Kerala Govt Starts Sabarimala Pilgrimage Prep, Focuses on Crowd Management
Chairing a review meeting on the annual pilgrimage, the state Health and Devaswom Minister said preparations should begin well in advance and stressed that there should be no compromise on providing adequate facilities for pilgrims, according to a statement
E.P. Jayarajan distances himself from CPI(M)s corruption charge in Vizhinjam port share transfer
CPI(M) leader says project is a major asset for Kerala and should not be dragged into unnecessary controversy
Kerala govt. issues order for CB probe into PSC exam irregularities
From Kerala to Ulster University Belfast: International student leaves legacy of inclusion
From Kerala to Ulster University Belfast: International student leaves legacy of inclusion
Labourers shifted from tunnel road construction site in Kozhikode in Kerala
Revenue department officials say shifting following preventive evacuation measures recommended by Kerala government in the wake of Wayanad debris slip disaster
Wayanad Ghat Road Protection Committee members say all vehicles passing through the ghat section should comply with the speed limit regulations to avoid accidents
Kerala Forest department sets up classroom libraries in Madatharakani Government High School
14 libraries, set up right inside individual classrooms, have age-appropriate and curriculum-aligned books within arms reach of the children
Allianz Technology India , the Global Capability Centers (GCCs) of Allianz Group in India, celebrated the landmark achievement as their Plastic Waste-Free Rivers Project – a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, crossed the milestone of recovering over 1,000 tons of plastic waste from Thiruvananthapuram's rivers and waterways over four years, preventing it from reaching the Arabian Sea. This is equivalent to removing 50 million plastic bottles from the city's waterbodies – if kept end-to-end, the bottles would stretch to 12,000 km which exceeds the coastline of India. The milestone was formally announced at an event held in Thiruvananthapuram, graced by an august gathering of dignitaries such as P.K. Kunhalikutty, Minister for Industries, IT, AI and Startups, Adv. Mons Joseph, Minister for Water Resources, K M Shaji, Minister for Local Self Government, Adv. V V Rajesh, Mayor of the Corporation of Trivandrum, V Muraleedharan, Member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly (Kazhakoottam constituency), Jison John, MD & CEO, Allianz Services India, Jayant Tulsiani, Branch Head India, Allianz Technology SE. During the 1000-Ton recovery milestone announcement of Allianz’s CSR initiative ‘Plastic Waste-Free Rivers Project Thiruvananthapuram’ Since its launch in 2022, This four-year journey has been entirely funded by Allianz Services India and Allianz Technology India, who have together invested more than INR 5 crores (EUR 500,000) from CSR funds in the project. " Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in Kerala are not merely engines of economic growth – they are responsible corporate citizens who invest in the communities and ecosystems that sustain them. This milestone also reinforces a powerful message to global investors: Kerala's industrial growth is inseparable from its commitment to environmental excellence, ” said P K Kunhalikutty, Minister for Industries, IT, AI and Startups . “ What makes the Plastic Waste-Free Rivers Project particularly commendable is its sustained, systematic approach,” said Adv. Mons Joseph, Minister for Water Resources . “I urge corporates, local bodies, and citizens alike to draw inspiration from this model ,” he added. “I call upon our Panchayats, Municipalities, and the Corporation of Thiruvananthapuram to draw inspiration from this model and deepen their collaboration with initiatives of this nature,” said K.M Shaji, Minister for Local Self Government . “ Reaching the 1,000 ton milestone is incredibly meaningful for Allianz – every piece of plastic removed from rivers is one less harming the ocean. It reflects a clear conviction: to protect biodiversity and ocean health, we must act upstream. This is about more than cleanup – it’s about lasting change: creating jobs, raising awareness, and transforming how communities manage waste. But we are only at the beginning. Preventing plastic pollution at scale requires deeper collaboration, systemic solutions and long-term commitment – because caring for tomorrow means protecting the ecosystems that sustain life today ,” said Barbara Karuth-Zelle, Member of the Board of Management (Responsible for Allianz Services and Allianz Technology) and Group COO, Allianz SE . The Plastic Waste-Free Rivers Project deploys low-cost floating barriers called TrashBooms to intercept plastic waste in rivers and urban waterways. Today, 15 TrashBoom systems operate across critical sites – including Thampanoor thodu, Ulloor thodu, Pattom thodu, Thekkinakara canal, Amayizhanchan thodu, Karamana river, Killi river, Kariyil thodu, and Thettiyar canal – collecting and removing plastic waste daily. Allianz Services India and Allianz Technology India run this initiative in association with NGO partners Thanal Trust and Sustera Foundation, deploying technology from Plastic Fischer, Germany. The project provides local employment and is supported by three Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) at Injakkal, Venpalavattom and Vallakadavu, managed by Plastic Fischer's team of 23 professionals responsible for recovery, transportation, segregation and shipping. Collected non-recyclable plastic is transported to the Thiruvananthapuram MRFs and subsequently co-processed at the plants of Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited in Tamil Nadu, while recyclable plastic is repurposed locally, including into TrashBins now installed at Veli Beach. Globally, nine million tons of plastic reach the oceans every year. In Thiruvananthapuram, 79% of debris on major water banks is plastic, and the Karamana and Killi rivers have the highest microplastic densities in the region. Without intervention, plastic is projected to outweigh fish in the world's oceans by 2050 – a stark reality that makes this milestone all the more significant. In 2025, Allianz Services India and Allianz Technology India launched grassroots-level programs in Puthenthope, Kadinamkulam and Veli, in association with NGO partners Thanal Trust and Sustera Foundation, marking a strategic shift towards preventive waste management by extending impact from interception to behaviour change and early intervention. The initiative encourages visitors, local merchants, and residents to dispose of waste responsibly. Employees regularly collaborate with NGO partners to undertake beach cleanup drives and awareness campaigns, while close collaboration with the Corporation of Thiruvananthapuram and the Government of Kerala (Departments of Local Self Government and Water Resources) ensures the initiative complements local governance efforts. This achievement demonstrates that Thiruvananthapuram-based GCCs are driving environmental initiatives with measurable outcomes through corporate citizenship. The 15 sites span critical urban waterways surrounding Technopark and key industrial zones, and by removing massive plastic blockages, this industry-led initiative helps local authorities mitigate urban flood risks, protecting tech infrastructure and enhancing the liveability index that attracts global talent to the city. The project has also earned endorsement from the UN Ocean Decade. What began in Thiruvananthapuram is now being replicated by others in Mangaluru, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kanpur, and Varanasi – demonstrating that structured, long-term action backed by strong partnerships can deliver real, scalable impact. Allianz established its Global Capability Centers (GCCs) as one of the early tenants of Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram. They are among the first GCCs in Kerala and today employ over 6,600 professionals, making Thiruvananthapuram Allianz's largest GCC location by headcount globally. Allianz Services is the AI-powered value accelerator for Allianz Group, one of the world's leading insurers and asset managers and, Allianz Technology India is a key delivery center for Allianz Technology and a strategic hub within the Allianz Group's global IT and digital transformation strategy.
Youth Congress workers storm Kerala PSC office over alleged exam irregularities
Despite attempts by security staff to stop them, the activists tried to force open the door of meeting room and shouted slogans demanding resignation of PSC chairman
Kerala HC directs CorroHealth, employees and State govt to attempt conciliation
Court urges resolution of disputes as contemplated under Industrial Relations Code
State Election Commissioners face controversy in Kerala and Tamil Nadu
Controversies in Kerala and Tamil Nadu highlight concerns over the integrity and autonomy of the State Election Commission
Kerala child rights panel seeks review of teachers' census duty deployment
The Kerala child rights panel has directed authorities to ensure census duties do not affect student academics. Teachers' deployment for the upcoming census must not disrupt classroom teaching or learning. A high-level committee will examine teacher assignments and explore alternatives for census work. The panel recommended comprehensive guidelines after reviewing complaints and suggestions. This order aims to protect children's fundamental right to education.
From village library to a window on world cinema
Kolazhys Cinema Kottaka celebrates its 100th screening, marking a decade of bringing world cinema to rural audiences with Malayalam subtitles
Wayanad Landslide Death Toll Rises to Five
Udaipur, July 9: The death toll from the landslide in Wayanad, Kerala, has risen to five after two more bodies were recovered from the debris. The search continues for three missing individuals. Reports indicate that one body was found in search area Zone-1 on Thursday morning, while the other was discovered in a river. Agricultural ... Read more Wayanad Landslide Death Toll Rises to Five
Kerala Left leader V. Sivankutty slams Centres Labour Codes for enabling hire and fire policy
Heavy monsoon rains have caused widespread waterlogging and traffic disruptions across India. Several states are under red and orange alerts for severe weather conditions. Authorities are managing rescue operations and monitoring vulnerable areas. Maharashtra and Kerala continue to battle significant rainfall impacts. The India Meteorological Department forecasts continued heavy showers in many regions.
Plastic Waste-Free River Project Removes 1,000 Tonnes of Waste in Kerala
The project uses floating barriers, known as TrashBooms, to trap plastic waste in rivers and urban waterway
Keralas tax cut on low alcohol beverages may boost fruit wine output, spur horti-value addition
Major scope for wine productoin from cashew apple, pineapple, rose apple, banana and nutmeg rind, say experts
Heavy Rains Continue in Kerala; IMD Issues Orange Alert in 3 Districts
It also issued a yellow alert in six other districts - Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kannur and Kasaragod - for the day
Heavy rains continue in Kerala; IMD sounds orange alert in 3 districts
IMD issues yellow alert in six other districts Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kannur and Kasaragod on Thursday
CEE Kerala has released the KEAM 2026 Phase 1 final seat allotment result for BTech admissions. Candidates who participated in the first round of the Centralised Allotment Process can check their allotment status through the official portal using their application number and password. Students allotted seats must complete fee payment by July 12, 2026, to confirm admission. The allotment is based on KEAM rank, category, reservation rules, seat availability and submitted choices.
Pinarayi Vijayan visits Wayanad debris slip site; meets injured in hospital
Senior party leaders M V Govindan and M V Jayarajan accompany Pinarayi Vijayan during the visit
Wayanad Landslide: Focus On Contractor's Note After 'Man-Made Disaster' Claim
Kerala's government now awaits a scientific probe before labeling the Wayanad tunnel landslide as natural or man-made.
Schools closed in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala and Karnataka amid monsoon rain alerts today
Schools remained closed across several districts in India today, July 9, as heavy monsoon rainfall prompted local administrations to suspend classes to safeguard students. Closures were announced in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala and Karnataka, with some districts shutting all educational institutions and others limiting the suspension to specific grades. Meanwhile, Delhi, Noida, Mumbai and Pune did not declare city-wide school holidays, and educational institutions continued normal operations unless individual schools announced otherwise.
Monsoon havoc: 16 feared trapped in Pune, Kerala tragedies
Heavy monsoon rains battered large parts of the country on Wednesday, triggering flash floods and widespread disruption to rail and road traffic, with 11 people feared trapped under a collapsed garbage mound in Maharashtras Pimpri Chinchwad and several parts of Delhi and Mumbai reeling under waterlogging. Surat in Gujarat received torrential rains, with officials saying 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 .
Monsoon batters Delhi, Mumbai; 11 feared trapped in Pune building collapse
Heavy monsoon rains battered India, causing widespread floods and disruptions. Flash floods and waterlogging affected Delhi, Mumbai, and Gujarat, with several deaths reported. Maharashtra faced landslides and disrupted train services due to swollen rivers. Kerala and Jammu also experienced severe weather events and rescue operations. Authorities are assessing damage and providing assistance to affected populations.
J&K improves school edu ranking in PGI 2.0
Srinagar, Jul 08: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessedasignificant progress in its overall performance in the Union Ministry of Education's Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 for 2025-26, increasing its score by 47 points over the previous year and moving up one grade. However,the Union Territory, as perthe PGI for States/UTs Report for 2025-2026, released bythe Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India,continues to remainin the 'Akanshi-1' category, indicating that substantial improvements are still needed across key school education indicators. The Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 serves as theunion government'sannual assessment framework to monitorthe quality of school educationand identify areas requiring policy intervention in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The details reveal that J&K's overall PGI score increased from 500.2 in 2024-25 to 547.0 in 2025-26, resulting in an improvement from Akanshi-2 (411-460) to Akanshi-1 (461-510) grade. The PGI 2.0 evaluates States and Union Territories across sixdomains: Learning Outcomes & Quality, Access, Infrastructure & Facilities, Equity, Governance Processes, and Teacher Education & Training,with a maximum score of 1,000. Domain-wise, Jammu and Kashmir scored 62.3 out of 80 in Learning Outcomes, 53.8 out of 80 in Access, 80.28 out of 190 in Infrastructure & Facilities, 210.5 out of 260 in Equity, 76.7 out of 130 in Governance Processes and 63.4 out of 100 in Teacher Education & Training. The UT secured Akanshi-1 grade in Learning Outcomes, Uttam-3 in Access, Prachesta-2 in Infrastructure & Facilities, Uttam-2 in Equity, Prachesta-1 in Governance Processes and Uttam-3 in Teacher Education & Training. In the Teacher Education & Training domain, J&K scored 63.4, placing it in the Uttam-3 (61-70.9) category. According to the details, only11 States and UTs achieved this grade, while just two, including Kerala, reached the top Utkarsh category. The report shows that Chandigarh emerged as the best-performing State/UT with an overall score of 766, becoming the only one to enter the Uttam-3 category, while several States and UTs continued to remain in lower performance bands.
KIAL confident of passenger traffic recovery
The airport recorded its highest-ever annual passenger traffic in 2025
Police refuse to register case on Ansibas defamation complaint
Police crackdown on suspected drug traffickers meets fierce resistance
Police say the cyber cell has identified several persons linked to inter-State and inter-district synthetic drug traffickers
NMC flags GMC Jammu over CCTV compliance
Srinagar, July 08: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has identified Govt. Medical College (GMC), Jammu among 70 medical colleges across India for failing to comply with mandatory CCTV surveillance and Network Video Recorder (NVR) integration norms, directing immediate compliance with its regulations. The NMC has directed all non-compliant medical colleges and institutions across the country to immediately install CCTV surveillance systems, connect their Network Video Recorders (NVRs) with the NMC Command and Control Centre, and provide live feed access to the Commission. In a communication issued by the NMC's IT Division on July 6, 2026, the Commission stated that medical colleges are mandated under various regulations and advisories to install 25 CCTV cameras at prescribed locations and maintain 30 days of playback footage and share live feeds with the NMC through NVR connectivity. From Jammu and Kashmir, Government Medical College (GMC), Bakshinagar Jammu has figured among the institutions listed as non-compliant in the communication under the UG category. The Commission said that despite continuous follow-up with institutions, several colleges have still not linked their NVR systems with the NMC. Consequently, a list of 70 non-compliant medical colleges, including undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) institutions, has been made public. Among the institutions named are prominent government medical colleges and hospitals from Delhi, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Odisha, Telangana, and other states. According to the NMC, the CCTV and NVR requirements form part of the UGMSR-2023 regulations, PGMSR-2023 (Amendment) dated February 20, 2026, and MARB Regulations 2023, aimed at strengthening transparency, monitoring, and regulatory oversight in medical education institutions. The commission has directed all listed institutions to comply with the CCTV installation and NVR integration requirements on an immediate basis. The Commission has also provided technical support through its designated email for institutions facing implementation issues. The notice has been forwarded to the Departments of Medical Education and Directorates of Medical Education of all States and Union Territories for further necessary action.
The free bus ride scheme for women is turning out to be financially unviable
Govt. nod for 190-mld water treatment plant in Aluva
CM to inaugurate Kochi Corporations third ro-ro vessel on Sunday
Wayanad landslide: Priority to searching for missing persons, says Kerala CM
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan visited the Wayanad landslide-affected area. Search operations for five missing persons continue amid continuous rainfall and a red alert. Injured individuals are receiving hospital care, and displaced people are in relief camps. Two committees will study the disaster's causes and project compliance. Tunnel project work remains halted until investigations are completed.
Kerala CM VD Satheesan visits Wayanad landslide zone
Kerala HC says no stay on the functioning of State Waqf Board for now
Directs the State to file its response
Kerala government informs the court that 'bona fide attempts' were made by the investigating officer and that he needed one more month to complete the investigation into the alleged misappropriation
Football fans in Kerala split over Argentinas great escape
IIT Palakkad to host meet on non-sewered sanitation
Police use water cannons to disperse protesting Yuva Morcha activists in Thrissur
Kerala govt. forms transport coordination committee
Torrential rain pounds Thrissur; Orange alert in place as rough sea batters coast
Enforcement drive in trains: RPF registers 1,315 cases, collects 7 lakh as fine
Cardamom estate worker killed after tree falls on her in Idukki
Expert team to inspect mudslide and crack on highway near Munnar
A major roadside crack developed and a mudslide occurred near Munnar town on Saturday evening
While the Centre responded positively to several proposals, it refused to accept the States long-standing demand to declare wild boar as vermin, says Minister
Passport Seva Kendra opened at Thavanur post office
The Thavanur POPSK is expected to improve access to passport services for residents of the Ponnani Lok Sabha constituency and neighbouring areas
Timely reforms essential to improve quality of education: Suresh Gopi
The Union Minister was inaugurating the Bhavans S. Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence
93 shifted to relief camps after Wayanad debris slip
Ministers direct officials to strengthen relief and disaster management measures after the tragedy that claimed three lives, with five persons still missing
Kozhikode City police destroy massive haul of seized narcotics
Decision based on recommendations made by a State Legislative Assembly committee, which had observed that complaints relating to dowry harassment and domestic violence were increasing steadily and required urgent and coordinated intervention
ED summons top officials of hospitals in Kerala in connection with organ trade racket probe
KC(M) turns up heat on Congress in Pala
KC(M) serves notice on the municipal secretary to convene a council meeting as 18 of the 26 councillors have publicly withdrawn confidence in the chairperson. The partymay consider supporting a new administration led by Congress rebel Maya Rahul.
CM says the allegations being raised are of a serious nature and that the investigation will look into all the complaints received till now regarding various examinations
Kerala CM Satheesan Visits Wayanad Mudslide Disaster Site, Meets Victims
CM Satheesan announced that the Kerala government will provide Rs 5 lakh as immediate financial assistance to the next of kin of those who were killed in the mudslide
Kumarakom to get solar-powered tourist boat services
Whirlwind rips off roof of Thrissur house, uproots trees
Family escapes unhurt as powerful storm and heavy rain strikes Kuttur late on Tuesday night
Wayanad debris slide: CM reviews rescue measures
Upon completing his visit to the camp, CM V.D. Satheesan proceeded to the Wayanad Institute of Medical Sciences (WIMS) to meet the survivors who were rescued and admitted to the private healthcare facility on July 8
BJP-Led Thiruvananthapuram Corp Changes Haritha Karma Sena Uniform Colour to Saffron
Since the Haritha Karma Sena was formed under the Haritha Keralam Mission in 2017, green coats had been their official uniform
Kerala High Court closes contempt petition against K. Sudhakaran after apology in person
For making derogatory remarks about the High Court Bench which quashed a Single Judges order for a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the death of Youth Congress leader S.P. Shuhaib
Three cops suspended in alleged drunk driving case
District Police Chief places the officers under suspension pending further investigation into the incident.
Kerala govt. revamps Vigilance Manual after two decades
It introduces sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening the States anti-corruption framework, modernising investigative procedures, and enhancing transparency and accountability in public administration
Elderly man dies after being trapped in home lift
Amit Shah speaks to CMs of Kerala, Maharashta, Gujarat, J&K on rain situation, assures help
New Delhi, Jul 8: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday spoke with the chief ministers of Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Jammu and Kashmir to take stock of the situation arising from heavy rains there and assured them of all possible assistance from the Centre, officials said. The home minister called Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, they said. During the separate phone conversations, Shah assured them of all possible assistance from the Centre in dealing with the rain-related situation, they said. Speaking to Satheesan, the home minister expressed satisfaction over the rescue and relief operations carried out by the Kerala government following the Wayanad tragedy, in which three people were killed after a rain-soaked mound of excavated earth collapsed at the site of a multi-crore tunnel project in Meppadi panchayat on Tuesday. Shah also asked the chief minister to order a high-level inquiry into the incident. Satheesan informed him that the state cabinet, which met earlier in the day, had already decided to conduct an inquiry. Ten people were injured, and five remained missing in the incident, which has been described as a man-made disaster. In Maharashtra, the capital Mumbai witnessed torrential rain on Wednesday, delaying local train services and causing inconvenience to office-goers. The city was battered by rain over the weekend and got a brief respite on Tuesday. Long-distance train services towards Gujarat remained disrupted due to waterlogging on the Vasai-Virar section in neighbouring Palghar district and at several locations in south Gujarat. Operations on the Mumbai-Pune route were also yet to be fully restored following landslides in the Bhor Ghat section on Monday. According to civic officials, the Tulsi Lake, one of the seven reservoirs supplying drinking water to Mumbai, started overflowing late at night due to heavy rainfall in its catchment area. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast intermittent light to moderate rainfall in Mumbai and the suburbs during the day. In neighbouring Gujarat, the southern part received extremely heavy rainfall on Tuesday, with the worst affected being Surat district, where five people died in rain-related incidents, while 2,100 people were shifted from flooded areas to safe locations, officials said. Kamrej taluka in Surat recorded a whopping 305 mm rainfall in 10 hours ending 4 pm on Tuesday, they said. Schools and colleges in the Navsari district and Surat remained shut on Tuesday in view of the downpour. Extremely heavy rainfall occurred at isolated places in the districts of South Gujarat region, namely Surat, Valsad, Dadra & Nagar Haveli in the last 24 hours, the IMD said in its midday state forecast on Tuesday. Talking to reporters, M Nagarajan, Commissioner of Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), had said around 2,100 people have been relocated from across different zones to safe shelters. An official from the district disaster management office had said that a total of five deaths were reported in rain-related incidents over the past two days. Two deaths due to electrocution were reported today, while another person died in the Kamrej area. On Monday, two individuals died from electrocution in the Rander area of Surat, the official had said. In Jammu and Kashmir, flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall struck the upper reaches of Thathri town in Doda district on Tuesday, partially damaging several houses, shops and vehicles. It was the third such incident in the twin districts of Doda and Kishtwar this week, following heavy rainfall that has battered the mountainous region. Officials said heavy rain in the upper reaches had triggered flash floods, bringing boulders, mud and debris into Thathri town. The Doda-Kishtwar highway was also blocked at Thathri following the flash floods, disrupting vehicular movement in the region. The incident came a day after heavy flash floods triggered by incessant rainfall damaged the Doda-Kishtwar highway near the under-construction 540 MW Kwar Hydroelectric Power Project.
Fishers escape suspected squall wind off Beypore coast
The boat, Baharul Isan, which had ventured out from Beypore harbour, was struck by the sudden weather condition nearly six nautical miles off the coast
Wayanad Landslide Renews Focus on Kerala's Migrant Workforce
In recent decades, Kerala has emerged as one of the highest migrant worker populated states in India, owing to its allure of higher wage rate in the informal labour market for unorganised sector workers than any other state in India
Wayanad tragedy: Greens hold Kerala govt accountable, seek suspension of further tunnel works
Wayanad Prakrithi Samrakshana Samiti also alleges that tunnel project was approved during the term of Left Democratic Front-led government with suspicious haste and without adequate scientific evaluation, overriding early warnings raised by environmentalists
Giving KKR Trials At 14 In Front Of Ganguly Sir And Buchanan Felt Surreal, Says Samson
Kolkata Knight Riders: India wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson has opened up about how it felt surreal for him to give IPL selection trials for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the tender age of 14 in front of legends like former India skipper Sourav Ganguly and John Buchanan. Samson has been out of Indias playing eleven since the Manchester T20I against England, after having endured two low scores in Ireland. But on a trip down the memory lane, Samson, who played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2026, credited his childhood coach Biju George for shaping his early career and opening doors for him to attend KKR trials. After I went on to perform well for Kerala in the Under-13 tournament, Biju sir took me all the way to the Kolkata Knight Riders selection trials when I was just 14 years old. That felt unbelievably surreal for a 14-year-old. Sourav Ganguly sir was the captain of KKR at the time, and John Buchanan was the head coach. I gave my trials in front of them, and based on that performance, they selected me to be a part of the KKR 'B' team during that period. We even got to travel to Sri Lanka for matches with the 'B' team. Biju sir continuously opened doors and created opportunities for us, so the credit for shaping the early stages of my career will always, unconditionally, go to him, he said in an episode of JioStar's 'Superstars'. Samson also threw light on the initial hardships his family faced when they relocated from Delhi to Thiruvananthapuram, including struggle for taking mid-term admission in school. When we left everything behind and moved back to Kerala, we initially couldn't get admission into any school in Trivandrum. We had moved there during the mid-term, so we weren't getting admission anywhere. We tried so many schools, thinking we would go here or there, do this or that, but nobody was ready to admit us. In the end, there was a school called St. Joseph's in Trivandrum. One of my father's friends held a high position there. He asked my father what the matter was, and my dad explained that we weren't getting school admissions. He simply said, 'No problem, get uniforms for the kids the next day and send them straight to school.' Thats how it all began in Trivandrum. On how his father connected with George, currently the head of talent scouting at KKR, Samson said his father Viswanathan making endless phone calls from Delhi to find out about the cricket infrastructure in Kerala helped them very well. While we were still in Delhi, my father used to make endless phone calls to friends in Kerala to find out about the cricket scene there. He didn't know Biju sir at first, but he had a close friend named Ali bhai. He would constantly ask them where he should send me and my brother for cricket training after we moved to Kerala. Ali bhai strongly recommended Biju George sir, saying he was the best coach in Kerala and that he would guide us well. My father agreed. On that very first day, we had a short trial where we faced about 10 balls each, so he could see our natural ability. Within just 10 minutes of watching us bat, Biju sir made up his mind. He immediately sent my brother to play for the Wayanad district team, he said it would be a great opportunity for him. For me, since I was younger, he said I had to wait because my Under-13 matches were coming up, he added. The explosive batter stated that the immense sacrifices made by his parents provided him with the ultimate motivation to succeed in playing cricket from a young age. We loved our routine, morning practice, go to school, rush back, and train again. At that age, it made us feel like we were doing something meaningful. Our peers at school and the academy respected us for it. He immediately sent my brother to play for the Wayanad district team, he said it would be a great opportunity for him. For me, since I was younger, he said I had to wait because my Under-13 matches were coming up, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score That is why getting out for 30 or 40 and then going home and telling my dad that I got out for 30 felt a bit heavy. But looking back, that environment brought the best out of me. While my friends played for fun, I walked onto the field with one goal, to make my parents proud and make their sacrifices count. That is what kept me focused at such a young age, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Comedian Sabareesh Narayanan makes history with Malayalams first OTT stand-up special
The Kochi-based stand-up comic reflects on anxiety, vulnerability, performing for Malayali audiences across the world and why Malayalam comedy is only just finding its footing
Kerala Maritime Board disbanded over administrative lapses, financial irregularities
According to a gazette notification, the Board failed to submit its annual administrative reports to the State government for the financial years 202223, 202324, and 202425
Kerala to study Adanis 49% stake sale in Vizhinjam Port
CM V.D. Satheesan said the government would not take any decision that is detrimental to Keralas interests.
Nandagovindam Bhajans launches the first bhajan clubbing event in Kerala
ROOTS by Nandagovindam Bhajans, held in Thiruvananthapuram, saw the group regaling the audience with their popular numbers and a surprise in the form of Vineeth Sreenivasan
Kerala Hikes Onam Bumper Lottery First Prize to Rs 30 Crore, Highest in India
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will launch the Onam bumper lottery ticket on July 17
US firm CorroHealth closure: Kochi employees remain locked out of office as uncertainty looms
Labour department officials recorded the attendance of employees who turned up at the office on the day. This arrangement will continue until Friday, when Labour Minister is expected to hold a conciliatory meeting with senior company officials
BJP councillor R. Sugathan suffers fresh setback as KAAPA advisory board upholds six-month detention
While Sugathans next legal option is to approach High Court, he will have to continue in prison if he fails to secure relief. In such a scenario, he also faces possibility of losing his position as a councillor in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation
Kerala rains: Wayanad among nine districts on orange alert
Wayanad disaster: Amit Shah speaks to Kerala CM, extends Centres support
Adani's Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale Faces Kerala Govt Review
Chief Minister V D Satheesan said the government has received a request seeking its prior approval for the proposed stake transfer
CM Satheesan hits back at Opposition, claims previous LDF govt was aware of proposed Vizhinjam deal
Detailed probe to find cause of Wayanad landslide: Satheesan
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Wednesday, July 8, said that the government will carry out a detailed examination to know the reasons behind the Wayanad landslide that claimed three lives on July 7. The CM said that it would also be examined whether the directives issued by the central government while giving 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 .
Keralas Thiruvonam bumper lottery first prize hiked to 30 crore
Ticket price remains unchanged at 500 per ticket. The third prize revised from 50 lakh to 25 lakh as part of prize structure revision
Kerala orders probe into Wayanad landslide
The Kerala government will investigate the cause of the Wayanad landslide and review environmental clearance compliance before resuming the tunnel project.
Why are Tamil Nadu and Kerala opposed to the proposed changes in Food Security law? | Explained
Read on to find out why ministers from Tamil Nadu and Kerala have voiced their concerns over the proposed amendments to the National Food Security Act
Kerala govt refers proposed Vizhinjam stake transfer to empowered panel
The Kerala cabinet has referred a stake transfer proposal to an Empowered Committee. This committee will examine the concession agreement and legal aspects thoroughly. The Chief Minister stated the government will protect Kerala's interests. The committee's recommendations will guide the final decision-making process. A final decision will be made after the committee submits its report.
Agri-Next to support 150 start-ups for technology driven innovations
The initiative aims to bridge the gap between innovation and farming by enabling start-ups to take cutting-edge technologies directly to farmers across Kerala.
Wayanad debris slip: Kerala CM Satheesan says detailed probe to be conducted
Chief Minister says investigation will be multi-pronged, looking at technical and legal aspects
Kerala Sets up Special Task Force to Probe Dowry, Domestic Violence Cases
The move is aimed at ensuring timely action on complaints and securing justice for women facing dowry-related and domestic violence
Wayanad debris slip Live: Search on for 5 missing; Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan to visit site
A day after a debris slip at the tunnel road construction site in Kerala's Wayanad district claimed three lives, extensive search operations are ongoing to find five people who are still missing
KEAM 2026 provisional seat allotment announced at cee.kerala.gov.in; final list to be released today
CEE Kerala has released the KEAM 2026 phase 1 provisional seat allotment result on its official website. Candidates can submit complaints regarding the provisional allotment until 2 pm today, after which the final allotment list will be published on July 8. The fee payment process for allotted candidates will be held from July 9 to July 12. CEE has also published the phase 1 engineering cutoff ranks and admission document list.
