Remembering the Wayanad Tragedy: Two Years Later, Survivors Honor Their Lost Loved Ones
Wayanad, July 30: Two years have passed since the devastating natural disaster struck Wayanad, Kerala. The calamity obliterated the hillside villages of Chooralamala and Mundakkai. Even after two years, the shadow of grief looms over the survivors. On July 30, 2024, a landslide officially claimed the lives of 330 individuals, including 32 who were initially ... Read more Remembering the Wayanad Tragedy: Two Years Later, Survivors Honor Their Lost Loved Ones
Kerala CM Satheesan: Sangh, a Section of Media Owe Manmohan Singh an Apology
The Supreme Court on Wednesday closed a criminal case against Singh in a coal block allocation case while setting aside a summoning order passed against him
Kerala PSC exam scam: SIT suspects larger conspiracy behind irregularities
According to SITs findings, alleged malpractice was not an isolated lapse, but an orchestrated attempt to manipulate rank list
Salary from private sector employment cannot be excluded in Creamy Layer assessment: Kerala HC
While one petitioners father was earning 1.12 crore annually, another ones father was employed in multinational bank in the UK
Kerala Civil Police Officer suspended over custodial assault leading to bus drivers death
Suspension order issued by District Police Chief (Kollam Rural) after a preliminary inquiry revealed severe lapses in protocol
Power engineers oppose 11 kV self-certification policy, cite public safety risks
The Jammu and Kashmir Electrical Engineering Graduates Association (JKEEGA) has sought the immediate withdrawal of S.O. 193 of 2026, contending that the governments decision to enhance the notified voltage limit for self-certification of electrical installations from 650 volts to 11 kV could compromise public safety, weaken statutory oversight, and undermine the role of the Electrical Inspection Wing. The association has also called for the notification to be kept in abeyance until a comprehensive technical, legal, and safety review is undertaken. In a detailed representation addressed to the Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department, JKEEGA stated that the recently issued notification, which implements provisions under the Central Electricity Authority (Measures Relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023, appears to have been issued without a comprehensive technical impact assessment, structured stakeholder consultation, or any demonstrable evaluation of the safety implications associated with permitting self-certification of electrical installations up to 11 kV. The association said the issue was deliberated extensively during separate meetings of its Guidance Councils in Kashmir and Jammu, chaired by General Secretary Er. Pirzada Hidayatullah and President Er. Sachin Tickoo, respectively. Following detailed technical discussions, both councils unanimously adopted resolutions opposing S.O. 193 and resolved to seek its immediate withdrawal and a comprehensive review. Copies of the resolutions have also been submitted to the government for consideration. According to the representation, electrical installations operating at 11 kV constitute high-voltage systems that involve significantly greater risks to human life, public property, and the integrity and reliability of the electricity network. JKEEGA argued that such installations require rigorous and independent statutory scrutiny by the Electrical Inspection Wing to ensure compliance with prescribed safety standards. It cautioned that extending the scope of self-certification to 11 kV would substantially reduce independent statutory oversight and weaken the safeguards envisaged under the Electricity Act, 2003, and the CEA Safety Regulations, 2023. The engineering body further maintained that no material has been placed in the public domain to indicate that the enhancement of the notified voltage threshold from 650 volts to 11 kV was preceded by any comprehensive technical feasibility study, safety audit, risk assessment, or comparative analysis of regulatory practices followed by other states. It said a policy decision having far-reaching implications for public safety and regulatory governance should have been preceded by a transparent consultative process involving all stakeholders, including the Electrical Inspection Wing, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL), Jammu and Kashmir Power Transmission Corporation Limited (JKPTCL), engineering associations, technical experts, and consumer representatives. JKEEGA also expressed concern over the practical implications of the notification, observing that certification of high-voltage installations under the revised framework would largely depend upon Chartered Engineers possessing the prescribed qualifications and experience. Given the limited availability of such professionals in the Union Territory, the association apprehended that statutory certification may become concentrated in the hands of only a few individuals, leading to avoidable administrative, technical, and ethical concerns while simultaneously diminishing the institutional role of the Electrical Inspection Wing. While acknowledging that improving the ease of doing business is a legitimate policy objective, the association asserted that it cannot override the paramount considerations of public safety, statutory oversight, and regulatory accountability, particularly in matters involving high-voltage electrical infrastructure. The representation also highlighted a comparative review of the regulatory framework adopted by several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, West Bengal, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh. According to JKEEGA, these states have exercised caution while implementing the discretion available under the CEA Regulations and have retained comparatively lower notified voltage thresholds to ensure continued independent statutory oversight over high-tension electrical installations. The association further pointed out that neighbouring Himachal Pradesh, which has topographical and climatic conditions similar to Jammu and Kashmir, has retained the notified voltage threshold at 440 volts, demonstrating that the CEA Regulations do not prescribe a uniform national threshold of 11 kV. In its representation, JKEEGA urged the government to immediately withdraw S.O. 193 of 2026, suspend its implementation pending a comprehensive technical, legal, and safety review, and constitute a high-level committee comprising representatives from the Power Development Department, Electrical Inspection Wing, KPDCL, JPDCL, JKPTCL, JKEEGA, technical experts, and other stakeholders to examine the implications of the notification. It also sought a comparative assessment of the regulatory frameworks followed in other states before introducing any policy that substantially expands the scope of self-certification. Furthermore, the association requested that any future policy concerning electrical safety and statutory inspection be formulated only after meaningful consultation with all stakeholders and due consideration of technical, legal, and public safety aspects. Reiterating its support for reforms in the power sector, JKEEGA stated that it remains firmly committed to constructive and progressive changes. However, it maintained that such reforms must be founded on sound technical principles, stakeholder participation, statutory compliance, and the paramount consideration of public safety. The association appealed to the government to initiate a transparent, inclusive, and technically informed consultative process to evolve a balanced and consensus-based policy. The association expressed hope that the concerns raised by the engineering fraternity would receive due consideration. However, it warned that if the notification continues in its present form without meaningful stakeholder consultation, JKEEGA would be constrained to register its protest through all lawful, peaceful, and democratic means available under law in order to safeguard public safety, preserve the statutory role of the Electrical Inspection Wing, and protect the legitimate interests of the engineering fraternity. Copies of the representation have also been forwarded to the Advisor to the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary of the Union Territory.
Shreeshankar Wins Silver Medal in Mens Long Jump at CWG 2026
Glasgow, July 30: Indian athlete Murali Shreeshankar clinched a silver medal in the mens long jump final at the Commonwealth Games 2026, held late Wednesday night (Indian time). He achieved his best jump of 8.09 meters during the event. Hailing from Palakkad in Kerala, Shreeshankar made his best jump in the second round, starting with ... Read more Shreeshankar Wins Silver Medal in Mens Long Jump at CWG 2026
Murali Shreeshankar Secures Silver Medal in Mens Long Jump at CWG 2026
Glasgow, July 30: Murali Shreeshankar from India clinched a silver medal in the mens long jump final at the Commonwealth Games 2026, achieving a personal best jump of 8.09 meters late Wednesday night (Indian time). The athlete from Palakkad, Kerala, made his best leap in the second round. He started with a jump of 8.03 ... Read more Murali Shreeshankar Secures Silver Medal in Mens Long Jump at CWG 2026
Kerala Tourism to push for driver facilities in star-rating norms for hotels and resorts
Move follows a protest by drivers demanding properly maintained washrooms at luxury hotels
Workshop to draft action plans for welfare of SHGs begins in Kochi
Bangladeshi national arrested in Kozhikode over illegal stay
AKPCTA seeks govt. intervention to end administrative crisis at technical varsity
Association demands that a Syndicate meeting be convened without further delay to approve pending appointments and promotions
City police incinerate 587 kg of suspected ganja, other seized contraband
The suspected narcotic substances were seized over the past one year as part of the ongoing anti-drug crackdown
Expert committee to inspect autonomous colleges in Calicut varsity
Syndicate standing committee on exams to conduct inquiry into 93 students graduating after getting moderation marks in an unauthorised manner
Kerala Headload Workers Act will be modernised, says Bindhu
Dhanlaxmi Bank records 24.91 crore net profit in Q1 of FY 2026-27
Total business reached 35,190 crore as on June 30, 2026, from 29,051 crore as on June 30, 2025, recording 21.13 % growth.
Three arrested for poaching in Vellore
The arrested made as well as sourced country-made explosives through acquaintances in Kerala
CPI(M) Ernakulam district secretary accuses State govt., MP of inaction over FACT crisis
Hibi Eden rejects the allegations, saying he had raised FACT-related issues in Parliament and sought action on a nano urea plant
Kerala Police Association moves High Court against Home dept.s order restructuring police forums
ACS (Home) ordered restructuring of KPA including all ranks from CPOs to grade SIs, and revamp of KPSOA by including ranks from SI to SP (non-IPS). The move renders another association, KPOA, redundant. KPA contends that each forum has its own objectives and questions the ACS authority to pass such an order
Kerala, AIIB discuss long-term partnership for sustainable infrastructure investment
AIIB evinces interest in Mission Samudra, a blue economy initiative integrating fisheries, ports, inland waterways, maritime logistics, coastal development, tourism and skill development
Attack on ED officials: Kerala HC seeks State govt.s response in bail plea of accused
Youth killed as car crashes into electric pole in Keralas Kannur
Thrissurs waste-to-wealth dream nears reality with 30-tonne biogas plant
Compressed biogas facility, expected to be commissioned by November 1, aims to tackle the citys organic waste, generate green fuel and move Thrissur towards a zero-waste future
Perambra drug trafficking case: DIG reviews progress of probe
Police suspect the involvement of more persons in the drug deals and say the source of the drugs and money will be exposed in the forthcoming phase of the investigation
Five held under Op Cy-Hunt in Ernakulam
The accused were nabbed during raids conducted at 35 locations in Ernakulam
Kerala health university to launch four major projects on Friday
Keralas first MSc Medical Bioinformatics programme, a medicinal plant garden on varsity campus, YouTube channel for public awareness, and an e-learning studio are the initiatives
Holiday for educational institutions in Keralas Wayanad
Woman admits to abandoning newborn found dead in Keralas Nilambur
The body of the full-term baby boy was discovered on July 28, 2026, morning by a hospital worker while cleaning the toilet
Monsoon intensifies, orange alert for three districts in Kerala on July 30, 2026
The IMD issues heavy rainfall warnings for the next four days in Kerala, including an orange alert for Kannur, Kasaragod, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Idukki on Friday and a yellow alert for the remaining parts of the State
Anti-trafficking day to be observed today
Human skull found at Manjeri in Malappuram
Workers discovered the skull while clearing vegetation on a private property; forensic examination is expected to determine its nature and how long it had been there
CBG plant at Brahmapuram to reach full capacity of 150 tonnes by third week of August, says BPCL-KR
BPCL-KR says the plant is undergoing the normal stabilisation period before scaling up to its installed capacity; Kochi Corporation has blamed the plants inability to process the promised volume and says it is preparing to petition the Chief Minister. BPCL-KR attributes the delay to operational and waste quality issues
Legal education will be modernised: Kerala Chief Minister
Project Zero anti-corruption drive launched
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said that the project is aimed at catching not just bribe takers, but those giving bribes too
Kerala State Road Transport Corporations courier and logistics service suspended
Service suspended following complaints of poor service
41.8 lakh worth of heroin seized at Aluva Railway Station; two held
The seizure was made as part of Operation Narcos, a nationwide anti-drug drive
Centres stand on ESA draft unacceptable to Kerala government, says MP
Guruvayur Devaswom should consider renaming Kodathi Vilakku': Kerala High Court
The court ruled that while the event itself does not violate constitutional principles, its name could imply an inappropriate association with the judiciary.
Centre will consider widening ChinnakadaEdamon NH if Kerala provides land: MP
Key suspect in Perumbavoor hybrid ganja case operating from Thailand, say police
District Police Chief (Rural) K.S. Sudarshan says evidence points to the suspects involvement in trafficking hybrid ganja from Thailand. He has been absconding since the 2021 Ramanattukara accident that occurred during an alleged gold heist attempt. The officer also says the organ trafficking case is yet to be transferred to the SIT
Competing airport pitches in Kerala revive battle over Sabarimala project
Spate of violent assaults raises public safety concerns in Kochi
At least one incident involving attacks by groups with criminal records has been reported almost every month since March; police say most recent cases followed sudden provocations and were often linked to intoxication; back-to-back road rage assaults near Kakkanad are among a series of violent incidents reported across the city in recent months
Govt. sorting out urban-rural mismatch in fund allocation: Satheesan
Chief Minister says State government has contacted the Centre to point out a flaw in the 16th Finance Commissions definition of rural and urban areas in Kerala which has led to this issue
Satheesan says his government looks forward to strengthening its partnership with the AIIB for implementing high-impact infrastructure projects
Kozhikode set to host 12th edition of Malabar River Festival
International athletes and top Indian paddlers from several States will compete in the four-day event, which will feature over 100 participants
Man sentenced to 40 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexual assault
Overcrowding on Kuttiyadi ghat buses raises safety concerns
Overloaded KSRTC bus carrying more than 100 passengers narrowly avoids accident after brake failure on Kuttiyadi ghat; limited private bus services and inadequate KSRTC schedules blamed for recurring overcrowding on the route; passengers and KSRTC staff call for additional services to ease crowding and improve safety on the hill stretch
Aided schools get preference in allotment of additional Plus One batches in north Kerala
All the 20 batches sanctioned in Kozhikode and 48 of the 60 batches in Malappuram are in aided higher secondary schools
KHRC Directs Use of Snehalayam Instead of Vriddhasadan
'Vriddhasadan' (old-age home) will be called 'Snehalayam' (house of love) in Kerala from now on
8,329 students get Plus One school/combination transfer allotment in Malappuram
Across the State, 31,496 students of the 50,568 students whose online applications for school/combination transfer were confirmed received allotment
CPI(M)s S.B. Raju elected Palakkad district panchayat president
S.B. Raju succeeds T.M. Shashi, who vacated the post after being elected as an MLA from Alathur.
Centre issues 7th draft to notify Western Ghats eco-sensitive zone
The Centre has issued its seventh draft notification for the Western Ghats ecologically sensitive area. This proposal designates approximately 56,825 sq km as a sensitive zone across six states. Southern states, particularly Kerala, have raised objections to the proposed prohibitions. The draft includes phased notification to expedite the designation process. Agricultural practices and plantations will remain unaffected by the new provisions.
Labour Codes: Kerala govt. to finalise decision in consultation with trade unions
CM Satheesan said the decision is meant to address the uncertainty created by the replacement of the earlier laws and the non-implementation of the new law passed by the Parliament
In 2021, Organ Transplant Supply in India Met 0.2% of Heart Need: Study
Five states -- Tamil Nadu, Delhi NCR, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Telangana -- represented about 29 per cent of the country's population, yet accounted for about 80-96 per cent of transplants in 2024
Farmer denied Central govt subsidy: A Kerala consumer commission has ordered Federal Bank to pay Rs 1.76 lakh to a dairy farmer from Kannur after ruling that the bank's failure to properly file his NABARD subsidy claim on time cost him a benefit he was fully entitled to. The court held the bank's procedural lapses amounted to deficiency in service.
A tale of hits and misses: How Mollywood fared in first half of 2026
According to estimates by Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce, of around 80 films that reached the screens between January and second week of July, only about 10-12% made a mark at the box-office
CPI(M) Workers Seek Bail in Kerala High Court After ED Attack Allegations
Kochi, July 29: Seven CPI(M) workers accused of attacking Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in May have approached the Kerala High Court for bail. They have been imprisoned for over two months due to the denial of their bail applications. This case has sparked a high-profile legal battle, as the ED opposes their release. The bail ... Read more CPI(M) Workers Seek Bail in Kerala High Court After ED Attack Allegations
The CMs comments on Wednesday came in the wake of the [CPI(M)] State Secretariat on Tuesday flagging growing resentment against the IUML from within the minority community for endorsing the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025
Paid Menstrual Leave for KSRTC Women Conductors: Kerala HC Sets 3-Month Deadline
The petition, filed by women conductors, seeks two days of paid menstrual leave every month
Directs Registrar of Cooperative Societies to take effective and continuing steps, including public awareness measures, to prevent such misuse and to safeguard the interests of depositors
Kerala Cyber Police have registered a case against RSS leader T G Mohandas over his alleged derogatory remarks against students who protested in Delhi over the alleged NEET question paper leak.
Kerala school Onam exams from August 13 to 20
August 21 to be a working day that can be used by schools for organising Onam celebrations
Finance Commission Incorrectly Assessed Kerala Census Towns: CM Satheesan
The CM said that the Finance Commission has shown rural areas are less in Kerala by including many 'census towns' in urban areas, creating problems in distributing funds to the local bodies for planned expenditure
No delay in action against ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar, says Kerala CM
Satheesan says government had to follow certain procedural formalities and that it 'could be expected to act when the media wants it to
Chennithala Signals No Promotion for Suspended Kerala ADGP Ajithkumar
Chennithala told reporters that Ajithkumar's name was on top of the list approved for promotion to DGP by former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan last year
UDF nominee V.R. Sudheer sweeps aside rivals to become Kochi Corporation Deputy Mayor
Sudheer secures 46 votes, while P.J. Yesudas of LDF polls 21, and Jalaja S. Acharya of BJP gets six
Kerala rains: Monsoon likely to intensify; IMD sounds orange alert for three districts on July 29
According to IMD, monsoon conditions in Kerala have strengthened under the influence of the deep depression over central parts of Chhattisgarh and adjoining Odisha
Recipe row: Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan rejects 'sexist remark' charge, says he was misquoted
Satheesan says he was misquoted as exclusively referring to daughters-in-law and that he had, in fact, asked mothers to share such recipes with 'their children and the person who comes as their sons wife
Bars in Kerala Opening Early Will Get Licenses Suspended: Excise Chief
Bars in Kerala are allowed to remain open only between 10 AM and 12 midnight. Meanwhile Excise Minister M Liju had said that some bars open as early as 5:30 AM by bribing officers
Kerala unveils three new investment promotion initiatives under 100-day programme
The government is also taking steps to establish a Board and a Council for investment promotion, while giving the highest priority to Ease of Doing Business reforms
Kerala Cabinet approves five administrative reforms to curb project delays, plug fund leakage
Five-point administrative reforms programme includes development of Special Asset Management Platform, Plan Space 2.0 portal and amendment of 'outdated, unnecessary and contradictory' laws
Court says the State should hear the petitioners and KSRTC before making a decision
A Kerala consumer commission has ordered Abhi Bus Service India and its partner operator to pay Rs 30,000 in compensation and refund the ticket fare after a couple, including a woman recovering from surgery, were sent to a wrong pickup point in Ayodhya, travelled 10 km by auto to the correct location, and still found no bus running at that hour.
Kerala launches SAMPATH, PlanSpace 2.0 to strengthen governance and asset management
New digital platforms will help monitor government assets, infrastructure projects and public spending while improving accountability across departments
After arrest of 3 Kerala teachers, SIT expands probe to track drug rackets financial intermediaries
Money trail being tracked as digital evidence points to wider network of local intermediaries who were reportedly in touch with a multi-State drug racket for passive income
Hindutva ideologue T.G. Mohandas booked over controversial remarks on Jantar Mantar protestors
Case in connection with a YouTube video in which Mohandas said he would have shot' the protestors in Delhi if he were in control
Rockfall near Munnar Headworks Dam in Kerala disrupts traffic on Kochi-Dhanushkodi NH
Since there were no vehicles on the route at the time, a major tragedy was averted, say officials
Kerala BJP Chief Targets Student Protest Leaders over CJP's Saurav Das's Post
The BJP leader asserted that protests turning violent would not be tolerated and said anyone attempting to undermine the country, democracy or its integrity must be opposed
Kerala Minister Chennithala Expresses Shock Over Teachers Arrested in Drug Case
Chennithala said it was shocking that teachers were becoming drug carriers and sellers and that the proceeds of the illegal activity were being distributed through them
Kerala Health dept steps up vigil in Kanhangad after woman dies from H1N1
Health department has collected samples from seven persons who had been in close contact with the patient for testing. Their health condition is being monitored
Right-wing commentator booked over YouTube video on Delhi protest
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Polices Cyber Crime wing has registered a case against right-wing political commentator T G Mohandas over remarks he allegedly made in a YouTube video about the students protest in Delhi over the alleged NEET paper leak. According to the First Information Report (FIR) launched by Thiruvananthapuram Cyber police, the case was registered 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 .
Rs 25 Parle biscuit packet was 25g less: Kerala man wins Rs 50,000; 150g pack weighed only 125g
A Kannur consumer commission has ordered Parle Biscuits and a local hypermarket to jointly pay Rs 50,000 in compensation and litigation costs to a Kerala man who bought a Rs 25 packet of Parle 20-20 Butter Cookies advertised as 150 grams, only to find it weighed just 125 grams. A government lab confirmed the shortfall.
Kerala RTC Courier Service in Jeopardy After Contract with Andhra Firm Falters
The courier and logistics service had been successfully run by trained KSRTC employees since 2023
Plus One student allegedly assaulted by seniors in Keralas Kannur; six suspended
Victim claims he was struck on the head with a stone
Neyyar water sharing: From cooperation to friction between Tamil Nadu and Kerala
It all began exactly 68 years ago with the then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Kamaraj inaugurating the Neyyar Left Bank Canal Scheme in Kaliyakkavilai village of the Vilavancode taluk
Pillion rider cannot be denied compensation citing vehicle riders negligence: Kerala High Court
Court holds that Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, Ernakulam, had 'committed a grave error' in drawing an adverse inference against petitioner by relying on the scene mahazar and inspection report of the accident and not evidence
Cable TV body withdraws challenge to TV ratings policy
The All India Digital Cable Federation withdrew its petition challenging the Centre's Television Ratings Policy. This action followed a Kerala High Court interim order upholding the government's decision. The policy excludes landing-page viewership from television audience measurement. This withdrawal clears the path for the resumption of television ratings. However, BARC awaits registration under the new policy framework.
Centre notifies 7th draft for ecological zones in Western Ghats
The Centre has released its seventh draft notification for ecologically sensitive areas. This proposal aims to protect 56,825 sq km across six Indian states. States have raised objections, primarily Kerala, citing livelihood concerns. The draft allows for phased implementation, potentially speeding up the process. This initiative follows previous attempts since 2011 to conserve the fragile region.
