NGT pulls up Keralam PCB over incomplete report on measures to curb Kadambrayar river pollution
Southern Bench of the tribunal had recommended remedial action after it took cognisance of a report in The Hindu
Kerala: Fresh ED raids in CMRL-Exalogic Solutions case
They said eight locations in the state are being covered as part of the action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)
Permission cant be granted to shoot film starring Mohanlal: Periyar Tiger Reserve tells Kerala HC
PTR deputy director says judicial and government orders prohibit shooting commercial movies or television serials within wildlife sanctuaries, national parks or tiger reserves
Keralam govt allocates 45.68 crore to boost infrastructure in govt colleges
The amount will be utilised for various development projects, including construction of new buildings, academic blocks, administrative centres, IT facilities and other infrastructure
Anumol, winner of Bigg Boss Malayalam 7, has married Tamil actor Bhuvanesh. The couple tied the knot at Guruvayur in Kerala on Tuesday, August 18. The ceremony was attended by close family members and friends.
Keralas Second Phase of Land Reforms Set to Launch: Chief Minister Satheeshan
Kochi, August 18: Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheeshan announced on Monday that the second phase of land reforms will soon commence in the state. This initiative includes timely amendments to existing land laws. Key policy measures unveiled encompass a new Kerala brand for agricultural products, an AI-based system to prevent wildlife attacks, and a phased ... Read more Keralas Second Phase of Land Reforms Set to Launch: Chief Minister Satheeshan
Kerala: Four SFI activists remanded to judicial custody for
Kochi, Aug 18 (IANS) The confrontation between the SFI and the authorities of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, has escalated, with four SFI activists on Monday being remanded to judicial custody following a complaint by Vice-Chancellor Dr Ciza Thomas alleging that she was manhandled and subjected to harassment by protesting students. Those remanded are []
Modi govt dismantled ISI-backed terror network ahead of I-Day: HM
New Delhi, Aug 17: In a major multi-state crackdown ahead of Independence Day, security agencies have dismantled the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN), arresting more than 200 operatives and thwarting its plans for subversive attacks across the country, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Monday. In a post on X, Shah said 253 people were detained across 14 states on August 12 as part of the government's 'zero tolerance' policy towards cross-border terrorism. Over 80 FIRs and more than 200 arrests have been recorded against the Pakistan-based terror syndicate, which was linked to grenade, IED and petrol bomb attacks and targeted killings across India. Modi govt destroyed the ISI-backed terror group Shahzad Bhatti Network ahead of Independence Day and thwarted its plans for subversive attacks by arresting more than 200 operatives. Indian security forces ripped apart the network by launching coordinated operations across different locations in 14 states upholding a brilliant example of India's zero-tolerance towards terrorism, Shah said. The Home Minister said substantial recoveries, including IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges, and CCTV cameras used for espionage, were made from the ISI-funded group. The coordinated multi-state operation was carried out on August 12 using a real-time intelligence-sharing system with State Police forces. It led to 253 detentions across 14 states Uttar Pradesh (62), Haryana (52), Delhi (51), Punjab (44), Rajasthan (15), Maharashtra (8), Uttarakhand (5), Karnataka, Gujarat and Bihar (3 each), and Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K and Kerala (2 each) with fresh FIRs registered in Delhi and Karnataka. The SBN network has been paying local conduits to recce police, defence and religious sites, and to install CCTV cameras for espionage. Cumulatively, over 80 FIRs and 200+ arrests have been recorded against SBN under UAPA, BNS, the Arms Act, NDPS Act and Explosive Substances Act. Security agencies reaffirmed the Government of India's zero tolerance for cross-border terror and said coordinated action would continue to dismantle SBN's networks nationwide.
Kerala Chief Minister Urges Prime Minister Modi to Review Mining Law Amendments
Thiruvananthapuram, August 18: Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting an immediate review of amendments made to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act. In his letter, Satheesan warned that these changes could limit the constitutional and financial powers of states, adversely affecting Keralas revenue interests. The Chief ... Read more Kerala Chief Minister Urges Prime Minister Modi to Review Mining Law Amendments
Man booked for allegedly setting wife, mother-in-law ablaze in Kannur
Four-member group allegedly threatens shop owner, fires shot into air in Kasaragod
SFI holds programme on Kannur University campus despite denial of permission
Lookout notice for man accused of harassing student on KSRTC bus
Seven held with elephant tusk in Malappuram
602 projects under 100-day plan reviewed in Malappuram
Fake Identities Used To Secure Tirumala Rooms For Resale; Man Held
A Kerala man was detained at Tirumala for allegedly using fake identities to obtain accommodation and resell rooms to devotees at higher prices.
Kerala CM Satheesan Writes to PM Modi, Seeks Mining Law Amendment Review
The Chief Minister also pointed out that the Bill contains provisions to bring land with mineral resources under greater central control and to extinguish pending state tax liabilities.
190-MLD Aluva water treatment plant gets technical sanction
K-TET: head teachers forum in Kerala protests against denial of higher grade
Absconding theft accused arrested after 16 years in Kerala
Kerala HC directs SIT to conduct foolproof probe into Milma ghee misappropriation case
Court notes that certain records were seized from the offices of the Travancore Devaswom Board at Sabarimala, Nilackal, Erumely, Pathanamthitta, Pandalam and Thiruvananthapuram
SHRC directive to address traffic congestion caused by Kochi metro works
District Police Chief (Kochi City) told to appoint the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) to inspect site, probe congestion complaints, and take urgent remedial measures
LDF meeting skips crucial internal issues, decides to focus on local body bypolls
Convener T.P. Ramakrishnan says CPIs demand for the Deputy Leader of the Opposition post was not on the meetings agenda. He denied that the CPIs ire and the feuding within allies such as INL had prompted the CPI(M) to defer the meeting
Safe food to be ensured during Onam season in Kerala
Keralam CM urges Modi to reconsider provisions of amended mining Bill
The amendments, the Chief Minister, wrote, have far-reaching implications for the constitutional and fiscal powers of States
Police record UDF leaders statement in Kozhikode Corporation anthem row
The row erupted after two groups of councillors sang Jana Gana Mana and Vande Mataram simultaneously during the Independence Day ceremony.
Tax row over Messi visit: Keralam GST department recommends action against officials
Alleged assault of Sanskrit university V-C: four SFI activists remanded
SFI announces strong protests in the coming days against the targeted attack on their activists
Halal Fayidha Co-operative Society denies investment scam allegations
The society denied allegations that it has collapsed or that an investment scam has taken place. It said that it had never accepted deposits and that the money collected from members constituted only share capital.
Keralam maintains studied silence as clamour grows for Sabari rail, its extension to Vizhinjam
Congress MPs, including Adoor Prakash and Anto Antony, urge the CM to extend the proposed rail line from Erumeli to Balaramapuram, which is crucial for connecting to the Vizhinjam seaport.
Kerala High Court slams Home department for double standards in action against officials
It asks why the department is not properly disciplining Deputy Superintendent of Police Sudheer Kallen who allegedly neglected procedures while arresting M.K. Ram, the prime accused in the death of R.L. Nithin Raj
SC/ST commission in Kerala disposes of 208 cases
Adimaly mudslide of 2025: 14 more families get 10-lakh compensation from Keralam govt.
Kerala reporter asks Malavika Sharma,
Mumbai: Malvika Sharmas first interaction with the Kerala media while promoting Khalifa took an unexpected turn after a reporter asked her a rather unusual question about her food preference. During the interaction, the reporter asked the actress, Did you like beef? The question appeared to catch Malvika off guard, and she took a moment before 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 .
Residents step up protest for cattle underpass at Chombala
The protesters are urging authorities to construct a CUP near Chombala Block Office, citing concerns that access to the Government Veterinary Hospital and the mini stadium would be cut off once the National Highway construction is completed.
The police seized cocaine, brown sugar, LSD stamps and hybrid cannabis from the trio.
CBI to challenge acquittal of accused in death of constable during Muthanga agitation in Keralam
Sessions court had sentenced the accused to a rigorous imprisonment of five years and a fine of 36,000 for attempting to murder senior CPO Abdul Salam, among others
Display clear signages in hospitals: Keralam Health Minister
He suggested that the details of doctors in public hospitals, their outpatient (OP) clinic days and timings be clearly displayed in hospitals.
Ensure functional internal committees at all workplaces: KWC chairperson
Speaking after a sitting of the KWC at the Kozhikode Collectorate conference hall, P. Sathidevi said all government offices and private institutions should have functional internal committees and details of the committees should be prominently displayed.
K. Surendran, Anil Antony from Keralam named BJP national secretaries
A.P. Abdullakutty, who was a national vice-president, has been dropped from the list of national office-bearers announced on Monday
The first EXIM container will be flagged off in a grand ceremony at the port gate at 10.45 a.m. on Tuesday
IISR signs MoU with farmers group to promote improved spice production technologies
The MoU was signed by IISR Director R. Dinesh and Bio Mountain Farmers Producer Company chairman Sibi Palakuzhy during the 11th Research Advisory Committee (RAC) meeting of the institute here on Monday.
Cutting monkeys to size, zipline style in Kerala
An innovative solution devised by an Idukki farm owner and his worker helped drive away Bonnet macaques who were plundering the vegetable farms before harvest
Power play intensifies in Keralams Pala municipality ahead of chairperson election
With just a day to go for the election, one of the rebel councillors, Lissykutty Mathew, returns to Congress fold; uncertainty continues between Save Congress Forum and LDF over vice-chairpersons position
Did Keralam Governor seek CMs concurrence to summon State Police Chief to Lok Bhavan, asks Pinarayi
Keralam Leader of the Opposition says Arlekar sought to directly control the State Police Chief by bypassing the Chief Minister and the Home Minister. The Governor had summoned the SPC to demand stringent action against students who had protested against Sanskrit varsity V-C Ciza Thomas
Farmers affiliated to milk societies under TRCMPU in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts have benefitted from the decision
Police step up vigil as house burglaries rise across Kerala
As a preventive measure, homeowners have been urged to use the Locked House Information option on the Kerala Police POL-APP, which allows users to register vacant homes for continuous surveillance
Brittas Writes to SBI Chairman, Questions Near Zero Vacancies for Kerala
The CPI(M) leader wrote to the SBI chairman on Monday and referred to its notification dated 11 August 2026, which announced 7,680 regular Junior Associate vacancies nationwide, but none for Kerala
Father, son escape as wild elephant attacks car in Kerala
The elephant, which has been roaming the area for several days, charged at their vehicle, attempting to push it off the road before retreating back into the forest.
Goethe-Zentrum expands to north Keralam with new examination centre in Kozhikode
The facility aims to meet the rapidly rising demand for certified German language qualifications among students and young professionals across the Malabar region
Why are tribal students still dropping out of school in Kerala? | In Focus podcast
Pradeep Kumar speaks to us about why tribal students continue to drop out of school in Kerala, the gaps in existing interventions, and what can be done to improve enrolment and retention.
The major news headlines of the day and more
Kerala is now Keralam after President approves new bill
Kerala is now Keralam after President approves new bill
AILU demands dedicated SC/ST court in Kozhikode
The demand was raised at the unit conference of the AILU Kozhikode City Committee, which noted that the absence of a designated SC/ST court in the district was causing delays in the disposal of such cases
Special team formed to trace missing 17-year-old
Police team has reached Mysuru as part of the probe and is planning to proceed to Bengaluru
South Indian Bank unveils Onam Orumayude Olam campaign
The campaign features festive offers on Home, Car, and Personal Loans, plus exclusive debit card deals with 40+ brands at over 250 outlets in Kerala
V-Cs have to show the propriety to stay away from such political events considering the stature of the office they are holding, says Minister
BJP to launch nationwide campaign against UDF govt. in Keralam over Vande Mataram row: M.T. Ramesh
The State general secretary of BJP alleged that the State government had chosen to dishonour Vande Mataram, succumbing to the pressure from Indian Union Muslim League, Jamaat-e-Islami and some other religious groups
CM says steps to be taken to facilitate quick and viable exports by tapping potential of Vizhinjam port; rubber price to be increased to 300 shortly
Keerthy Sureshs Kasavu Saree Inspiration For Onam: 7 Ways To Style Keralas Classic
Keerthy Sureshs Kasavu Saree Inspiration For Onam: 7 Ways To Style Keralas Classic
Where one word leads to Kerala on a plate
Malayalam New Year Begins with Chingam 1, Devotees Flock to Temples in Kerala
Kochi, August 17: The first day of the Malayalam calendar, marking the start of the Malayalam New Year (Chingam 1), commenced in Kerala on Monday. Traditionally viewed as a month of hardship and sadness, Karkidakam gives way to Chingam, which brings a completely different atmosphere. For generations, the first day of Chingam has been associated ... Read more Malayalam New Year Begins with Chingam 1, Devotees Flock to Temples in Kerala
Kerala Leaders Celebrate Beginning of Malayalam New Year
Kerala CM Satheesan offered prayers at the Edappally Ganapathy temple and the Peruvaram Mahadeva temple in Ernakulam district on the first day of Chingam month during which the harvest festival of Onam is celebrated
President Murmu gives assent to Bill to rename Kerala as Keralam
The Lok Sabha passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, on August 11, 2026, followed by the Rajya Sabha the next day
Even Hindus Fear BJP, Says Kerala Actor Devan After Quitting Party
At the same time, he said that the BJP was a highly misunderstood party and it had no communal agenda, though it has some leaders who create problems
President Murmu Gives Assent To Bill to Renaming Kerala As Keralam
President Murmu referred the Bill to the state legislature for its views, following which the Assembly adopted a unanimous resolution agreeing with the Bill
Kerala govt revises loan guidelines for local bodies for revenue-generating projects
Loan amount should be determined in such a way that it does not exceed the estimated amount of the project
Kerala CM celebrate beginning of Malayalam New Year
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan and political leaders from the state on Monday, August 17, celebrated the beginning of the Malayalam New Year by offering prayers at various temples. Satheesan offered prayers at the Edappally Ganapathy temple and the Peruvaram Mahadeva temple in Ernakulam district on the first day of Chingam month during 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 .
Matrimonial site promised 100 matches, delivered 51; Kerala panel orders Rs 15K refund
A matrimonial website was found deficient in service by the Kerala consumer commission. The website promised one hundred contacts but only provided fifty-one during the subscription. The commission reduced the refund amount from the district commission's order. It noted that fifty-one contacts were indeed provided to the complainant. The company's appeal was dismissed while confirming the deficiency finding.
Administration sanction of funds to ensure additional nutrition for children who will be given peanuts, peanut candy, sesame seed balls, dates or other dried fruits, and cashews
IMD forecasts slight revival of monsoon rains in Kerala; yellow alert for 4 districts on August 18
influenced by weather system over Bay of Bengal
Kerala: Vizhinjam International seaport to begin full-scale export-import operations from August 18
Vizhinjam International Seaport will begin full export-import operations on August 18. This marks a significant step for Kerala's maritime and economic development. The state government will also launch Mission Samudra for port-led industrial growth. This initiative aims to develop Vizhinjam as a major economic hub. The port's transition to a commercial gateway will strengthen India's maritime trade.
Kerala's Vizhinjam Port To Cut Europe Shipping Time By 18 Days As EXIM Operations Commence Tomorrow
Fact-Check: Is Rajinikanth Set To Be Appointed as Kerala
There are no credible reports to corroborate the claim.
DRI uncovers illegal use of SAFTA agreement in arecanut imports to India
Syndicates imported arecanuts into India from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and other South-East Asian countries by mis-declaring country of origin as Bangladesh; estimated loss to exchequer is over 2,500 crore
Attack on advocates elderly parents prompts Kerala High Court Advocates
The Kerala High Court Advocates Association (KHCAA) on August 14 unanimously resolved to pursue the immediate enactment of a Lawyers Protection Act in the State following a violent attack on the elderly parents of two advocates. The attack allegedly took place in retaliation for the advocates appearing against one of the accused in a domestic [] The post Attack on advocates elderly parents prompts Kerala High Court Advocates Association (KHCAA) to demand Lawyers Protection Act appeared first on India Legal .
'Premalu' removed from JioHotstar ahead of Bollywood remake
The acclaimed Malayalam film, Premalu, which became a sensation in Mollywood and also gained popularity beyond Kerala, has been removed from JioHotstar.
Kerala flags viral posts claiming to predict Onam exam questions
Kerala flags viral posts claiming to predict Onam exam questions
Arunachal BTech Student Found Dead In Kerala; Protests Erupt At College, Probe Ordered
A third-year BTech student from Arunachal Pradesh was found dead at his rented accommodation in Kothamangalam, Ernakulam, on Saturday, triggering protests at his college and prompting the Kerala government to launch an inquiry. The deceased has been identified as Michi Marpu, 20, of Naharlagun in Papum Pare district. He was studying at Mar Athanasius College... The post Arunachal BTech Student Found Dead In Kerala; Protests Erupt At College, Probe Ordered first appeared on Northeast Today .
After Telling Students 'Go To Pak', Kerala School Head Says He Regrets It
The controversy began after a message posted by the Kerala school chairman in a WhatsApp group of parents surfaced on social media
Nurse leaves bedridden woman unattended, consumer commission orders agency to pay Rs 24K
A Kerala consumer commission found a nursing agency deficient in service. The agency failed to provide a replacement nurse for a bedridden elderly woman. This abrupt discontinuation of care caused significant distress and inconvenience to the patient. The commission ordered the agency to refund charges and pay compensation for the lapse. The agency must now pay Rs 4,000 refund and Rs 15,000 compensation.
Father dies after alleged assault by son during argument over alcohol addiction in Keralas Kozhikode
Police say accused is suspected of committing the offence under the influence of synthetic drug
Kerala BJP youth wing burns effigies of Satheesan, Jinnah over Vande Mataram row
The BJP's youth wing burned effigies of Kerala's Chief Minister and Pakistan's founder. This protest occurred against the non-singing of Vande Mataram on Independence Day. Leaders alleged the Chief Minister bowed to fundamentalist pressure, comparing him to Jinnah. They stated this stance on the national song was unacceptable. Similar protests were reportedly organized across the state.
Formal child adoption remains low in J&K; CARA records 42 cases in 2025-26
Jammu and Kashmir recorded 42 children adopted through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) during 2025-26, a figure substantially lower than adoption numbers reported by several major States, according to data presented by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development in the Rajya Sabha. The State/UT-wise data, furnished in response to a parliamentary question answered on August 12, shows that Maharashtra recorded the highest number of CARA-facilitated adoptions during the financial year, with 792 cases. Gujarat followed with 547, while Tamil Nadu recorded 501 adoptions. Karnataka accounted for 377 cases, followed by Odisha with 308 and Telangana with 307. Jammu and Kashmirs 42 adoptions were also lower than the figures reported by several northern and neighbouring States. Rajasthan recorded 172 adoptions, while Punjab reported 49, only seven more than J&K. Uttar Pradesh registered 231 cases, Haryana 68, Uttarakhand 30, Himachal Pradesh 14 and Delhi 109. Among other States, Assam recorded 186 adoptions, Kerala 170, Andhra Pradesh 140, Bihar 125 and Chhattisgarh 114. West Bengal reported 237 cases, Madhya Pradesh 221 and Jharkhand 60. The data also showed considerable variation among the northeastern States. Meghalaya and Nagaland reported 13 adoptions each, Mizoram 78, Tripura seven, Arunachal Pradesh five and Manipur four. Sikkim recorded 28 cases. Smaller Union Territories and States also reported relatively modest numbers. Goa recorded 25 adoptions, Chandigarh 18, Puducherry 15 and Andaman and Nicobar Islands 11. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu reported five cases. No adoption through CARA was recorded in Ladakh or Lakshadweep during 2025-26. Across the 36 States and Union Territories listed in the annexure, the reported number of CARA-facilitated adoptions stood at 5,022 during the financial year. J&Ks 42 cases therefore accounted for less than one per cent of the reported national total. The Ministry, however, has clarified that adoption figures should be viewed in the context of the availability of children who have been declared legally free for adoption. The waiting period for prospective adoptive parents depends not only on the number of applicants but also on the availability of legally free children and the age group preferred by prospective parents. The government is seeking to strengthen the adoption infrastructure through Mission Vatsalya. States and UTs have been advised to establish at least one Specialised Adoption Agency (SAA) in every district under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and the Adoption Regulations, 2022. As of July 29, 2026, 795 SAAs had been approved across the country under Mission Vatsalya. These agencies support the formal adoption process and provide residential care to adoptable children below six years of age. The adoption system has also been substantially digitised. All SAAs are required to operate through the integrated CARINGS-Mission Vatsalya platform, which facilitates digital processing of cases from referral and matching to documentation. The system also allows authorities to monitor compliance through real-time dashboards at the Central and State levels. The Ministry said District Magistrates have been empowered to issue adoption orders under the Juvenile Justice Act and Adoption Regulations. Prescribed timelines have been laid down for different stakeholders, while CARA undertakes regular monitoring and follow-up with States and UT administrations to reduce delays. The Centre is also using Mission Vatsalya for awareness campaigns promoting legal adoption and foster care. Nationwide and local outreach programmes, workshops, seminars and orientation sessions are being conducted, while CARA uses print, electronic and social media platforms to spread information on legal adoption procedures.
Kerala High Court observed that the State was losing valuable revenue through non-compliance with its order to impose a fine of 5000 on each board and installation
Kerala couple held at Ahmedabad airport with gold jewellery worth Rs 28.87 lakh
Ahmedabad, Aug 17 (IANS) Customs officials at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad seized 219.43 grams of gold jewellery worth Rs 28.87 lakh from a woman passenger, who arrived from Sharjah along with her husband, officials said. The couple, who are from Kasaragod in Kerala, arrived in Ahmedabad on Air Arabia flight G9-418 []
Jharkhand students show the way how protests need to be done
FRAGRANCE OF IDEAS The Jharkhand students and youth agitation started on 25th July 2026 at Ranchi, the capital city of the Jharkhand state. It was five days after the Sansad-Chalo march held by the Jantar-Mantar protesters in Delhi on 20 July 2026 that showcased the magnitude of their agitation, primarily organised by the CJP, as abusive, indecent, violent and devoid of the moral standards. The tone and tenor at Jantar-Mantar, which gave a reflection of anti-national sentiments and slogans, had already vitiated the atmosphere at the venue of the agitation well before the march. Therefore, their march on 25 July, 2026 had a highly surcharged and motivated context. It was in such a background of controversial events that the students and youth of Jharkhand sat on a strike and sit-in-protestin the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium at Ranchi to press for resolution of their demands from the Jharkhand government. Initially, the state government didnt move at all, but the agitators showed a great amount of patience, perseverance and dedication to the cause. Here it needs to be understood that the protesters in Ranchi aren't led by any political party or an ideological group or a motivated usual ever-ready agitators as was the case at Jantar-Mantar Delhi. The agitators in Ranchi mostly comprise the job aspirants joined by the students of the state. They alleged huge irregularities and corruption in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). They havent, to date, permitted any political leader or prominent political activist of any political party or its affiliate to come on the stage of the agitation or hijack the course of events. The reasonable distance from political groupings has surely given the agitation a special identity and recognition in the eyes of the public at large, not only in the state but throughout the nation. In fact, they have attracted sympathies from the countrymen significantly. A large number of students from various places have come to join them. The ongoing student agitation in Ranchi centres on protests against the alleged irregularities, paper leaks and corruption in the JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations. The agitationis being led by a group of student figures including Devendra Nath Mahto -the leader who went on an indefinite hungerstrike on 2nd August 2026. They staged prolonged sit-ins, hunger strikes, and an assembly march demanding a CBI probe, cancellation of tainted examinations, and systemic reforms. Theprotestersspecifically allege severe corruption and paper leaks in major state competitive examinations like the 14th JPSC and JSSC tests. The students have completely rejected the state government's CID probe and insist on a CBI investigation. They have also expressed their dissatisfaction with the administrative overhaul. Although the state government cancelled certain preliminary exams, accepted some demands, and saw JPSC members resign, the students have persisted with their core agitation for a CBI inquiry and thorough investigation. The agitation peaked on 10-11 August 2026 when thousands of students attempted to breach barricades towards the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly. It resulted in a heavy police crackdown involving lathi-charges, tear gas, and water cannons on the agitators. A large number of student leaders and protesters, including Devendra Nath Mahto and Rahul Kranti, were hospitalised following extended hunger strikes and clashes with the security forces. The police and administration continued with their action throughout the night of 10-11 August, 2026. The BJP, which is in the opposition in the state, gave outside support to the agitation. However, in response to the police action against the student protestors, the BJP called for a state-wideJharkhand Bandh on 11 August, 2026. BJP enforced its Bandh call throughout the state , leading to road blockades and disruptions in Ranchi and other districts. However, it helped the cause of the agitators in a way that an awareness campaign was unleashed by a number of forces in regard to the agitation in the entire state and pressure on the government in regard to the agitation increased. There is a great difference between the two agitations, one held at Jantar-Mantar and the other in process at Ranchi. The Jantar-Mantar protests were led by non-students, funded by known and unknown sources, both internal as well as external, joined by Bollywood figures having their allegiance to the left orientation and urban-naxals, activists who raised anti-national slogans at the venue consistently, anti-social elements who had nothing to do with NEET issue and who resorted to filthy and abusive language and violence on 20th July against police and paramilitary forces. They didn't shy away from damaging public and private properties during their march on 20th July and are on record in regard to all their nefarious activities. In comparison, the Ranchi agitation has remained peaceful despite a number of provocations. The organisers didn't accept help from doubtful figures and didn't allow the agitation to go into the hands of political figures. There were no political, anti-national or anti-social slogans raised by any section of the agitators. The Left-leaning student body AISA President, Neha Bora, was not allowed to make a speech there and was politely asked to leave the stage. The agitators all along sang songs of patriotism and bhajans and also used the right and polished language during their speeches, press briefings and other expressions. The temple committees and other social activists like Bhairav Singh organised food for the agitators. The organisers at Ranchi, unlike at Jantar-Mantar, always expressed their preference for simple and Jharkhand-based food items for the agitators. The public came forward voluntarily to help the protestors. The opposition parties and leaders who day in and day out came in support of the Jantar-Mantar stir kept themselves aloof from Ranchi and paid no attention to the agitation going on there. The leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal and other such leaders who criticised the way the protestors in Delhi were dealt with by the police and administration didnt react to the treatment such protests got in Punjab, Kerala, Telangana and Karnataka, where there is the rule of INDI-Alliance partners. In regard to Jharkhand brutalities by police, Rahul Gandhi was compelled to open his mouth very late. The behaviour of the opposition changed drastically in the states where they were the ruling parties. They should have been ashamed of their double standards in this respect. In the case of Punjab, about which they refused to accept the failures, the Punjab & Haryana High Court hasn't only accepted that the massive paper leak happened there but also highlighted that the AAP government did absolutely nothing to stop it. Back to Ranchi, the biggest impression that the agitators therein have made upon the minds of the people is about their non-political demands, language, conduct and their love for their nation. They dont only seem well-behaved and responsible, but they have also given a great representation of their upbringing. Moreover, a large number of them are themselves the victims of corruption, nepotism, paper leaks and negligence by the authorities of the examination bodies and also by the government for the last a number of years. The Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Hemant Soren, JMM leader, is also the Minister for Home, Administrative Reforms and the Department of Personnel. But no ill-will was ever expressed against his person by the agitators that can be castigated as unparliamentary or filthy as was the case at Jantar-Mantar. The level of debates in public life, the language used by the leaders and their public conduct have surely impacted the youth who call themselves Gen Z. In addition, some of them have reflections of their upbringing as well, for which their parents and teachers are directly responsible. In this context, the Ranchi protestors have left a grand benchmark. It is very unfortunate for the nation that over the last some time, public debates and discourses have turned murkier and uninspiring for all the generations of the nation. This was clearly observed during the farmers agitation, Tukde-Tukde gang protests, Shaheen Bagh dharna, Delhi communal riots, the Jantar-Mantar episode and even the skits played outside the Parliament building by the MPs. We have recently come across a very unfortunate scenario in a Congress convention in Delhi in which Rahul Gandhi, Sandeep Dikshit and their other activists crossed all limits of political decency and decorum. Their theatrics were lustily cheered by their party audience present in the hall that sent waves of shame all around. The way they spoke and acted publicly in regard to the Prime Minister of a country (Italy) with which India has a nice relationship is simply condemnable and also reprehensible. They have exhibited their poor understanding of diplomatic norms and political conduct in international affairs. Unfortunately, that is the way the opposition has chosen as its march towards its doubtful destiny spreads rabid infection around them. The Ranchi agitation has entered its fourth week. Some positive developments have also taken place, and the Soren government sent one of its cabinet ministers to the hospital to meet Mahto and discuss with him the issues involved. Some discussions were also held earlier by the government with different groups of agitators. It was expected that the Congress, which came in support of CJP in Delhi, would prevail upon the Jharkhand government of which they are a part of, but nothing of the sort happened. The government also resisted Mahto's joining the Tiranga Yatra on Independence Day. CM Soren should take lessons from PM Modi in this regard. It is hoped that good sense prevails, leading the agitating Jharkhand students, who showed the way how protests need to be done, meet success; and the agitation comes to an end as early as possible. (The author is a senior BJP & KP leader, Human Rights Defender and a columnist and can be reached at: ashwanikc2012@gmail.com )
Kashmirs Ongoing Struggles: Abu Azmi Speaks Out on Article 370 and Minority Rights
Mumbai, August 17: Abu Azmi, the state president of the Samajwadi Party and a legislator, openly discussed several pressing issues, including Article 370, the national anthem controversy in Kerala, renaming cities, and the politics of hatred. He emphasized the need for development and brotherhood in the country, rather than division. While addressing Article 370, Azmi ... Read more Kashmirs Ongoing Struggles: Abu Azmi Speaks Out on Article 370 and Minority Rights
Bombay High Court Grants Bail to Kerala Student in Drug Case, Questions Lack of Videography
Mumbai, August 17: The Bombay High Court has granted bail to a Kerala student arrested on drug possession charges on October 14, 2024, nearly one year and ten months later. The student had moved to Pune for studies and was held in Pune Jail. The court considered his prolonged incarceration while granting bail. Lawyer Ali ... Read more Bombay High Court Grants Bail to Kerala Student in Drug Case, Questions Lack of Videography
22,000 lawyers on Keralas bar council rolls unaccounted for
There are around 81,000 lawyers on the rolls of Bar Council of Kerala, of whom only 27,000 have certificates of practice that is mandatory of practising law. The certificates of around 25,000 lawyers are pending with various varsities for verification
