CPI(M) extended state committee to conduct post-poll review from today
Digital Desk | Kozhikode, Sep 13 (IANS) The CPI(M)s extended Kerala State Committee will begin a three-day meeting in Kozhikode on Sunday to conduct a comprehensive political and organisational review following the partys major defeat in the recent Assembly elections. CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby will inaugurate the meeting at the AKG Auditorium attached to the partys district committee office. The deliberations are expected to examine the political, ideological and organisational factors that contributed to the electoral setback and identify measures needed to rebuild the party. The meeting comes at a crucial stage as the CPI(M) attempts to regain political direction, strengthen its grassroots machinery and reconnect with voters. The leadership is expected to undertake a critical and self-critical assessment of the partys functioning, extending beyond the immediate reasons for the defeat to the deeper weaknesses exposed during the election. The discussions are also likely to focus on the partys political messaging, campaign strategy, organisational coordination and ability to understand changing public expectations. Corrective measures aimed at improving communication between the leadership, party units and the public could figure prominently. As many as 307 delegates will participate in the meeting. Kerala-based Politburo members M.A. Baby, Pinarayi Vijayan, M.V. Govindan and A. Vijayaraghavan will attend. Five other Politburo members -- K. Balakrishnan, B.V. Raghavulu, Ashok Dhawale, Viju Krishnan and U. Vasuki -- will participate as observers. Central Committee members from Kerala, State Secretariat and State Committee members, district secretariat members and office-bearers of affiliated organisations will also be present. Unlike its conventional review process, the CPI(M) began its assessment from the grassroots after the election results. Usually, the State Committee prepares the initial review and circulates it among lower committees for discussion. This time, however, the party first collected the views of organisational units at different levels. The CPI(M) also sought direct feedback from members of the public to understand the reasons behind its defeat and perceptions about the partys performance. Those responses, internal discussions and guidelines issued by the Central Committee were incorporated into the review report. The State Committee subsequently examined and approved the document. It was then circulated among party units for further discussion. The final report and feedback gathered during that exercise will form the basis of the three-day deliberations in Kozhikode.
Don't agree with all his views, says Anwar Ibrahim on eve of meet with Kerala cleric
Devaswom begins wall construction at Madayipara to keep vehicles out
A stone boundary wall is being constructed along the road from Eripuram towards the Naval Academy to prevent vehicles from entering the ecologically preserved Madayipara
No one can silence scholars on matters of faith: Kanthapuram
Political Tensions Escalate Over Keralas Electricity Crisis
Political conflict intensifies in Kerala as former KSEB chairman criticizes ex-CM Pinarayi Vijayan over electricity supply agreements. Political Tensions Escalate Over Keralas Electricity Crisis
PM SHRI scheme rollout, IUML Opposition test Kerala CM
Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan faces challenges implementing the central PM SHRI school scheme. His ally, the IUML, has raised objections, delaying the decision-making process. A cabinet sub-committee was formed to discuss the scheme's implementation, but it has not yet met. The Union Education Ministry has urged the state government to decide on the scheme's adoption. Satheesan is now consulting allies and other Congress-ruled states for guidance.
Russians cast votes for Duma polls in Keralam capital
Russians cast votes for Duma polls in Keralam capital
Murali wants ESMA invoked to stop ambulance workers strike
Health Minister writes to Home Minister seeking steps to prevent strikes and ensure smooth operation of ambulance services. The Kerala State 108 Ambulance Employees Union has announced a 24-hour strike from 8 a.m. on September 17.
Murali wants ESMA invoked to stop ambulance workers strike
Health Minister writes to Home Minister seeking steps to prevent strikes and ensure smooth operation of ambulance services. The Kerala State 108 Ambulance Employees Union has announced a 24-hour strike from 8 a.m. on September 17.
Man in custody allegedly assaults cops in Kochi
The district continues to report the highest number of influenza cases in the State, while dengue and leptospirosis cases also persist
National Commission for Women Demands Report on Gruesome Murders in Kerala
The National Commission for Women has sought a report on the brutal murders of a woman and child in Attappady, Kerala, urging swift police action. National Commission for Women Demands Report on Gruesome Murders in Kerala
CPI to organise protest in Ernakulam against undeclared power cut
Keralam Chief Minister calls for timely legal amendments to face challenges posed by tech
The tendency to copy creative works and violate copyright has been rising with the advancement of technology, says V.D. Satheesan
Keralam Chief Minister calls for timely legal amendments to face challenges posed by tech
The tendency to copy creative works and violate copyright has been rising with the advancement of technology, says V.D. Satheesan
Electricity crisis an opportunity to find a solution, says Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan
The Chief Minister says the energy crisis is on the priority list of his government and that it is high time the State formulated a modern power policy
Electricity crisis an opportunity to find a solution, says Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan
The Chief Minister says the energy crisis is on the priority list of his government and that it is high time the State formulated a modern power policy
Deadlock among rebel Congress leaders opens door for KC(M) in Pala municipality
Rebel Congress councillors, whose alliance with the LDF helped wrest control of the municipality, have failed to reach a consensus on the municipal vice-chairpersons post despite multiple rounds of discussions. KC(M), which had earlier decided against staking claim to any post, mulls fielding candidate for the September 16 election
UDF against PM-SHRI, but options being examined, says Keralam Education Minister
While the UDF government is bound to consider the agreement signed by its predecessor, it does not imply that PM SHRI will be implemented, says Samsudheen
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday confirmed that the issue of extradition of fugitive Islamic preacher Zakir Naik did come up during discussions held with India on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit being held in New Delhi. In private discussions, of course, these engagements continue, Ibrahim, who held a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning, told NDTV in an exclusive interview while responding to a question on the whether the extradition issue came up for discussion during the meeting. We thought we should keep it very private to protect the interests of both nations. But we, of course, put it on the priority list for building trust and relationships between our countries, Ibrahim added. He noted that Malaysia needs to ensure the rule of law on the issue of extradition. We have some understanding of it (extradition demand), but we need to do it very cautiously, he said. Respect the rule of law and the importance of these bilateral relations. Controversial Indian Islamic preacher Zakir Naik currently lives in Malaysia as a permanent resident while remaining a wanted fugitive in India on charges of hate speech and money laundering. He moved to Malaysia in 2016 after investigations against him and his network, including the Islamic Research Foundation and Peace TV, were initiated by the Indian authorities. Naik was later granted permanent residency in Malaysia. A formal request has been submitted by India for his extradition and Malaysia has maintained that it will cooperate through established legal channels. The Malaysian PM also said that he does not agree with all the views of Kerala-based Islamic cleric Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliar, who recently stirred controversy with his remarks that women should remain confined to their homes and should not enter the public sphere. Ibrahim is scheduled to meet the cleric in Kozhikode on Sunday. The visiting PM said that he would tell the cleric to his face that Malaysia guarantees women equal rights. He also noted that Malaysia has more female students in their universities and highlighted that his wife is a medical doctor and their children, including the girls, have been given all the opportunities to study and to have freedom.
Argument over childs assault led to double murder in Keralams Attappady: police
Provat Das, a native of West Bengal, is accused of killing a 35-year-old woman and her four-year-old daughter
CPI(M), CPI deny political or legal variance on EDs attempt to target Pinarayi Vijayan
LDF will resist as one any Central agency seeking to play politics at the Centres behest, says CPI Keralam secretary Binoy Viswam
Keralam issues guidelines to remove unauthorised flex boards, initiate prosecution against offenders
The guidelines were issued based on the orders of the Kerala High Court, which has, at regular intervals, issued orders directing the complete removal of unauthorised banners, flex boards, flag decorations and similar materials installed in public places, roadsides, footpaths, handrails, centre medians and traffic islands in the State
Kerala power war turns personal as former KSEB chief hits back at Vijayan
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 12 (IANS) The political war over Kerala's worsening power crisis has taken a sharper turn with former KSEB Chairman B. Ashok launching an unusually strong attack on former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over the cancellation of the long-term power purchase agreements. IAS officer Ashok dismissed Vijayan's criticism of the cancellation as an attempt to blame officials for decisions taken during the previous LDF regime. He said the official records relating to the agreements were available and could establish the facts. There was no lapse on the part of KSEB officials in the matter, he asserted. The exchange, however, carries a backstory that goes beyond the present dispute over power procurement. Ashok, a 1998-batch IAS officer, had a particularly contentious relationship with the previous government. He was suspended by the Vijayan government in April this year following an interview in which he was alleged to have criticised the functioning of the then LDF government. The charges against him included speaking to the media without permission and allegedly tarnishing the image of the government. He remained under suspension for about one-and-a-half months before the newly elected V.D. Satheesan government reinstated him in June. Against this backdrop, Ashok's latest broadside against Vijayan assumes an added political significance. His sarcastic reference to memory lapses and his allegation that the former Chief Minister was trying to escape responsibility by blaming officials have given a personal edge to what is otherwise a technical dispute over power contracts. Vijayan, in a detailed Facebook post, had blamed the Oommen Chandy-led UDF government for the present power crisis and rejected the argument that the cancellation of the 465 MW long-term agreement under the previous LDF government was responsible for the shortage. The present Satheesan government has blamed this cancellation for the present night blackout, which has left people fuming, as during the decade-long Vijayan rule, power outages were rare. He said the original agreement, signed in 2015 during the previous UDF government, had legal deficiencies as it was entered into without prior approval from the regulatory commission or the government. The LDF government, he said, had subsequently fought to retain the agreement and even approached the Supreme Court. Vijayan also claimed that the LDF government had managed higher peak demand of around 6,100 MW without resorting to power cuts by purchasing electricity at higher rates and entering into power-swapping arrangements with other states. Ashok, however, argued that the present crisis reflected a failure of long-term planning, particularly the absence of adequate storage systems for renewable energy generated during the day for use at night. Vijayan has alleged that the UDF government is deliberately creating a power shortage to push the KSEB into a crisis and eventually facilitate privatisation of the electricity sector. Ashok, meanwhile, has maintained that such allegations cannot conceal the actual administrative and technical issues facing the state's power sector. With power shortages and the possibility of further restrictions already causing public concern, the Ashok-Vijayan confrontation is likely to keep the controversy alive, bringing back into focus not only the disputed power contracts but also the political and administrative battles that surrounded them.
Decision on PM SHRI soon as pressure mounts on Keralam govt.
Against the backdrop of the Centres letter seeking a decision at the earliest, Education Minister says Chief Minister will make an announcement. Muslim Youth League adopts resolution urging the government not to implement PM SHRI
Fund crunch puts Kozhikode Biological Park project hanging in the balance
The growing tourism prospects of Chakkittappara village prompted the previous State government to consider establishing a tiger safari park in the area. The decision to establish the park was taken on September 27, 2023, despite protests from a section of farmers and human rights activists.
Fund crunch puts Kozhikode Biological Park project hanging in the balance
The growing tourism prospects of Chakkittappara village prompted the previous State government to consider establishing a tiger safari park in the area. The decision to establish the park was taken on September 27, 2023, despite protests from a section of farmers and human rights activists.
700 g of hashish oil seized from interstate bus in Thrissur
Youth held during Operation Toofan inspection in Peechi; police probe interstate drug trafficking network
MSF student leader assaulted by gang in Chavakkad
The police launch probe after 21-year-old reportedly beaten up.
Kochi Corporation to restrict subsidy on biomedical waste collection amid opposition protest
All except exempted categories to pay 20 per kg plus GST; subsidised rate fixed at 12 per kg, reducing Corporations subsidy component to 8 from the earlier 28
Kochi Corporation to restrict subsidy on biomedical waste collection amid opposition protest
All except exempted categories to pay 20 per kg plus GST; subsidised rate fixed at 12 per kg, reducing Corporations subsidy component to 8 from the earlier 28
Accounting course equips armed forces personnel for post-retirement careers
The four-month course was conducted under the Directorate General of Resettlement, Ministry of Defence, and the Institute of Cost Accountants of India as part of an initiative to expand post-service employment opportunities for armed forces personnel.
Profcon calls for end to discrimination against women in professional education
he 30th Global Professional Students Conference (Profcon) at Ahalia Campus in Kanjikode, Palakkad, has spotlighted the pressing issue of discrimination against women in professional education, particularly during internships.
Dog vaccination key to ending rabies deaths, not routine vaccination of people: Study
Expanding vaccination coverage among dogs, rather than introducing routine pre-exposure rabies vaccination for children, is the most effective and cost-effective strategy to eliminate human rabies deaths in Kerala, according to a new study published ...
Ayyappa Paniker Foundation announces Kavya Drishyam reel competition
The competition aims to visualise poetic imagination against the backdrop of the digital age with the help of technology. The contest will accept entries shot on cameras or mobile phones, as well as those created using AI and animation technologies.
Kochi police deploy 15-member team to trace suspected Bangladeshi man
The team comprises cops from the Palarivattom station and members of the special operation groups from other stations
NCW seeks report from Kerala Police over double murder in Attappadi
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the reported gruesome murder of a woman and a child in Attappadi in Kerala's Palakkad district and sought a report from the state police within a week, an official said on Saturday. The severed and decomposed body parts of the victims were reportedly found stuffed in sacks and abandoned on the banks of the Bhavani river, as per a media report. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the Director General of Police, Kerala, seeking immediate apprehension of the suspect, identification of all possible accomplices, a thorough and impartial investigation, and preservation of forensic evidence, said an official statement. Necessary assistance and support to the victims families during the identification and legal process have also been sought, it said. The Commission has sought an Action Taken Report within seven days, underscoring that the life, dignity and safety of women and children must be protected without compromise. Meanwhile, a migrant worker from West Bengal has come under the police radar in connection with the gruesome killing of his wife and their five-year-old daughter, whose dismembered bodies were found stuffed into sacks and dumped on the banks of the river. Investigators suspect that the man, who had arrived in the area along with his wife and their young daughter around 25 days ago, could be behind their murders. Police have also learnt that the man had harboured suspicions about his wife, giving investigators a possible clue to the motive. The victims are suspected to be the man's wife and daughter. Police have also received information that the deceased were from West Bengal, strengthening the possibility that the case involves a migrant family. However, their identities are yet to be conclusively established. The investigation received a major breakthrough from one of the sacks used to dispose of the bodies. Police found indications from the writing on the sack that it had been brought from Coimbatore to a shop at Kottathara in Attappadi along with other goods. The batch and other markings on the sack are being examined to trace its exact source. The Puthur police have launched a detailed probe based on this lead and are checking wholesale and retail shops in Attappadi and along the Tamil Nadu border. CCTV footage is also being examined to establish who purchased or transported the sacks, the police said.
Mananchira Ground in Kozhikode to host District Collectors readers collective
According to official sources, the event will be held at 8 a.m. on September 13. Anyone interested in reading can join the collective.
Twin toddlers die after accidentally ingesting poison in Keralams Idukki
Preliminary findings indicate that the children accidentally ingested a pesticide, which is commonly used to control pests in cardamom plantations, according to the police
Twin toddlers die after accidentally ingesting poison in Keralams Idukki
Preliminary findings indicate that the children accidentally ingested a pesticide, which is commonly used to control pests in cardamom plantations, according to the police
Malaysian Prime Ministers visit: stringent traffic restrictions in Kozhikode on September 13
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to arrive at the Kozhikode International Airport at 6.30 p.m. on Sunday. He will be at the Markaz from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m., where he will receive the first Excellence Award instituted by the Sheikh Abubakr Foundation.
Political blame game over power crisis intensifies between Keralam government and Opposition
While the LDF has exploited the power crisis to portray its previous government in a better light for expedient political optics ahead of the upcoming byelections in 36 local body wards in the State, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has repeatedly sought to put the previous government on the hook for the crisis
Chittur farmers face crisis as Tamil Nadu releases less water than agreed: Krishnankutty
Keralam was supposed to receive 400 cubic feet of water during the current 15-day period, but only 100 cubic feet was being released into the Chittur River, according to the former Minister.
Chittur farmers face crisis as Tamil Nadu releases less water than agreed: Krishnankutty
Keralam was supposed to receive 400 cubic feet of water during the current 15-day period, but only 100 cubic feet was being released into the Chittur River, according to the former Minister.
KAU sets up coca garden to provide better saplings to farmers in Idukki
Kollam MP N.K. Premachandran urged the removal of operational obstacles for VB-GRAM G workers. He stressed the need for adjusting geofencing boundaries for smoother attendance tracking through the NMMS app.
437 couples to tie the knot at Guruvayur temple on Sunday
Chingams final Sunday to witness a massive wedding rush; elaborate arrangements in place
Two-day college union polls in University of Calicut this year
The authorities are all set to revamp the election rules, citing violent incidents on campuses and alleged violation of university laws
Social media abuse has crossed all limits: V.D. Satheesan
Political criticism is fair game, but targeting women and families is unacceptable, he says
Goodbye puffy pappadams? Why a new FSSAI rule has Kerala worried
Two youths drown in Achenkovil river
They were caught in a strong undercurrent while bathing near the bund.
Entries invited for Kavya Drishyam video and reels contest
1980s AI photo ChatGPT prompt: A new AI photo trend lets users turn their everyday pictures into vintage 1980s Malayalam movie style portraits, recreating the hero and heroine look of old Kerala cinema through detailed text prompts covering clothing, lighting and film grain, with more than 10 prompt ideas to try for solo and duo photos.
ESA protests driven by hidden agenda, allege environmental groups
Environmental groups assert that the ESA aims to protect biodiversity, mitigate climate change. The restrictions will preserve ecosystems and safeguard communities from natural disasters without disrupting local livelihoods.
ED cloud hangs over CPI-M poll review as three day meet begins tomorrow
Digital Desk | Kozhikode, Sep 12 (IANS) The CPI-Ms crucial three-day extended Kerala State Committee meeting formally begins in Kozhikode on Sunday, with the party set to undertake a detailed post-mortem of its electoral debacle amid renewed questions over the sway of Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The meeting assumes added significance as the Enforcement Directorates move seeking registration of an FIR in the alleged monthly payment case against the now-defunct IT company of his daughter Veena has put Vijayan at the centre of another political controversy. Yet, interestingly, Vijayan himself sought to keep the two issues apart when he faced the media on Saturday for the first time after the ED move surfaced. Asked whether the ED action would figure in the three-day deliberations, Vijayan shot back: What are you asking? It has got nothing to do with our meeting. Whether the ED issue remains outside the political mood of the meeting, however, will be closely watched. Coming just as the CPI-M prepares to review its worst electoral setback, the agency action has provided the party leadership with another reason to rally around Vijayan and portray him as the target of politically motivated central agency action. The leadership is keen to ensure that the review does not turn into an open trial of Vijayan. Electoral setbacks, organisational weaknesses, and the need for corrective measures are expected to come up, but senior leaders are unlikely to encourage personal attacks on the former Chief Minister. Around 90 per cent of the delegates are understood to be supportive of Vijayan, making any immediate challenge to his leadership unlikely. The positions of party veterans P. Jayarajan, A.N. Shamseer, and Thomas Isaac will therefore be watched closely. They could raise questions over the electoral defeat and functioning of the party, but an open attack on Vijayan is not expected. The party leadership is also expected to resist an extensive discussion on the monthly payment controversy, with Vijayan and legislator P.A. Mohammed Riyas (Veenas husband) having already given their explanations. The CPI, the second-biggest member in the Left Democratic Front, meanwhile, has adopted a more cautious position on the ED action. CPI state Secretary Binoy Viswam said he was not aware of all the details of the case involving Vijayan, but maintained that the Left would politically oppose any misuse of central agencies. The immediate challenge for the CPI-M, however, is to ensure that the poll review does not turn into a wider leadership debate. For Vijayan, the ED controversy may have altered the political backdrop to that debate. Whether it ultimately works to his advantage or merely adds another contentious issue to an already difficult review remains to be seen.
Was dancing better than Mohanlal and Vijay: CM Satheesan on viral AI video
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 12 (IANS) Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Saturday said he was stunned to see an AI-generated video showing him dancing with KSEB employees, but quipped that the technology had made him dance better than actor Mohanlal and his friend and Tamil Nadu counterpart Vijay. Satheesan was speaking after inaugurating a three-day seminar organised jointly by the Kerala Judicial Academy and the National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS). The seminar is discussing copyright protection in the film and music sectors and the challenges posed by digital technology. Referring to the viral video, Satheesan said technology had advanced so rapidly. I saw the video and found that I was dancing better than Mohanlal and my friend, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay. I was stunned and shocked, he said. The AI-generated video has gone viral on Instagram at a time when Kerala is witnessing a severe power crisis and widespread criticism over continuing power restrictions. The video shows Satheesan dancing alongside KSEB employees to Ala Bolelo, a song composed by Anirudh for the recently released Jailer 2. It was posted by the Instagram page which shares AI-generated videos mainly for entertainment. The creators have clarified in a disclaimer that the video is not intended to insult or defame anyone and is purely an entertainment-oriented creation. The video reportedly crossed 10 million views within a few hours of being posted. Bigg Boss contestant and filmmaker Akhil Marar also joined the humour, commenting that AI is in the Secretariat, but this is OG Pookki, an apparent reference to the power cuts. Thousands of users responded to the video, with several comments turning into criticism of the government and KSEB over the power situation. The power crisis has already spawned considerable online satire, with earlier videos mocking the restrictions through fake announcements such as Pookki Cut and Indira Cut. Meanwhile, Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph has said the crisis cannot be resolved simply by switching something on or off. He said there was no supernatural solution and attributed the situation partly to a sharp rise in night-time consumption. Satheesans remarks at a seminar on copyright and digital technology thus came with an unusual real-life example of how far AI-generated content has advanced.
Four Arrested for Gangrape of Woman in Keralam's Perambra
Four people were arrested for allegedly gangraping a woman at Perambra here, police said on Saturday.
Keralams Champions Boat League season six to begin on September 19
The sixth season will feature a series of 11 snake-boat races across the states picturesque backwaters and rivers
New 108 Ambulance Fleet To Hit Keralam Roads By Month-end: Health Minister
A new fleet of 108 ambulances will hit the roads across Keralam by the end of this month, Health Minister K Muraleedharan said on Saturday.
Power cuts deepen Kerala crisis, BJP questions cancellation of power deals
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 12 (IANS) Kerala's worsening power crisis, marked by recurring night-time power cuts across the state and indications that the disruptions could continue for weeks, has reignited political controversy over the cancellation of long-term power purchase agreements. The BJP has alleged that the state is now paying a heavy price for a decision taken during the previous Pinarayi Vijayan government, with the cancellation of low-cost power contracts resulting in an additional financial burden of more than Rs 2,130 crore. BJP national executive member Kummanam Rajasekharan alleged that the cancellation of the agreements was the result of a nexus between the then Pinarayi Vijayan government, former Power Minister K. Krishnankutty and the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission. The issue assumed greater significance at a time when households across Kerala are facing power cuts during the night. With the power situation remaining tight, the disruption is expected to continue in the coming weeks unless additional power is made available. Kummanam pointed out that under long-term agreements entered into with Jhabua Power and Jindal Power, Kerala, during the UDF government in 2014, was to receive 465 MW for 25 years at rates of Rs 4.26 to Rs 4.29 per unit. The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission cancelled the agreement in May 2023, citing procedural and technical issues. According to Kummanam, the cancellation deprived Kerala of relatively cheap contracted power and forced the KSEB to depend increasingly on power exchanges and other outside sources, where rates could rise sharply. He claimed the board had at times been forced to buy power at Rs 7 to Rs 10 per unit. He said official KSEB figures showed that the cancellation had already imposed an additional burden of more than Rs 2,130 crore on the board. Kummanam alleged that the government had failed to intervene despite warnings from then Chief Secretary Paul Antony and KSEB Chairman N.S. Pillai against cancelling the agreements. He also questioned the governments responsibility in view of the appointment of retired Additional Chief Secretary T.K. Jose as chairman of the regulatory commission through a Cabinet decision in November 2022. The BJP leader said there were options available to protect the agreements, including provisions under the DBFOO framework, but these were not effectively explored. Kummanam demanded a comprehensive probe into the cancellation of the agreements, the role of the regulatory commission and officials, and the decisions taken by the previous government. He also sought legal action if any wrongdoing or dereliction of duty was established.
Brain-dead Keralam Soldier's Organs Save 7 Lives, CM Hails Gesture
Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Saturday hailed the selflessness of a 30-year-old soldier from Kollam whose organ donation helped give a new lease of life to seven people.
Indian-origin woman arrested for killing 2 friends in US
An Indian-origin woman, Anila Baby, has been arrested in California for allegedly murdering two of her friends, Ann Mary Mathew and Anjana Hari, in separate incidents within 90 minutes. The victims, also of Indian origin from Kerala, were reportedly strangled and stabbed, and run over by a car. The motive remains under investigation, and Baby faces two counts of first-degree murder.
'Don't Agree With All His Views': Malaysia PM On Meeting Kerala Islamic Cleric
In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Anwar Ibrahim said he does not agree with all the views of Kerala-based Islamic cleric Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliar.
Frequent power outages leave Keralams EV owners anxious over charging woes
Residents from Kochi to Thiruvananthapuram express concerns over unpredictable power cuts. While some users are yet to feel the impact, others say it is already interrupting their charging schedules, leaving them anxious about their vehicles readiness for daily use. KSEB sources advise charging during off-peak hours.
Vijayan said non-BJP parties, including the Congress, had accused the ED of being a cats paw in the hands of the Centre to intimidate, harass and arm-twist political opponents. The EDs victims included Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. However, in Kerala, Congress leaders seemed to enthusiastically endorse the EDs attempts to target CPI(M)] leaders..
TTE Held For Molesting Woman On Train
A Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) was arrested in Kerala for allegedly molesting a woman passenger on the Nizamuddin Express. The incident occurred between Thrissur and Vallathol Nagar, and the accused, identified as Shiju, was apprehended after the woman alerted Railway Police. He was reportedly intoxicated during the incident.
Indian-origin woman held in California over killings of two Kerala friends
Indian-origin woman held in California over killings of two Kerala friends
Blind Cricket Asia Cup: Defending Champions India Name Probable Squad
Blind Cricket Asia Cup: The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) on Saturday named India's probable squad of 24 players for the 2026 Asia Cup in Dhaka as the defending champions look to bag a second title. The Men's Asia Cup 2026 for the Blind is the second edition of the tournament and returns after a decade-long gap due to logistical constraints. India's probable team of 24 will be reduced to a final 17-member squad after a national coaching and selection camp, which will include cricket training, fitness and conditioning sessions, tactical preparation, and practice matches. Meanwhile, the selection committee and coaching staff will analyse the 24 players on different aspects like performance, fitness, skills, and team combinations before a final squad list is announced. India won the inaugural Asia Cup in 2016 after defeating Pakistan in the final in Kochi, Kerala. Speaking on the return of the continental showpiece, CABI chairman Dr Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar emphasised that it is a 'significant moment'. The return of the Men's Blind Cricket Asia Cup after ten years is a significant moment for the entire blind cricket fraternity. We hold very special memories of the inaugural Asia Cup in Kochi in 2016, when India defeated Pakistan to become the first champions. Ten years later, we are excited to begin our title defence in Bangladesh. These 24 probables represent some of the finest blind cricketing talent from across India, and we look forward to selecting a strong, competitive team that will carry onto the field, he said. fraternity. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Naresh Tumda, Sanjay Kumar Shah, Debaraj Behera, Ashok Reddy, Praveen Kumar Sharma, Mukesh Kumar Rawat, Sayanth K B, Golu Kumar, Dunna Venkateshwarao, Rambir Singh, Lokesha, Manish Kumar, Nakula Badanayak, Deepak Singh Rawat, Snehith S Kumar, Irfan Diwan, Bhaskar K, Durga Rao Tompaki, Sunil Ramesh, Sukhram Majhi, A Ravi, Dinesh Rathva, Deepak, and Gambheer S Chauhan. Article Source: IANS
CIAL deploys robotic assistance for passenger convenience and travel ease
Cochin International Airport has introduced a passenger assistance robot service. This robot offers directions and real-time flight information to travelers. It also showcases Kerala's rich cultural heritage and local artworks. Future plans include deploying more robots in check-in areas and for deliveries. Pune-based Kinetics Robotics developed this innovative assistance robot.
Kerala CM Seeks Legal Changes To Tackle Piracy, AI Challenges
Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan has called for changes in existing laws to strengthen copyright protection and address emerging challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI).
Keralam Power Crisis: Govt, Oppn Trade Charges Over Shortage
The Congress-led UDF government and opposition on Saturday traded charges over the ongoing power crisis in Keralam, with Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph blaming the previous LDF government for the situation.
Power Cuts Resurface in Kerala, Challenging V.D. Satheesans Government
Kerala faces a resurgence of power cuts after a decade, intensifying political pressure on Chief Minister V.D. Satheesans government. Power Cuts Resurface in Kerala, Challenging V.D. Satheesans Government
Food Prices At Kerala Multiplexes Face Government Checks After Complaints, 25 Violations Detected
Officials found 25 violations during the inspections, including differences in the actual weight of food products, poor quality of food being served and more.
Rights panel orders rehabilitation after Vaniyampuzha tribal families spend 7 years in plastic tents
The commission registered a suo motu case following a detailed report in The Hindu on the tribal families living in plastic tents since the August 2019 floods destroyed their homes
Karnataka Seizes 680 Bags of Subsidized Fertilizer Destined for Kerala
Karnataka authorities have seized 680 bags of subsidized fertilizer worth 18 lakh, suspected to be illegally sent to Kerala. Karnataka Seizes 680 Bags of Subsidized Fertilizer Destined for Kerala
Keralam power crisis: Government, Oppn trade charges over shortage
Kerala's ruling UDF and opposition LDF governments are exchanging accusations regarding the current power shortage. Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph blamed the previous LDF administration for cancelling a long-term power purchase agreement. CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan rejected these claims, citing legal issues with the original deal. He stated the LDF government managed power availability effectively without imposing cuts. Both sides point to past decisions impacting the state's present energy situation.
New Delhi , September 12: Malaysia and Ethiopia have expressed their keenness for stronger defence cooperation with India on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit 2026, sources stated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed Ali at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, followed by meetings with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The meetings took Indias relations with the countries on a new trajectory. The leaders discussed joint personnel training as well as defence procurement from India. Both countries welcomed Indian industry and investment. According to sources, Ethiopia especially welcomed Indian mining companies. Meanwhile, Semiconductor opportunities were discussed with Malaysia. According to MEA, PM Modi and his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, built further on PM Modis visit to Malaysia in February 2026, and reviewed the progress in bilateral cooperation across a range of areas, including trade and investment, defence and security, semiconductors, infrastructure, digital economy, energy, fintech, education, tourism and people-to-people ties. The leaders exchanged views on key regional and global issues of mutual interest. Malaysia's participation in the BRICS Leaders' Summit in New Delhi is in its capacity as a BRICS Partner Country, on the invitation of PM Modi. The Summit is the highest-level platform of BRICS, bringing together Heads of State and Government of BRICS Member and Partner Countries to discuss strategic issues relating to global governance, sustainable development, economic cooperation, trade and investment, digital transformation, and global challenges affecting developing countries, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. During his visit, Ibrahim is also scheduled to visit Keralam, where he will meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister VD Satheesan and the Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, to exchange perspectives on community development, educational advancement, and interfaith harmony. Meanwhile, with Abiy Ahmed Ali, PM Modi discussed avenues to further strengthen the India-Ethiopia Strategic Partnership across sectors including economic, defence and security sectors. Both reiterated their collective voice for the Global South, as per the MEA. Both leaders also exchanged perspectives on regional and international developments of mutual interest.
680 bags of subsidised fertiliser seized in Karnataka, Kerala diversion suspected
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 12 (IANS)Karnataka's Agriculture Department has seized 680 bags of subsidised fertiliser worth around Rs 18 lakh near Siruguppa in Ballari district, with preliminary investigations indicating that the stock was being diverted to Kerala, officials said on Saturday. The department's vigilance squad conducted a late-night raid on Thursday, following directions from Agriculture Minister P.M. Narendra Swamy to intensify action against the illegal trade and diversion of agricultural inputs. According to the department, officials intercepted a lorry near Siruguppa and seized 680 bags of fertiliser suspected of being transported illegally outside Karnataka. Preliminary findings suggest that the subsidised fertiliser had been procured from a distributor and was being moved to industrial units in Kerala. A police complaint has been lodged in connection with the case. The department said the crackdown forms part of a wider drive to curb the sale of substandard seeds and pesticides, as well as the illegal stocking and black-market sale of fertilisers. According to the department, agricultural inputs worth a total of Rs 2.88 crore, including seeds, fertilisers and pesticides, were seized during the past month. A total of 49 cases have been registered in connection with the violations. The department said 113.05 quintals of seeds valued at Rs 50.22 lakh were seized during the period. Of these, seeds worth Rs 50.13 lakh were found to have been sold without valid licences. Paddy and maize seeds were seized in Chikkaballapur, Hassan and K.R. Pet in Mandya district. The department also seized 487.8 metric tonnes of fertilisers valued at Rs 1.89 crore. Among the major seizures was 86.2 metric tonnes of subsidised urea worth Rs 51.52 lakh, which had allegedly been stocked for transportation for non-agricultural purposes. The urea was seized in Kalaburagi and Ballari districts. In another case, 139.02 metric tonnes of mixed fertilisers valued at Rs 86.49 lakh were seized for being stocked without a valid licence. A case has been filed before a court in Davanagere district in connection with the seizure. The department also seized 2,640 litres of bio-products valued at Rs 9.12 lakh and 662.9 litres and 2,492 kg of pesticides worth Rs 49.46 lakh. Officials also seized pesticides worth Rs 32.24 lakh, comprising 375 litres and 1,982 kg, in Koppal, Raichur and Vijayapura districts. The pesticides were allegedly being sold without being included in the relevant licence and included expired products. The Agriculture Department said vigilance and enforcement operations would continue across the state to prevent the illegal diversion and sale of agricultural inputs and ensure that farmers receive quality seeds, fertilisers and pesticides.
PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim at Hyderabad House
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, held a bilateral meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit. During this meeting, both leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in defence, trade, digital technologies, semiconductors, etc. The Malaysian PM arrived in New Delhi on Friday to attend the 18th BRICS Summit. He was warmly received by the Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, at the airport. Extending a warm welcome to Malaysian PM Ibrahim, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on X, India and Malaysia share close and longstanding ties, marked by growing cooperation across trade, investment, digital economy, defence and security. The visit builds on the momentum of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Malaysia earlier this year. As BRICS chair in 2026, India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, bringing together leaders of BRICS members, partner countries and outreach invitees. BRICS comprises Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. BRICS partner countries are: Belarus, Cuba, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. Meanwhile, during his visit, the Malaysian PM will travel to Kerala to meet India's Grand Mufti. I and the Malaysian delegation departed for New Delhi, India, to attend the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit. I am also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister of India, the President of Russia, Iran, and Kazakhstan, as well as the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Ibrahim posted on X. My itinerary in India also includes a visit to Kerala to meet the Grand Mufti of India to exchange views on community development, education, and religious affairs. Following the Diplomatic Mission in India, I will then proceed to Male, Maldives, to undertake an official visit at the invitation of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. May all matters be facilitated and this visit bring tangible benefits to the people and the nation, he added.
Dog vaccination could save more lives than routine child PrEP in Keralam, says study
The comprehensive vaccination of dogs, combined with improved post-bite treatment and efforts to close gaps in PEP, could reduce rabies deaths by 83% compared to the current strategy, the study says
Back to my era: PT Usha revisits her iconic track days amid viral 80s trend
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) Four decades after she became one of the defining faces of Indian athletics, legendary sprinter and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President P.T. Usha took a nostalgic trip down memory lane on social media, sharing photographs from her track days as she joined the ongoing fascination with all things 1980s. Heard the 80s are trending again, so I thought Id take you back to my era, Usha captioned the post, accompanying it with photographs from the period that established her as one of Indias most celebrated athletes. These photographs provide a glimpse of the time when Usha, famously known as the Payyoli Express, was setting new records on the track. She participated in three Olympic Games: Moscow in 1980, Los Angeles in 1984, and Seoul in 1988, and made history as the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic athletics final. In the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, she narrowly missed winning a medal in the 400m hurdles, finishing fourth. Her accomplishments went far beyond the Olympics. Usha secured India's first athletics medal at the 1982 Asian Games and then shined at the 1986 Asian Games in Seoul, claiming four gold medals. Ushas journey didn't conclude after she left competitive athletics. She transitioned into sports administration, dedicating herself to fostering the next wave of Indian athletes. Additionally, she has been involved with the Usha School of Athletics, an institution committed to developing young track-and-field talent in Kozhikode, Kerala. Her public profile grew in 2022 when she was nominated to the Rajya Sabha. In December, she was elected unopposed as president of IOA, making her the first woman to lead the nation's top Olympic organisation. Usha remains in the IOAs leadership position as the organisation gears up for a significant governance transition ahead of the upcoming elections later this year. Her current duties go well beyond the athletics track, covering the management and representation of Indian sports at major international events. The 80s trend has gained renewed popularity on social media recently, with users exploring the decade through vintage photos, fashion, music, and pop culture icons. Instead of just reminiscing, this trend repurposes old photographs to help younger users, who mostly know the era through archives and nostalgia, reconnect with that period. For Usha, however, the 1980s are not merely a retro aesthetic. They represent the years in which she established herself as a trailblazer, a legacy she has carried from the track into Indian sports administration.
Pawan Kalyan Offers Special Prayers At Triprayar Sree Rama Temple In Keralam
Pawan Kalyan also made a donation towards a day's Deeparadhana service. Following the prayers, the temple's head priest offered him holy water, prasadam and blessings.
1980s AI Photo trend: 5 ChatGPT prompts to create Kerala-style retro images
A social media trend uses ChatGPT to recreate photos in 1980s styles. Users are now focusing on regional aesthetics, specifically 1980s Kerala and Malayali culture. Prompts request authentic family, wedding, college, and studio portraits from the period. These images incorporate traditional clothing, jewellery, and home settings from Kerala. The AI maintains recognizable facial features while adding retro photographic elements.
Gujarat, UP, MP, Mizoram achieve 100 pc HPV vaccination coverage
Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram have achieved 100-per cent coverage of their respective identified target populations under the National HPV Vaccination Campaign, while Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Assam have crossed 90-per cent coverage, the Union health ministry said on Friday. Karnataka has achieved more than 85-per cent coverage, while Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, Kerala, Telangana 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 .
JK Congress chief criticises CM Omar Abdullah over Vande Mataram remarks
Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra on Friday criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for saying that failure to comply with the Centres direction on singing the full version of Vande Mataram could land Kashmiris in jail, calling his remarks highly unfortunate and detached from reality. Earlier, while reacting to the controversy over the full version of the national song being played at a film festival, Abdullah asserted that it was a statutory requirement, and questioned whether the Congress wanted Kashmiris to be jailed. In response, Karra pointed out that Keralam had decided to sing only the first two stanzas and that no one was put behind bars. Omar Abdullah sahib's comment is detached from reality and, therefore, highly unfortunate, he said. Differences among the alliance partners cropped up after Congress slammed the ruling National Conference over the full rendition of the national song played at the inauguration of the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) here. Abdullah defended the move, saying that the issue was needlessly politicised. The chief minister had said that legally, wherever the national anthem is played, all six stanzas of Vande Mataram have been made mandatory. This is not just for Jammu and Kashmir; it applies across the entire country. In states governed by Congress, the same will happen at government functions. This is now a statutory obligation, he said. Does Congress want Kashmiris to be thrown in jail on this issue? he added. The CM said his party had not adopted the full song and has no objection if the Congress revokes it in the future once it comes to power. When Congress comes to power, and I pray they come to power as soon as possible, they can revoke this in Parliament. Let them do it, we have no objection. In fact, as a party, we have never adopted Vande Mataram, and we won't adopt it in the future either. But whatever our legal and statutory obligations are, we have to fulfill them, he said. Pushing back at the CM's assertion, Karra questioned why Abdullah had framed the controversy around the general population. How did the people of Jammu & Kashmir come into the picture when our expectations were clearly and exclusively from the Government of Jammu & Kashmir? Karra asked, asserting that the public had no role in the debate and that the onus remained squarely on the government to stand upright. Karra drew parallels with other non-BJP-ruled states to challenge the chief minister's stance on statutory compliance. But since Omar Sahib has raised the issue, it begs two questions: One, did a single person in Kerala go to jail when its government chose to sing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at the Independence Day parade? And second, are we wrong to expect our Hon'ble CM to be equally capable of standing up for secular and inclusive values as the CMs of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and now even Karnataka and Telangana have done by limiting Vande Mataram to first two stanzas at state events? he asked. Karra said the IFFJK was a state event organised jointly by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), J&K, and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), and it was inaugurated by Chief Minister Abdullah himself. So, who else was or wasn't present is irrelevant, it is a superfluous detail meant only to distract from the core issue, he added.
Best of BS Opinion: Why AI should worry us more than nuclear weapons
Today's opinions examine AI as a global security and jobs risk, Kerala's new government, India's vulnerabilities within Brics and the valuation challenge in family-business succession.
Alliance rift deepens over Vande Mataram row: J
Says Omars comment detached from reality Did anyone go to jail in Kerala? Srinagar, Sep 11: Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra on Friday criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for saying that failure to comply with the Centres direction on singing the full version of Vande Mataram could land Kashmiris in jail, calling []
Tensions Rise Between Kerala PSC and Crime Branch Over SIT Inquiry
A potential clash emerges as Kerala PSC members refuse to cooperate with a Crime Branch inquiry related to exam irregularities. Tensions Rise Between Kerala PSC and Crime Branch Over SIT Inquiry
