Kerala News
View News by News Source
Endless ordeal: On the Kerala actor rape case
Bringing all conspirators to justice is a must to build faith in the system
Confusion Theerkkaname: Jam sessions to jettison the blues, jazz up your evenings
6th Avenue in Anna Nagar, Chennai. A pale November evening. The room glows softly; chairs lie scattered; someone tunes a guitar, someone adjusts a mic. From the faint ripple of human chatter, a lone voice rises. A gentle hum follows from the rear of the room, and soon several voices begin to sing. Many pick up the same lines imperfect, but wholly invested. The spirit lifts with the music. Welcome to a jam session. Here, music doesnt merely fill a space it stirs a quiet sense of belonging. Here, a group of Keralites feel at home in Chennai, thanks to blessed music. Vaishakha sandhye / Nin chundilenthe / Aruma sakhithan / Adhara kaanthiyo . The song from the 1987 film Nadodikkattu , rendered by KJ Yesudas, fills the air. Many more follow with shifting rhythms and beats Shanthamee Rathriyil / Vaadyaghoshadikal Konduvaa / Oho Konduvaa from Johnnie Walker starring Mammootty, and Confusion Theerkkaname / Ente Confusion Theerkkanamee , sung by MG Sreekumar in the Jayaram-starrer Summer in Bethlehem . Hours pass, cradled by music and in the arms of bittersweet memories, before the time comes to part for the day. One steps out into darkness, into harsh reality, into the swirl of Chennai traffic, and into the humdrum of existence. Jam sessions are popular in cities like Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, and they are gaining ground in Chennai too. Among people who spend most of their time glued to computer screens and commuting to and from work, there is a craving for belongingto stay connected, to dispel loneliness, to feel at home. Jam sessions offer an answer. The term jam session likely originated in the 1920s jazz scene, when white and Black musicians would gather after their regular paying gigs to play the jazz they couldnt perform in the Paul Whitemanstyle bands they worked in. When Bing Crosby attended these gatherings, the musicians would say he was jammin the beat, because he clapped on the one and the three. Jam sessions are popular in cities like Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, and they are gaining ground in Chennai too. A jam session is a musical gathering where musicians come together to play, improvise, and experiment without following a rigid structure. It begins with a few musicians picking up a song, and soon the whole group joins insinging, clapping, or adding their own musical bitsturning it into a lively, free-flowing experience. Organisers of a recent session in Chennai say the formats popularity has grown rapidly in recent years. Vishwas KP, founder of Do With LIT, a music community based in Bengaluru, said the rise accelerated after Covid-19 as people are more willing to spend on experiences. He added, Before jamming, there were only two kinds of showsone in pubs with live music or DJs, and the second was concerts by big musicians, which are not very interactive. There were many people who werent comfortable with eitherpeople who dont like going to pubs, and people who dont enjoy concerts. There was a middle ground that needed to be filled. According to Vishwas, jam sessions do more than bring music lovers together; they create friendships. Music is something that binds people together. Ive seen it first-hand in my events many people have become very close friends, and I myself have found close friends I didnt know earlier. Divya, the co-founder of Make Some Occha, a mixed-mic community that organises jamming sessions, open mics, and curated events, shared how she started the community with her friend Thejus. She said they wanted to create a space where people could express art and connect with each other. We were fully into corporate jobs, and we realised wed lost our creative side somewhere we wanted a platform for people who have left their homes to express their creativity and form new connections. People are leaving their homes and coming into new, uncomfortable situations, she added. They need to find new friends. So were creating a space where you can randomly come and sit, sing, dance, laugh with no judgement. Divya noted that while the crowd initially consisted mostly of young professionals, it has now expanded to include children, older adults, and families. Vishwas added that about 80 per cent of attendees are between 25 and 35 years old, but they also see groups in their 50s and 60s enjoying the sessions, along with an increasing number of families. While organisers create the environment, it is the attendees who bring it to life. For many, the sessions offer connection, comfort, and nostalgia. While organisers create the environment, it is the attendees who bring it to life. For Reshma, a Malayali architect working in Chennai, the jamming session she attended was deeply nostalgic. There is nothing as comforting and nostalgic as your mother tongue, she said. Songs take us to memories by default; they make you feel connected sentimentally. As someone living in Chennai for the past eight years, listening to old Malayalam songs feels like a slice of home. Between her words, the songs echoed that spirit. As someone strummed the opening chords of an old Malayalam song, heads lifted instantly. Music turned the space into something familiaralmost home. For Shibil, who performed at an open mic, the events help bridge emotional distance. When youre away from home, you have a disconnected feeling. Attending events like this brings back your memories of home. Its a good place to make new connections. The night grew warmer as voices overlapped, rising and settling like waves. For a moment, the room felt less like a hall and more like a living room back home. Liz, a media coordinator in Chennai, discovered one such programme through BookMyShow. This is definitely a place to make new friends. Even if youre alone, you can meet new people here, she said. In a place like Chennai, with such a large immigrant population, more shows like this should be conducted. Im sure more people will join. Vishwas agreed that Chennai offers strong opportunities. Compared to Bengaluru, Chennai has fewer jamming events, and more people here are interested in music There should be more jamming events in Chennai and more groups providing these experiences, because weve seen in our events that people in Chennai absolutely love their music. He said that jamming sessions in Chennai are still new and evolving but have the potential to become mainstream. Badhri Seshadri, founder of Motta Maadi Music, one of Chennais earliest jamming communities, said the city has played a major role in the ventures success. People in Chennai are always so culturally inclined that when something new comes up, they never say no to it. They want to try it and then its up to the performer to maintain the momentum. He also noted that street performances have evolved into musicians using popular public spots to jam, reflecting the citys vibrant music scene. According to him, these sessions thrive not only because the city supports them, but also because generations of Tamil film music legends have created enduring songs that continue to fuel todays jams. Another attendee, Anupama, described the experience as emotional. Malayalam is my mother tongue. I think, speak, and process emotions in Malayalam. Old Malayalam movies and songs take me back to my native soil. Music has that magic I cant really explain, she said. When I heard about a Malayalam jamming session, I was thrilled. Ever since I left home, Ive hung out with many friends but when it comes to music and movies, Ive always felt like an outsider. But jamming old Malayalam songs with people Id never met felt like attending a function with my cousins. Just like that, we were transported home by the lyrics and music. It was sterling nostalgia. As jam sessions spread across cities, they are doing more than bringing music to life they are bringing people together. Through familiar lyrics and melodies, people are finding comfort, friendship, and a fleeting, powerful sense of home far from home.
Supreme Court stays Kerala HC declaration on Munambam land
Court clarifies it has not stayed the direction of the High Court upholding the government order appointing an inquiry commission to ascertain ownership of the disputed area
No delay by CMs office on molestation plaint against filmmaker Kunju Muhammad: LDF convener
Counting of votes in Kerala local body elections to be held on December 13
Kozhikode Corporation Council bids farewell as term nears end
The current council will stay in office until the new one takes charge, possibly before December 20; Mayor Beena Philip highlighted the councils achievements over five years, while opposition councillors voiced regret over projects that had stalled
Court calls for fair reporting of court proceedings
When the court convened on Friday to decide on the quantum of punishment for the convicts in the 2017 actor rape case, an exasperated Honey M. Varghese, the Principal Sessions Judge, suggested fair reporting of court proceedings and balanced comments without slandering the judicial system
CPI(M) unleashing violence out of fear of defeat, says KPCC president Sunny Joseph
CPI(M) workers targeted United Democratic Front (UDF) candidates and booth agents on the polling day and afterwards, with even women candidates getting brutally assaulted, alleges KPCC president
Attempts to defame Kerala using art are being honoured, says CM
High vector indices signal dengue alarm in Thiruvananthapuram district
Rise in mosquito density is a clear indication that dengue cases can spike any time, say senior Health officials
7th edition of Huddle Global start-up fest kicks off in Kerala
GCDA exploring possibility of publicising quantum of stadium renovation works and its cost
The GCDA had identified 13 renovation works to be either completed or are at various stages of progress by the sponsor while taking possession of the stadium
Kerala Excise nabs key suspect in international drug racket
The suspect was nabbed from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi
Participation surge for Young Innovators Programme 8.0
Student registrations for college and higher education categories see threefold increase compared to previous cohorts
Kannur set for counting amid tight security
Study flags sector-specific gaps in Indias ESG push
Collaborative research by Kerala University and the Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal, publishes the findings
Sabarimala gold missing case: HC reserves order on bail plea of Murari Babu
Major fronts are expecting a stunning victory in Idukki
While UDF is hoping to reclaim its stronghold, LDF is expecting to continue its 2020 local body election victory in the district. NDA too is hoping to deepen its influence
AMMA is with the survivor, says actor Shwetha Menon
All set for vote counting across 25 centres in Thrissur
LDF banks on a decade of development; UDF senses anti-incumbency wave; NDA claims edge in low-turnout Corporation battle
Actor rape case convicts get 20 years rigorous imprisonment
The six convicts awarded life imprisonment on two counts for gang rape (IPC 376 D) and criminal conspiracy [IPC 120 (b)] among other punishments. All the punishments of the convicts will run concurrently. The number of days they were imprisoned during the pendency of the trial will be deducted from the 20-year jail term, the court announced
Watch: Pulsar Suni and five others convicted, sentenced to 20 years in Kerala actor assault case
Pulsar Suni and five others in the 2017 Kerala actor abduction and sexual assault case were sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. Each was fined 50,000, and the survivor was awarded 5 lakh. The Ernakulam Special Court held all six guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping, and gang rape. Judge Honey M. Varghese said the case did not warrant the maximum sentence. The ruling came three days after Malayalam actor Dileep was acquitted.
Votes to be counted in 16 centres in Kollam
Counting centre for Kollam Corporation will be Thevalli Boys Higher Secondary School
High security in place to ensure peaceful counting in Kozhikode
The support of more than 7,000 police officers will be ensured across the district to maintain law and order
Inmate found dead in Poojappura Central Prison
IFFK 2025: A tale of sisterhood in the rap world
Spanish-Mexican film Ruido chronicles the struggles of an African teen in Barcelona, keen to make a mark in rap. Rock-solid support from women propel her to success, surmounting racist, sexist barriers
Pallium India celebrates foundation day
Counting to be held at 20 centres in Kozhikode
There are 12 block-level centres to count the votes of grama panchayats and one centre each for seven municipalities; Government Vocational Higher Secondary School for Girls, Nadakkavu, is the counting centre for the Kozhikode Corporation
Kerala HC dismisses appeals against Malayalam film Haal
Petitions were against a single judges decision that had set aside the A-certification issued by the CBFC to Haal
Stray dog crisis in Kollam takes a political turn
Amid rising dog bite incidents and rabies-related deaths, the Opposition slams the ruling coalition for its failure in implementing effective animal control measures during campaigning for the local body elections.
Kerala 2017 actress assault case: 6 convicts get 20 years of jail and fine
A Kerala court has sentenced Pulsar Suni and five others to 20 years in prison for the 2017 actress assault case, while ordering Rs 5 lakh compensation for the victim. Actor Dileep, accused of conspiracy, was acquitted after a six-year trial
Each convict was also fined Rs 50,000, with an extra year in prison if the fine isnt paid
Kerala Local Body Polls: Results To Be Declared On Saturday
The results of the key 2025 local body polls in Kerala will be declared on Saturday when the ballots cast by over two crore voters will be counted at 244 centres and 14 district collectorates.
2017 Kerala Actor Assault Case: Six Convicts Sentenced To 20 Years Of Rigorous Imprisonment
A Kerala court sentenced Sunil NS, Martin Antony, Manikandan B., Vijesh VP, Salim H., and Pradeep to 20 years for the 2017 actress assault.
Kerala actor rape case: 6 sentenced to 20 years
The Ernakulam Additional Special Sessions Court sentenced gangster Pulsar Suni and five others to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment in the 2017 Kerala actor abduction and sexual assault case on Friday.
'Don't Distort Court Proceedings': Kerala Judge's Warning During 2017 Actress Assault Trial
Justice Honey Varghese acquitted Malayalam actor Dileep in a 2017 gang rape case involving a South Indian actress, while finding six others guilty.
Rahul Gandhi adamant on proving himself 'jhooth ki dukan': BJP
NEW DELHI: The BJP on Friday called Congress MP Rahul Gandhi jhooth ki dukan and said he along with others in the opposition benches was looking away when the Congress was exposed by the treasury benches under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah during debates on Vande Mataram and election reforms in Parliament. This came after Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, hailed his party members' performance during the debates on the two topics in both Houses of Parliament, and claimed that the government was taken to the cleaners by the opposition. Hitting back, BJP national spokesperson Prem Shukla said, Rahul Gandhi says the opposition ripped the BJP members apart (dhajjiyan uda di). On the contrary, Rahul Gandhi and others in the opposition were looking away when the Congress was exposed with proof by the members of the treasury benches under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah during the debates on Vande Mataram and Election Reforms. The entire country saw it... Rahul Gandhi is adamant on proving himself to be a 'jhooth ki dukan' (shop of lies), he told reporters at the BJP headquarters here. The BJP spokesperson said the country also saw how the entire opposition fled from the Lok Sabha the moment Shah eiterated the Modi government's esolve to drive the 'ghuspaithiyas' (infiltrators) out of the country. The entire country saw how Rahul Gandhi and the members of the other opposition parties were ripped apart on the issue of 'ghuspaithiyas', he added. Shukla said that Shah told Parliament during debates on the two topics with proof as to how Jawaharlal Nehru, the country's first prime minister, compromised on the issue of Vande Mataram's stanzas in the original version of the national song. Intervening in the discussion on Election reforms, the Union home minister also gave a logical and evidence-based rebuttal to the opposition's allegations against the Special Intensive Review (SIR) of the electoral rolls by the Election Commission, the BJP spokesperson said. The Congress is not in a position to counter his (Shah's) response, he added. The BJP spokesperson also slammed the leader of the opposition over his remarks that Shah got scared by the opposition attack, and said, Rahul Gandhi, you feel scared and you have accepted it. When Sonia Gandhi was named the Congress president post, both the son and the daughter were scared of what would happen if she was made president of the party, Shukla claimed in an apparent reference to Gandhi and his sister Priyank Gandhi Vadra, who is now an MP from Kerala's Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency. Amit Shah was not scared even when the erstwhile UPA government remained busy day and night in conspiring to implicate him and Narendra Modi, then chief minister of Gujarat, in false cases, he added. The BJP spokesperson also took a swipe at the Congress over the absence of its MP Shashi Tharoor in Gandhi's meeting with the party's Lok Sabha members in the Parliament House complex on Friday, saying, All Congress leaders are preparing to leave the Congress' sinking ship. Tharoor could not attend the meeting as he was travelling out of the station. The BJP spokesperson alleged, The Congress is a sinking ship with no visible possibility of its survival. All the Congress leaders keep talking about the party's fate, he said. But I don't know how Rahul Gandhi is living with such arrogance. He says, 'paksh ki dhajjiyan uda di (his party members ripped the government apart), he added.
Vigilance court rejects ex-TDB chief Padmakumars bail plea in Sabarimala gold case
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kollam Vigilance court has turned down the bail plea of former Travancore Devaswom Board president and ex-MLA A Padmakumar , who has been arrested in the Sabarimala gold theft case . A former MLA from Konni and CPM Pathanamthitta district committee member, Padmakumar was arrested on November 20 by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with the theft of gold from the door frames of the sanctum sanctorum. Padmakumars counsel argued that his custody was no longer required in the investigation and that the decision to allow moving the gold-plated sheets to outside for maintenance was a collective decision taken by the board. The prosecution vehemently objected to the bail plea following which the court turned it down. The police had earlier listed the board of 2019 as the eighth accused in the case pertaining to theft of gold from the door frame of the sreekovil. Padmakumar was the TDB president when the alleged offence took place. The co-accused in the case, who were arrested earlier, had reportedly testified that Padmakumar took a final call on moving the artefacts from the temple to Chennai. According to the SIT, Padmakumar had recorded the gold-plated copper sheets of the dwarapalaka idols and the door frames as copper in official records. The SIT had also claimed that the prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti shared close ties with Padmakumar. The SIT has so far arrested six people, including former TDB president N Vasu, former Sabarimala administrative officer Murari Babu, former executive officer Sudheesh Kumar, middleman Potti and former Thiruvabharana Commissioner K S Biju. Sabarimala gold theft case: Fall from grace for ex-TDB chief Padmakumar from Pathanamthitta
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.
Sabarimala gold theft case: Vigilance court denies former TDB president A. Padmakumar bail
Court accepts the prosecutions argument that there was sufficient evidence to prove the CPI(M) leaders role in the suspected gold theft
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.
Dramatic scenes in court as actor abduction case awaits sentencing at 3.30 pm today
KOCHI: The verdict on the quantum of punishment for the six convicted men will be pronounced at 3:30 pm, following intense arguments from both the prosecution and defence earlier in the day. Tense and emotional scenes unfolded at the Ernakulam District and Sessions Court on Friday as the trial court prepared to deliver its judgment in the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case. The long-running trial saw multiple rounds of evidence, witness statements, and legal challenges before the court found the six guilty earlier this week. Sentencing is expected to conclude the latest phase of the case, which continues to draw widespread public attention. By 10:15 a.m., District and Sessions Court Judge Honey M Varghese, Special Public Prosecutor Ajakumar, survivors counsel T B Mini, and the defence teams representing accused A1 to A6 had assembled in court. The accused, brought under heavy police escort from Viyyur Central Jail, sat through proceedings as the prosecution pressed for life imprisonment for all six, calling it a gang-rape case warranting the strongest message to society. The defence countered that sentencing must align with the individual roles and past conduct of each accused. The court, too, questioned the prosecutions demand for identical punishment. Shouldn't one accused be given the maximum sentence and the others the minimum? The sentence should be decided after considering the accused persons past background, the judge observed, adding later: Are we writing this judgment for the sake of society? Judge Varghese also instructed advocates and journalists to report the case with caution. The judges past can be examined, but the courts directions must be strictly followed, she said. Inside the packed courtroom, several accused broke down while addressing the court personally. Pulsar Suni (A1): My mother is the only person I have. His counsel argued that compared to the Nirbhaya case, this incident was relatively minor and sought a reduced sentence. Martin (A2), in tears, said: I havent committed any crime Ive never had even a petty case against me. Yet I was jailed for five and a half years. My parents are unwell. Manikandan (A3) said: I never planned anything with the others. My wife, nine-year-old daughter, and two-and-a-half-year-old son depend solely on me. Vijeesh (A4) requested a reduced sentence and asked to be shifted to Kannur jail, while Salim (A5) and Pradeep (A6) reiterated they had no involvement. The court noted that only the first accused committed the rape, and said this must factor into determining sentences for the remaining five. The prosecution maintained that A1 could not have assaulted without the coordinated support of the others. All the accused should be given the maximum punishment, the prosecutor insisted. The magistrate also remarked that several contempt petitions linked to public comments on the case were pending and would be heard on December 18. The accused have undergone long periods of imprisonment during the course of the trial: A1 Sunil N.S. ~7 years; A2 Martin ~7 years; A3 Manikandan ~3.5 years; A4 Vijeesh ~3.5 years; A5 Salim ~2 years; A6 Pradeep ~2 years. Dileep seeks the return of the passport Meanwhile, Malayalam actor Dileep, who was acquitted in the same case by the Principal Sessions Court, appeared before Judge Honey M. Varghese to seek the release of his passport, which he had surrendered as part of his earlier bail conditions. The court said the plea would be considered after roll call. Following the morning session, the court broke for lunch and will reconvene for the sentencing order at 3.30 p.m. today.
Supreme Court stays Kerala High Court decision on waqf land in Munambam
The Supreme Court has put on hold a Kerala High Court ruling that had concluded the Munambam land in Ernakulam district was not Waqf property. Issuing an interim order, the Court directed that the status quo be maintained until the matter is taken up again on January 27, 2026. A bench comprising Justices Manoj Misra [] The post Supreme Court stays Kerala High Court decision on waqf land in Munambam appeared first on India Legal .
M.A. Baby says some courts in Kerala not living up to States sense of justice
CPI(M) general secretarys remarks come in the context of verdicts in Kerala actor assault case and in the cases involving Rahul Easwar and MLA Rahul Mamkootathil
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
Kerala Lottery Result Today Live Updates, 12-12-2025: Heres Guessing Numbers for Karunya Plus KN-601 for Friday, December 12. Check the full list of winning numbers from 2 pm.
Residents association asks embattled MLA Rahul Mamkootathil to vacate his Palakkad flat
PALAKKAD: The residents association of Builtech Summit Apartments, Kunnathurmedu, has handed over a formal notice directing MLA Rahul Mamkootathil to vacate his rented flat by December 25, citing persistent inconvenience caused to other occupants. The decision was taken at a residents meeting held the other day, and the notice has already been served to the MLAs assistants. The MLA has reportedly agreed to comply and will soon begin moving out his belongings. Rahul took the flat on rent during the Palakkad Assembly by-election, where party leaders, workers, and his relatives had gathered in celebration when he first moved in. However, ever since the sexual assault allegations were unearthed against him in August, the apartment has been in the news, causing inconvenience to other residents. Since November 30, the apartment premises witnessed repeated police visits in connection with the case, including searches and CCTV verification. During one such inspection, investigators found that CCTV footage from the day Rahul last entered the flat had been deleted, prompting police to question the technician in charge. His reappearance on Thursday, after 15 days of hiding to evade arrest by the SIT, triggered fresh political rumblings. Rahul arrived at his polling booth at St. Sebastians Senior Basic School, Kunnathurmedu South, around 4.50 pm. It is reliably learnt that the Congress leadership advised him to vote late in the day to avoid any political damage to the party on the poll day. The SIT has summoned Rahul to appear before it on December 15, as directed by the court. With the State government also challenging his anticipatory bail in the High Court, political observers opined that Rahul could again slip out of sight depending on how the legal developments unfold. The controversy traces back to November 27, when a young woman submitted a complaint to the Chief Minister alleging sexual assault. Rahul allegedly left the flat that same evening and went into hiding. After the case was registered, the Congress expelled him, even as some local leaders, led by KSU district secretary Muhammad Iqbal, publicly received him with bouquets when he surfaced at the polling booth. Kerala local body polls: Rahul Mamkootathil casts vote amid boos and protests
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.
MLA Rahul Mamkootathil asked to vacate Palakkad flat by residents
Flat residents association raised the demand pointing out the inconvenience caused to them by frequent police raids
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.
Thiruvananthapuram Central redevelopment gathers pace with major works underway
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The massive Rs 495-crore redevelopment of Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, the principal hub of the capital city, is advancing at a rapid pace. Comprehensive development activities are in progress to transform the station with a modern architectural design and upgraded passenger-friendly facilities. The major works have been divided into two distinct segments, the construction of the north block at the Thampanoor side and the south block at the Power House Road side. The piling work for both blocks has already been completed, and foundation works have commenced simultaneously at each end. Inevitably, the large-scale redevelopment has caused temporary inconvenience to the public. Passenger entry through the Power House Road has been cordoned off, restricting access exclusively to the Thampanoor side. At the Power House end, a multi-level car parking facility along with a new south block comprising offices and passenger amenities is under construction. Additionally, a portion of the platform near the escalator has been covered to facilitate ongoing works. The redevelopment projects have been meticulously planned to ensure enhanced facilities for passengers while elevating the station to international standards. Upon completion, Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is expected to emerge as a major hub that will redefine the identity of the capital city. The overarching objective of the project is to provide travellers with superior amenities and a significantly improved travel experience. On the Power House side, a new building for the running crew has already been completed. The railway authorities are in the process of relocating the crew from the existing office at the Thampanoor side to this newly constructed facility. The redevelopment contract for Thiruvananthapuram Central was awarded to Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and Kerala Rail Development Corporation Ltd, with the Southern Railway Zone supervising the project.
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.
Kerala Lottery Result Today, December 12, 2025 Live: Suvarna Keralam SK-31 Winning Numbers
Kerala Lottery Result Today Live Updates, 12-12-2025: Heres Guessing Numbers for Suvarna Keralam SK-31 for Friday, December 12. Check the full list of winning numbers from 3 pm.
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.
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
MBA student from Kerala dies by suicide in Soladevanahalli
BENGALURU: A 22-year-old MBA student from Kerala has died by suicide leaving behind a death note mentioning three mobile phone numbers and details of a bank account.The deceased has been identified as Jagan Mohanan, a second year MBA student at a private college in Soladevanahalli. He was a native of Vadakara in Kozhikode district. The reasons behind the suicide are yet to be ascertained. The police suspect that the student must have taken the extreme step following blackmail and threats from unidentified persons who had details of his personal information. The accused are suspected to have blackmailed him of making his information public if their monetary demands were not met. The incident happened on Tuesday between 4.30pm and 6pm at the victims rented accommodation in Shanthinagar on the Hesaraghatta Road in Soladevanahalli police station limits. His body was found hanging from the ceiling fan. The victims elder brother, K Kiran Kumar, in a complaint to the police stated that he got a call from his sister saying that Jagan had taken his own life. No arrests have been made yet. The victim has not named anybody in the death note. He mentioned having transferred `24,000 to a bank account. The details of the mobile phone numbers mentioned in the death note are being checked, said DL Nagesh, DCP, (North West division). The body was handed over to the family members after the postmortem at Victoria Hospital. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)
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.
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
Wayanad records highest polling percentage in State
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
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
76.08% vote in second phase of local body polls, Kerala records overall turnout of 73.69%
Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod went to the polls on Thursday (December 11) and 1.16 crore of the 1.53 crore voters in these districts exercised their right to vote.
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
