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Shashi Tharoor skips third key Congress meeting in a row, triggering fresh unease in party
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was again absent from a meeting of the partys Lok Sabha MPs chaired by Rahul Gandhi on Friday, extending a pattern of non-attendance that has drawn internal attention in recent weeks. The Thiruvananthapuram MP, already under scrutiny for remarks viewed by some colleagues as favourable to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has now missed three consecutive key meetings of the Congress parliamentary strategy groups. Party sources said Tharoor had informed the leadership of his unavailability in advance. Chandigarh MP Manish Tiwari was also absent. Tharoors public schedule showed he was in Kolkata on Thursday night for an event hosted by the Prabha Khaitan Foundation, suggesting he may not have returned to Delhi in time for Fridays meeting. Tharoors latest absence comes after he skipped the November 30 strategy meet chaired by Sonia Gandhi , which he attributed to being mid-flight from Kerala. I did not skip it; I was on a plane, coming from Kerala, he clarified on December 1, after questions were raised within the party. His office had also explained that he and his 90-year-old mother had been moved to a later flight, making it impossible to attend on time. KC Venugopal, too, had missed that meeting due to local body poll campaigning in Kerala. Im in Kolkata today for the wedding of my long-term aide John Koshy, and the birthday of my sister @SmitaTharoor . In between we are squeezing in a literary conversation with @TedhiLakeer as well! All welcome: pic.twitter.com/yhNy4UeCVq Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 11, 2025 He had earlier missed the November 18 Congress meeting on the contentious Special Intensive Revision (SIR) voter re-verification exercise, citing ill health. That absence came a day after he attended a private event at which the Prime Minister spoke, an event followed by an X post from Tharoor praising certain aspects of the PMs speech. The comments sparked pushback from Congress leaders Supriya Shrinate and Sandeep Dikshit, with the latter even suggesting that Tharoor could consider leaving the party if he found Modi so impressive. Tharoor responded by stressing the need for cooperation across ideologies in Indias federal system. Why are you in Congress if you think BJPs strategies are better: Party lashes out at Tharoor after praise for PM His string of absences has revived unease in the party, particularly after he was the sole Congress representative invited to the state banquet hosted by the President for visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin . Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera had taken a pointed swipe then, remarking: Everyones conscience has a voice. When my leaders arent invited, but I am, we should understand why the game is being played, who is playing the game, and why we shouldnt be part of it. According to reports, the last major meeting Tharoor attended was in October, a six-hour-long session of Congress leaders from Kerala, also attended by Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, ahead of next years Assembly polls. At Fridays meeting, Rahul Gandhi reviewed the partys performance during the Winter Session and urged MPs to intensify their attacks on the government before the session concludes on December 19. Gandhi repeated his claim from Thursday that his and Priyanka Gandhis speeches had left Home Minister Amit Shah nervous, saying Shah used the wrong language and appeared under tremendous mental pressure.
UDF, IUML and BJP accuse CPI(M) of orchestrating systematic disruption across the district. CPI(M) rejects charges, counter-alleging that UDF is resorting to false propaganda in fear of impending defeat
Sabarimala Gold Case: Kerala Vigilance Court Rejects Bail Plea of Former TDB Prez
The Kollam Vigilance Court denied the relief to Padmakumar, also a former CPI(M) MLA, after the prosecution opposed his bail plea on the ground that there was sufficient evidence on record to prove the offence against him
MLA V. Joy rubbishes BJP leader Anoop Antonys social media post on school infrastructure in Kerala
Referencing a photo of Joy casting his vote at a school in Thiruvananthapuram district, Antony sought to draw attention to its condition. Joy wrote on Facebook that it was foolish to form opinions in haste
SC Stays Kerala HC's Declaration That Munambam Property Isn't Waqf Land
Supreme Court stayed Kerala High Court order on Munambam property, maintaining status quo on the land and its Waqf status until January 27.
Dia Mirza shares moments from her 44th birthday
Dia Mirza celebrated her 44th birthday in Kerala, sharing serene moments on Instagram. Dressed in yellow, she enjoyed peaceful time with her family and nature. Calling it Slow, mindful, simply magical, Dia thanked her husband and reflected on the special day. Professionally, shes set to debut as a childrens author in 2026.
Kerala Local Body Election Result 2025 Date and Time: When and where to check the ward-wise updates
Kerala Election Results 2025: Vote counting for the Kerala local body elections commenced on December 13, with postal ballots tallied first, followed by EVM votes. The results are anticipated to shape the political landscape ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, mirroring past trends where local poll outcomes preceded Assembly poll victories. The combined voter turnout for the 2025 elections reached 73.69%.
Gills Poor Form Is Bad Sign, Adding To Pressure On Team Management: Irfan Pathan
New Delhi, Dec 12: In a blunt assessment of Indias batting woes, former pacer Irfan Pathan has said that Shubman Gills lack of form is piling up pressure not just on him personally but also the team management, which is wondering what to do besides hoping that it doesnt get any worse. Speaking on JioHotstar, Pathan said even bringing back Sanju Samson to restore the previously successful batting structure wont be as smooth given that the Kerala player would also [] The post Gills Poor Form Is Bad Sign, Adding To Pressure On Team Management: Irfan Pathan appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Watch: Locals, Tourists Save Stranded Whale Shark At Varkala Beach In Kerala
A stranded whale shark on Varkala beach was rescued by locals and tourists who spent over three hours freeing it from a fisherman's net and guiding it back to sea.
Move assumes significance against the backdrop of CM Pinarayi Vijayan not ruling out the possibility of more disclosures. CB team headed by Assistant Inspector General G. Poonguzhali
Kerala Lottery Result Today Live: Karunya Plus KN-601, December 12, 2025 Winners
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Winter vacation 2025: Check the full list of states that have announced holidays
Winter vacation dates for the 2025-26 academic year have been announced across various Indian states. Delhi and Haryana will observe a break from January 1-15, 2026. Other states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab have scheduled breaks starting in late December. Jammu and Kashmir will have extended winter shutdowns, while Kerala and Tamil Nadu are experiencing rain-related closures.
Unity on the menu as PM Modi hosts NDA MPs for a rare dinner at 7 LKM
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hosted a dinner for all NDA MPs from both Houses at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence. The dinner, which featured a range of dishes including several millet-based items, doubled as a show of unity within the NDA under Modis leadership, which he described as a family working towards a Viksit Bharat and a self-reliant nation. Speaking on the meeting, the Prime Minister said the NDA represents a shared commitment to good governance, national development and regional aspirations. Was a delight to have hosted NDA MPs for dinner at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg this evening. The NDA family represents a shared commitment to good governance, national development and regional aspirations. Together, we will continue working to strengthen our nations development journey in the years ahead, he wrote on X. MPs travelled to the prime ministers residence by bus or car, with some opting to car-pool. Several arrived in visibly high spirits, with Union ministers among those displaying renewed enthusiasm. More than 54 tables were arranged, with each table assigned a cabinet minister to represent the Prime Minister and dine with eight MPs. According to sources, Modi played the role of an attentive host, taking time to engage with MPs at each table and ensuring that no one felt overlooked. It was a memorable dinner for us. Indeed, our PM is a great soul who as a host didn't make us feel even a bit overlooked in care and serving the dishes. MPs, belonging to their respective states, were served foods related to their states and PM had interaction over the dinner to us, an MP from Bihar said, adding that the Bihar result had strengthened the NDAs confidence in advancing the country under Modis leadership. While the prime minister interacted with all MPs, senior leaders including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda and Nitin Gadkari remained seated at different tables, discussing the NDAs priorities in Parliament and in upcoming state elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Modis broader vision of shifting India from a developing to a developed nation also reportedly featured in these discussions. During the gala dinner, the prime minister shared remarks on topics ranging from health and managing anger to staying connected with people, food habits and reading recommendations, interspersed with laughter and anecdotes. A senior NDA leader said the most striking aspect of the event was the sense of ease among MPs, who mingled freely across linguistic and regional lines. Many took the opportunity to speak directly with ministers, who noted suggestions and feedback for what they described as a refreshed roadmap for the country. The dinner was also a platform for open discussion on several issues currently being addressed collectively by the NDA at the Centre. Amid delicious dishes, which included many states famous foods, like litti chokha of Bihar and others from West Bengal and South India, we not only enjoyed the dinner as if a NDA family dinner, but also discussed issues which need to be discussed collectively. It was a great to see PM hosting us as the guardian of NDA, several MPs remarked.
Student dies as car rams parked lorry
CHENNAI: A late-night joyride turned tragic for a group of medical students when their luxury car rammed into a firewood-laden lorry, which the police said, was parked illegally on the Thiruporur bypass road on Thursday early morning. The collision left a female student dead and four other students critically injured. The deceased has been identified as Misbah Fathima (21), a third-year Allied Health Sciences student at Balaji Medical College, Chromepet, and a native of Vellore. The police said the deceased was among a group of 10 students who had driven to Mahabalipuram in two cars on Wednesday night. Abhinandan (22), a final-year MBBS student from Coimbatore, was driving the ill-fated car. He was accompanied by fellow medical student Vinayagam (23) from Tirunelveli, and Allied Health Sciences students Mohammed Ali (21) and Navya (21), both natives of Kerala. After dinner and spending time at the beach until 3 am, the group was returning to Chromepet. While traversing the Thiruporur bypass, police sources said, the first car had travelled a significant distance ahead, while the other car, driven by Abhinandan, was trailing behind. Soon after, the second car crashed violently into the rear of the lorry parked on the side of the road. Police sources said the lorry was parked in a way that posed a danger to the oncoming traffic. While some media reports suggested the drivers of the two cars were racing with each other, officials said it may not have been the case. However, they are probing whether the cars were overspeeding. The Thiruporur police pulled out the victims from the crushed vehicle. While Fathima died on the spot, the others were initially rushed to Chengalpattu Government Hospital and later to a private hospital in Kelambakkam. The police said the condition of the four injured students remains critical. Investigations revealed the lorry belonged to Prabhakaran from Cuddalore district, and was transporting firewood to Kalahasti in Andhra Pradesh. The lorry driver, Subhash (40), was arrested for parking the heavy vehicle dangerously on the highway. Parking on the highway carriageway is prohibited under Section 122 of the Motor Vehicles Act, the police said. Further investigations are under way.
Air Marshal Manish Khanna visits Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Air Command Marshal Manish Khanna on Thursday visited the Technopark and interacted with industry leaders and startups with a focused interest in the defence and aerospace sectors. Technopark CEO Col Sanjeev Nair (Retd) received Air Marshal Manish Khanna and presented an overview of the states IT sector and about the Kerala Defence Innovation Zone (K-DIZ). Kerala stands as Indias most digitally empowered state where a thriving startup ecosystem, cutting-edge digital infrastructure, world-class institutions and a deep pool of innovators come together to shape the future of technology, said Colonel Sanjeev Nair (Retd) during his presentation. With K-DIZ enabling a strong Industry-Academia-Armed Forces connect, Kerala is poised to transform defence innovation. As innovators gain deeper insight into the challenges faced by our Forces and leverage opportunities like iDEX and TDF, the state can emerge as a premier hub, attracting leading private defence and aerospace players from across the country, he noted. Impressed by the strength of Keralas digital ecosystem, Air Marshal Khanna, during the interactive session, responded to the collaboration possibilities raised by industry leaders and noted that the Air Force offers substantial avenues for startups to engage with the aerospace and defence sectors. Startups and companies in the aerospace domain can reach out to the Regional Aerospace Innovation Division (RAID) for guidance, user perspectives and insights into operational challenges. An IAF officer from RAID will also participate as a panellist at the upcoming Huddle Global event, where he will share deeper inputs on aerospace design, innovation and indigenisation, and outline emerging opportunities for collaboration, said Air Marshal Khanna. He added that, as part of the stakeholder mapping under K-DIZ, the entity from IAF could be RAID.
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Gut microbial imbalance can impact memory, says study
KOCHI/BRAUNSCHWEIG: A new Indo-German study has offered some of the clearest proof yet that when the gut falls out of balance, the brain suffers too especially our ability to learn and remember. Published in the journal BMC Biology, the research shows how long-term antibiotic use, unhealthy diets, stress and poor sleep can disturb the gut microbiome, setting off an inflammatory chain reaction that eventually reaches the brain. The study was led by Dr Baby Chakrapani P S of the Centre of Excellence in Neurodegeneration and Brain Health (CENABH) and Centre for Neuroscience at Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat), and Prof Martin Korte of the Technical University of Braunschweig and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI). The findings emerged from the doctoral research of Krishnapriya under Dr Chakrapanis guidance, as part of the Indo-German collaborative programme DSTDAAD. How the gut messes with the mind? The researchers found that when antibiotics disrupt gut bacteria a condition known as gut dysbiosis this imbalance weakens the gut barrier and triggers inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation doesnt stop at the gut. Gut dysbiosis initiates a systemic inflammatory state that does not remain confined to the gut, Dr Chakrapani said. These inflammatory cues eventually influence the brains immune cells. Inside the brain, the team observed unusual behaviour in microglia, the tiny immune cells that clean up waste and fine-tune neural connections. Under stress signals coming from the gut, these microglia became overactive. Instead of pruning only weak or unnecessary synapses, they began chipping away at healthy connections crucial for forming memories. This excessive pruning leads to observable difficulties in learning and memory tasks, Prof Korte explained. Why it matters Gut dysbiosis is increasingly common in modern life thanks to frequent antibiotic use, processed food, stress and disrupted sleep. And while most people connect gut health only with digestion, the study shows it is just as important for cognitive well-being. Maintaining a healthy gut environment is essential for the brain too, Prof Korte said. The researchers say their findings open new possibilities: could restoring gut balance reverse memory problems? Could similar gut-brain pathways be involved in neurodegenerative diseases? We are only beginning to understand how deeply connected the gut and the brain really are, Dr Chakrapani said. This study is one step towards mapping that complex relationship. For now, the message is simple: take care of your gut, and your brain may thank you for it. Inflammation alert The research found that antibiotics disrupt gut bacteria a condition known as gut dysbiosis The imbalance weakens the gut barrier and triggers inflammation throughout the body The inflammatory chain reaction eventually reaches the brain
To open with Ameenah Jaleels Palestine 36; 11 films to be screened at IFFK
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Retelling the rich legacy of endless love for cinema, the 30th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) will begin on Friday with 11 films. Making a bold political statement, Palestine 36 , directed by Ameenah Jaleel, will be screened as the inaugural film at the Nishagandhi Open Theatre at 6pm. The World Cinema category will also be launched on Friday, with the screening of Emmanuel Finkiels Marianas Room, Erkan Yazicis Fragments from the East, and Thomas Ngijols Untamable at the Kairali-Sree theatres. Beef by Ingride Santos and the restored classic Chopin: A Sonata in Paris by Michal Kwiecinski will be screened at the Tagore Theatre. Pauline Lequesnes Nino will be screened at Kalabhavan in the Female Focus category. Laura Citarellas The Virgin of the Quarry Lake will be screened under the Latin American Films category at Kalabhavan. Filmmaker Rajeevnath to be honoured Acclaimed director and former Chalachithra Academy chairperson T Rajeevnath will be honoured at IFFK for completing 50 years in the film industry. Rajeevs film Janani (1999), which won the National Award for Best Director, will also have a special screening as part of this. A man of experimental films, his noted films include Thanal, Kadaltheerathu, Aham, Pakal Nakshathrangal, among others. Chief secy: Need digital archives to store IFFKs legacy Chief secretary A Jayatilak said that digital archives are essential to preserve the festivals cultural legacy and showcase it before the coming generations. He was inaugurating the IFFK festival office at the Tagore Theatre here. Urging the Chalachitra Academy to take this up, he said that digitising the catalogues from the previous years will help film lovers, students and researchers. Lijomol receives first delegate kit Cultural department director Divya S Iyer inaugurated the delegate kit distribution by handing over the first kit to state award-winning actress Lijomol Jose. Calling IFFK the states pride, Divya spoke about how community viewing can change ones cinematic experience. Speaking after receiving the delegate kit, Lijomol also shared her experience from 2013, when she attended the festival as a delegate. The event, which was presided over by Chalachithra Academy vice-chairperson Cuckoo Parameswaran, was attended by academy secretary C Ajoy, KSFDC chairman K Madhu, among others.
Sabarimala temple sees slight dip in pilgrim rush; footfall crosses 20 lakh
PATHANAMTHITTA: After the heavy footfall witnessed on Monday and Tuesday, Sabarimala recorded a marginal decline in the devotee turnout on Wednesday, with 74,928 pilgrims offering darshan at the hill shrine. Thursday also saw a moderate flow of devotees. With this, the total number of pilgrims who have visited the hill shrine during the Mandalam season has crossed 20 lakh. A large share of the pilgrims arrived over the past two days was from other states, and nearly 30,000 devotees had completed darshan by 7am on Thursday alone. Meanwhile, virtual queue bookings for Mandala pooja on December 26 and 27 opened on Thursday. Devotees can reserve slots through the official website, sabarimalaonline.org. A maximum of 30,000 pilgrims will be allowed through the virtual queue on December 26, while 35,000 slots have been allotted for December 27. In addition, 5,000 spot-booking tokens will be issued on each day. With the pilgrimage season progressing, temple authorities say the integrated service system ensures that devotees receive water and light refreshments promptly throughout their journey, even during peak rush hours. Ensuring uninterrupted access to drinking water and light refreshments, the chukkuvellam (dry ginger water) and biscuit distribution network has emerged as an essential support system for pilgrims this season. The 24x7 service extends across the Neelimala-Urakkuzhi stretch, with 20 chukkuvellam counters and 27 kiosks functioning continuously. The dry ginger water and biscuits are distributed at key points, including Sabaripeedham, Marakkoottam, Saramkuthi, the walkway and Pandithavalam. Bench on Sabarimala route vandalised Pathanamthitta: Miscreants vandalised a concrete bench installed for the convenience of Sabarimala devotees and local residents on Wednesday night near Mandiram in Ranni on the Pandalam-Sabarimala Thiruvabharanam route. The Thiruvabharanam Path Protection Committee strongly condemned the incident, terming it a deliberate attempt to sabotage public amenities. Committee general secretary Prasad Kuzhikkala warned that the committee would launch protests if strict action is not taken against the vandals
Kochi-Muziris Biennale: Sixth edition of art extravaganza commences today
KOCHI: The countrys only biennale, a spectacular showpiece of Asias largest contemporary art event, is poised to enter its sixth edition, promising expansive and immersive art experiences for nearly four months from Friday by turning the Kerala port city into a site for dialogues around emerging global perspectives. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) will feature 22 venues besides seven collaterals, significantly widening the socio-historical as well as political footprints of Indias new-age art exhibition, which has earned the moniker Peoples Biennale, deeply rooted in the countrys modern identity, diverse culture, and aspirations for an inclusive, democratic society. To be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on December 12 at 5.30 pm, the KMB-6 will run till March 31, 2026. The 110-day event hosts works by 66 artists/collectives from 25 countries, apart from a range of parallel shows. KMB-6, curated by Nikhil Chopra with HH Art Spaces, Goa, has its curatorial theme titled for the time being that embraces process as methodology. The show envisions a living ecosystem where each element shares space, time and resources amid constant engagements with each other. The opening ceremony of KMB-6 will be held at the Parade Ground in Fort Kochi at 6 pm, followed by a public concert by Shanka Tribe featuring Neha Nair, Resmi Satheesh and Shahabaz Aman. The Biennale flag will be hoisted at the nearby Aspinwall House venue at 12 noon after a chenda recital by Margi Rahitha Krishnadas. Entry fee Inaugural day: Free Adults: Rs 200 Students, senior citizens: Rs 100
Prosecution to demand three life terms for actor assault convicts in Kerala
KOCHI: The prosecution is set to seek three life terms for accused numbers one to six, who were convicted in the 2017 actor abduction case, with the Ernakulam Principal and Sessions Judge scheduled to conduct the sentencing hearing and pronounce the quantum of punishment on Friday. On December 8, the trial court found the first six accused, Sunil aka Pulsar Suni, Martin Antony, Manikandan B, Vijesh V P, Salim H aka Vadival Salim, and Pradeep guilty. The court acquitted actor Dileep, stating that the prosecution failed to establish the conspiracy charge against him. It also acquitted Charly Thomas, who had been charged with harbouring the offender; ninth accused Sanil Kumar alias Mesthiri Sanil, charged with conspiracy and aiding the crime; and 15th accused Sarath G Nair, charged with causing the disappearance of evidence. The prosecution will seek the maximum possible punishment for the accused, which is life imprisonment. The convicted accused could get life imprisonment for three major offences criminal conspiracy, gangrape, and abetment, Special Public Prosecutor V Ajakumar told TNIE. The court convicted them under sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 342 (wrongful confinement), 354 (outraging modesty), 354B (assault with intent to disrobe), 357, and 376D (gangrape) of the IPC, as well as sections 66E and 67A of the Information Technology Act. According to the prosecution, on the night of February 17, 2017, six men abducted the actor while she was travelling from her home in Thrissur to Kochi. The men held her captive in her car and drove around Kochi, while Pulsar Suni, a history-sheeter, allegedly assaulted her. Suni recorded the act on his mobile phone. Later, the accused abandoned the actor near the house of film director Lal, who helped her contact the police. An FIR was registered the same day. Ajakumar said that he would cite the Supreme Court verdict in the case Nipun Saxena vs Union of India, as it accurately reflected the prevailing social reality. The 2018 judgment stated: Unfortunately, in our society, the victim of a sexual offence, especially a victim of rape, is treated worse than the perpetrator of the crime. In the State of Punjab vs Ramdev Singh case, the Supreme Court had observed that sexual violence, apart from being a dehumanising act, is an unlawful intrusion into the right of privacy and sanctity of a female. Ajakumar added that this argument is being put forward to ensure the maximum punishment for the convicts. When asked about filing an appeal before the Kerala High Court, Ajakumar said the prosecution is awaiting a copy of the final verdict, which will be released on Friday. Once the judgment is received, they will examine the reasons for acquittal and identify grounds for appeal. 2017 Kerala actor abduction case: Probe team pins hope on higher courts Verdict letter posted from Ernakulam The police have obtained information about the sender of the anonymous letter alleging a leak of details from the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case. According to the police, the letter, sent via Speed Post, was posted by a man from a post office under the jurisdiction of the Ernakulam police station. CCTV visuals show the man, wearing a mask, arriving at the post office at 1.42 pm on December 3. He had sent 33 Speed Post envelopes. The from address on the letter was given as Ramkumar.https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2025/Dec/10/actor-abduction-and-sexual-assault-case-conspiracy-or-not-many-questions-need-answers Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Judgment comes after eight years, justice not yet Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Conspiracy or not, many questions need answers
CM Pinarayi accuses Congress of aiding perverts, criminals
KOZHIKODE: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan succeeded in setting the agenda for discussion on the second phase of polling to local bodies on Thursday by shifting the whole focus to the Rahul Mamkootathil issue and thereby diverting attention from all other issues the opposition wanted to raise. What are these womanisers in the Congress doing? Why were the survivor women not ready to come forward with complaints. This should be viewed seriously. There were threats that they would be killed. The victims felt their lives would be in danger if they preferred complaints, the chief minister told reporters after casting his vote at a polling booth in Pinarayi in Kannur district. He asked how the workers of a political party can take such a stand. More serious allegations may emerge in the coming days. Society will never allow justification of these criminals and sexual perverts, Pinarayi said. The chief minister was reacting to an earlier comment by Congress state president Sunny Joseph who said that the second complaint against Rahul seemed to be well-drafted. Speaking to reporters after voting in Kannur, Sunny said the complaint was politically-motivated. He said there was a legal brain behind the complaint, adding that people are aware of its intention. However, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan chose to disagree with the KPCC presidents remarks. He said complaints should be well-drafted. A lawyer is a person who updates the current knowledge on legal issues. The victim can seek the help of an advocate before filing a complaint. Whats wrong with that? he asked. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala hit back at Pinarayi saying that the chief minister should first rein in the womanisers in his party. He said the CPM and the LDF government gave positions to those who insulted and harassed women. Chennithala said the CPM is employing double standards in dealing with sexual abuse cases. The government is sitting on a complaint against a former MLA for two weeks, he said. The opposition wanted to put the LDF on the defensive on several issues including the Sabarimala gold theft case. Sunny Joseph tried to raise the issue while addressing reporters, but it was drowned in the noise created over Pinarayis harsh remark on the Congress and Rahul. The developments also exposed the chinks in the Congress over dealing with the Rahul issue, with the KPCC president and the Leader of Opposition speaking separate languages. Counting day: What to know With polling for the local body elections concluding on Thursday, attention now shifts to the counting of votes on Saturday a verdict seen as a key indicator ahead of the assembly elections How counting will unfold Counting begins at 8 am on Saturday 244 counting centres have been set up across the state Postal votes for the 14 district panchayats will be counted by district collectors at the respective collectorates Votes for the grama, block and district panchayats will be counted at the block level Postal ballots will be counted first at the returning officers table, followed by EVM votes Only the control units of EVMs will be brought to the counting centres Strong rooms storing EVMs will be opened in the presence of returning officers, observers, candidates and their agents Entry to counting centres is restricted to persons authorised by the returning officers
At 75, Ali Haji brings uncommon energy to polling day in Kerala's Ponmundam
MALAPPURAM: At 75, most candidates prefer to stay anchored at their base camp on polling day. But in Ponmundam, BJPs Malappuram district panchayat candidate Ali Haji was anything but still. From the moment voting began, he was on the move walking briskly between booths, checking turnout, greeting familiar faces and offering quick reminders to voters he spotted along the way. By mid-morning, he had covered several booths. By afternoon, he seemed to be everywhere. Wearing his trademark smile, Ali Haji stood out, not for his party colours but for the ease with which he mingled with people across political lines. Voters paused to greet him; some teased him good-naturedly, others stopped for a brief chat. His presence felt less like that of a candidate under pressure and more like a neighbour checking in on his community on an important day. To Ponmundams voters, he is a familiar figure someone who has walked these lanes for decades. A BJP national council member, Ali Haji has been a committed party worker for more than 30 years. Since entering electoral politics in 2001, he has contested four assembly elections, including the high-profile 2021 fight against IUML heavyweight P K Kunhalikutty. But today, as he zigzagged from booth to booth, the contest seemed secondary. This election is not about winning, he said, pausing for a moment before heading to another station. Its about representing my party and meeting my people. That is my duty. This is an IUML-majority area, but I personally know every voter in this panchayat. I do not see them as rivals. They are all my friends and acquaintances. As dusk approached and crowds thinned, the 75-year-old showed no sign of slowing down. His was among the liveliest outings on a day otherwise marked by tension, silence, and anticipation - proof that for Ali, age is just a number, and polling day is when he truly comes alive.
Poll day reunites scattered landslide survivors in Wayanad
CHOORALMALA: For the hundreds displaced by the devastating Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslides, the local body election on Thursday was less about political mandate and more about a desperate, heartfelt reunion. As the community, scattered across districts and state borders, returned to cast their votes, the polling booths became tearful meeting points for old neighbours who had lost everything. To facilitate the voting process for the displaced community, the district administration arranged eight special KSRTC buses to ferry voters from their temporary settlements. An emotional scene unfolded at the Noorul Islam Madrasa Hall, one of the two polling stations established in the re-demarcated ward 11. The original polling centre, Mundakkai School, had been destroyed in the disaster, symbolising the communitys loss. Indira, a native of Mundakkai, travelled from Munderi near Kalpetta with her two minor daughters, Vaishna and Varnna, just to be there. Stepping into the Madrasa Hall, the first person she spotted was Jameela, her old neighbour. They fell into a warm conversation, catching up and exchanging pleasantries. Indira waited almost half an hour, greeting all her former neighbours, before stepping inside the booth to vote. Indira captured the sentiment of the day perfectly: We usually call each other to check on the government township list and the beneficiary names. Now that many names are on the list, the phone calls have come down. More than voting, we were eager to see our old neighbours. Adding a poignant note on the difficulty of maintaining community ties, she said: I dont think we will get another chance like this. People cant even attend weddings or, shamefully, funerals. But for voting, everyone had to gather. The logistical challenge was immense. Voters arrived from rented homes 33 kilometres across the border in Cherambadi, Tamil Nadu. Yet, the turnout remained strong, a testament to the communitys resolve. At the Madrasa Hall booth, which hosts 1,036 voters 90% of whom are landslide-affected, the turnout hit 77.73% by the close of polls. The delimited ward 11 is witnessing a high-stakes contest with K Mansoor of the Muslim League (UDF), K K Sahad of the CPM (LDF), and Madathil Vijayan of the BJP (NDA) fighting it out. Independent candidate Sidhique, a popular light and sound worker, is also in the fray.
Cantonment residents watch from sidelines as Kannur district votes
KANNUR: While most of Kannur was immersed in the intensity of election day, the cantonment area of Kannur corporation remained on the sidelines, watching the flurry of activities from a distance. For, the residents of cantonment area of the corporation have not participated in a local election since 2015, the year the last Cantonment Board polls were held. As the rest of the district engaged in the democratic exercise, people in the regions could only observe the excitement around them. The cantonment area, though geographically situated within the limits of the corporation, operates under a completely separate administrative system managed by the Cantonment Board. It is the only such cantonment in Kerala under the control of the Union Ministry of Defence. Residents of the area enjoy voting rights in parliamentary and assembly elections, but they cannot participate in local body elections. Instead, they elect representatives to the Cantonment Board in a special election held every five years. The last election to the cantonment was held in 2015. The board, whose term ended in 2020, was given one more year extension. Although the term ended in 2021, there has been no elected governing body since then. The Centre had issued a notification to hold elections to the cantonments in 2023 but put it on hold indefinitely later. Ratheesh Antony, former councillor of Ward 1 in the Cantonment Board, said they are eager to participate in the elections so that residents can once again bring their concerns before the authorities. He explained that previously, councillors from each ward were able to present issues through monthly meeting agendas, ensuring they reached the officials and were acted upon. Our demand is either to merge the cantonment area with the Kannur Corporation or to resume elections the way they were held earlier, he added. The Cantonment Board consists of six elected civilian representatives and six members from the military. The Military Commandant serves as the boards president, while the vice-president is chosen from among the elected civilian members. What census says The Kannur Cantonment has a population of 4,798, of which 1,867 are civilian residents and the rest are military personnel, according to the 2011 Census
Row over quality of Kerala medicine
NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha on Thursday witnessed a protest during Zero Hour from the CPI(M) over allegations of spurious and substandard medicines in Kerala. The protest began when Congress MP Jebi Mather Hisham launched a blistering attack on Keralas drugs control department, claiming that recent raids across the state had exposed the widespread availability of counterfeit and poor-quality medicines. As soon as Congress MP Hisham made her allegations, CPI(M) MP John Brittas and others sharply objected. Despite their protests, the Chair allowed the Congress member to complete her speech. Hisham said raids conducted in Kozhikode, Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram had revealed a shocking truth about the extent of counterfeit medicines circulating in Keralas pharmaceutical market. No member can mislead the House. All spurious medicines were produced elsewhere and brought to Kerala, Brittas said in reply crediting the state for its efficiency in detecting counterfeit drugs. He objected to what he called nasty aspersions cast on the CM and demanded that those comments be expunged from the record. Please delete that, he urged the Chair. This is not a small lapse. These raids expose the utter failure and shameful inefficiency of the states drug control department. Its negligence has allowed an unregulated network of manufacturers and marketing companies to push substandard medicines from outside Kerala, the Congress MP added.
109-year-old Omana Amma turns poll star in Kerala's Perambra
KOZHIKODE: Early morning, while at her home in Eravattur, 109-year-old Manikkoth Omana Amma had only one concern: When will you take me to vote? Her simple but firm question set the stage for one of the most touching moments this election day. Despite her age and frailty, Omana Amma was determined not to miss her chance to vote. By 3:45pm, she was on her way to booth number 2 in ward 18 of Perambra panchayat, travelling in an autorickshaw with her family and neighbours. The journey wasnt easy for her, but her resolve kept everyone going. Weakness due to age made it difficult for her to either step out of the vehicle or enter the polling booth. Noticing the situation, polling officials came outside, assisted her with compassion, applied the indelible ink on her finger, and arranged for her to cast her vote. Her family said that nothing could stop her from voting. Right from the morning, she insisted she would go to the booth no matter what. Voting has always been sacred to her, said her grandson. Local social worker Babu E M, who played a key role in bringing her to the polling station, said her determination moved everyone around her. When a 109-year-old woman is so committed to voting, it sends a strong message to society. She told us, I will vote. Take me there. Her conviction inspired all of us, he said. Young voters who witnessed the scene said they felt humbled and motivated. Many youngsters even took the opportunity to click selfies with Omana Amma to share on their social media platforms. According to her family members, there has not been a single election in her lifetime that she has missed. She is deeply committed to her principles and ideologies, and voting has always been a non-negotiable duty for her.
Houseboat accidents spark concerns in Keralas much-touted tourism hubs
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A series of houseboat accidents across Alappuzha and Kottayam districts has triggered concerns over tourist safety and exposed serious regulatory lapses in Keralas iconic backwater tourism sector. On Wednesday, a family of four miraculously escaped after the houseboat they were staying in capsized at Kumarakom. All occupants were rescued safely. Experts are calling for urgent government intervention to curb illegal operators, enforce compliance, and strengthen safety protocols to save houseboat tourism - one of the states most iconic tourism products. This incident on Wednesday adds to the troubling pattern of mishaps reported in recent months. In September 2025, a moored houseboat sank at Cheepunkal due to suspected hull leakage. The vessel was later found to be operating without a valid licence. Earlier this month, another houseboat carrying two tourists and three crew members caught fire in the Alappuzha backwaters. The boat was completely gutted, but all five on board were evacuated in time. Industry stakeholders are blaming the apathy and inaction by the government for the growing accidents which are adversely impacting the backwater tourism sector. Unauthorised operations continue to flourish in Alappuzha and Kumarakom, even as the Kerala State Maritime Board struggles to implement the Inland Vessel Act and bring ageing houseboats under the new regulatory regime. The official data from the Kerala State Maritime Board shows that the Alappuzha Port registry alone has 942 houseboats, 597 shikaras, 360 motorboats, 314 speedboats and 22 ferries. However, according to the All Kerala House Boat Owners and Operators Samiti, more than 1,600 houseboats are currently operating in the backwaters. Nearly 75% of these houseboats are functioning without proper authorisation. Safety and rescue drills are almost non-existent, and awareness programmes for operators are rarely conducted. With no meaningful action from the government, our association has been forced to organise training sessions for workers in the houseboat industry, said Kevin Rozario, state secretary of the All Kerala House Boat Owners and Operators Samiti. He alleged that both the government and the Tourism Department remain totally inactive on the issue. We have repeatedly taken up these concerns with the government, but there has been no response. Houseboats and backwater tourism are part of the hospitality sector, yet the Tourism Department offers no support or training in hospitality for those employed in this segment. Tourism footfall has been declining year after year, and it is high time the government made concrete interventions to address these issues, he added. Officials of the Kerala State Maritime Board acknowledge that enforcement gaps have enabled illegal and unsafe vessels to operate freely. We are trying our best to bring the entire fleet under the Inland Vessel Act, 2021. Our enforcement teams conduct multiple inspections every month to curb illegal operations and issue registration and licences under the Act. Many of the houseboats involved in recent accidents lacked proper registration and licensing, an official said. Tourism industry experts stress that the state government must issue clear directives and make the Tourism Department more accountable in regulating the houseboat sector. The government should make NoC and classification from the Tourism Department mandatory for all houseboats, and the Maritime Board should issue licences only to boats that have this clearance. Houseboats are a hospitality product, and it is high time the department treated them as such, said tourism consultant Prasanth Vasudev, former deputy director of the Tourism Department. Series of accidents On Wednesday, a family of four escaped after the houseboat they were staying in capsized at Kumarakom. All occupants were rescued safely. Earlier this month, another houseboat carrying two tourists and three crew members caught fire in the Alappuzha backwaters. The boat was completely gutted, but all five on board were evacuated in time
CM Pinarayi, Resul skip IFFK opening ceremony
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As curtains for the International Film Festival of Kerala set to rise on Friday, top-guns are set to give the prestigious 30th edition a miss. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and state Chalachithra Academy chairperson Resul Pookutty will not attend the inaugural event, to be held at the capitals Nisagandhi auditorium in the evening. The noticeable absence of Resul Pookutty from the international festival has already triggered discussions within film circles. Despite this being the first IFFK after he took over as Academy chairperson, the Oscar winner will not be present for a major portion of the festival, as he has a pre-scheduled film shoot abroad, said sources. The chairman has conveyed that he would be away during the initial days of the festival. He would try to attend the valedictory function, said an academy executive member. Theres resentment within the academy over the chairmans absence during the crucial event. How can the chairman stay away during the festival, which is the biggest event being organised by the academy, that too when the festival completes three decades? asked another official. Pinarayi Vijayan The chairman is unable to make it due to pre-committed work, confirmed academy vice-chairperson Kukku Prameswaran. Hes out of India, working on a project that he committed to, way before taking over as academy chairperson. He has no choice but to complete it, she pointed out. Unlike the usual practice, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan too would give a miss to the festival inauguration, this time around. For the past many years, it was CM Pinarayi who as the chief guest, inaugurated the festival and presented the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award. This year however the CM is scheduled to inaugurate the sixth edition of Kochi-Muziris Biennale in Fort Kochi on Friday evening, and hence would not be able to physically attend the IFFK inauguration. With no CM in the picture, academy officials did try to rope in actor Mohanlal who recently won the Dadasaheb Phalke award as the chief guest, but he was unavailable due to personal reasons. In the absence of the chief minister, Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cheriyan will inaugurate the festival. Chilean film director Pablo Larran will be the chief guest. Since the model code of conduct is in place, the minister had taken prior clearance from the Election Commission to attend the event. Palestine Ambassador Abdullah Abu Shawesh and German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann will be special guests at the event. The minister will present Spirit of Cinema award to Canadian filmmaker Kelly Fyffe-Marshall. The 30th IFFK to begin on Friday will screen 206 films from 82 countries, in 26 categories.
Friends reunion, a trip from Kerala: All for a bite of Apple moment as first Noida store opens
Kannur, Kasaragod record huge turnout in local body polls
Biennale welcomes visitors to experience art with all the senses
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to inaugurate the sixth edition of Kochi-Muziris Biennale, themed For the Time Being, on December 12; event to showcase works of66 artists from 25 countries
HC expresses concern over cleanliness issues at temple
UDF, LDF and BJP express confidence as Kochi Corpn. awaits poll verdict
Court to pronounce sentence in actor rape case on December 12
Ernakulam district completes nearly 98% of SIR digitisation
Consensus eludes Governor and CM
The Supreme Court has intervened in the Kerala governor and chief minister's deadlock over vice-chancellor appointments. A committee led by Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia will now recommend one name for each of the two state universities. This decision comes after the governor and chief minister failed to reach a consensus. The committee will submit its recommendations by December 17.
Action will be taken against filmmaker Kunju Muhammed, says Chalachithra Academy Vice Chairperson
Police registered a case against him on charge of molesting a woman associated with the film industry while staying at a hotel as part of the Malayalam movie selection process for IFFK
National Highway-66 In Kerala Set For Completion By Aug 2026, Govt Says Rs 16,500 Cr Spent So Far
Gadkari cited additional works, material shortages, financial constraints of concessionaires and contractors, and monsoon as key reasons for the delay in completing NH-66.
Kozhikode records 77.24% voter turnout in local body polls
KozhikodeCorporation registered 69.55% polling; Ramanattukaraposted the highest polling percentage of 81.39 among municipalities, whilePayyoli recorded the lowest of 76.53%
Second Phase of Local Body Polls Ends in Kerala
Vote counting is set for December 13, starting at 8 am in all counting centers, with postal ballots counted first, followed by EVMs
Young voters ensure strong Gen Z participation in local body polls in Kozhikode
HC seeks deportation documents of Suraj Lama
Palakkad sees 76.23% voter turnout
Among the seven municipalities in the district, Chittur-Thathamangalam municipality registers highest polling percentage at 81.41%, while the Palakkad municipality registers the lowest polling percentage at 65.08%
Malappuram records 77.41% voter turnout in local body polls
School Christmas vacations from December 24
Munnar to host literary fest, Theyila, on December 14
Kerala local body polls: 16 counting centres in Thiruvananthapuram district
Counting will begin at 8 a.m. across all centres.
Parental involvement key to student well-being in Thiruvananthapuram coastal schools
Changathi project, a bio-psycho-social intervention project launched by NGO Kanal in 2023, shows parental involvement is closely linked to issues identified among students such as psycho-social difficulties, nutritional deficiencies, and academic neglect.
BJP alleges booth capture by CPI(M) in Payyannur, seeks repolling
Arrangements in place for counting, says State Election Commissioner A. Shajahan
Amid the ongoing impasse between the Kerala Chief Minister and Governor over the appointment of vice chancellors in two technical universities in the state, the Supreme Court on Thursday asked a committee headed by Justice (Retd) Sudhanshu Dhulia to recommend one name each for the posts. The apex court's two-judge bench, headed by Justice JB Pardiwala and including Justice KV Viswanathan, was hearing the matter related to the appointments of VCs of the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University and the University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology. On Thursday, the top court asked the committee to submit the names in a sealed cover by next Wednesday, and fixed the matter for further hearing on December 18. The court heard the submissions from R Venkataramani, the Attorney General (AG) appearing for the Governor-cum-Chancellor, and Jaideep Gupta, senior counsel appearing for Kerala, as they apprised it that despite their best of efforts, the deadlock continues. The court stated in its order, a copy of which was accessed by TNIE, that the Vice-Chancellor and the Chief Minister have not been able to reach any consensus regarding the appointment of Vice Chancellors in the two universities. It was expected that the Vice Chancellor and the Chief Minister would reach to some consensus and finalize the names. However, nothing has been done so far except some exchange of letters between the two, thereby prompting us to request the Committee headed by Justice Dhulia to look into the issue, said the bench. We are of the view that in such a situation, we should once again request the Committee headed by Justice Dhulia to look into the letter of the Chief Minister and the reply of the Vice-Chancellor and give us one composite report. We request the Committee to give us the names in order of preference for each of the universities in a sealed cover. We request the Committee to undertake this exercise and forward its report by Wednesday, 17th December, 2025 so that we can. take up the matter on Thursday, 18th December, 2025 as the first item, said the top court in its order. During the course of the hearing on Thursday, Gupta submitted that the Law Minister and the Higher Education Minister had met the Chancellor on Wednesday. He said that the Chief Minister's objection was only with respect to one name (Ciza Thomas), and that the Chancellor did not indicate any particular objection to the other names. The Chief Minister has said apart from this particular name, any other name can be chosen. When she was the temporary Vice Chancellor, she completely disrupted the functioning of the University, claimed Gupta. Hearing this, Justice Pardiwala, however, pointed out that the committee led by Justice Dhulia has itself recommended her name. Gupta responded that the committee did not recommend the names in the order of merit, and it is only the Chief Minister who has to do so as per the August 18 order. Considering that the two authorities have not been able to reach a consensus and there is no likelihood that it would be reached in future, the court ordered that the Justice Dhulia Committee will now recommend one name each. In its earlier hearing on December 5, the Supreme Court had indicated that it would intervene in resolving the impasse if Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Governor-cum-chancellor Rajendra Arlekar did not reach a consensus. Governor Arlekar had on September 2 moved the Supreme Court seeking the exclusion of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan from the selection process of Vice Chancellors for these two universities. The Governor, in the petition filed in the top court, said neither of the universities envisioned any role for the chief minister in the selection process of Vice-Chancellors. He pointed out in his petition that the university enactments -- the A P J Abdul Kalam Technological University Act and the Kerala Digital University Act -- had no provision for having the minister for higher education or the state government as a part of the selection process for recommendation for appointment of VCs. The Chief Minister being the executive head of the state is connected with a number of government colleges, managed by the government and affiliated to the university. Therefore, as per UGC Regulations he cannot have any role whatsoever in the appointment of Vice Chancellors, the application said. The Governor said the panel of the names of selected candidates shall be submitted by the search-cum-selection committee to the Chancellor with the names arranged in alphabetical order and the prerogative to select the Vice Chancellor will be with the Chancellor. The court may direct the inclusion of a nominee of the chairman of the UGC as a member in the search-cum-selection committee for the selection of the Vice Chancellor, which has been constituted by Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, it added.
The court tasked the committee to provide, in a sealed cover, names for V-C appointments to each university in the order of preference; it listed the case for hearing next on December 18
Despite minor scuffles, technical delays, and isolated complaints, voter response remained strong across 111 local bodies
At IFFK 2025 curtain-raiser, spotlight on resilience and the festivals impact on Malayalam cinema
The 30th edition of festival features 206 films from 82 countries, including the premiere ofPalestine 36.The festival honours MauritanianfilmmakerAbderrahmaneSissakkowith a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Kerala government moves HC challenging anticipatory bail granted to Mamkootathil in second rape case
Postpone SIR review meeting scheduled on Dec. 13, demands CPI
Bids received for Kasaragod water aerodrome project during UDAN 5.5 bidding
Letter of Intent issued for seaplane operations on routes connecting Kasaragod with Mangaluru and Kannur airports, Union Civil Aviation Minister informs Parliament
Three killed in auto-bus collision in Kollam
Kerala local body polls: Rahul Mamkootathil casts vote amid boos and protests
PALAKKAD: In a dramatic end to weeks of political turbulence, expelled Congress Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil who vanished from public view soon after a woman approached the Chief Minister on November 27 with a sexual harassment complaint surfaced briefly on Thursday evening to cast his vote in the second phase of the local body elections . Mamkootathil appeared at St. Sebastians School in Kunnathurmedu North (ward 24) around 4.50 pm, choosing the near-empty final hour of polling to avoid public glare. He arrived in his official vehicle, ending a 15-day period of hiding that had fuelled intense local speculation and political sparring. The moment he stepped out, CPM and BJP workers broke into loud jeers, waving pictures of a rooster and a cradle symbols they have adopted to taunt him since the allegations surfaced. DYFI workers shouted slogans, while Congress workers attempted to counter the hostile scene by welcoming him with bouquets. Mamkootathil refused to answer any questions from the media on the charges or his disappearance. The case is before the court. The court will decide. The truth will prevail, he said through his car window, reiterating that he has no intention of fleeing and will remain in Palakkad. I have nothing more to say, was his response to a series of questions from the media. He was received at the polling station by local UDF leaders who handed over a bouquet to him. Congress candidate Prashobh M and KSU district leaders too accompanied the MLA, who has been expelled from the party after the controversies. When repeatedly asked whether he would be staying back in Palakkad, the MLA said: I will be with the voters all the time. After casting his vote, Mamkootathil then headed to a caf near the Palakkad government medical college along the national highway, before reaching his MLA office by 5.25 pm. At the office too, the MLA was seen tight-lipped when the media persons requested his response to the ongoing controversies. The Kerala High Court had earlier granted him interim protection from arrest in the first case. On Wednesday, the Sessions Court granted anticipatory bail in the second case, noting that there was no prima facie material to establish the alleged offence. Despite receiving legal relief, his sudden return in the final hour of polling during the second phase of the local body elections a timing clearly chosen to avoid peak voter presence ensured that his political troubles remained squarely in the public spotlight.
Sixth edition of Kochi-Muziris Biennale opens on Friday
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will formally inaugurate the international exhibition at Parade Ground in the evening. The exhibition features works by 66 artists/collectives from 25 countries, alongside a range of parallel shows
Teacher attacked by husband in Kottayam school
The police launch a search for the accused
Bookings open for virtual queue slots for Mandalapuja
Keralas drug control system has failed, Congress MP Jebi Mather tells Rajya Sabha
Study shows community-based model can improve secondary prevention of stroke
The study showed that even in resource-constrained settings, a coordinated CHW-led model, using Keralas existing health workforce, can strengthen continuity of care and improve secondary stroke prevention among stroke survivors living in the community.
KIIFB approaches Kerala HC seeking to quash ED notice in masala bond issue
Court reserves order on maintainability of plea
NHAI to conduct intensive soil testing across 378 RS wall locations in Kerala
Eighteen geotechnical agencies will perform soil sampling and testing across 18 highway projects in Kerala. Move follows the collapse of a portion of a wall on the NH-66 at Mylakkadu in Kollam. Reports generated after proper investigations will serve as the basis for re-checking the construction of every single RS wall, says NHAI
CPI(M) workers heckled the Palakkad MLA and raised slogans against him. A strong police force was deployed near the polling station anticipating Rahul Mamkootathils arrival
Kerala local body polls 2025: Newly elected members to take oath on December 21
State Election Commission has scheduled the counting of votes polled in the two-phased local body polls for December 13
Kerala local body polls 2025: Congress candidates attacked in Kannur
In two separate incidents, UDFs two women candidates as well as a polling agent were attacked allegedly by CPI(M) workers
SIR of electoral rolls: ECI extends timeline in six States, UTs; no change in West Bengal
In Kerala, the last date for submission of enumeration form will be December 18, 2025, and the draft roll will be published on December 23, 2025
Watch: Ramesh Chennithala accuses Kerala CM of hushing up sexual harassment complaints
After IIT Delhi India Post Office, Gen-Z themed post offices have been opened in Kerala's Kottayam and Andhra Pradesh's varsity campus. Both the facilities were inaugurated on December 9, blending modern design with trusted services. This is a significant milestone in bringing modern postal facilities closer to students, researchers, and the campus community.
IFFK 2025 : Five filmmakers reflect on the memorable movies they have watched at the festival
Mahesh Narayanan, Krishand, Sanju Surendran, Appu Bhattathiri and Mini IG recall the films that gave them an enriching experience at the International Film Festival of Kerala that turns 30 this year. The fete is on from December 12 to 19
Kerala local body polls: Palakkad hits 60% polling by 2.30 p.m.
Among the seven municipalities in the district, Pattambi registered the highest polling percentage by mid-day, at 54.29%. Palakkad municipality registered the lowest polling percentage, at 40.68%
Congress MP slams Kerala drugs control dept over counterfeit medicines; CPI(M) objects claims
NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha witnessed a protest during the Zero Hour on Thursday by the CPI(M) over allegations of spurious and substandard medicines in Kerala. The protest began when Congress MP Jebi Mather Hisham launched a blistering attack on Keralas drugs control department, claiming that recent raids across the state had exposed the widespread availability of counterfeit and poor-quality medicines. As soon as Congress MP Hisham made her allegations, CPI(M) MP John Brittas and others sharply objected. Despite their protests, the Chair allowed the Congress member to complete her speech. Raising the matter during Zero Hour, Hisham said raids conducted in Kozhikode, Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram had evealed a shocking truth about the extent of counterfeit medicines circulating in Keralas pharmaceutical market. This is not a small lapse. These raids expose the utter failure and shameful inefficiency of the state's drug control department. Its negligence has allowed an unregulated network of manufacturers and marketing companies to push substandard medicines from outside Kerala, the Congress MP said. While acknowledging that the issue extends beyond Kerala and reflects an alarming surge of counterfeit medicine across the country, Hisham focused her criticism on what she described as the state governments failure to tackle the threat. She also highlighted serious deficiencies in Keralas healthcare infrastructure, citing Dr Harris of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, who was allegedly compelled to reveal shortages of basic surgical tools publicly. Surgeries are postponed indefinitely. Operation theatres remain idle due to a lack of maintenance and supplies, she alleged, further claiming that doctors' concerns were being ignored repeatedly, leaving patients to buy surgical materials out of their own pockets. Making a blistering attack on the CPI(M) government in Kerala, she charged, This is not an administrative or system error. This is complete misgovernance. Continuing amid loud protests from CPI(M) members, she also referred to the tragic building collapse at Kottayam Medical College , which claimed one life, describing it as a painful symbol of the collapse of the healthcare system under the Left Democratic Front government. However, when she moved to name Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chair intervened. She urged the central government to instruct the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation to conduct a comprehensive probe into Keralas drugs control department o restore transparency and ensure the safety and quality of medicines across the state. Hishams remarks drew an immediate rebuttal from CPI(M) MP John Brittas, who raised a point of order under Rule 258. No member can mislead the House. All spurious medicines were produced elsewhere and brought to Kerala, Brittas said, crediting the state government for its efficiency in detecting counterfeit drugs. He objected to what he called asty aspersions cast on the Chief Minister and demanded that those comments be expunged from the record. Please delete that, he urged the Chair. In response, the Rajya Sabha Chair assured the House that the matter would be examined.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan accused Congress of harboring womanisers and sexual perverts, referencing allegations against an expelled MLA. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala retorted, urging Vijayan to address similar issues within the ruling LDF and criticizing the government's developmental record and alleged protection of offenders.
Schools To Remain Closed On These Days, Check Full List Of Holidays Here
Kerala and Tamil Nadu schools in rain-affected districts will be closed from December 11 to 14, 2025, due to adverse weather conditions.
Kerala local body polls: a swift start, half of Malappuram cast their votes in first six hours
The district has 36,18,851 voters, including 602 expatriates and 51 transgender persons. As many as 18,78,520 voters are women and 17,40,280 men. When 29,91,292 voters are in panchayats, 6,27,559 voters are in municipalities
SC asks Justice Dhulia Committee to recommend one name each for appointing VC in Kerala universities
NEW DELHI: Noting the continuous deadlock between the Kerala chief minister and the governor, the Supreme Court on Thursday asked a committee headed by Justice (retd) Sudhanshu Dhulia to recommend one name each for appointing vice chancellors in two technical universities. The top court was hearing the matter related to the appointments of VCs of the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University and the University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology. A bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice KV Viswanathan asked the committee to submit the names in a sealed cover by next Wednesday, and the matter will be taken up for hearing on December 18. As the hearing commenced, Attorney General R Venkataramani told the court that there is a letter written by the chancellor to the chief minister. However, the bench declined to see the letter. Senior advocate Jaideep Gupta, appearing for the Kerala government, informed the bench that the law minister and the higher education minister met the chancellor on December 10. Gupta said that the chief minister's objection is only with respect to one name, and that the chancellor did not indicate any particular objection to the other names. The court noted in its order that despite its best efforts, the deadlock continues till date and the chancellor and the chief minister have not been able to reach to any consensus for the appointment of vice chancellors in the two universities. It was expected that the chancellor and the CM would reach to some consensus. However unfortunately nothing has been done so far except some exchange of letters between the two. Today, when we started hearing the matter, the AG handed over a sealed envelope containing the reply of the chancellor to the chief minister. We decline to look into the same. We are of the view that in such circumstances we should request the committee headed by Justice Dhulia to look into the letter of the chief minister and the reply of the chancellor and give us one composite report. We request the committee to give us one name for each university in a sealed cover. We request the committee to undertake this exercise and forward its report by next Thursday, the bench said. Governor Rajendra Arlekar-Kerala government tussle on VC goes on, despite SC diktat The top court had earlier said it would intervene to resolve the ongoing deadlock over the selection of vice chancellors for two technical universities in Kerala if Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Governor-cum-chancellor Rajendra Arlekar do not reach a consensus. The apex court had asked Venkataramani, appearing for the governor, and Gupta to find out some amicable solution to the impasse. On November 28, the top court took serious exception to the Kerala governor and chancellor ot looking at the Dhulia Committee report on appointment of vice chancellors of two universities and remarked it is not just an ordinary piece of paper. The top court had asked the Kerala governor to take a call on the report within a week and apprise the decision to the apex court on December 5. It passed the order after Gupta complained that Chief Minister Vijayan had forwarded his recommendations for appointment of vice chancellors for APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University and University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology, based on the report of Justice Dhulia panel to the governor-cum-chancellor, but no decision has been taken till now. The bench noted that in compliance with the order dated August 18, Justice (retd) Dhulia, undertook the necessary exercise and has prepared a report accordingly. On September 2, the Kerala governor moved the apex court for the exclusion of CM Vijayan from the selection process of the vice chancellors. The governor said neither of the universities envisioned any role for the chief minister in the selection process. On August 18, to end the impasse between the Kerala governor and the state government over the appointment of vice-chancellors, the apex court appointed former apex court judge Dhulia as head of a panel meant for shortlisting names. Justice Dhulia demitted office as Supreme Court judge on August 9. On July 30, the top court asked both the Kerala government and Attorney General R Venkataramani, appearing for the governor, to work out some mechanism in harmony to resolve the dispute. The chancellor moved the top court challenging the order of the division bench of the high court disposing of a plea filed against a single judge's order setting aside the November 27, 2024 notification appointing professor K Sivaprasad of Cochin University of Science and Technology as vice-chancellor, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University. The Kerala government challenged the notification before the high court, saying the notification stipulated the appointment was till further orders whereas Section 13 (7) of the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University Act, 2015 says for a period of not exceeding six months in the aggregate.
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SC asks Justice Dhulia Committee to recommend 1 name each for appointing VC in Kerala universities
The Supreme Court is intervening in the Kerala governor and chief minister's deadlock over vice-chancellor appointments. A committee led by Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia will now recommend one name each for two technical universities. This move aims to break the impasse that has persisted despite previous attempts at consensus. The court expects the committee's report soon to resolve the issue.
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