Uttarakhand turns to hydroseeding to tackle persistent landslides on Badrinath highway
DEHRADUN: Facing relentless landslides in one of India's top 10 most vulnerable districts, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is now turning to an advanced biological solution, hydroseeding, to stabilise a critical stretch of the Badrinath Highway near Kameda in Gauchar. This shift comes after earlier engineering interventions allegedly failed to contain the erosion that has long threatened this vital route. The 120-metre stretch near Kameda, located in the highly landslide-prone Rudraprayag district, experiences significant debris flow during the monsoon season. For over five years, the slope above the highway has continually shed soil, rocks and boulders, frequently disrupting traffic for hours. For more than five years, the slope here has been unstable. When the rains hit, large boulders roll onto the highway, stated a local resident, requesting anonymity due to the frequent closures. Previously, NHAI had attempted stabilisation using conventional engineering methods. Steel netting anchored by 6 to 8-inch iron rods (anchors) was installed into the slope before the monsoon. However, heavy rains led to substantial slippage, allegedly rendering the nets ineffective. Now, the focus has shifted to Hydroseeding Mulch, a technique involving the spraying of a mixture of seeds, water and fertiliser onto the slope. We are employing Hydroseeding Mulch to prevent further landslides in this steep terrain. We anticipate this method will be effective, said JP Sharma, Project Manager at RCC Developers, associated with the project. We are currently verifying the existing anchors before fully implementing this technique, as this method has proven successful in mountainous regions. Hydroseeding is an advanced bio-engineering technique designed to rapidly establish a protective layer of grass or vegetation on steep slopes, roadsides and mining areas. The mixture includes mulch fibres that bind the soil together, preventing erosion from heavy rain or wind, while the seeds germinate to create a living root structure for long-term stability. The urgency of this stabilisation effort is underscored by recent data classifying India's most vulnerable zones. Official sources confirm that Rudraprayag and Tehri Garhwal in Uttarakhand are among the top 10 most landslide-prone districts in the country. Apart from Rudraprayag and Tehri in Uttarakhand, the list of high-risk districts also includes: Kerala: Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram and Kozhikode. Jammu and Kashmir: Rajouri and Poonch. Sikkim: South and East Sikkim. The NHAI hopes that this biological intervention will finally stabilise the Badrinath route before the next monsoon season arrives.
2025 local body polls: Kerala has 75,632 candidates in the fray
Malappuram has the highest number of candidates, 8,378, followed by Ernakulam, 7,374
Defending Mamkootathil embarrasses Congress, says Youth Cong. leader
She says the MLA shall be expelled from the primary membership of the party and workers need to be saved from the humiliating situation of needing to respond to the sexual misbehaviour allegations against him
Rebels set to spoil party for all three fronts
Hundreds of political leaders appear to have taken their cue from M.K. Varghese, a Congress rebel-turned-Independent, who became Mayor of the Thrissur Corporation with the support of the Left Democratic Front, and have thrown their hats into the ring against the official candidates of their own parties
'Violation Of Right To Education': Kerala Rejects Proposal To Use Students For SIR Work
The proposal, which suggested that NSS and NCC students could be involved in SIR work, was criticised for potentially disrupting students' academic schedules.
Seat-sharing row triggers resignation in Kasaragod DCC
Megalithic rock engravings at Erikulam Valiyapara identified as cow and deer figures
Kerala local body polls: P.V. Anvar makes a dismal campaign launch
Rebel wave sweeps Kottayam and Pathanamthitta
SC directs Kerala to establish primary schools in areas lacking them
Kerala, T.N. to collaborate in industries sector
In Cheralayi, minority factor adds zest to four-cornered contest
LDF hopes to cash in on the addition of minority-centric areas to the division; Former BJP leader Shyamala S. Prabhu, who is contesting as an Independent, says she wants to address infrastructure issues in the new areas; BJP seeks vote for continuity of development, while UDF flags civic issues
Andhra Pradesh delegation visits Kerala State Higher Education Council
Sabarimala sees eight cardiac deaths just eight days into the pilgrim season
During every pilgrimage which lasts over two months, on an average, some 150-odd cardiac events occur, resulting in about 40-42 deaths. This season, cardiac deaths has been moving at an unusual pace
Embezzlement at social media influencer's outlet: Crime Branch files chargesheet
Three employees and the husband of one of them embezzled 66 lakh from the jewellery outlet owned by BJP leader and actor Krishnakumars daughter Diya Krishna
16th International Theatre Festival to stage 24 productions
Ten international and 14 Indian groups to perform from January 25 to February 1
Kerala BLO Removed From Duty Over 'Indecent Exposure' During SIR Drive
Police in the Tavanur jurisdiction have registered a case and initiated a full investigation into the matter
Kerala CPM Leader Sentenced To 20 Years Imprisonment For Hurling Bomb At Police
The incident occurred on August 1, 2012, when the CPM called a state-wide protest against the arrest of then CPM district secretary P Jayarajan in connection with the Ariyil Shukoor murder case. According to the prosecution, DYFI workers Nishad and Nandakumar, along with two others, A Mithun and K V Kripesh, arrived on two motorcycles in Payyannur and hurled a country-made steel bomb at a police jeep
UDF, BJP campaign boards vandalised in Kannur
Call for welfare schemes for entire transgender community, not just transwomen
The State government announced recently that women, including transwomen, will be given financial aid under its Sthree Suraksha Padhathi, but no specific schemes were announced for other transgender persons
India's Left faces an introspective period marked by declining vote shares and ideological confusion, evident in West Bengal and Tripura. While Kerala remains a stronghold, it too faces challenges, prompting questions about the party's ability to adapt and reinvent itself amidst shifting political landscapes and strategic alliances.
Congress cant suspend Mamkootathil twice for one offence, says Satheesan
Police book shopkeeper, staff on charge of blocking traffic in Kumily town
K. Muraleedharan alleges CPI(M)-BJP electoral pacts across Kerala
Chennithala demands probe into purchase of substandard medicines by govt. agency
Tiruvallur police arrest two persons, bust inter-State ganja supply chain
The police say a few individuals, originally from Tamil Nadu, who work in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, have been assisting persons from Tamil Nadu and Kerala procure ganja by acting as intermediaries between cultivators/suppliers and inter-State buyers
SC Directs Kerala To Set Up Primary Schools In Areas Lacking Educational Facilities
The court upheld a Kerala High Court order that required the state to set up a school in an area lacking educational facilities within a 3-4 kilometre radius
Exam registration for PG students on Calicut University campus stopped
SIR Phase II: Over 50.54 crore enumeration forms distributed with 99.16 per cent coverage
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday issued a detailed data list on the number of enumeration forms distributed among electors and their digitisation in the past 21 days since the exercise was launched on November 4. Out of the total 50,97,44,423 existing voters, 50,54,82,771 of them have been handed over the pre-filled forms, clocking 99.16 per cent, and over 28 crore (56.34 per cent) of them have been digitised. According to the ECI data, among the States, the maximum of over 15,38,71,940 crore forms have been handed over in Uttar Pradesh, which has a total voters base of 15,44,30,092. SC seeks response of EC on fresh plea of MDMK leader Vaiko against SIR in Tamil Nadu In West Bengal, where the ruling TMC has been opposing the exercise, 7,64,59,129 voters have been handed over the enumeration forms against the total voters base of 7,66,37529. In the second phase after Bihar, the ECI has launched the SIR in nine states and three Union Territories, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal and the UT of Puducherry, which are going to assembly polls next year. The ongoing Enumeration Phase will continue till December 4, 2025. BJP trying to implement CAA through SIR in border areas, alleges West Bengal CM at Bongaon rally States such as Goa and Lakshadweep have achieved 100 per cent distribution of enumeration forms, reflecting efficient ground-level coordination, the ECI data revealed. Besides these two, all the states and Union Territories have crossed the 99 per cent mark in the distribution of enumeration forms. Meanwhile, Election Commission officials have managed to digitise over 56 per cent of the signed enumeration forms received, with Lakshadweep striking a rate of 99.33 per cent with 57,428 in absolute number against the total of 57,813 voters. Uttar Pradesh has reported the slowest rate of digitisation with 34.03 per cent, with an absolute number of 5,25,53,479. More than 5.33 lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and 7.64 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) have been deployed to ensure every eligible elector is reached, the ECI said, adding that all recognised political parties have been asked to appoint additional BLAs to strengthen field-level verification and enhance the accuracy of electoral rolls.
Complaint of violation of model code of conduct
Shyamala Prabhu quits after more than three decades in BJP
In Focus podcast | What does Keralas Zero Extreme Poverty announcement really mean
R. Ramakumar speaks to us about the gap between Keralas estimates and the Central governments Antyodaya Anna Yojanas numbers, and the wider questions this raises about poverty measurement and verification.
Kerala Sadya to Replace Pulao and Sambar in 'Annadanam' in Sabarimala
TDB president K Jayakumar said pulao and sambar were earlier served at the hill shrine as part of annadanam, which was not appropriate for devotees
Two youth detained on charge of assaulting differently abled BLO
With the dance festival that kicks off on November 27, choreographer P Sreejith, dancers Paris Laxmi and Abhilash VS hope to change how contemporary dance is practised
Housewives must be recognised as part of 'toiling class', suggests Study
KOCHI: A new doctoral study has made two sharp observations on Kerala: Housewives must be recognised as part of the toiling class, and receiving a LIFE Mission housewhile socially empoweringdoes not significantly deepen a womans personal transformation. The research, authored by Nisha Jose, wife of Kerala Congress (M) chairman Jose K. Mani, argues that the States welfare architecture, although strong in infrastructure and allocations, still struggles to translate material gains into psychological and behavioural empowerment for women. The thesis scrutinises Keralas progress and highlights a critical gap. While women who receive a house under the LDF governments flagship LIFE Mission experience noticeable improvements in social standing and family recognition, the research finds that this shift does not automatically produce inner autonomy, confidence, or expanded decision-making power. In Nishas words, ownership does not substantially contribute to personal transformation, a finding that challenges the widely held assumption that asset creation alone is a direct pathway to womens empowerment. As of November 2025, Kerala has completed 4.71 lakh houses and allotted more than 5.08 lakh under the LIFE Mission, making it one of the most ambitious state-led housing interventions in the country. 'Rimi' short film: Celebrating housewives The study acknowledges the scale and intent of this effort, but points out that its impact is uneven across social, financial, and personal domains. Women gain visibility within the household and community, and the security of a permanent home reduces long-term precarity. Yet the internal shifts associated with empowerment remain limited, suggesting that welfare schemes need to be paired with interventions that focus on behavioural change, financial literacy and sustained institutional engagement at the grassroots. The thesis becomes especially significant when it turns to the late K. M. Manis Theory of the Toiling Class, a framework that has long shaped Keralas economic thinking. Mani positioned marginal farmers, artisans, traders, teachers, and other self-employed workersthose dependent primarily on labour rather than capitalat the centre of a new socio-economic category. 45,026 females committed suicide in 2021, over half were housewives: NCRB Nisha expands this theory in a direction Mani did not anticipate, arguing that housewives, whose unpaid labour sustains households and supports children, elders, and persons with disabilities, also belong within this category. Their work is relentless, indispensable, and foundational to the functioning of the economy, even though it is neither waged nor formally recognised. By inserting housewives into the toiling class, the study reframes Keralas understanding of labour and broadens an influential economic theory to acknowledge a vast, invisible workforce that keeps the state running. This conceptual expansion was developed with the participation of researcher Nisha Anna John, who co-authored the theoretical sections of the study. Together, their work argues that the category of the toiling class cannot remain limited to income-generating labour alone, and must include those who labour without wages yet hold up the social structure. The research also enters the policy conversation at a timely moment. On November 10, 2025, the Kerala Finance Department announced a new monthly pension of Rs 1,000 for financially vulnerable women and transgender persons between 35 and 60 years, holding pink or yellow ration cards and earning below Rs 1 lakh annually. This acknowledgement of unpaid work echoes similar schemes launched in Karnataka and Haryana. The study notes that transfer payments to homemakers tend to re-enter the circular flow of income through household consumption, generating multiplier effects that stimulate economic demand while improving gender dignity. Submitted to Sri Balaji University, Pune, the thesis evaluates gender budgeting, welfare implementation, and institutional mechanisms between 2021 and 2025. It observes that Keralas gender budgeting allocations have risen from 5.5% in 200809 to over 20% in the most recent budgets, reflecting sustained political commitment. Yet awareness among panchayat and municipal officials remains inconsistent, and many implementers are unfamiliar with the analytical framework of gender budgeting. Institutions such as the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) help translate policy into practice, but the research argues for stronger bottom-up planning, decentralised accountability, and better communication across administrative levels. In bringing together an evaluation of welfare delivery, an examination of gender budgeting, and a reimagining of Manis toiling class theory, the study offers an important reminder. Keralas welfare state may have built the houses, but its next challenge is to nurture the deeper personal transformation that empowers women from within. And by recognising housewives as part of the toiling class, the research insists that the state must finally acknowledge the unseen labour that has long held its social fabric together.
Ahead of National Milk Day, Milma launches five new premium products
Kerala Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development J. Chinchurani will inaugurate the State-level National Milk Day celebrations on November 26 in Kollam. Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal will preside over the function
Kerala government rejects poll panels proposal to deploy schoolchildren for conducting SIR
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Government has objected to a proposal from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) - Kerala seeking to utilise the services of school children for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. In a statement, General Education Minister V Sivankutty said deploying volunteers of National Service Scheme (NSS) and National Cadet Corps (NCC) from schools would disrupt their studies. The Minister said academic activities were going ahead in full swing in the states schools with the terminal exams round the corner. In such a scenario,deploying students for enumeration anddigitisation works of SIR for 10 days at a stretchcannot be accepted, the minister said. Even though social service activities are encouraged among NSS and NCC volunteers, deploying them for such duties for a prolonged period was improper as it would lead to loss of instructional days,the Minister reminded. Sivankutty said directions have been given to officials of the General Education Department to ensure that students are not deprived of their classes.The Ministeradded that 5523 staff, including 2.,938 teacherof the General Education Department have already been deployed as Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for SIR-related work. Meanwhile, SIR was fast progressing in the state with digitisation of 28% of the enumeration forms already completed. According to CEO-Kerala Rathan U Kelkar, the enumeration phase of SIR is expected to be completed soon.
Malayali 'Manavatty' arrack shines at Scotland election convention
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Befitting the popular adage that a Malayali can be found in every corner of the world, UK-based Malayali arrack brand 'Manavatty' was the star of the Scotland National Party (SNP) convention held ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections in Edinburgh. The Manavatty bottles, co-signed by the first minister of Scotland John Swinney and the brand founder John Xavier, were sold at attractive prices after a tight auction held here for the party's candidate adoption and fundraising convention programme. The event was held as an 'Adoption Night' programme, reminiscent of the Scottish political history from the 1970s. However, even amidst the heated political discussions, the special edition bottles of Manavatty became an attraction. The ceremony was also attended by Scottish cabinet minister Fiona Hislop and Michelle Thomson, former connectivity minister Stewart Stevenson, and other candidates including former MP David Linden, councillors Pauline Stafford and Dennis. Adding a desi touch to the event, Indians, including Jain University director Tom Joseph, representatives of the British Tamil Forum, Karnataka Association UK, and SanTV, were also present here. The event was followed by cultural programmes led by five popular musicians. Manavatty, which was developed in the United Kingdom by the Kochi native John Xavier, is now produced under the London Barren Limited company. Shot to popularity earlier this year, the arrack blended the traditional arrack vatting techniques and modern brewery methods.
Kerala actor assault case: Court to pronounce verdict on December 8
The prosecution case is that the accused raped the woman actor in a moving car on February 17, 2017. The first accused, alleged the prosecution, recorded the alleged act in a mobile phone following the conspiracy
BJP Kerala general secretary S. Suresh criticises circulation of Sthree Suraksha pension forms, alleging that it is part of a deliberate effort to sway voters
Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7 records multi-platform growth
Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7 proved a major hit in Kerala. The show saw a substantial rise in viewership on JioHotstar and Asianet. Digital engagement surged, with video views and watch time increasing significantly. Connected TV viewing also grew.
BLO removed from post for public display of nudity during SIR work in Kerala
The alleged incident happened while the BLO was filling up the enumeration forms while surrounded by people, including women, in Malappuram district
Payyanur bomb attack case in Kerala: CPI(M) local body poll candidate, aide sentenced to 20 years
Taliparamba Additional District Sessions Judge awards imprisonment of 20 years and fine of 2.5 lakh each to convicts V.K. Nishad and T.C.V. Nandakumar. They will effectively serve 10 years in jail
Kerala Man Dies After Father Hits Him With Metal Rod Over Luxury Car Demand
A 28-year-old man, who had been under treatment after being fatally hit with a metal rod on his head by his father for demanding a luxury car, has died, police said on Tuesday.
Son dies from head injury after clash with father over Rs 50 lakh bike in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A 28-year-old man who had been undergoing treatment after being assaulted by his father during an argument over a luxury bike worth Rs 50 lakh died on Monday. Hriddhik, a resident of Pournami, Kunnumpuram in Vanchiyoor, succumbed to his injuries at the Medical College Hospital on Monday morning. Police had earlier registered an attempt-to-murder case against his father, Vinayanandan, who was later released on bail. With Hriddhiks death, the charge will now be altered to murder. The assault took place at their home on October 9. Hriddhik had first attacked Vinayanandan with a knife after demanding money to buy the luxury bike. In retaliation, Vinayanandan hit Hriddhik on his head with an iron rod. Police said that Hriddhik used to frequently attack his parents and that he had mental health issues. The family had reportedly hid his condition due to fear of social stigma, and he had not been receiving proper treatment. Due to Hriddhiks persistent demands, the family had earlier taken a loan to buy him a bike worth Rs 12 lakh. However, ahead of his birthday, Hriddhik picked a fight again, insisting that he be given another bike costing Rs 50 lakh. Vinayanandan runs a cafeteria in Kunnumpuram. Hriddhik, who had studied catering technology in Bengaluru, was their only son. He is survived by his mother Anupama. The family had been living in Vanchiyoor in a rented house. After the post-mortem, the body was taken to their ancestral home in Kalady and cremated by Monday evening.
Cyclone Senyar Likely To Form In 48 Hours; IMD Warns Of Heavy Rain Across Southern States
Cyclone Senyar may form over the region, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe, Lakshadweep, Andhra, Yanam, and Andaman.
Malayalam social drama Feminichi Fathima, a Kerala State Film Awards 2025 winner under different categories, is set for its digital premiere in December. The film, lauded for its raw portrayal of a homemaker's fight for dignity. Its success was amplified by Dulquer Salmaan's distribution. Read on to know where you can watch it online after the digital release.
Two held with suspected synthetic drugs
Six who robbed three women in guise of cops arrested
BENGALURU: The HAL police arrested six miscreants who had robbed three women posing as policemen at the victims room in a residential complex in Marathahalli. The robbery took place on November 11 and the accused were arrested recently. The main accused, said to be the friend of the 37-year-old complainant, had gone to her room to celebrate her birthday. The other accused who are his associates had barged into the room and started checking the room, claiming it to be a search operation. They demanded Rs 5 lakh from the victims, saying they suspected illegal activity. The gang left with two mobile phones. They threatened the victims that they would come back if the money is not arranged. The police had registered a dacoity case against. The three women were staying at a co-living space on the fifth floor of the residential complex at AECS Layout in Marathahalli. The main accused, Nazas alias Shaalu, his associate Sarun, both from Kerala, and KT Vishnu, Diwakar, Madhu Kumar and Kiran have been arrested. The complainant had become friends with Nazas after meeting him in the area. Nazas had hatched the plot assuming that there could be gold ornaments in the room. The accused had taken away mobile phones, saying they will be returned only after Rs 5 lakh is arranged. Among the accused, Sarun was arrested in another honey-trap case, police said.
Kerala local body polls: Kudumbashree candidates bank on people connect to sail through
The intersection of involvement in the Kudumbashree network and political ambitions has become the go-to for political parties of all hues in order to pick candidates for the local body elections
Kerala local body polls: LDF vying for a hat-trick in traditional UDF stronghold Sulthan Bathery
Ruling council believes that the developmental activities undertaken over the past 10 years will trump the tradition. Feud within Congress in Wayanad district has put UDF in a disadvantage. NDA is hoping for a repeat and possibly surpass its performance in the parliamentary polls of 2024, when BJP had enough votes within the municipality to come second
Kerala Lottery Result Today, November 25, 2025 Live: Sthree Sakthi SS-495 Winning Numbers
Kerala Lottery Result Today Live Updates, 25-11-2025: Heres Guessing Numbers for Sthree Sakthi SS-495 for Tuesday, November 25. Check the full list of winning numbers from 3 pm.
Rebels trouble LDF & UDF as Thiruvananthapuram corporation election picture becomes clear
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With scrutiny of nominations completed on Monday, a full picture of the electoral contests to the Thiruvananthapuram corporation council has become clear and the two leading fronts are grappling with a surge in rebel candidates. Even senior leaders have entered the fray as independents, placing the LDF and the UDF in a tight spot ahead of the polls. In a contrast to previous elections, the LDF is facing serious internal rebellion this time. None of the LDF rebels withdrew their nominations despite last-minute attempts by the party leadership to persuade them. The LDF faces rebel threats in Vazhottukonam, Ulloor, Kachani, Chempazhanthy, and Vizhinjam. In Ulloor, former local committee member and former Deshabhimani bureau chief K Sreekantan is contesting independently. In Chempazhanthy, former block panchayat president Annie Ashokan has entered the race after raising allegations against MLA Kadakampally Surendran. In Vazhottukonam, local committee member K V Mohanan filed his papers in protest against the candidate selection. Nettayam Satheesh is contesting from Kachani, while N A Rasheed is in the fray from Vizhinjam. The UDF too is encountering similar challenges, with rebels active in four wards. Sudheesh Kumar in Poundkadavu, former councillor Krishnaveni in Punchakkari, INTUC mandalam president P Lalu in Kazhakoottam, and Youth Congress leader Hissan Hussain in Vizhinjam have all filed nominations as independents. While an IUML candidate is contesting in Poundkadavu, the RSP has put up its candidate in Punchakkari. Seat-sharing disagreements have further complicated matters for the UDF. In a fallout of the disputes, the Kerala Congress (Joseph) is contesting in five wards. Former Kerala Congress (M) member Vijayamoorthy is contesting from Vizhinjam. In the Port ward, Baby Pereira is in the fray, while Nirmala Thomas is contesting in Palayam. In Kazhakoottam, former grama panchayat member A M Hussain is the candidate, and in the Sainik School ward, Kerala Youth Front district president Thekkeveettil Sujith is also contesting. Despite the growing list of dissidents, senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan has dismissed the concerns. There is no concern for the party regarding the rebels. All of them have already been expelled. The rebels in Mannanthala and Poundkadavu were removed recently. The Kazhakoottam rebel could not withdraw his nomination in time, but he has submitted a notice expressing his intention to withdraw. Let them remain in the fray; the party has no issues with it. None of them will be taken back, nor will they be considered for the assembly elections, Muraleedharan said. Anavoor Nagappan too maintained that the rebel presence would not weaken the party. The party will take all necessary action against the rebels. Their presence will not affect our campaign or the election in any way. Our preparation has been strong and will continue without disruption, he said. Rebel threats LDF faces rebel threats in Vazhottukonam, Ulloor, Kachani, Chempazhanthy, and Vizhinjam UDF too is encountering similar challenges, with rebels active in four wards Seat-sharing disagreements have further complicated matters for the UDF
Wild boar attacks spike as culling halts following seizure of shooters weapons
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Wild boar attacks are surging across the state, with culling operations coming to a complete halt following the declaration of local body elections. Farmers and residents in vulnerable regions are bearing the brunt as district collectors have directed all licenced firearm holders to deposit their weapons at police stations an order that contradicts the Election Commission guidelines. According to the Commissions circular, only specific categories of licence holders are required to surrender their arms during elections individuals released on bail, those with a history of criminal offences, and persons previously involved in rioting or election-related violence. The rules mandate that a screening committee, comprising the district magistrate and the superintendent of police, must review each case individually before issuing directions. Amid mounting distress among farmers and shooters, the Kasaragod District Gun Licensees Association has approached the High Court, seeking urgent intervention against the directive issued during election time. The circular does not authorise blanket or district-wide orders. We are getting numerous calls from farmers for crop protection but we are unable to offer our services. We gave a memorandum to the chief minister, state police chief, and the authorities concerned but havent received any response, said Pradeep Rao Mepodu, president of the Kasaragod District Gun Licensees Association. Across Kerala, empanelled shooters authorised to undertake wild boar culling have had all their weapons detained, bringing control operations to an abrupt stop. The freeze has intensified the wild boar crisis in several districts. In a tragic incident highlighting the gravity of the situation, an autorickshaw driver who sustained grievous injuries in a wild boar attack in Thiruvananthapuram died on Sunday. The attack occurred in the Kallara-Pangode region, where wild boar intrusions and crop destruction remain persistent concerns. The fatality has raised alarm about the consequences of suspending culling for nearly a month until the end of local body elections. Jeevan Kumar, an empanelled shooter and a schoolteacher from Kallara, said that crop destruction is rampant in the region. Every day, farmers are coming to me and even the forest authorities have asked for intervention, but I am helpless as my weapons have been seized. The same wild boar that killed the autorickshaw driver here had earlier attacked another person. The shooters are unable to help and the authorities are turning a blind eye to the issue. Wild boars are roaming around freely and destroying crops, and people are scared to venture out after dark, Jeevan said. By July this year, local bodies had culled at least 4,734 wild boars as part of conflict mitigation efforts. Local bodies were given the responsibility of eliminating wild boars that destroy crops or threaten human life in May 2022.
Footfall at Sabarimala crosses 7.5L; spot booking capped at 5,000 again
PATHANAMTHITTA: With the Mandala-Makaravilakku season witnessing a steady rise in pilgrim inflow, authorities have limited spot booking for darshan at 5,000 for Tuesday, even as the total footfall at Sabarimala crossed 7.5 lakh by Monday evening. Authorities also confirmed that the virtual queue booking will allow darshan access for up to 70,000 pilgrims. Despite a surge in pilgrim turnout, smooth darshan continued at the hill shrine on Monday, the ninth day of the annual pilgrim season. A total of 90,393 devotees had offered prayers at the hill shrine by 7pm on Monday. The rush remained high throughout the day, with long queues from early morning, yet darshan was completed without long waiting hours. On Sunday, 84,605 pilgrims had darshan at the shrine. Officials expect the numbers of devotees to rise in the coming days. Meanwhile, cool weather and intermittent rain continued in the Sabarimala hills. Tight security and real-time monitoring Elaborate security arrangements remain in effect across Sannidhanam and base stations. Continuous surveillance is being maintained through around 450 CCTV cameras, jointly monitored by the police and Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). Dedicated control rooms ensure round-the-clock monitoring of all major points -- enabling quick intervention in case of emergencies or crowd surges. Nearly 90 cameras overseen by the police cover critical spots from Chalakkayam to Pandithavalam, while 345 TDB cameras focus on high-density locations including Marakkoottam, the flyover, Valiyanadappanthal, Sopanam and Malikappuram. Drinking water supply To ensure unhindered access to clean drinking water, the Water Authority has set up 193 kiosks from Pampa to the upper reaches of Sannidhanam supported by modern purification and distribution systems, while 105 kiosks have been installed along the pilgrim pathway from Pampa to Nadappanthal. The Kerala High Court on Monday directed the engineer in charge of the AchankovilKonni road, extensively used by Sabarimala devotees, to file a statement on the measures taken to repair the road. The court had earlier directed that the road, which was in a dilapidated condition, should be repaired before the Sabarimala pilgrimage season. The directive comes in continuation of a previous order issued in September by a division bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice K V Jayakumar, which instructed various departments to take coordinated action to ensure proper maintenance of all roads used by pilgrims. The court had also asked the amicus curiae for the special commissioner to examine and report on deficiency. During the hearing on Monday, the amicus curiae submitted that all the other aspects have been complied with the exception of the Achankovil-Konni road.
Youth stabbed to death; Congress leaders son held
KOTTAYAM: A 23-year-old youth was stabbed to death following a dispute over a drug deal at Manikunnam near Kottayam in the early hours of Monday. The deceased is Adarsh, a native of Manganam near Puthuppally. Abhijith, 24, of Kottayam and son of Congress leader and former Kottayam municipal councillor V K Anilkumar (Titto), was taken into custody by the police in connection with the incident. The incident took place in front of Anilkumars house around 4.30am. Police said the violence stemmed from a drug-related transaction between Abhijith, who is a history-sheeter, and the deceased Adarsh. Adarsh had reportedly borrowed MDMA worth `1,500 from Abhijith and also pawned his scooter. An argument over these matters led to a clash during which Abhijith stabbed Adarsh.
LDF secures 14 wards in Kannur unopposed as nomination scrutiny ends
KANNUR: With the completion of the final scrutiny of nominations in Kannur, the LDF has secured uncontested victories in 14 wards across the district. The presiding officers have rejected a total of four nominations, two from Anthoor municipality, both filed by UDF candidates, and two from Kannapuram panchayat, one each from the UDF and the BJP rendering the CPM unopposed. LDF candidates have now secured six wards of Kannapuram, three wards of Malapattam panchayat, and five wards of Anthoor municipality. In Anthoor municipality, CPM candidates K V Premarajan in Thalivayal ward and E Rajitha in Kodallur ward were declared winners without facing any opposition. Similarly, in Kannapuram panchayat, Usha Mohan in Ambalapuram ward and Mohanan T E in Chemmaravayal ward were elected unopposed, marking a significant outcome shaped entirely by the scrutiny process rather than electoral competition. In Kannapuram panchayat, the nomination of INC candidate in Ambalapuram ward was rejected after the nominator denied the signature during scrutiny, and in Chemmaravayal ward, the nomination of BJP was rejected because the nominee refused to sign, both under Section 55(2)(c) of the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act. In Anthoor municipality, the nominations in both Thaliyil ward (INC) and Kodallur ward (IUML) were rejected after the respective nominees submitted written and in-person statements confirming that they had not signed the nomination papers. The nomination papers of the Congress in Malappattam and Anthoor and the BJP in Kuthuparamba were rejected on close scrutiny due to fake signatures.
Roof concreting of 50 houses in Wayanad done
KALPETTA: The township project of the state government, aimed at the rehabilitation of Wayanad landslide survivors, crossed a major milestone on Monday with the completion of the roof concreting of the 50th house. The construction work at Elstone Estate, being carried out by the Uralungal Labour Contract Society (ULCCS), is progressing at a remarkable speed. Currently, the roof concreting of four houses is being completed daily on an average, and officials said it will soon be ramped up to 10 houses per day. Over 1,200 workers are engaged in round-the-clock, shift-based construction. Alongside housing units, work on internal roads, a sewage treatment plant, drinking water storage facilities, and drainage networks is advancing in parallel. Road connectivity across all five zones of the township has been established. Over 1km of stone has been laid on the 12-metre-wide main internal road from the townships primary gate to make it motorable. In total, 11.72km of internal roads will be completed as part of the project. As of Sunday, foundations have been laid for 302 houses, while pillars have been erected for 108 homes. In units where pouring, plastering, wiring, and plumbing have been finished, first-phase painting is under way. Authorities aim to complete the concrete work for all houses by December 25 and hand them over to families by January. Additional manpower and state-of-the-art equipment have been deployed to speed up work.
BJP fighting to hold Sabarimala ground in Pandalam
PATHANAMTHITTA: As the local body elections draw near, Pandalam a municipality long influenced by the political and religious pulse surrounding the Sabarimala temple, braces for another high-stakes contest. For the BJP, which captured power there in the wake of the 2018 Sabarimala agitation, retaining the council is a critical political mission. It remains the partys sole ruling turf in south Kerala, and a test of whether the fervour it once harnessed still holds sway. Pandalams political shifts often reflect larger ideological battles. The 2018 Supreme Court verdict permitting women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala shrine triggered protests rooted in this historic royal town that shares deep ties with the Ayyappa legacy. That wave propelled the BJP to victory in 18 of the 33 seats in the last elections--a landmark result. This time, the party is banking on the Sabarimala gold plate controversy, involving allegations of missing temple material, to consolidate Hindu sentiments again. The BJP has accused the LDF government of shielding wrongdoing in temple affairs, turning the issue into a cornerstone of its campaign narrative. We are confident of extending our winning streak, says Pandalam municipal chairperson Achankunju John. Ward-level preparations are done, and leadership reviews are happening daily. People remember who stood firmly with their faith, he asserts. Trouble from within The BJP-led NDA had unveiled its first list of 17 candidates with 11 newcomers, and continues to welcome defectors from rival fronts even as internal troubles intensify further. The sudden appearance of newcomers posed challenges to some popular local leaders, who ended up being displaced from their wards. Even party workers feel the internal discord threatens the saffron partys prospects. Allegations of nepotism, corruption, and administrative inexperience combined with the emergence of rebel candidates in at least three wards (5, 21, and 22) have embarrassed the leadership, exposing fault lines within the organisation. BJP may find its biggest hurdles coming from its own cadre. Rivals sense opportunity The LDF sees fertile ground to strike back, accusing the BJP-led council of rampant corruption and non-performance. The failure to pass the 2021 budget a lapse that nearly led to the municipalitys dissolution remains a major talking point. They named a half-done bus stand after Lord Ayyappa at Rs 31 lakh. While trying to woo devotees, they think the scandal is being ignored. No, people are watching, says LDF parliamentary party leader Lasitha Nair. They grabbed power riding on the emotions of devotees last time. But these five years have shown their real face from questionable sewage-cleaning equipment purchases to spending excessively on furnishing the chairmans office. People have rejected their arrogance. We expect to win at least 18 seats, she adds. Meanwhile, the Congress-led UDF, out of power in the municipality for nearly a decade, is attempting a comeback this time by reclaiming the Sabarimala narrative. Its faith protection campaigns are drawing crowds, but the defection of local leaders to the BJP remains a concern. People have witnessed corruption under the BJP. The LDF too failed Pandalam. The gold theft allegations haunt them. Devotees who punished us earlier will stand with us now. We are aiming for 23 seats, says UDF parliamentary leader K R Vijayakumar. From prayer marches to gold theft accusations, Lord Ayyappa continues to be the defining force in this small, symbolically crucial town. For the BJP, winning here is not merely about municipal politics it is a battle to preserve its identity as the chief guardian of faith in Kerala.
UDF is weakening, BJP irrelevant in Kochi corp
KOCHI: As his tenure nears end, Kochi Mayor M Anilkumar speaks to TNIE on his assessment of the past five years, LDFs challenges in the corporation and his advice to his successor. Excerpts: How do you evaluate your five-year performance? Are there any regrets about projects you wished you had completed? The public and media should evaluate my performance; I get positive response from the public. Considering the circumstances we faced during our tenure, including the by-elections, I am satisfied with our work. We completed 72 projects. I hope some projects that we initiated, like the one to rehabilitate street vendors and destitute, and for canal rejuvenation, are continued by the next council. Given that Kochi has mostly been a UDF stronghold, and LDF managed only a narrow win last time, what are the Lefts chances this time? The UDF has a negative attitude towards governance and development projects. When a project is launched, they allege they conceived the idea and that the project was started during their term. Such allegations actually helped people understand what they had done in 10 years and how we performed in the past five years. Also, while in power, UDF faced internal conflicts. It did not happen during our term. It is being said the LDF candidates list comprises of UDF defectors. Is it difficult for LDF to find candidates? We completed the five-year term with the support of UDF rebels. We accommodate people. Our policy is to cooperate with such leaders. Our three candidates, A B Sabu, M B Muraleedharan and P M Harris, left the UDF and started working with the Left around five years ago. Also, Sheeba Durom, Mary Calista and K J Prakashan switched and joined LDF. UDF is weakening and people who lack secular credentials join BJP. What is your view on UDFs allegations and BJPs expansion strategies? UDF could not complete any projects on time, so they are levelling allegations. JNNURM was brought during the UDF term, but they did not complete it. Many projects, which they never envisioned, including Samriddhi and Shelodge, were introduced by this council. As for the BJP, it is irrelevant in the corporation. There are a few areas where it is strong; it has funds and can claim to secure more seats, but it is not practical. What are the challenges for the LDF in the corporation? The LDFs seat-sharing and candidate finalisation were smooth. Development projects implemented in the past five years gave party workers the confidence to meet the public. There is no anti-incumbency either. I believe voters would grant the Left front a formidable majority. What issues and projects should the coming mayor and ruling party look into? We have addressed most of the major issues. Canal rejuvenation should be given more priority. Cleaning and rejuvenating the canals will improve the city and help prevent waterlogging. The project is in the initial stage, and it needs to be completed. Renovation of footpaths should also be apriority.
AI creates flutter among voters in Kerala poll campaign
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: AI-generated videos of football legend Lionel Messi have been circulating among Keralites for almost a year, making the format familiar to many. Yet in November, when K P Saleem from the Otukkungal panchayat in Malappuram used a fresh Messi video as part of his campaign strategy, it created a flutter among voters. By tapping into the regions massive football fan base, Saleem managed to score a political goal or two against his opponents. This election marks the first major political contest in Kerala after the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and parties are embracing the technology like never before. From digital avatars to content tailored for specific age groups and locations, tech-driven methods have become central to campaign strategies. However, the mainstay of local body elections remains the familiarity of the candidate and the personal one-to-one connection with voters. In the second phase of campaigning, parties continue door-to-door visits to reinforce this factor. Yet, digital marketing becomes a powerful complement. It is about setting the mood among voters. Social media now influences trends across different age groups, said Robin Alex Panicker, a tech entrepreneur closely tracking these developments. This election is unlike the one five years ago. Our digital behaviour has changed a lot. Young voters consume more content from reels on social media, so this trend naturally enters the election. Those who ignore the medium cannot reach these voters, he added. Most candidates now have some form of digital strategy, though the scale differs. There is demand to manage the entire digital campaign of a party or assist in placing advertisements targeted to specific geographic areas, explained Sham Mohammed, director of Storycat Creative Pvt Ltd. He noted that individual candidates often want their pictures transformed into videos with constituency locations as the backdrop. Pointing out new possibilities, Midhun Mohan, managing director of Green Ads Global, said, We can make a candidate read out a script to capture lip movements, expressions, and emotions, and then create a digital twin or AI avatar. With different prompts, we can generate multiple videos. The scalability is quite high. Similarly, Tinu Easo Cherian and Kiranraj V R, co-founders of Originative Nest, observed that AI advancements have overcome earlier shortcomings. We can now create longer videos in a cost-effective manner. Soon, we will be able to upgrade the resolution to match big-screen quality, they said. At the same time, the rapid spread of these tools has also raised concerns. In a bid to address this, the State Election Commission has formed expert panels to monitor and regulate AI-generated content during the local body elections, aiming to prevent misuse and ensure a fair process. Despite these concerns, experts believe AIs role in campaigns will only grow in the upcoming assembly elections. Messi magic International football players making announcement in Malayalam, driving KSRTC bus K P Saleem from the Otukkungal panchayat uses Lionel Messis digital twin to take a dig at Sports Minister V Abdurahiman Startups/digital marketing companies working with political parties to make personalised campaign materials Benefits of using AI Personalised voter outreach based on demographics and interests Efficient resource allocation for campaign events and ads Real-time feedback from public sentiment tracking Scalable communication across platforms and languages Data-driven decision making for strategy refinement AI tools used in elections Automated content generation for campaign messaging Facial and voice recognition in voter verification systems Chatbots for voter interaction and FAQs Predictive analytics to forecast voter behaviour Risks and ethical concerns Privacy violations from data harvesting Algorithmic bias affecting fairness Manipulative targeting of vulnerable groups Lack of transparency in AI-driven decisions Spread of misinformation via deep fakes or bots
Kochi firm first private entity in India to design Navy warship
KOCHI: When the Indian Navy commissioned INS Mahe on Monday, it was not just the launch of a new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvette, it was a landmark for Indias private ship design ecosystem. The Mahe-class lead ship, built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), is the first Indian naval vessel designed by a private firm. And it has a Kochi tag. Smart Engineering & Design Solutions (India) Pvt Ltd (SEDS), a naval architecture company operating out of Kakkanad, has etched its name as a pioneer in the sector. INS Mahe, the first of eight shallow-water ASW corvettes, represents both a technological leap and a shift in how India is opening its defence architecture to private players. Frontline ships like aircraft carriers will continue to be designed by the Warship Design Bureau. But the government has been encouraging private sector participation to strengthen the shipbuilding ecosystem. INS Mahe is the first major result of that effort, said Hariraj Puliyankodan, COO of SEDS which employs 153 people. Designing the corvette required navigating tight spatial, weight and machinery constraints. These ships have to carry advanced sensors, weapons and equipment in a very compact frame. The design kept evolving with each requirement from the Navy, he said. Mahe now leads her seven sister ships, all under construction or trials at CSL. SEDS role in naval projects does not end with the Mahe-class. The company also provided the design for the Indian Navys massive `20,000-crore fleet support ship programme, currently being built at Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. This project had originally been contracted to Turkey. But when ties with Turkey soured, the deal was cancelled. The project was restarted entirely in India, and we designed the vessels from scratch, said Antony Prince, CEO of SEDS. SEDS designed Coast Guards Aadesh-class fast patrol vessels These enormous ships, built with double bottoms and double hulls in the cargo areas, are meant to replenish combat vessels with fuel, ammunition, spare parts, provisions and personnel during long deployments. The first ship in the class will be commissioned soon, Antony said. Antony brings over 50 years of maritime experience, spanning ship operations, management, construction and design. He also heads GTR Campbell Marine Consultants Ltd in the Bahamas. Around 2007, CSL was struggling for orders. The company brought in international projects, but realised India didnt have private ship design firms. So I started SEDS, he said. The success of the Trader series at CSL validated the move, and the firm soon began recruiting naval architects from Cusat to build in-house expertise, he said. Today, SEDS 153-member team works across defence and commercial ship design. It has brought in orders from Denmark and Germany to major Indian yards such as Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in Kolkata. Closer home, SEDS designed the Coast Guards Aadesh-class fast patrol vessels 20 of which were constructed by CSL. The commissioning of INS Mahe underscores the Navys push for potent platforms capable of operating in Indias vast coastal and shallow-water regions. The corvette integrates weapons, sensors and communication systems into a powerful combat suite designed to detect and neutralise submarines. Engineered for sustained operations, the Mahe-class will serve as the Navys frontline coastal defence layer.
72,005 in the fray for local body elections in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A total of 72,005 candidates are officially in the fray across the state for the upcoming local body elections, as per provisional data released by the State Election Commission late on Monday. The final picture of the candidates became clear after the deadline for withdrawal of nominations ended on Monday. The list of candidates includes 37,786 women, 34,218 men and one transgender person. Meanwhile, all major fronts are facing the menace of rebel candidates who have refused to withdraw their candidature despite efforts by party leadership to mollify them. While the LDF and the UDF have five rebel candidates each in Thiruvananthapruam corporation, 11 rebels are causing headache to the Congress-led front in Kochi corporation. Six-time BJP councillor Shyamala S Prabhu, who turned a rebel this time, is taking on the official candidate of the saffron alliance in Kochi corporations Cherlai ward. While the UDF has six rebel candidates in the fray in Thrissur corporation, four rebel candidates are poised to play spoilsport for the LDF that rules the civic body. The BJP-led NDA too has a rebel candidate in Vadookara ward, its sitting seat in Thrissur corporation. Kannur, the lone UDF-ruled corporation, has rebel trouble for the Congress-led front in three seats. A CPM rebel candidate in Kannur corporation withdrew his candidature on Monday, offering relief to the LDF. Relief for Wayanad UDF as YC rebel withdraws The UDF in Wayanad heaved a sigh of relief after Youth Congress leader Jasheer Pallivayal, who had entered the fray as a rebel for the district panchayat, withdrew his nomination on Monday following last-minute intervention by senior party leaders. In Alappuzha district panchayats Ambalappuzha division, the conflict within the UDF over the seat has been resolved, with the IUML agreeing to withdraw its rebel candidate at the last minute. The LDF has already secured 14 seats unchallenged. In Kannur, LDF secured two additional unopposed victories in Anthoor municipality after the nomination papers of UDF candidates were rejected during fresh scrutiny on Monday. With this, five LDF candidates have been elected unopposed in the civic body.
Kerala HC for app to alert public about missing Bengaluru native
KOCHI: In a significant decision to help locate Suraj Lama, a Bengaluru native who went missing in Kochi soon after being deported from Kuwait last month, the Kerala High Court has asked the state government to develop a mobile app that can issue a unified alert containing his details to various social media platforms. The court issued the directive while considering a habeas corpus petition filed by Santon Lama, Surajs son. It noted that the app should be created in coordination with the Kerala Police Cyberdome and Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram. During the hearing on November 21, the court directed the states counsel to develop an application capable of circulating a unified WhatsApp message across social media platforms, ensuring it reaches users across cyberspace, especially within Kerala, said a source with the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA), which is providing legal assistance to Santon. As per the plan, the app will send a unified alert mentioning details of Suraj, the time of his disappearance and other information to all social media platforms. The app will not be for public use. Meanwhile, Santons counsel said the state government had informed the court that missing person posters, including Surajs photograph, had been displayed at major pilgrim centres, including Sabarimala. The government also said they had arranged for public announcements about Suraj during the morning and evening sessions at Sabarimala, the counsel said. Aluva DySP T R Rajesh, who is heading the special investigation team (SIT) formed to trace Lama, said they had covered almost entire Ernakulam and Thrissur. We are once again carrying out searches focused on medical colleges, shelter homes and locations that that may have been missed earlier. We are also checking unidentified bodies, he said. Rajesh said the SIT has proposed additional measures, including issuing alerts during phone calls. When contacted, Santon told TNIE that he was thankful to all involved in the search of his father.
Forklifts, cranes are motor vehicles, must be registered
KOCHI: Machines like forklifts and cranes, though used exclusively on private factory premises, fall under the category of motor vehicles and must be registered and taxed accordingly, the Kerala High Court has stated. Justice Mohammed Nias C P made the ruling while dismissing a petition filed by a company challenging a MVD directive prohibiting it from operating two forklifts and a hydraulic crane without registration and valid insurance. His counsel argued that the equipment operates strictly as material-handling machinery within a fully enclosed factory premises and is never driven on public roads. However, the respondents contended that the forklifts and cranes are roadworthy and capable of being used on public roads at any time, and added that the petitioners factory premises are accessible to workers, visitors and other vehicles, and hence constitute a public place. The court observed that Section 2(28) of the Motor Vehicles Act uses a broadly inclusive definition of motor vehicle, covering any mechanically propelled vehicle adapted for use on roads.
Comeback shot! Kerala lines up first-ever basketball franchise league
KOCHI: For decades, basketball ruled Keralas playgrounds, especially in schools and colleges. The state produced stars who dazzled on national and international courts, and galleries once filled up for neighbourhood games as if they were festival matches. Now, in an ambitious bid to relive that golden era and bring back the lost frenzy, the Kerala Basketball Association (KBA) is set to roll out the states first-ever exclusive basketball league in April 2026. The developmental competition titled Basketball League Kerala to debut in Kochi is KBAs biggest push yet to revive a sport whose grassroots sheen has dimmed even as Keralas women continue to shine on the national stage. Back then, basketball courts were always packed, just like football or volleyball. We have lost that completely, recalled veteran player George Zachariah, captain of Keralas 1983 senior nationals squad. College teams used to dominate. Now, its the school teams that are doing well. This league is a great chance to revive the sport. In its first season, the league will feature only Kerala-based players and is structured as a full-fledged talent pipeline. It is being organised in association with Kochi-based Starting Five Sports Management which has struck a 20-year partnership with KBA and Pune-based ABCFF League, the team behind Maharashtras successful basketball league. Scouting begins this December, when registered players in four categories U-14 boys and girls, and U-18 boys and girls will compete in a unique One Minute to Hoop Skill (OMH) challenge. Shortlisted players will go through match-play trials in late January, after which 100 players will enter a digital auction powered by virtual points. Six franchise teams will build their squads from this pool. Leagues like this make children serious about the sport from a very young age, said Anirudh Pole, CEO of ABCFF and a coach who helped build Maharashtras league in just four years. BLK Season 1, scheduled from April 2 to 12 at the Regional Sports Centre, Kochi, will pack in 72 matches the biggest competitive stage Keralas U-14 and U-18 talent has ever had. The tournament will be streamed on FanCode. It will also open the doors for 48 Kerala coaches, alongside referees and support staff, to be part of the league ecosystem. Looking at Keralas basketball arc, KBA life president and former state captain P J Sunny pointed to the financial strain that has stunted the sports growth. Expenses have been really high. It has affected the number of high-level tournaments. We need money both to support players and to run advanced facilities. Were trying to revive all that now, he said at the launch event in Kochi. KBA officials added that a senior league too is planned for next season.
Chessboxer who blends brains and brawn on her way to glory
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At just 20 years old, Arundhathy Raju Nair is already a force to reckon with in the rare and demanding sport that is chessboxing. A final-year BTech student at LBS Engineering College in Thiruvananthapuram, Arundhathy has managed to balance the pressures of academics with the intensity of training, and in the process, etched her name in Asia Book of Records for being the only female athlete to win the Asian Chessboxing Championship for three consecutive years: 2023, 2024 and 2025. Her journey began in Class V when she discovered chess. Representing her school at state-level competitions, Arundhathy quickly developed a reputation for her sharp mind and calm composure. However, her life took an unexpected turn when her coach, Sandhanu Vijayan, introduced her to chessboxing, a hybrid sport that demands both mental agility and physical aggression. I started with a loss after just two months of practice, she recalls. Later, I picked up momentum, winning gold or silver regularly in Asian and national championships. Unlike any other sport, the main challenge in chessboxing lies not only in mastering chess and boxing, two games at opposite ends of the spectrum, but also in switching seamlessly between them. First, a chess match is played in the boxing ring. If no decision is reached within three minutes, the players spar. The game keeps alternating until there is a winner. Unlike other combat sports such as kick boxing, chessboxing combines pure chess and pure boxing, with rules of both the disciplines enforced strictly. Usually, chess players do not take up boxing. They prefer concentrating on the board. Boxers, on the other hand, show aggression but may not think of ways to win a board game. Chessboxing shows you are both mentally and physically fit, Arundhathy explains. Arundhathy in action against Russias Oksana Komissarova during the Asian Chessboxing Championship in 2023 The toughest part, she admits, is regaining focus after a bout. You may not be in a position to think through the strategies you planned earlier. Her breakthrough moment came in 2023, during her first year of engineering, when she scored back-to-back victories against Maharashtras Madhavi Gonbare, a prominent Indian chessboxer. Those wins, first at the Asian Championship (her maiden Asian title) and then at the Indian Open World Championship, catapulted her to fame. I was just one of the players till then, she says. She has gone on to win gold at the Asian Championship in Kolkata, competing in the under-55 kg category, and has built a professional boxing record of two wins and one loss. Behind her success lies a strong support system. Arundhathy grew up in Oruvathikotta, Thiruvananthapuram, studied at GGHS Cottonhill, and comes from a family deeply rooted in academics and professional excellence. Her father, Raju N R, is a senior IT professional at Allianz Technology, while her mother, Suma M S, serves as the principal of Sholayur HSS in Palakkad. Her younger sister, Aparna N Nair, also tried her hand at boxing before Arundhathy. Her familys encouragement and example provided Arundhathy with a strong foundation of discipline, resilience and ambition, shaping her journey both inside the ring and on the chessboard. Training for her is a disciplined affair. She practises boxing at the Brothers Boxing Academy and hones her chess skills at Masters Academy. Before competitions, she follows a strict 45-day regimen that combines diet and training. I am underweight, so there isnt much weight restriction, she says with a smile, acknowledging the unique advantage she carries into her bouts. Chessboxing may still be a niche sport in India, but it is gaining recognition abroad. It was even showcased at the Paris Olympics cultural event. Arundhathy hopes to be part of the wave that brings the sport into the mainstream in India. Her next big goal is the World Championship in France, where she plans to represent the country on the global stage. Arundhathys story is not just about medals and records. It is about breaking stereotypes, proving that a chess player can throw punches, and a boxer can think several moves ahead. Her journey embodies resilience, discipline, and the courage to step into uncharted territory.
Kerala Local body polls 2025: SEC faces demand for postal ballots ahead of polls
Unlike the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls, local body polls do not have a provision for postal ballots; Postal ballots are restricted to officials on election duty
Two flights from Kochi cancelled due to volcanic eruption in Ethiopia
UDF grapples with dissension as rebels surface across Corporation divisions
Cyclone Senyar: Heavy Rain Likely In These States; Check Expected Landfall Timing, Path
IMD warns Cyclone Senyar, with heavy rain expected in Andaman, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe, Lakshadweep, Andhra Pradesh, Yanam. Check its path and other details.
Kerala local body polls: 72,005 candidates in the fray as per provisional data
Season of desertions and shifting of allegiances
Navy gets its silent hunter, 80% home-grown INS Mahe
Army chief General Dwivedi launches warship, says in age of multi-domain warfare, true strength of the armed forces lies in synergy, adds that Army, Navy and Air Force form the trinity of Indias strategic strength
KWA initiates steps for construction of new water tank at Thammanam
Row over seat-sharing: Congress workers lock party office in Manjeswaram
Rebel threat to UDF, LDF in Kozhikode
Indian expat from Kerala wins Dh100,000 in UAE lottery
Dubai: A lucky expatriate from Kerala was the recipient of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Lotterys Lucky Chance, winning a total of Dh 100,000, equivalent to Rs 24,28,632 lakhs. Sujitha Nivrarthil lives in the UAE with her husband, who accompanied her to the UAE Lottery studio. I have been living in the UAE for one 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 .
Forklifts, cranes are motor vehicles and need registration, insurance cover, says Kerala HC
Customs-police stand-off continues in Karipur gold case
Tiger census can wait till polls are over: CPI
Newly formed Stadium division set to witness a high-profile contest
For UDF candidate Deepthi Mary Varghese, whose name is doing the rounds as a potential mayoral candidate, and LDF-backed Independent George Nanatt, Stadium, formed after delimitation, is a mix of their sitting divisions; BDJS has fielded J. Asokan as NDA candidate
Meeting with central trade unions on Labour Codes on November 27
Ananth Technologies to open Centre of Excellence for Navigation in Thiruvananthapuram
ISRO Chairman to inaugurate the centre on Tuesday
Ration card scam: Thiruvananthapuram police intensify hunt for second suspect
The Vanchiyoor police had arrested a ration outlet licensee from Beemapally recently in the case
Initiate steps for immediate repair of Achencoil-Konni stretch: Kerala HC
Leopard cub rescued after falling into pond in Kasaragod
47.35% SIR enumeration forms digitised, says Election Commission
At 76.89%, Goa reports highest digitisation, only 23% data, the lowest, uploaded from Kerala, says poll body; BLOs race against time, several find process confusing
