocate the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo to a forested setting, with senior party leader and former mayor V.K. Prasanth questioning the rationale behind the move and alleging that commercial interests could be driving the plan. Prasanth alleged that the proposal was driven by commercial interests and wondered whether the prime 36-acre property in the heart of the capital was being eyed for handover to private business interests. He also questioned why such a move was being taken without consulting the people. The quick reaction has placed the CPI(M) in familiar territory, opposing a major initiative floated by a Congress-led government, even before the idea has moved beyond the discussion stage. Kerala's political history is replete with examples of projects that faced resistance depending on which political front championed them. Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy often remarked that in Kerala, the identity of the proposer frequently mattered more than the proposal itself. Chandy had himself faced strong Left opposition after introducing computers in the Finance Department in 1991 while serving as Finance Minister. He later pointed to the irony that several Left leaders who had opposed computerisation eventually embraced the technology. Similarly, the Kochi Smart City project encountered stiff resistance from the Left when it was pursued by the UDF government, only to be carried forward later under the LDF administration. Several infrastructure projects in the state have witnessed comparable political reversals over the years. Satheesan unveiled the zoo relocation proposal during the three-day 'Reimagining Keralam' forum on Wednesday. He suggested shifting the zoo towards the Neyyar forest region, arguing that the animals could live in surroundings closer to their natural habitat. The Chief Minister also proposed converting the valuable city-centre land into a major public space modelled on world-class urban recreational hubs. Highlighting the zoo's significance, Prasanth noted that it attracts over 1.2 million visitors annually and generates around Rs 8 crore in revenue. Interestingly, BJP Mayor V.V. Rajesh welcomed the proposal and suggested that the Central Jail, another major government property located in the city centre, could also be shifted to a rural area. For now, the zoo remains where it is. But the political battle over its future has already begun.
Life Term Upheld For Schoolgirl Rape
The Kerala High Court has affirmed the conviction and life imprisonment of a former state government employee found guilty of raping a 14-year-old schoolgirl over 45 days in 2009. The court dismissed the accused's appeal, stating the victim's testimony was sterling quality and corroborated by medical evidence, rejecting claims of false implication.
Keralam to support development of new medical device parks, ensure fast-track approval: CM
The next step for medical device makers should be to develop products for global markets: Satheesan
IMD Update: TN, Puducherry, Kerala to get heavy rain in weekend as low brews
There is no model consensus on the strength of the brewing low-pressure area as it gathers steam over the Bay of Bengal during the weekend and into early next week
LDF to launch protest over dysfunctional streetlights in Kochi Corporation limits
LDF accuses the civic body of continuing neglect in ensuring functioning of streetlights, while allowing companies entrusted with their operation to take advantage of advertisements
KFON District Telecom Executive Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online
Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON) has released the new notification for the recruitment of District Telecom Executive New Vacancy 2026 for 1 post. The online application process will be conducted from 17 September 2026 to 01 October 2026. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website, cmd.kerala.gov.in.
Influenza, leptospirosis emerge as major killers this season in Keralam
As on September 15, the State has reported 10,244 cases of influenza and 109 deaths due to the infection. Confirmed leptospirosis deaths touch 100, apart from 78 probable deaths
Anto Augustine arrested in liquor case as Messi probe gathers pace
Digital Desk | Kochi, Sep 17 (IANS) Reporter TV Managing Director Anto Augustine was formally arrested by the Excise Department in a case relating to the possession of liquor beyond the permissible limit, as the police investigation into alleged financial irregularities surrounding the proposed visit of Lionel Messi and the Argentina football team to Kerala gathered pace. An Excise team led by Assistant Commissioner Baiju reached the Reporter TV office in Kalamassery in the early hours of Thursday and took Augustine into custody. He was later subjected to a medical examination and is now being taken to Wayanad, a journey expected to take several hours. He will be produced before the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Sulthan Bathery. The arrest followed the seizure of a large quantity of liquor from Augustines ancestral house at Vazhavatta in Wayanad during the SIT search on Wednesday. Excise officials seized 43 litres of foreign liquor, seven litres of foreign wine and 13 litres of homemade wine, besides liquor bottles not authorised for sale in India. The arrest at the Reporter TV office witnessed a tense sequence of events. After the Excise team read out the seizure mahazar, Augustine insisted that he be shown the FIR before being arrested. Though officials showed him a digital copy, he insisted on a hard copy. Perumbavoor Excise Circle Inspector Manoj Kumar subsequently arrived with the physical copy, following which the arrest was formally recorded. The developments came shortly after a nearly 20-hour search by the SIT at the Reporter Broadcasting Company office and premises linked to its owners in Kochi and Wayanad. The police seized several documents, memory cards and records relating to the Kaloor stadium, besides $6,300 in foreign currency. The searches were conducted under court warrants. State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, who returned from the US, said the SIT headed by ADGP P. Vijayan was constituted to investigate the Messi episode on the basis of a report submitted by the Sports Secretary. He said the report had been handed over to him by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. The SIT is doing its job according to law. It has acted only in accordance with the prevailing laws. The Home Minister does not intervene, Chennithala told reporters at the Cochin airport. He said any action found to be contrary to law would be examined. They had a search warrant and proceeded accordingly. What happened during the past one decade is known to everyone. Why did you not see that then? Many media personnel were under duress. We are making it very clear that if anything wrong has been done, it will be looked into, he said. The SIT search, led by Thrikkakara ACP Bijoy Chandran, began around 6 a.m. on Wednesday and concluded at about 2.30 a.m. on Thursday. The team also searched the flats of Augustine and his brothers at Chembumukku and the office of marketing company GOTAD, which investigators suspect has links with Augustine. Police said evidence had been collected and that the SIT chief would provide further details. The Excise case against Augustine carries non-bailable provisions under the Abkari Act, while the separate SIT investigation concerns alleged cheating and financial irregularities linked to the proposed Messi-Argentina event.
Practice Match Day 2: Qamran Iqbals 185 powers JKCA to 316/6 against Kerala
Qamran Iqbal struck a magnificent 185 as Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) reached 316 for six against Kerala on the second day of their three-day senior mens practice match at SK Stadium, Srinagar on Wednesday. Resuming their innings on Day 2, JKCA were powered by a commanding knock from Qamran, who emerged as the standout performer with a 185-run innings before being dismissed. Kanwalpreet contributed 29, while Musaif Ajaz scored 26 as JKCA posted 316 for six by the end of the day. At the close, Abid Mushtaq was yet to open his account, while Sahil Lotra remained unbeaten on eight. For Kerala, Edhan A Tom, Akhin Sathar, Ibnul Aftab, Abhishek P Nair, J S Anurajan and Pawan claimed a wicket each. Qamrans 185 was the defining performance of the day as JKCA head into the final day at 316/6.
Keralas Speaker highlights innovative governance and inclusivity initiatives at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town. Kerala Assembly Showcases Innovative Governance at Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town
PIL in Kerala High Court seeks regulation of counsellors and mental health services
Court seeks the Union governments response on implementing regulations under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021
IIA Kerala chapter office-bearers to assume office on September 19
Keralam to support new medical device parks, fast-track approvals, says CM V.D. Satheesan
Government is moving towards a 'single door, single document, single approval' system for new industrial projects, with amendments being made to 19 laws, says Chief Minister. The objective is to end prolonged delays and ensure approvals within a defined timeframe
Keralam CM launches nature festival logo
CMs plan to relocate city zoo triggers debate
Some activists say the concept of zoo is outdated; others want green lung in heart of the city to be maintained
Clash during bank election: CPI(M) leader held in Kozhikode
Case relates to clash during Chevayur bank election on November 16, 2024, in which a native of Mukkom sustained serious injuries
MVD suspends licences of three bus workers in Kozhikode over alleged brawl
Argument over scheduled bus timings escalates into physical confrontation on road, causing significant traffic disruption, says MVD
K.M. Basheer death case: court defers decision on resuming trial
KSRTC announces Hyderabad, Lakshadweep travel packages
Muslim Youth League protests against Mailampulli toll booth
Members of the Muslim Youth League blocked the Kozhikode-Palakkad National Highway 966 at Mailampulli on Wednesday, September 16, to protest the construction of a toll booth they claim would exacerbate safety issues on the newly expanded road
IDSFFK lifetime achievement award for animation filmmaker Nina Sabnani
FIR alleges that Reporter TV managing director and two unidentified persons conspired to defame the Chief Minister in public by circulating and retaining documents which they allegedly knew to be fabricated
Consultations, planned in hybrid mode, will be held in morning and afternoon sessions. The regulations, once finalised, will govern electricity tariff-related matters for the five-year control period starting 2027-28
School student injured in Idukki
Maradu water treatment plant set to add 20 MLD to Kochi water supply
Plants production capacity to be raised from 100 MLD to 120 MLD; new 1,000-mm high-density polyethylene pipeline to be laid over 5.2 km
North-South, the New Pairing in Bollywood
Very picturesquely, Kareena Kapoor Khan describes her pairing with Malayali actor Prithviraj Sukumaran as Punjab ka chole and Keralam ka mutton. We are deadly together, she says.
Police, Central agencies targeting Left in Keralam: T.P. Ramakrishnan
Citing the raid on Reporter TV office, LDF convener says such targeted harassment, which affects independent journalism, can in no way be justified
Sreedhaya Suresh Takes Charge As Keralas First Tribal Woman District Collector
Being at the northern end of Kerala and one of the youngest districts in the state, there are several areas where progress can be made: Sreedhanya Suresh
Haj medical certificate deadline extended
Watch: Keralam power crisis: CM V.D. Satheesan announces emergency measures
Keralam is grappling with an unprecedented power crisis as weak monsoons and depleted reservoirs force emergency electricity imports. Following a cabinet meeting, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced urgent measures, including inter-state power procurement and a revised energy policy, as unannounced outages and soaring evening demand leave households and businesses vulnerable.
The disease usually subsides in a few days, but those with breathing difficulty and chest pain should seek treatment at the nearest hospital immediately.
KSHEC shelves permanent HQ project; returns leased land to KSSTM
Kerala State Human Rights Commission orders decision on doctors leave and dues
The commission issued the directive stating that an immediate decision must also be taken regarding the salary and other benefits due to the complainant from October 2024
Malampuzha school celebrates ozone day
Clean Kerala Company sector coordinator P.V. Sahadevan inaugurated an ozone seminar held under the banner of the schools science club. School resource group convener Anjali S.N. welcomed the gathering.
Rain deficit leaves paddy farmers on edge
Water levels dip in paddy fields as farmers prepare for Mundakan crop; rising fertilizer costs add to mounting worries
Special grama sabhas to be held in 52 panchayats in Idukki to discuss ESA
Main aim of the special grama sabhas is to ensure that the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change exclude farmlands and human habitations from the ESA
Climate change increases dengue risk in Keralam; cases may rise by 20% by 2040, says study
Study identifies rainfall, humidity and El Nio-Southern Oscillation as the key drivers of dengue transmission. Changes in atmospheric pressure, temperature and relative humidity during the active and break phases of monsoon can influence localised mosquito breeding and dengue risk
DDMA conducts tsunami mock drill at Veliyankode coast
The drill tested preparedness and coordination to handle disasters like tsunami. It practised moving people to safe areas, rescue, emergency treatment, and post-disaster steps after a tsunami warning
Pro-Left staff unions in Health dept. in Kozhikode seek steps to fill vacancies
Union leaders say key posts in the district vector control unit have remained vacant since May after retirement of incumbent staff
Pro-Left staff unions in Health dept. in Kozhikode seek steps to fill vacancies
Union leaders say key posts in the district vector control unit have remained vacant since May after retirement of incumbent staff
Health authorities warn people with head injuries to avoid public waterbodies
The warning comes after a joint study by the Health department and the Indian Council of Medical Research found that they faced high risk of amoebic encephalitis
Indian dentist dies after collapsing at home in Sharjah
Sharjah: A 32-year-old Indian dentist and mother of two died after collapsing at her home in Sharjahs Al Qasimia area on Monday morning, September 14, according to media reports. The woman was identified as Dr Afeena Raheem, a native of Pookkulam in Wandoor, Malappuram, Kerala. She had been living in Sharjah with her husband, Yasar 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 .
Samsung India expects double-digit growth in H2 appliances biz on festive demand
The company is encouraged by its festive sales in 2026, which started with Onam in Kerala and are expected to continue the momentum
New eel species described from Arabian Sea, named after CMFRI
New species, named Ariosoma cmfriense, was collected from the waters off Kollam in Keralam at a depth of about 300 m in January 2026
According to the Thrissur Corporations report, 15 buildings have been identified for immediate demolition. The commission directs the Corporation Secretary to submit an action-taken report in its sitting in October 2026
Kerala Startup Mission joins national initiative to promote ST-led startups
The partnership is aimed at providing structured capacity-building, mentorship, market linkages and investment-readiness support to ST-led enterprises
Kerala agri university to transfer chocolate-making technology to farmer group
The technology transfer was undertaken to enhance the value of cocoa farmers produce and promote cocoa-based entrepreneurial activities
Keralam steps up push to fast-track flagship projects, attract investments
The Chief Minister says that the support of the Malayali diaspora could be leveraged, particularly for income-generating projects
Body of flash flood victim recovered from river in Keralams Kozhikode
30-year-old woman was swept away while sitting on a rock in the Iruvazhinjippuzha river in Kozhikode district of Keralam on Tuesday (September 15, 2026) evening
Union Tribal Affairs Ministry ropes in Kerala's KSUM for national ST startup push
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 16 (IANS) The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched a national initiative to identify, incubate, mentor and finance startups and enterprises led by Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs, with Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) among 10 institutions selected to implement the programme. Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram said the initiative was aimed at harnessing the potential of tribal youth and creating both job creators and job seekers by expanding outreach and handholding support for ST innovators and entrepreneurs. Tribal Affairs Minister of State Durgadas Uikey said the initiative was part of efforts to promote the growth of tribal communities in areas including education, health, digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence. The Ministry has signed MoUs with 10 agencies, including KSUM, to create an enabling ecosystem for innovation-driven entrepreneurship among tribal communities. The initiative seeks to reach around 1,000 ST entrepreneurs across the country, with at least 100 to be funded and incubated under the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes (VCF-ST). The MoU with KSUM will provide ST-led enterprises in Kerala with structured capacity building, mentorship, market linkages and support to become investment-ready. KSUM is the Kerala government's nodal agency for entrepreneurship development and incubation. Under the VCF-ST scheme, companies with at least 51 per cent shareholding by ST entrepreneurs and management control can avail financial assistance of up to Rs 50 lakh if the ownership condition has been maintained for six months. For funding above Rs 50 lakh, the 51 per cent ST shareholding and management control should have been maintained for at least 12 months. The scheme also provides incubation funding of up to Rs 10 lakh a year for three years, subject to satisfactory progress. Applications are currently open. Tribal Affairs Secretary Ranjana Chopra said innovation was not new to tribal communities and that traditional tribal systems contained considerable knowledge and innovation that had often not reached the modern world. A structured strategy was needed to bring such innovation into the mainstream, she said. Bridging the gap between the country's overall startup numbers and ST-led startups and handholding a larger number of tribal entrepreneurs have been identified as key priorities under the initiative. Keralas Special Secretary, Electronics and IT, Seeram Sambasiva Rao said the MoU would contribute to the socio-economic empowerment of ST communities and promote technology-oriented innovative projects by tribal youth. KSUM CEO Anoop Ambika said Kerala's startup ecosystem was conducive to identifying and scaling innovation-driven entrepreneurship among ST communities.
Cabinet clears Saral Kerala to simplify, expedite investment approvals
A Single Statutory Authority to be established to grant all approvals through a unified channel
KSRTC to Launch Lakshadweep, Hyderabad Tour Packages on Sep 22
The Kerala Road Transport Corporation will also introduce a waiting-list facility similar to the system used by the Indian Railways
Abhimanyu murder case in Keralam: court reserves order on plea by accused for in-camera trial
Trial scheduled to commence on October 15, 2026. Accused also seek restrictions on entry of media personnel and the public to the court hall during trial as well as on taking their photographs
