Kerala High Court directs State to ensure adequate facilities at POCSO courts
Kappan says HC has no jurisdiction over disqualification plea
Actor Lakshmipriya booked for allegedly defaming Ansiba Hassan
Completely baseless: Gujarat CM rejects Cong's claim of differences in EC over SIR
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 27 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday said that the Election Commissions clarification that decisions on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls were taken unanimously by all three Election Commissioners had disproved Congress allegations of differences within the poll panel. Addressing a press conference at the state BJP headquarters in Gandhinagar, Patel said the Election Commission is an autonomous institution and that elections in the country were conducted through a transparent process. The fact that all three Election Commissioners, including the Chief Election Commissioner, have clearly stated that all decisions regarding SIR were taken unanimously proves that the allegations of differences within the Election Commission are completely baseless, Patel said. He said the Election Commission is working to ensure that the names of all eligible citizens were properly included in electoral rolls and that they were able to exercise their right to vote. Referring to the enrolment of new voters, Patel said: The Supreme Court had considered Form 6 appropriate for registration in the electoral rolls and the poll panel had stated that care is being taken to ensure that no eligible citizen was deprived of the right to vote. CM Patel accused Congress of adopting different positions on the Election Commission depending on electoral outcomes. Congress has two different sets of teeth one for chewing and another for showing, he said, alleging that the party spoke of democracy and the impartiality of the Election Commission when it won elections, but raised allegations of vote theft and irregularities when the mandate went to the BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said Congress, the Communist Party, the CPI(M) and the Trinamool Congress had approached the Supreme Court challenging the SIR process. According to Patel, the Supreme Court heard the parties and considered the SIR process appropriate. Referring to Kerala, Patel said Congress had itself considered SIR appropriate and had said that the exercise contributed to its victory there. In West Bengal, the Supreme Court had appointed a Special Observer for the elections following a demand from the TMC, he said. Patel questioned Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi over Congress prolonged absence from power in West Bengal, saying the party had been out of power there for 40 years. Congress had lost its political position in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar since 1990, he said. Referring to the electoral rolls in West Bengal, he alleged that names that had been illegally added were removed and fake voters were exposed, after which the BJP won the election. The Chief Minister also alleged that those who had curtailed the autonomy of the Election Commission during their time in government were now making baseless allegations against the institution. Patel said the development-oriented politics pursued under PM Modis leadership had strengthened peoples faith in democracy. Indias growth rate had reached 7.8 per cent and the country is moving towards becoming the worlds third-largest economic power, he added. He also referred to the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan being held to mark PM Modis 25 years in public life and public service. He alleged that Opposition leaders were tarnishing Indias image globally by making serious allegations against constitutional institutions without basis. Patel said people in a democracy had the right to question institutions, whether they were in the Opposition or in government, but maintained that discussions concerning sensitive institutions such as the Election Commission should be based on facts, law and confidence in constitutional institutions.
A silver in Japan sparks wild celebrations in Keralams Nattika
Though Ancy Sojan had to settle for silver for the second straight Asian Games, pride was writ large on every face at her hometown. Behind the medal lies years of persistence by an athlete and a family that kept choosing sports despite financial constraints
A message claiming that the website was hacked by Team Blackleets, along with a slogan hailing Pakistan, was also posted on the website
Kerala Travel Mart 2026 concludes in Kochi
Four-day event records around 58,000 B2B meetings, besides discussions on tapping emerging opportunities
KSRTC conductor suspended for allegedly insulting school student
Travel operators seek one-month tax waiver for out-of-State tourist vehicles during Mysuru Dasara
In a representation to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh and the Transport Commissioner, the association requested that tourist transport vehicles arriving from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa and Maharashtra be exempted from the applicable taxes and permit fees during the festival period.
CJP seeks to expand base in Keralam
Party announces plans to reach out to students and mobilise support for its protests
KSRTC to operate special services during festival season
Poshan Ma programme held in Malappuram
The programme focused on promoting healthy eating habits and creating awareness about malnutrition among children, mothers and families.
Keralam cultural icon Jayapala Menon passes away
He was one of the early leaders of Keralams film society movement and director of Janashakthi Films
Even the scientifically minded are consulting Rahu and Ketu, says Keralam writer Vaishakhan
Writer says reading is key to nurturing imagination; calls for serious literary study and greater representation of women
SRFTI students stage protest at IDSFFK venue over alleged attack on students on the campus
Students displayed and circulated videos of the alleged attack
Kondotty school launches website to help differently-abled persons
Community organisations unable to accept aspirations of Muslim girls
Community organisations unable to accept aspirations of Muslim girls
Month-long rabies vaccination drive in Kozhikode from September 28
Vaccination drives will be organised through veterinary hospitals, veterinary dispensaries and ward-level camps in collaboration with various local self-government institutions.
UDF government will leave its mark on Thrissur, says Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan
Chief Minister promises projects to elevate citys cultural heritage; says Thekkinkad Maidan will be developed into a world-class square
IEDC Summit 2026: Sahrdaya college in Keralams Thrissur to host student entrepreneurship meet
The summit, organised around the theme Innovation Beyond the Future, will bring together more than 5,000 youngsters, students, entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders
The Vice-President was speaking at Amritapuri in Keralam during Vishwa Seva Dinam, organised on the occasion of the 73rd birthday celebrations of Mata Amritanandamayi
Minority youth training centres in Keralam to be modernised, says Samsudheen
New facilities to equip young people with skills for a changing job market, says Minister
Yuva Morcha workers stage black flag protests in Kozhikode
The protesters waved black flags against Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at separate locations in Kozhikode district on September 27
As Sabarimala season nears, agencies told to speed up key works
Pathanamthitta district development committee meeting seeks urgent action on delays in works being executed by the Kerala Road Fund Board
Kozhikode City police honour personnel at Appreciation Day event
Certificates of appreciation were presented to the awardees at the function inaugurated by District Police Chief (Kozhikode city) A.P. Shoukathali at the Kozhikode City Police Club.
Boundaries vital for freedom of expression, says Kunnathur MLA Ullas Kovoor
Orthodox Church head completes apostolic visit to Ethiopia
Orthodox Church head completes apostolic visit to Ethiopia
ESA row heats up in Pathanamthitta as Keralam governments proposal offers partial relief
State govt.s move to seek exclusion of inhabited areas and farmland from Ecologically Sensitive Area regime has failed to soothe tempers in the district amid concerns that the revised proposal offers no complete exclusion for any of the seven villages covered by the Centres draft notification
Former Kerala Chief Secretary, Jiji Thomson claimed that in 2016, then IAS officer Gyanesh Kumar asked him to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha election as a BJP candidate from Pathanamthitta, very persuasively.
Study flags E. coli in 67% of water samples in Keralams Pala region
Study flags E. coli in 67% of water samples in Keralams Pala region
M.A. Baby meets Kejriwal ahead of INDIA bloc meeting on Election Commission
CPI(M) general secretary seeks wider Opposition coordination against SIR and invites AAP leader to join protests against alleged misuse of Central agencies in Keralam
M.A. Baby meets Kejriwal ahead of INDIA bloc meeting on Election Commission
CPI(M) general secretary seeks wider Opposition coordination against SIR and invites AAP leader to join protests against alleged misuse of Central agencies in Keralam
Cyber help desks to be set up at all police stations in Kozhikode district
The primary responsibility of the desks will be to function as independent wings in each police station, exclusively guiding victims in cybercrime cases
AI workshop held for college teachers
The workshop focused on the use of AI in teaching and learning and its practical applications in education
Two-wheeler rider killed after KSRTC bus runs over her
The accident occurred while the victim, Rajimol, was attempting to overtake the bus
Ancy Sojan's Silver Medal: A Story Of Resilience And Family Support
Long jumper Ancy Sojan secured a silver medal for India at the Asian Games, bringing immense joy to her family in Nattika, Keralam, despite initial hopes for gold. Her parents, Sojan and Jansy, expressed happiness over the medal but noted that adverse weather conditions impacted her performance. The family now aims for Ancy to compete at the World Championship level.
E-waste collection drive to begin in Wayanad on September 28
The first phase of the campaign will be held from September 28 to 30 and will focus on collecting e-waste accumulated at government institutions across the district
When the Mountains Turn Blue: Rare Neelakurinji Bloom Marks Phase 2 of
High in the rolling highlands of Kerala, a quiet transformation has taken place. The mountain slopes, typically clad in deep greens, have dissolved into a sea of blue, violet, and purple hues. This extraordinary transformation marks the blooming of Strobilanthes kunthiana, locally known as Neelakurinjia plant celebrated for its rare 12-year flowering cycle. For wildlife [] The post When the Mountains Turn Blue: Rare Neelakurinji Bloom Marks Phase 2 of Wiki Commons of the Wild appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
'Viksit Bharat' will be inclusive where no one is left behind: V-P Radhakrishnan
Digital Desk | Kollam, Sep 27 (IANS) Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday participated in the Vishwa Seva Dinam celebrations at Mata Amritanandamayi Math at Amritapuri in Kollam, and called for ensuring that Viksit Bharat is an inclusive Bharat where no one is left behind. Speaking at an event organised on the occasion of the 73rd birthday of Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, the Vice-President said, Bharat is progressing towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat, and development requires infrastructure, technology, investment, innovation and economic growth. However, Vice-President Radhakrishnan stressed that development must also have a human face. While marching towards attaining a Viksit Bharat, we must ensure that modernity and our civilisational values move together, he said, adding that Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi should be the guiding mantra. He also called for ensuring that Viksit Bharat is an inclusive Bharat where no one is left behind. Vice-President Radhakrishnan offered his respectful pranam to Mata Amritanandamayi Devi and said that 'Amma' (referring to Mata Amritanandamayi Devi) is a miracle and should continue to guide us in serving society and the nation, an official statement said. He expressed the hope that the noble movement would continue to touch millions of lives and that 'Seva' (serving people) would become the foundation of a more peaceful, sustainable and compassionate world. The programme was attended by Governor of Keralam and Tamil Nadu Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar; Chief Minister of Keralam V.D. Satheesan; Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu; Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi; Speaker of the Keralam Legislative Assembly Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan; Ministers of the Keralam government; Justice Gopinath of the Kerala High Court; MPs N.K. Premachandran and Shashi Tharoor, Ambassador of Nepal to India Surender Thapa, MLAs, devotees and volunteers. The Vice-President said the true test of 'Seva' often comes during times of crisis and highlighted the Math's humanitarian response to disasters and emergencies. He referred to the organisation's assistance during the Indian Ocean tsunami, Gujarat earthquake, Uttarakhand floods, Keralam floods, Covid-19 pandemic and Wayanad landslides. He also highlighted the Math's contribution of Rs 100 crore to the Union government's Namami Gange programme, along with tree plantation, cleanliness drives and initiatives for sustainable rural living. Referring to the Amala Bharatam initiative, the Vice-President said it has undertaken large numbers of cleanliness drives across the country, while more than 10 lakh trees have been planted worldwide as part of the UN Billion Tree Campaign. He added that the spirit inspiring Amma's work is deeply connected to the civilisational ethos of Bharat. He said that Seva has no boundaries of caste, creed, language, region or nationality and recognises only one identity -- humanity. He described this as the underlying philosophy of Vishwa Seva Dinam, the statement said.
'He needs to resign now': Priyanka renews demand for CEC's ouster over 'political leanings'
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra continues to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. She asserts that Kumar's alleged political leanings compromise the fairness of elections in India. The Congress MP claims that recent actions by the election commission have been both illegal and unethical. Protests have already been organized across the country against Kumar's conduct. After concluding her constituency visit, Vadra engaged with local artists and farmers in Kerala.
Pinarayi Vijayan, Ramesh Chennithala cross swords over Kerala Lok Ayukta
While Pinarayi alleges that the Home Minister chaired a high-level meeting attended by Lok Ayukta, UpaLok Ayuktas and senior government officials to bring the institution under executive control, Chennithala maintains the discussion was convened to address long-pending administrative issues
Rahul Gandhi blames EC, EVMs on losing elections: Giriraj Singh
Addressing the allegations levelled by the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi against the Election Commission, Union Minister Singh said that when Rahul Gandhi wins elections in Kerala and Himachal Pradesh, he says everything is fine
Keralam researchers discover a new species of genus Begonia in Western Ghats
Species christened Begonia rajvikramanii after R. Raj Vikraman, former Head of the Garden Management Division, JNTBGRI
CM Satheesan demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar
CM Satheesan demands CEC Gyanesh Kumars resignation after former Kerala CSs allegations Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Sunday demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar after former state Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson alleged that Kumar had suggested he contest a Lok Sabha election on a BJP ticket. In a statement issued [] The post CM Satheesan demands CEC Gyanesh Kumars resignation after former Kerala CSs allegations appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Keralam GAD website hacked, suspected Pakistani group claims responsibility
The Keralam governments General Administration Department website was hacked on Sunday by a group claiming to be Pakistan-based Team Blackleets, which posted a Pakistani flag and pro-Pakistan message on the site. The hosting account was suspended, while cyber teams are checking for any data breach before the website is restored.
Yuva morcha waves black flag at Chennithala, Priyanka Gandhi in Kozhikode
Digital Desk | Kozhikode, Sep 27 (IANS) A day after Youth Congress workers showed black flags to Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Kollam, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha activists staged separate protests against Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi in Kozhikode district on Sunday. Chennithalas convoy was confronted near Janakikadu in the Kuttiady area while he was travelling to attend public programmes. Protesters rushed towards the vehicles on a narrow stretch of road and waved black flags. Police personnel at the scene intervened, arrested the activists and removed them from the area. The second protest took place near Thambalamanna in Thiruvambady as Priyanka Gandhi Vadras convoy passed through. Activists waiting by the roadside moved forward with black flags as the vehicles approached, despite an escort comprising personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force and Kerala Police. Thiruvambady police arrested several Yuva Morcha leaders, including district president V.V. Sreehari and general secretary Nithin Madhusoodanan. The BJP had alleged that the Youth Congress protest against HM Shah in Kollam exposed a serious lapse in the Union ministers security. Yuva Morcha has since stepped up demonstrations against Congress leaders across Kerala, describing them as a response to that incident. Police intervened at both locations in Kozhikode to move the demonstrators away from the convoys. The incidents have drawn attention to security along the routes taken by political leaders, particularly when protesters approach vehicles on the road. Yuva Morcha has said it plans to intensify its protests against Congress leaders in the coming days. Its activists had earlier waved black flags at the convoy of Kerala Minister K Muraleedharan in Kollam. Tit-for-Tat: Yuva Morcha Shows Black Flags to Priyanka Gandhi, posted the Yuva Morcha on X. The successive demonstrations have widened the confrontation between the BJP and Congress workers following the protest against HM Shah. In Kozhikode, activists positioned themselves along the routes of two leaders travelling to separate engagements in the district before displaying the flags.
KSRTC To Run Special Inter-State Services for Festive Season
Special services would operate between October 14 and November 14 from various cities in Keralam to Bengaluru, Mysuru and Chennai and vice versa, in view of the Mahanavami, Vijayadashami and Diwali festivals
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 27 (IANS) Kerala Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Sunday hit back at Chief Minister VD Satheesan over his condemnation of the fraud remark, aimed at Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and also sought an apology from the LoP for his raitor allegation. This comes amid a row over a media report claiming differences within the Election Commission of India (ECI), which have been denied by the latter. Earlier, during a press conference over the controversy, Rahul Gandhi had said: Traitors will be punished, while seeking an investigation against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. A day before, Chandrasekhar had criticised the Leader of Opposition, saying: Rahul Gandhi is not Indian politics' greatest creative fabricator. He is India's biggest fraud. Kerala CM Satheesan condemned the remarks, saying: Keralam wholeheartedly rejects these baseless allegations against Rahul Gandhi Ji and the Indian National Congress. The war of words continued on Sunday, with Rajeev Chandrasekhar defending his remarks against the LoP. Maintaining that he seldom gets into personal attacks on political opponents, the Kerala BJP chief said he was compelled to do so in Rahul Gandhi's case. He claimed that Rahul Gandhi's politics have been hrown out by tired, angry voters in 2014 since it was solely built on lies, insults and divisiveness. In a post on X, Chandrasekhar alleged that Rahul Gandhi's politics ears down country and country's institutions and accused the LoP of constantly making slander and abuse against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and spreading lies and misinformation about the government and the BJP. All this while his party presides over epic corruption and misgovernance of UPA-era type in states where they are in government, he added. I have absolutely no reservation or hesitation in referring to Rahul and his politics - as politics built on fraud and corruption and him as a fraud. Even more so after his latest drama where he referred to Indias elected PM and Election commission as deshdrohis. That is what should be condemned, Rajeev Chandrasekhar asserted. Criticising LoP Gandhi for his remarks against the Election Commission and Prime Minister Modi, the Kerala BJP chief emphasised that respect in politics has to be earned through sincere hard work and service for country. Throughout Rahul's dynasty entitled career, he has done neither, he remarked. Regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Chandrasekhar claimed that Rahul Gandhi's views are ot consistent with senior leaders of his own party. You can huff and puff all you want, fake, dummy and illegal voters must and will be removed from Electoral rolls. All the time. Every time, he added. Chandrasekhar underlined that he is responding to Satheesan's condemnation, since the latter is the Chief Minister of Kerala. Responding to the Kerala CM, the BJP leader said: If you get Rahul to apologize for calling our PM Narendra Modi, a deshdrohi, and have him apologize to Election Commission for lying, then I promise to stop referring to Rahul Gandhi as a fraud. But if you don't take up my offer but persist on using lies, unkept promises, corruption and appeasement as your political strategy, be prepared to be called out as frauds. Every time, he warned.
VACB seizes 14.10 lakh, $788 from GST officials residence in Kochi
The cash was seized from the residence of GST Joint Commissioner Prajani Rajan at Pachalam on Saturday, the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau said in a statement
Kerala Faces Power Cut Crisis: What Happened And How People Are Coping With Night-Time Outages
If you are in Kerala, chances are you have already dealt with a power cut this month, and perhaps more than once. For much of September, evening and night-time power cuts became a recurring disruption for households across the state. The
FIR cannot be lodged merely based on ED report, says Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala
Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala told the media that the State government recently ordered a preliminary inquiry into the case based on the legal advice it received on the issue
Go, Protest In Kerala: Bengal CM Suvendu Attacks Mamata Banerjee, Rahul Gandhi Over SIR-EC Row
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari attacked Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and the partys political position. Adhikari questioned the oppositions public support and referred to a recent meeting in Serampore. He also claimed the party had split into several factions. On SIR, Adhikari said 27 lakh entries were rejected out of 60 lakh flagged for logical discrepancies, describing the process as judicially supervised. He urged opposition leaders to protest in Kerala over SIR.
Former Kerala Chief Secy Jiji Thomson claims Gyanesh Kumar wanted him to fight elections
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 27 (IANS) A former Kerala Chief Secretary, Jiji Thomson, has alleged that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar had asked him to contest an election on a BJP ticket and offered the possibility of a Union Ministerial berth if he won. Thomson's claims triggered a sharp political attack from CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam. Former Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson, who retired from service in 2016, said Kumar made the suggestion during a flight to Delhi when the two were travelling together. According to Thomson, Kumar asked him whether he would be willing to contest the election on a BJP ticket and said that, if elected, he could become a Union Minister. Kumar also suggested that Thomson join the BJP after his retirement as Chief Secretary, Thomson claimed. Thomson said he told Kumar that he had no interest in entering electoral politics and rejected the suggestion. He also said he was surprised that such an offer had come from Kumar. The disclosure assumes significance at a time when Kumar is facing mounting political criticism over the functioning of the Election Commission. Various parties have demanded his removal and called for protests from September 26 to October 2. Reacting to Thomson's disclosure, CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam launched a scathing attack on the CEC and demanded his immediate resignation. Viswam described the alleged offer as shameless and said it raised serious questions about Kumar's political affiliations and his conduct while in government service. The disclosure, Viswam said, showed the extent to which Kumar was prepared to go for the BJP. He alleged that Kumar had become an insider of the BJP through the successive positions he had held. Viswam demanded that Kumar resign immediately from the post of Chief Election Commissioner. The allegations come amid an escalating political confrontation over the Election Commission. Viswam had on Friday alleged that the poll panel was functioning as a tool in the hands of the BJP governments and said Left parties had a duty to protest. The Election Commission, meanwhile, has rejected claims that internal objections raised by other Election Commissioners amounted to institutional dissent, saying that queries, observations and technical suggestions are part of the normal functioning of a multi-member constitutional body. The fresh disclosure by Thomson is likely to add another political dimension to the controversy surrounding Kumar.
Gyanesh Kumar Acted as BJP Agent, Doesn't Deserve to Continue as CEC: CM Satheesan
Satheesan said the claims made by former Keralam Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson about the CEC were extremely serious
Watch: SIR sweet in Kerala, bitter in Bengal: Suvendu Adhikari mocks Congress
Keralam Minister K.M. Shaji again defends his use of luxury car as official vehicle
The IUML leader says the vehicle used by a Minister is his official vehicle, and it can be private ones as well; blames the media for lapping up controversy created by CPI(M)
Four local body wards all set for by-election in Ernakulam district on September 28
A total of 10,003 voters are expected to cast their votes in the interim polls necessitated for various reasons
Consumers brace for 3-day bank strike; certain banks open on Sunday
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 27 (IANS) State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of Baroda (BoB), Punjab National Bank (PNB) and several other public sector banks are open on Sunday (September 27), giving customers an opportunity to complete their banking work before a proposed three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to September 30. The special Sunday opening applies to public sector banks (PSBs) and regional rural banks (RRBs), following a direction aimed at ensuring the availability of regular banking services ahead of the proposed strike. Customers who need to visit a branch for important banking work can therefore use the additional working day, subject to the operational arrangements and staffing at individual branches. The decision to open PSBs and RRBs on Sunday was taken following a meeting held on September 21 between officials from the Finance Ministry, public sector banks, regional rural banks, the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) and NABARD. The move assumes significance as September 26 and 27 fall on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. With the proposed bank strike scheduled immediately after the weekend, customers could otherwise have faced several consecutive days with limited access to physical branch services. The Sunday opening has consequently been planned to provide an additional opportunity to complete important banking transactions before the strike. Among the public sector banks operating today are State Bank of India, Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank, Bank of India, Indian Bank, Union Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, UCO Bank, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank and Punjab & Sind Bank. The arrangement also covers 28 regional rural banks across the country. These include Andhra Pradesh Grameena Bank, Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank, Assam Gramin Bank, Bihar Gramin Bank, Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank, Gujarat Gramin Bank, Haryana Gramin Bank, Himachal Pradesh Gramin Bank, Jammu and Kashmir Grameen Bank, Jharkhand Gramin Bank, Karnataka Grameena Bank, Kerala Grameena Bank, Madhya Pradesh Gramin Bank, Maharashtra Gramin Bank, Manipur Rural Bank, Meghalaya Rural Bank, Mizoram Rural Bank, Nagaland Rural Bank, Odisha Grameen Bank, Puducherry Grama Bank, Punjab Gramin Bank, Rajasthan Gramin Bank, Tamil Nadu Grama Bank, Telangana Grameena Bank, Tripura Gramin Bank, Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank, Uttarakhand Gramin Bank and West Bengal Gramin Bank. However, the Sunday opening arrangement does not automatically extend to private sector banks. The special Sunday banking arrangement comes ahead of the proposed three-day nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) and other bank unions from September 28 to September 30.
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 27 (PTI) Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Sunday said CEC Gyanesh Kumar should not continue in office, alleging that he acted as a BJP agent and sentenced Indian democracy to death. In similar social media posts on Facebook and X, the CM said the claims made by former Keralam Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson about the CEC were extremely serious. Revelations Against the Chief Election Commissioner Are Grave: Gyanesh Kumar, Who Sentenced Indian Democracy to Death, Has No Right to Continue in Office The revelations made by former Kerala Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson against Chief Election Commissioner
Keralam Minister Sunny Joseph to Seek Inclusion of Dairy Sector in VB-G RAM G
Joseph said he would request the Centre to consider the demand, as the difficulties faced by dairy farmers were also affecting related groups and enterprises
Keralam CM Satheesan joins the chorus of political leaders calling for the CECs resignation
Former Union Minister and BJP leader V. Muraleedharan, MLA, told The Hindu that Congresss frustration stemming from the INDIA blocs continuous failures in elections had prompted the partys attacks on the ECI
IMD issues red alert in U'khand; heavy rain likely in Himachal, UP
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 27 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued a warning regarding torrential rain and thunder strikes in Uttarakhand. Heavy rainfall is also anticipated in Himachal Pradesh and western Uttar Pradesh. IMD has predicted rainfall in Delhi over the next three days. As rains lashed Uttarakhand on Saturday, the Meteorological Department issued a 'red alert' for the districts of Dehradun, Tehri, Haridwar, and Pauri. The Char Dham Yatra has been suspended in view of the adverse weather conditions. Meanwhile, temperatures have dropped sharply due to snowfall in the high-altitude areas of Pithoragarh, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Uttarkashi. Due to the impact of a depression formed over north-eastern Madhya Pradesh and adjoining northern Chhattisgarh, heavy to very heavy rainfall -- and in some places, extremely heavy or exceptionally heavy rainfall -- is expected in Uttarakhand and parts of northern Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. According to the information shared by the IMD on the social media platform 'X', the depression formed over south-eastern Uttar Pradesh has moved north-northwestwards at a speed of 12 km/h over the past six hours. Consequently, it was located approximately 40 km southeast of Lucknow, 80 km east-northeast of Kanpur, 110 km south-southwest of Bahraich, and 260 km southeast of Bareilly. There is a high probability that it will continue moving north-northwestwards across eastern Uttar Pradesh and gradually weaken into a 'well-marked low-pressure area' in the same region over the next six hours. According to the Meteorological Department, the weather pattern in Delhi-NCR underwent a change following rainfall on Saturday evening. People experienced a slight chill on Sunday morning. The IMD has forecasted rain in the national capital over the next three days. Meanwhile, an 'orange alert' for rain has been issued for Jharkhand for Sunday. Additionally, a 'yellow alert' for rain has been issued for Madhya Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana, Marathwada, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu. For Monday, a 'yellow alert' for rain has been issued for Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, while strong winds are expected in coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Keralam BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar demands Rahul Gandhi apologise
The News Mill
Keralam CM urges greater social media accountability over smears
The News Mill
Systemic deficiencies on roads costing lives, says Kerala High Court
Court seeks constitution of an interdisciplinary road safety research committee, comprising traffic psychologists, behavioural scientists, engineers, and other experts, to study the behavioural factors contributing to road accidents
Beyond the objections: The realities behind India
The Election Commission of India (ECI) finds itself at the epicentre of an intense constitutional and political debate following internal dissent over decision-making protocols and voter roll revisions. At the centre of this storm stands Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre whose administration faces sharp opposition scrutiny and calls for resignation. Here is an analytical look at the charges, constitutional realities, and political dynamics driving the fallout.
Kerala Chief Minister Criticizes BJPs Rajeev Chandrasekhar Over Remarks on Rahul Gandhi
Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan condemns BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhars comments on Rahul Gandhi, calling them irresponsible and malicious. Kerala Chief Minister Criticizes BJPs Rajeev Chandrasekhar Over Remarks on Rahul Gandhi
Ex-Kerala Chief Secretary Claims Gyanesh Kumar Offered Him BJP Ticket In 2016
Jiji Thomson made the claim on local media as the Election Commission and Gyanesh Kumar face massive controversy over the handling of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and allegations of differences within the three-member poll panel.
Ernakulam continues to report highest number of influenza cases in Keralam
A total of 969 cases reported in the district till September 16. The State recorded 2,205 confirmed influenza cases during the month. As many as 20 deaths were reported due to influenza in the State.
Nitin Nabin accuses Opposition of misleading public on SIR
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 27 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Nitin Nabin on Saturday accused the Opposition of deliberately misleading the public on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and targeting constitutional institutions. In a detailed post on X, Nabin said the Opposition had once again been exposed for spreading falsehoods about the SIR. He pointed out that the Election Commission of India (ECI) had clearly stated that the full Commission took every decision relating to the SIR unanimously. Despite this clarification, he alleged, the Congress chose to build its entire narrative around a manufactured lie and launched attacks on the countrys constitutional bodies. Highlighting what he described as the Oppositions double standards, Nabin wrote that when the same electoral process delivered victories to Congress and its allies in states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, its credibility was accepted. But when the peoples mandate goes against them elsewhere, they question the very institutions that conduct those elections. Democracy cannot be respected selectively, he said. He emphasised that wins and losses are inherent to democratic politics, but resorting to malicious propaganda to discredit respected institutions was deeply unfortunate and unacceptable. Nabin asserted that those who repeatedly undermined Indias democratic framework for political survival owed the nation an honest reckoning and a public apology. His remarks come at a time when the ECI's SIR exercise has become a subject of intense political debate. Opposition parties, particularly Congress, have raised questions over the process, while the BJP has consistently defended the poll bodys independence and transparency. Nabins statement is being viewed as a sharp rebuttal to the Oppositions allegations. His post has drawn significant attention in political circles as the ruling party continues to counter claims that cast doubt on the integrity of electoral processes and constitutional institutions.
Former Chief Secretarys revelations against CEC extremely serious: K.C. Venugopal
Venugopal alleges that post of Chief Election Commissioner was a reward that was handed over to Gyanesh Kumar for doing BJPs bidding when he was still in service
Keralam to leverage AI, cutting-edge digital tools to reshape tourism, says Minister
Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh says the govt.s aim is to see that tourists coming to the State are treated with a wholesome Keralam experience, marking a shift from the approach of promoting a few places and products separately through destination-focused packages and products
Shashi Tharoor releases IIM-K Directors first book of poetry
The book Seven Shades of Love published by Penguin Random House India brings together 57 poems
Ex-Keralam CS says CEC urged him to contest on BJP ticket
Former Keralam chief secretary Jiji Thomson said on Saturday, September 26, that Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar had suggested he contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Pathanamthitta on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket. Speaking to The Hindu, Thomson said the conversation took place on a Delhi flight in 2015-16. It was not 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 .
Priyanka Gandhi Demands Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner in Kerala
Priyanka Gandhi calls for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging threats to democracy during her Wayanad visit. Priyanka Gandhi Demands Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner in Kerala
Did Gyanesh Kumar Suggest BJP Ticket To Ex-Kerala Chief Secretary? Jiji Thomson Makes BIG Claim
It has been alleged by Jiji Thomson, who was once the chief secretary of Kerala, that the then CEC, Gyanesh Kumar, had asked him to contest the Lok Sabha election in 2019 on the BJP ticket while travelling to Delhi in
Liquor Dispute Leads To Fatal Stabbing In Kerala
A 33-year-old man, Antony Varghese, was allegedly stabbed to death in Alappuzha, Kerala, by Afsal alias Appu after a dispute over Varghese consuming liquor near Appu's house. Police have taken Appu into custody and registered a murder case.
Modi, Shah made Gyanesh Kumar in charge of 'match-fixing' India's polls, alleges Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday alleged that the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar was made in charge of match-fixing India's elections by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Gandhi made the allgations following a Kerala Congress social media post, alleging that Kumar had told a former Kerala chief secretary to contest on a BJP ticket after his retirement.
Youth League takes SIR protests to streets across Malappuram
The protests centred on a demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
KM-1 capture operation nears final stage; Kumki elephants reach Aralam
The operation involves tranquilising the elephant and safely moving it to the kraal at Muthanga in Wayanad
Vigilance case registered over alleged irregularities in KINFRA land acquisition in Kannur
VACB alleges compensation was sanctioned for land held without valid documents and land tax was accepted for property already acquired by the government
'Catastrophic assault on democracy': Shashi Tharoor on ECI row
Digital Desk | Kozhikode, Sep 26 (IANS) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday called reports of differences within the Election Commission of India (ECI) a catastrophic assault on democracy, urging all citizens, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to fight it. Speaking to reporters in Kerala's Kozhikode, Tharoor said: This is an incredibly grave assault on the functioning of Indian democracy. Meanwhile, the ECI issued a press release after its meeting on Saturday afternoon to quell reports of internal differences and clarify the context in which ECI functionaries wrote a letter to the Cabinet Secretary. The Congress MP claimed that a large number of Indian citizens have been deprived of their democratic right to vote, apparently based on many irregularities, including an illegal modification of Form 6 requiring data that has not been required in the past. They (ECI) have actually gone ahead and made some changes without the consent of two of the three Election Commissioners, which itself is a violation of the procedures of the Election Commission. Days earlier, a report by a leading newspaper claimed differences within the poll panel, with decisions being taken allegedly without the knowledge of the two Election Commissioners. Tharoor further said: On top of that, we have a situation where, shockingly, we are seeing software that has been imposed over the heads of the electoral officers. And as a result, for example, one instance that has been found is that in Goa, 97 people have not only been deprived of the right to vote, but because of that they've also been deprived of the right to have dialysis treatment and other medical assistance and so on. The Congress leader was referring to the ECINet software, which the media reported had blocked access to Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) on the ground. This is not anything minor or routine; it's not political, it's not administrative. It is a fundamentally untenable, catastrophic assault on our democracy, he said while urging parties to unite in the fight against the challenge. There is no question anymore that our country is facing a very severe challenge. If the integrity of our elections is in doubt, then how will our democracy stand? If people in this country feel that even their identity is subject to the whims of some low-level officers and a software that has not been verified, tested or based on anything logical, then how on earth can our country proudly stand itself in front of the world and call itself the world's largest democracy? Tharoor questioned. Mentioning that the Congress has called a party Working Committee meeting on September 29, he said, I'll be going there to Delhi for that. Moreover, Shashi Tharoor urged BJP leaders to unite with the Opposition to defend democracy. I feel that on this matter every citizen of India, even members of the BJP, should be united with us. Our democracy is larger than any individual, any party. It's for everyone to defend, he stated.
Kerala High Court to Decide on FIR in CMRL-Exlogic Case Amidst EDs Recommendations
Kerala High Court questions state governments decision on FIR in CMRL-Exlogic case, involving former CM Pinarayi Vijayan and others. Kerala High Court to Decide on FIR in CMRL-Exlogic Case Amidst EDs Recommendations
Do not spread fears over ESA notification: Minister
Inaugurating the 87th annual general body meeting of the Association of Planters of Kerala, Forest Minister Shibu Baby John says the government remains firm in its stand to exclude all inhabited areas from the final notification
