Kerala HC pulls up TDB for poor crowd management at Sabarimala
Court asked why preparations for the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season did not begin at least six months in advance and directs TDB to put in place scientific crowd management measures
Muslim body seeks separate government nodal agency for Haj and Umrah pilgrims
Highlights need for a dedicated department at the Centre through the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Minority Welfare, similar to the model followed by the State of Kerala
Safe health advisory issued for pilgrims going to Sabarimala
It comes in view of cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis (a rare, severe infection of the brain) caused by Naegleria fowleri being reported in Kerala
Ranji Trophy: Gujarat And Saurashtra Emerge Victorious, Rinku And Dhull Hit Centuries In Draws
Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy: Gujarat and Saurashtra registered outright wins on the last day of 2025/26 Ranji Trophy round five, while India left-handed batter Rinku Singh and Yash Dhull struck big centuries in drawn encounters for Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, respectively. At Abhimanyu Cricket Academy in Dehradun, Gujarat defeated Uttarakhand by 146 runs, with Vishal Jayswal claiming four wickets and Siddharth Desai picking three scalps. Aarav Mahajan top-scored for Uttarakhand in the second innings with 60, but despite a promising start, the middle order faltered and crashed to a loss. Saurashtra defeated Goa by an innings and 47 runs in their Ranji Trophy fixture at the Niranjan Shah Stadium Ground C in Rajkot. Left-arm spinner Parth Bhut was named Player of the Match for finishing with a match haul of nine wickets two scalps in the first innings and seven wickets in the second innings to dismiss Goa for 180 after enforcing the follow-on. At Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science Ground, Coimbatore, Rinku hit a commanding 176 to steer Uttar Pradesh to getting three points via a crucial first-innings lead over Tamil Nadu in their Elite Group A clash. Resuming from his overnight score of 98, Rinku got his ninth first-class century in the morning session before converting it into a 247-ball effort laced with 17 fours and six sixes. He also stitched vital partnerships with Shivam Sharma (53) and Kartik Yadav (59) to keep UP in contention for taking the lead. Though he eventually fell to P Vidyuth in the 143rd over, Aaqib Khan and Kunal Tyagi held their nerve to secure a slender but valuable five-run lead that gave them three points. After UP were bowled out for 460, TN made 103/2, but got only one point. While B. Sachin was out after reaching his fifty, N. Jagadeesan was dismissed for 44. Their dismissals made the way for both teams to shake hands and settle for a draw. With the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy coming up, TN will now have M. Venkataramana taking over as head coach from M. Senthilnathan. At Madan Paliwal Miraj Sports Centre in Rajsamand, skipper Dhull stood tall for Delhi after being made to follow on by Rajasthan. Dhull hit a majestic 189 off 242 balls, laced with 27 fours and two sixes, as he helped Delhi to stave off an innings defeat and escape with one point. At Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani, Assam produced a gritty rearguard effort to deny Bengal six points in their Group C clash by batting out 120.4 overs to secure a draw. Despite making 200 in the first innings, Assam showed remarkable resistance, with Denish Das (73), Sumit Ghadigaonkar (48), and Sibsankar Roy (52) hitting crucial knocks while Abdul Kuraishi remained unbeaten on 23 off 68 deliveries in the final session, as Assams last batting pair survived 44 balls. At Madan Paliwal Miraj Sports Centre in Rajsamand, skipper Dhull stood tall for Delhi after being made to follow on by Rajasthan. Dhull hit a majestic 189 off 242 balls, laced with 27 fours and two sixes, as he helped Delhi to stave off an innings defeat and escape with one point. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The resistance denied Kerala their first win of the season, with last years runners-up collecting three points from the drawn encounter. Sachin Baby and B. Aparajith struck centuries in a 176-run partnership that led to Kerala declaring at 314/5. Kerala looked on course for a win, but Pandey and Kartikeya ensured MP survived being bowled out by reaching 167/8 in 69 overs. Article Source: IANS
Kerala CEO Seeks Public Support for SIR Exercis
Kelkar assured that BLOs would not be pressured, and all necessary support would be given to help them carry out their duties
Call to protect wetlands with active public participation
Tropical Bio Summit 2025 begins at Kerala Fisheries varsity
'Unacceptable': Kerala Minister Condemns Ex-Catholic Nun's 'Bomb & Kill' Threat To CM Pinarayi
In Facebook post, Teena Jose, who is reportedly a former nun and advocate, commented a bomb should be thrown at the CM during his campaign for local body elections
New owlfly species discovered from Kerala after 134 years
The species, Protidricerus albocapitatus, was found in the Nedumkayam forest in Malappuram district
US tariffs prove dearer to Keralas coir product exports, with a 400 crore loss this quarter
Tariff increase has severely impacted the competitiveness of coir in the US market
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday dismissed the petition filed by filmmaker V M Vinu, fielded as Mayoral candidate of Congress in Kozhikode Corporation, seeking a directive to the district collector to consider his appeal against the removal of his name from the voters' list. While dismissing the petition, Justice PV Kunhikrishnan said, Simply because the petitioner is a celebrity, there can be no preference to him. He's only an ordinary citizen of this country. When the petition came up for hearing, the court asked, Do you have a case in which anybody deleted you from the electoral roll? Did the celebrity not read the newspaper? Even after the published draft list, the citizens will get a chance to add their names to the list. Why did you not file an objection? The petitioner's counsel submitted that the ruling party deleted his name. In response, the court asked, Why were you blaming other political parties? The United Democratic Front leaders approached Vinu and asked him to contest the election to the Kallayi division, number 37 of Kozhikode Corporation, and he decided to contest the election. However, at the time of filing the nomination papers, it came to the notice of the petitioner and others that his name was not included in the list. V M Vinu met the Electoral Registration officer only to get to know that the time was over. Thus, he filed an appeal before the district collector, which is still pending. According to the petitioner, he has taken all the steps to contest the election. The court had said that the preparation of electoral rolls started on July 19. A preliminary voters list was published, and there was an opportunity for the petitioner to object if his name was not there. Thereafter, the final voters list was published on September 2, and again, after revision, a final voter list was published ed October 15. However, the petitioner has not objected at that stage either, the court remarked. The Commission provided chances to citizens whose names were not mentioned in the final voters' list to update, and they were allowed to submit objections on November 4 and 5. The counsel for the petitioner states that his name is deleted because there is a political rivalry. I'm surprised to see such an argument from the petitioner. This is the fault of the petitioner himself. He need not blame others, and he has to blame himself. There's nothing in it. The petition is dismissed, said the Single Judge.
Kerala Police intensify manhunt for prime suspects in teenagers murder
The investigation team has not ruled out the possibility that the gang may have fled across the State border into Tamil Nadu
Report of Cooperative department ordering office-bearers of BJP-controlled Peringammala Labour Contract Cooperative Society to pay a total of 4.16 crore to make up for societys losses surface in public domain
Dheepam Launches a New Range of Charcoal-Free Agarbattis
Dheepam, the iconic legacy brand from Kaleesuwari, known for its purity and devotion, has launched its new range of premium charcoal-free Agarbattis, further strengthening its presence in the spiritual wellness category. This expansion marks a significant milestone as Dheepam now offers various fragrances, including five newly introduced scents, designed to enhance every prayer and meditation experience. Dheepam Agarbatti For decades, Dheepam has been deeply rooted in Indian households, symbolising faith and tradition through its trusted lamp oils. Extending this heritage, the brand’s new Agarbatti collection brings the same promise of authenticity, cleanliness, and serenity. Agarbattis hold a profound place in Indian spirituality, believed to elevate prayer, meditation, and emotional wellbeing. Dheepam’s charcoal-free incense sticks offer a cleaner burn, less smoke, and longer-lasting aroma, making them a safer and more enjoyable choice for daily use. The range features unique signature fragrances like Sambrani — along with their celebration fragrances like Nandalala bliss, Vinayaka Vibes and Festival of Lights. Each fragrance is thoughtfully crafted to suit diverse preferences, whether for daily pooja, meditation, yoga, relaxation, or creating a peaceful ambience at home. Strengthening its footprint across South India, Dheepam’s new Agarbatti range has now been newly launched in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, bringing its trusted spiritual offerings to more households across the region. With unique coloured sticks, charcoal-free formulations, and prices at INR 10, INR 20, and INR 55, Dheepam ensures high quality remains accessible to all. Now available in stores across multiple states, Dheepam Agarbattis invite consumers to experience a more meaningful, serene, and divine ritual every day. Experience the divine essence with Dheepam – the trusted name in every prayer. Contact: 4446143999/4446143991 www.instagram.com/kaleesuwari_refinery
Supreme Court to draft guidelines to ensure poor get equal access to organ transplants
Justice Chandran flagged disturbing reports of abuse in organ procurement. Referring to incidents in southern states, he said there had been cases of motivated accidents staged to supply organs to specific recipients. It happens mostly on highways, I am told. A film was made in Kerala on this issue, and the script was written by a serving police officer who probably knew about this scam, he said.
Opposition UDF chargesheet portrays Kerala as a State in decline under nearly a decade of LDF rule
V.D. Satheesan says UDF will expose LDFs smokescreen of lies about the States development, including tall claims about eradicating extreme poverty, in doorstep conversations and town hall meetings with voters
Kerala High Court Pulls Up State Over Sabarimala Crowd Management, Asks For Report On Steps Taken
According to submissions made by the Travancore Devaswom Board, even after implementing spot bookings, more than 10,000 additional devotees managed to climb the hill.
Complaints regarding work pressure on BLOs will be looked into, says Rathan U. Kelkar
Alleged death threat to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan on Facebook sparks political row
Alleged comment referred to the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, stating that this world, which killed a good man like Rajiv Gandhi, can do that as well
Watch: Names of children killed in Gaza read out in Thiruvananthapuram
Manaveeyam Veedhi in Thiruvananthapuram turned into a space of remembrance on November 16. People gathered on the cultural street to read out the names of children killed in Gaza, making sure their identities were not lost in numbers. The event, called The Names of Gaza and organised by the Chinta Ravi Foundation, brought together activists, civil society members and ordinary citizens.
Survivor turns author: Satyan Warriers CanSwar aims to end cancer taboos in Kerala
THRISSUR: Even though there are numerous campaigns across the country sharing survival stories of people diagnosed with cancer, in Kerala it still remains a taboo to talk about the disease. Whether within extended families or among close friends, there is an aversion to speak openly about cancer diagnosis and treatment. For Satyan Warrier, an IT professional residing in Athani, this became clear when he had to face the situation himself. This experience inspired him to write the book CanSwar , detailing his diagnosis, treatment and survival of a life-threatening disease. It was in December 2015 that Satyan first consulted a doctor in Bengaluru after suffering from fever. Though he took the medicines prescribed by the doctor, the fever didnt subside and dengue was initially suspected. Blood tests revealed a low platelet count, prompting further investigations. When indications of a possible cancer appeared, Satyan resigned from his job in Bengaluru to pursue advanced medical care. After consultations, the diagnosis at Aster Medcity confirmed Stage IV Aggressive T-cell Lymphoma. T-cells are usually produced in our bone marrow, but in my case, they were turning cancerous at the production stage and invading other cells in my body. Hence, the only practical solution was a bone marrow transplantation. However, we did explore potential treatments in the US, where clinical trials for new medicines were underway, he said. However, he decided not to experiment with unproven therapies and chose to proceed with bone marrow transplantation. Fortunately, his twin brother Vijayan was a perfect donor match. After undergoing chemotherapy, Satyan returned to life following the bone marrow transplantation procedure. The chemotherapy just before the surgery was too intense. To mentally prepare for the transplant while enduring such harsh treatment was an incredibly difficult phase. Yet, when I look back, I feel confident, he said. Life gradually returned to normal, but one day Satyan had to be admitted to the hospital again with a fever. It was an eye-opener for me. Now I respect my body and lead a life taking care of myself. From my eating habits to my daily routine, surviving cancer has transformed me as a person, Satyan added. Satyan wrote the book with the aim of encouraging people to talk openly about cancer survival and treatment. He began writing about his journey while undergoing treatment in the hospital. Even though his handwriting was shaky and the process was difficult, he was determined to document his thoughtscontinuing to write even on days when getting out of bed was a struggle. I had decided to write about my experience during the treatment itself. After surviving, many people began sharing their journeys with me. Yet, few are willing to talk about it publicly. Some feel ashamed of their illness, while others are simply afraid. This mindset must change, people should feel free to share their experiences, Satyan opined. The book captures his thoughts, experiences and the ways he fought back the disease. Satyan was diagnosed with a rare form of T-cell Lymphoma with fewer than 1,000 reported cases worldwide. It is the first such case reported in India. As per Dr Arun Warrier, Senior Consultant (Medical Oncology) at Aster Medcity, even diagnosing such a condition was challenging.
SC to hear plea challenging SIR in Kerala on Nov 21
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to urgently list a plea seeking postponement of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Kerala in view of the upcoming elections to the Local Self-Government Institutions (LSGIs). A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai said the matter would be listed 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 .
Kerala Teen Alleges Mother, Her Friend Encouraged Him To Join ISIS, Case Registered
Kerala Police filed a UAPA case after a teen alleged his mother and her friend encouraged him to join ISIS. The incident surfaced after his return from the UK.
Kerala district administrations seek volunteers for SIR of electoral rolls amid pressure on BLOs
House-to-house enumeration phase of SIR has been mired in controversy with BLOs, political parties and service organisations complaining that BLOs are overburdened with work on account of operational overlap with upcoming local body elections and pressure to meet unfair deadlines
3-year-old killed, another child injured after school bus runs over students in Keralas Idukki
After a bus dropped students off in front of the school, they walked towards the back of the vehicle to enter the classroom. Soon, another school bus entered the spot which hit the children and ran over them
Digital arrest fraud: Elderly man from Kerala loses 1.51 crore from his bank account
Probe underway to track the source of the bank account used to receive the defrauded money by the fraudsters who pretended as enforcement officers
Two international flights diverted to Thiruvananthapuram due to dense fog in Colombo
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dense fog at Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) on Wednesday morning led to the diversion of two international flightsa SriLankan Airlines service from Dammam and a Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbulto the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. The Turkish Airlines flight, carrying 258 passengers and 10 crew, landed in Thiruvananthapuram at 6.42 am and departed for Colombo at 8.38 am. Similarly, SriLankan Airlines flight UL-254, with 180 passengers and eight crew members, landed here at 7.04 am and later left for Colombo at 8.48 am. Airport sources said dense fog severely reduced visibility at the Colombo airport, prompting the morning flights to divert as a precautionary measure.
Kerala local body polls: How printing industry is reaping big gains as candidates woo voters
Trend of posters featuring candidates in cinematic frames seems to have brought in good money for the printing industry. Unlike the past, candidates now prefer printing materials in multiple designs and sizes, offering a business bonanza for creators
Kerala local body polls 2025: IUML scrambling to preserve its stronghold in Kottakkal
Though it won 21 of the 32 seats the previous election, internal disputes resulted in a party rebel becoming the chairperson, albeit for a brief period, with LDF support
Kerala local body polls: RSP at an existential crossroads
The previous two elections saw the party virtually eliminated from representation in Assembly. In the 2015 local body elections and the subsequent Assembly polls, the LDF made deep inroads into traditional RSP territory
For many men, this moment in time feels both liberating and unsettling. They are learning to shed rigid gender roles within relationships even as society continues to judge them by an outdated set of metrics: the pay cheque, job title, and the ability to provide. While some groups view the man as provider and the woman as homemaker, many men across age groups say they no longer see themselves in that framework. In a culture shaped by patriarchy but nudged increasingly towards equality, the contradictions are hard to ignore. So how are men making sense of this evolving landscape? Anoop Kunhiraman, 35, a former banking and insurance professional, took on the role of traditional breadwinner during the early days of his marriage in 2019, when his wife was studying for a teachers training course and was financially dependent on him. But he says he never felt it was a burden. The only time I felt any pressure was during the pandemic when my salary got cut. But that too was a learning experience, as in the process I learnt how to manage expectations. And most importantly, learnt to say no, he recalls. Today, his family has grown: he is the father of a one-year-old daughter, and his wife, Sneha, works as a teacher. The couple now happily challenge gender roles, with Anoop taking a break from his career this July to pursue his passion, which blends the performing arts and technology. Coming to such a decision, he says, required some unlearning, but it was made easier by his wifes support. She backed me. We just had to make sure that she would be able to handle the financial responsibilities, as the sole earning member of the family, considering the pay gap, he says. Anoop Kunhiraman As for how others reacted, he adds, There were people who were taken aback, but that is their headache, not mine. But is it more difficult for unmarried men to shift from high-paying careers to lesser-paying jobs that align more with their life goals? It appears so. Take Rohith Raman (name changed), for instance, who left his six-figure corporate job to pursue a career as a freelance writer. One of the biggest concerns people had now was who would marry me. But these same people would have been okay with a woman leaving her high-paying job for a teaching job. Not because they are supportive of her career, but because they are okay with women getting paid less, he says. Thirty-four-year-old RJ Adarsh Anoop, also known as Rythom, shares a slightly different experience. From being a young man fresh out of college, feeling the pressure to find a high-paying job and watching friends buy cars or go abroad for better opportunities, he has transformed into someone far more at ease. My wife has always been ahead of me in her career, as she is older than me. But that didnt bring any differences between us. Today, we both share our financial responsibilities, he says. Another cultural aspect many men have to navigate is the question of chivalry. When is it welcome? When is it outdated? Adarsh believes chivalry can never go out of style. To me, it is the true mark of a man, he says. My wife has to take care of our younger one constantly, and there are some situations where I cannot step in. She also has to deal with a lot of unseen burdens. The least I can do is carry all the bags, he says. Adarsh Anoop But unwanted chivalry can be a problem. Recently, actor R Madhavan also expressed confusion about chivalry becoming an outdated concept. Gestures like opening the door, he noted, might be considered offensive these days. Chivalry, he added, has been redefined and men have to learn the new ways. Psychiatrist Arun B Nair says men in their forties and below have evolved with time. The confusion, be it the reluctance to accept change or learn and unlearn, persists mainly among the older generation, he adds. Basic behaviour in professional and social spaces how to behave in the office, how to talk to women has become a muddied area for some men. For instance, unless there is mutually comfortable rapport, complimenting women on their appearance or attire could be viewed as offensive. And men are going through the unlearn-and-learn process. Some are learning it the hard way, Dr Arun says with a smile. As the world changes faster than ever, the concept of what a man is also constantly evolving. According to him, until recent times, toxic masculinity often defined men. Patriarchy assigned such roles to men. They couldnt ask for support or help, they couldnt be emotional or appear weak. That is why many call patriarchy a double-edged sword. Now, it is changing, says Dr Arun. Men can now show weakness, seek support from their friends, partner, parents or counsellors. Their role in daily household matters is more present they can manage the kitchen and take care of the kids. Men are also becoming empowered just like women. An empowered man is aware of his own limitations and seeks support to overcome them. He recalls a couple who came to him for counselling a few months ago. It was an arranged marriage, and both were IT engineers. Both came from rural areas the man from a conservative family, and the woman empowered and aware of her rights. He believed in controlling her, something he learnt from his parents. The woman was okay initially. The issue became bigger when he insisted she take care of the home completely while also working. Even if she had a night shift, he expected her to finish kitchen work. When things deteriorated, they were referred to counselling. Now, after six months, they are doing better. He is unlearning and learning how to be a partner in its true sense, says Dr Arun. Behind all of this lie traditional gender roles that took root when nomadic tribes began adopting the idea of private property, says sociologist Bushra Begum. Till then, there was equality and shared responsibilities among men and women. It is when men decided that they needed their own properties like family, woman and land that this trouble started, she says. The little change that we do see has been brought about through social media and the third wave of feminism. It was during this period, as women entered the workforce in large numbers, that society began to recognise that they too could bear the same economic burden as men. That was a turning point. T D Ramakrishnan Novelist T D Ramakrishnan sees this as a welcome shift. I grew up in a time when fathers were the sole earning members of the family. It is good to see men become comfortable with changing gender dynamics, he says. He adds that if he had the same opportunities earlier, he wouldnt have had to wait until his fifties to pursue what he truly wanted writing. I see a transition in my childrens generation, he says. Both my son and daughter are working, they both have equal responsibilities and challenges in life. There is no point in seeing them differently. I think it is of great relief to men as well. Inputs by Krishna P S
Kerala college refuses to give documents, students plan hunger strike
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Nearly 19 DPharm and BPharm students of Kerala Academy of Pharmacy, Kandala, have decided to go on hunger strike against the managements reluctance in releasing their SSLC and Plus 2 certificates despite repeated requests. The students had decided to drop out of the college due to alleged lack of facilities and poor attitude of the authorities. Multiple students said they took the decision nearly four months ago, but have been stuck as the college has refused to release their certificates. On Monday, they were told that the college does not have the provision to release the documents, the students alleged. According to first-year DPharm students, the officials have allegedly asked them to pay fees for the second year too to get the certificates. The college is also levying exorbitant condonation fees, that too for sectional exams. In reality, we have to pay the fees directly to the university only for final exams, saidAswin B S, a first-year DPharm student. We lack a proper lab, equipment, or even clean classrooms, but still the management tries to fine us for supposedly keeping the campus unclean, he said. DPharm student Abhirami P B alleged that hygiene on the college premises is extremely poor. Toilets are unhygienic. Spiders and worms in water dispensers are a common sight, she alleged. While many students are backing us, they do not want to take part in the strike as they fear losing a year, she said. Meanwhile, the college authorities said as per government prospectus, students have to pay the fees for both years. College chairman Mohammad Samsheer said the protesters comprise those who misused government grants and those who did not want to pay the fees.
UDF manifesto for T'Puram corporation to focus on drinking water, roads & waste management
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the local body election campaign moves to the second phase, the UDF will release its manifesto for Thiruvananthapuram corporation this week. Congress campaign chief K Muraleedharan said the document focuses on voter priorities, fixing drinking-water shortages, repairing roads and improving waste management, and not just on high-tech promises. We are taking our pledges door to door. First we produced a chargesheet on the LDFs corporation rule, now we will present our manifesto, he said, adding that the party will highlight local governance failures while also raising state-level issues. Muraleedharan alleged widespread tampering of the voters list, citing the issues involving Muttada candidate Vyshna Suresh and Kozhikode mayoral hopeful V M Vinu as examples. KPCC discussed these issues and decided to take them up at the state level. Meanwhile, the candidates are moving ahead with their campaigns, said Muraleedharan. According to him, Vyshnas attempts to correct erroneous entries were rejected. Stressing on the importance of projecting a mayoral candidate, Muraleedharan, said BJPs mayoral candidate R Sreelekhas comments would backfire on her. Her criticism of Kuthiyottam ritual associated with Attukal Pongala, portrayal of NSS institutions as bribe takers and her stand against killing stray dogs would not only impact her and the BJP, he said. He also criticised S P Deepak, the CPMs mayoral candidate, for making disparaging comments against the protest of ASHA workers. He pointed out the unscientific aspects of ward delimitations, citing examples of Beemapalli and Pangappara wards. In the corporation, Beemapalli South and East were merged. While Beemapalli ward has the maximum number of voters at 17,000, Pangapara has just 3,000 voters. If Rs 1 crore is being allocated to the local bodies, the ward with 17,000 people and that with 3,000 people would get the same amount, he said, stressing the how the scenario could lead to disproportionate distribution of funds.
Kerala Lottery Result Today, November 19, 2025 Live: Dhanalekshmi DL-27 Winning Numbers
Kerala Lottery Result Today Live Updates, 19-11-2025: Heres Guessing Numbers for Dhanalekshmi DL-27 for Wednesday, November 19. Check the full list of winning numbers from 3 pm.
Two held for stabbing of 19-year-old to death in Thiruvananthapuram
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Two youths have been arrested in connection with the murder of a 19-year-old youth who was stabbed to death on Monday while trying to stop an argument over a football match. The Cantonment Police arrested Sandeep, 27, of Jagathy and Akhilesh, 20, of Kunnukuzhi. A minor student is also in police custody. The 16-year-old boy from Jagathy is being questioned. Sandeep and Akhilesh, who are the sixth and seventh accused in the case, are currently under arrest. Sandeep, who has been accused in several criminal cases, is also a KAAPA accused. Both were produced in court and remanded on Tuesday. Meanwhile, police have received information about the person who stabbed Alan but he is absconding. In addition to the prime accused, three more persons believed to be involved in the murder are yet to be caught. Suspecting that the accused may receive help, police have taken their fathers and some of their friends into preventive custody for 24 hours. The murder was the result of a dispute that began a month ago during a football match between two local clubs. On Monday, groups gathered for a settlement discussion, but clashes broke out. According to police, one group called in Sandeep and the minor during the clash. They arrived armed. Around 5pm on Monday, Alan, was beaten up with a helmet by a group near the Sree Dharma Sastha Temple in Thycaud, and then stabbed to death.
56-day-long murajapam festival to begin November 20
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Murajapam-Lakshadeepam festival, held once in every six years, will begin at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple on Thursday (November 20). The inclusion of Atharva Veda in the murajapam, the ritualistic chanting of vedas, will be a novelty this year. The 56-day-long festival involves the recital of vedas culminating with the Lakshadeepam, lighting of one lakh lamps, on the Makar-Sankranti which falls on January 14. In the past editions, only Rigveda, Samaveda and Yajurveda were recited. Vedic scholars from across the country attend the event which was started during the reign of King Marthanda Varma. This year monks from the Sringeri, Uduppi, Uttaradi and Kanchi Kamakodi mutts and Chinna Jeeyar Swami from Hyderabad will participate. Keralite scholars include Azhvanchery Thambrakkal, vadhyans from Tirunavaya and Thrissur, vaidiks from Kaimukku, Pandal, Kaplingad and Cherumukku. During murajapam, vedas are chanted in seven cycles or muras, each lasting for eight days. Each cycle ends with a colourful procession named muraseeveli in which the priests carry the festival idols of Lord Sree Padmanabhaswamy, Lord Narasimha Swamy and Lord Thiruvambadi Sreekrishna Swami in decorated vahanas. The procession will be accompanied by Moolam Tirunal Rama Varma, head of the erstwhile Travancore royal family. Poojas will be led by thantris Govindan Namboodiripad, Pradeep Namboodiripad, Satheesan Namboodiripad and Saji Namboodiripad. Vedamandapas will be set up on the four nadas of the temple. Pushpanjali Swamiyar Oravankara Achutha Bharathi will light the deepam on the vedamandapam on the east nada at 4.30pm on Wednesday, temple administration committee members said on Tuesday. Cultural programmes will be held during the festival days. Telugu actor Rana Daggubati will inaugurate the cultural programmes titled Vande Padmanabham at 5pm on Thursday.
Need not record votes of mentally challenged persons digitally: Kerala HC
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has dismissed a petition seeking a directive that the votes of persons with mental disabilities be recorded digitally on a separate electronic voting machine while they cast their votes in the 2025 general election. Justice P V Kunhikrishnan said that the persons with mental illness or persons with intellectual disabilities are also citizens of this country, and they are our brothers and sisters. We should hold them close to our hearts and not insult them by treating them as a separate class. The court issued the order on a petition filed by Jomon Jacob and Thomas Palliyil, of Pala. According to the petitioners, voters who are currently in a rehabilitation centre for persons with mental disabilities are unable to cast their votes according to their will, and therefore, their votes are to be kept in a separate electronic voting machine and recorded digitally while they cast their votes in the ensuing general election of 2025. They alleged that around 60 voters were included in the list of the Pala municipality. They are residents of Mariya Sadhanam, a rehabilitation centre for persons with mental challenges. The court observed that no documents were produced to show that they are mentally challenged or have a mental illness. They are not even a party in this writ petition, at least in a representative capacity. Section 74(1)(b) of the Kerala Municipality Act says that a person shall be disqualified for registration in an electoral roll if he is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court. There is absolutely no case to the petitioners that the voters in the list are persons of unsound mind and stand so declared by a competent court. The court added that in a democratic process, it is necessary that ineligible persons are not included in the electoral roll. That does not mean that anyone can declare a person to be of unsound mind and approach the High Court seeking to exclude them from the regular voters list and to place them in a separate class, allowing them to vote on a separate electronic voting machine.
Minor pushed to join ISIS, mother & stepdad booked under UAPA in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state police have booked a UK-based woman and her husband under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for allegedly trying to indoctrinate her 16-year-old son to join ISIS. The Venjaramoodu police registered the case against the boys mother and stepfather based on his statements. The matter came to the polices attention after the woman lodged a complaint against the teen accusing him of molesting his younger sister. It was filed in apparent retaliation to the boy leaving to stay with his biological father. When the boy was questioned, he told the police that his mother and stepfather allegedly tried to draw him to the terror outfit by showing him indoctrinating videos. As per the police, the woman had converted to Islam and was previously married to a man from Pandalam. They were settled in the UK. She later separated from him and married a Vembayam native, who lived in the UK with his brother. The alleged indoctrination bid took place when the teen stayed with them.
Coconut picker to World Masters athlete Thavanur mans tale of passion rekindled
MALAPPURAM: At 54, when most people begin to slow down, Thavanur native Salim is picking up speed. A lifelong coconut picker who spent decades battling financial setbacks and personal responsibilities, he never imagined that his second innings would unfold on the athletics track. Yet today, this late bloomer stands as one of Keralas most inspiring masters athletes a national gold medallist now training his way to the 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea. Salim spent most of his life climbing coconut trees, never once imagining a future in sports. It was only after turning 50 that he rediscovered a passion he had abandoned decades earlier. In 2023, he stunned many by winning the national masters 800m title. But financial constraints kept him from participating in the Asian meet that year in the Philippines. Earlier this month, at the Asian championships in Chennai, Salim seized his opportunity. Now, he is preparing for the 2026 worlds, training relentlessly despite the financial hurdles that still shadow his journey. In my school days, I used to participate in sports events, especially long-distance running, Salim recalled. Later, I took part in amateur tournaments as well. But after marriage, the responsibilities of life forced me to quit my passion. I started a small shop, and when the business failed, I trained to become a coconut picker. Climbing coconut trees is a physically demanding task. You need a strong body for it. By my late 40s, I started working out again. I began running around 10km every day. Two years ago, a sports teacher in my village suggested that I participate in the masters meet. Thats how I rediscovered my fervour, he said. Salim with an Iranian athlete at the Asian Masters Meet At the Chennai meet, Salim clocked 2:28.81 in the 800m race (50+ category), finishing fifth and qualifying for Daegu. More than 4,000 athletes from 22 Asian countries participated in the championship, and Salims category alone had 42 competitors. Those who participated in the Asian championship were mostly from the military background. Only a few of us were civilians, Salim said. Im very happy and proud that, with all my limitations and without any professional training, I was able to qualify for the world meet. I would require around `2 lakh to participate in the world championships. I havent received any offers yet. But Im not ready to lose hope. I will continue to train with full faith, he added.
Kerala government failed to ensure basic facilities at Sabarimala: Ayyappa Seva Sangham
PATHANAMTHITTA: Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangham, one of the largest organisations of Ayyappa devotees, alleged that it had repeatedly warned authorities about the need for robust crowd management well before the pilgrimage season began. In the light of heavy rush at Sabarimala as soon as the pilgrim season began, they alleged that the government was busy with damage control over the gold theft controversy and failed to address the basic requirements at Sabarimala. Pointing out that several devotees reportedly had to stand in the queue for over 10 hours without water and food, the Sangham claimed that they and several other long-standing service organisations were barred from distributing free snacks and food to pilgrims, a practice they said they had carried out for decades. Not just our Sangham, but several organisations including the Amritanandamayi Math and Subramanya Religious Trust were also prevented from offering services to pilgrims. With all service groups blocked, there is no organisation left to support pilgrims, alleged Ayyappa Seva Sangham general secretary D Vijayakumar. According to him, the Devaswom Board has very limited staff who are not equipped to handle such massive crowds, whereas Ayyappa Seva Sangham had been providing round-the-clock free food to devotees, police personnel, and staff at Sannidhanam for years. In the nadapanthal, devotees are standing in dangerously packed lines. If a toddler falls, another will step over him.. thats how risky the situation is, he said. The new Devaswom Board president has been appointed only after the system collapsed under the previous board. The previous officials are responsible for the current situation. The Kerala government should implement a centralised system similar to Tirupati. The issue is not the increasing number of devotees, its the failure to ensure smooth darshan. The Sangham warned that, from December 1 to 5 tens of thousands of Telugu-speaking devotees traditionally arrive in large numbers.
SIR: Mosques lead way in filling forms in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid apprehensions over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and lingering doubts that exclusion from the final voters list could create grave trouble in future, several major mosques in the state have opened help desks to assist the public in completing the formalities. Thiruvananthapurams Vallakkadavu mosque - one of the biggest jamaaths in the state comprising about 25,000 members - was the first to take the initiative. It set up a help desk in the first week of November, urging mahal members as well as the public to seek its assistance in filling the enumeration form. Soon, several other committees - notable among them being Balaramapuram town mosque, Chemboor mosque in Thiruvananthapuram, Panavally Thekkum Bhagam mosque in Alappuzha and Badriya Masjid in Chavakkad - followed suit and set up dedicated teams of volunteers to help the public complete the formality. Dr Anvar Nazar, secretary of Vallakkadavu mosque committee, said the initiative was getting a good response and hundreds of people had so far sought their service. According to him, the biggest hurdle for the people was to find their names in the 2002 voters list. Most of them did not know which booth they had polled their votes during that time. Some also had confusion regarding furnishing of the form. For such people, we filled their forms after finding their names in the 2002 voters list, he said.
Malayan family reinstated for ritual at Shiva temple in Kerala's Kunnummakkara
KOZHIKODE: The administration committee of the Elambangottu Kavu Shiva temple in Kunnummakkara, Vadakara, has reversed its controversial decision to bar members of the backward Malayan community from performing a decades-old percussion ritual. The move comes in the backdrop of legal pressure and public backlash over caste-based discrimination. The controversy stemmed from the committees decision last year to exclude a Malayan family comprising brothers Sudheesh M, Vinodhan M, and Ratheesh M, and their uncle Kunjiraman from the traditional vadhyam (percussion) performance, breaking a practice that had spanned nearly 60 years at the temples Mandala Vilakku and Shivaratri festivals. According to the familys complaint, temple committee president Sudheeran K M told Sudheesh in 2024 that the kuthuvilakku ritual would be taken over by the Nambeesan caste, a decision that would also end the Malayan familys participation in vadhyam. Earlier this month, Sudheesh was allegedly asked to sign a document under duress and offered Rs 10,000 as dakshina to step aside, the complaint said. We are local residents and live within a 500-metre perimeter of the temple. The temple authorities arranged percussionists from the Marar community, who are living in Villiappally, around 5 km away from our village, Sudheesh said. Though one of the brothers was later allowed to perform after discussions, the family claimed they were barred from performing before the sanctum sanctorum and made to stand outside the nalambalam and were refused permission to join the ritual procession (pradakshinam), causing public humiliation based on caste. The issue took a new turn when the State SC/ST Commission intervened on November 14, directing Edacherry police to register a case and submit a report within 20 days.
The local road to Kerala assembly polls
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In Keralas political landscape, local body elections have become a crucial precursor to the assembly polls that are held soon after. The results of the civic polls over the past three decades have shown that the front that sweeps the local bodies often goes on to capture power in the state. Except in 2000, when LDF and UDF were almost tied in terms of the number of local bodies won, and in 2010 when UDF registered its only clear victory, all other local body polls went in favour of the LDF. Notably, when the LDF broke the four-decade jinx and formed a second consecutive government in the state 2021, it had performed equally well in the local body polls held the preceding year. Civic body elections can be surely called a trendsetter for the assembly elections, opined political scientist Prof G Gopakumar. According to him, anti-incumbency sentiment against the LDF government is strong this time. However, it will reflect more in the 2026 assembly election. So, the LDF has some advantage in the local body polls, he said. It was in 1995 that the local body elections were first held under the three-tier panchayat system. LDF registered a landslide victory in both rural and urban local bodies in the inaugural elections. It also paved way for the LDF to form the government in the state in 1996, the next year. The civic body polls of 2000 resulted in an almost evenly balanced outcome between the LDF and the UDF with neither front achieving a clear, dominant victory. However, as Keralites had been religiously voting out incumbent governments since 1977, LDF lost to the UDF in 2001. Four years later in 2005, the LDF bounced back securing absolute majorities in approximately 90% of the municipalities, block and grama panchayats. The very next year, the CPM-led alliance romped to power in the state assembly by winning 98 of the 140 seats in the assembly. According to political observers, 2010 was the only local body election in which UDF outshone the LDF by a convincing margin. Barring the five corporations where LDF registered a 3-2 upperhand, UDF trounced the LDF in all other civic body tiers. The BJP proved its presence, securing around 450 grama panchayat wards and also winning six seats in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation. A year later in 2011, UDF managed to form a government in the state, though with a wafer-thin margin. On predicted lines, the stellar performance of the LDF in the 2015 civic body polls helped it capture power in the state a year later. Also notable were the significant gains registered by the BJP in the 2015 election. Palakkad became the first municipality in Kerala to come under BJP rule. Besides registering a five-fold increase in its seats in Thiruvananthapuram corporation where it emerged second, the saffron alliance also saw its overall vote share rise to 13.28%. In the 2020 local body elections, the ruling LDF proved poll pundits wrong by registering a clear upper hand over UDF in rural and urban civic bodies, withstanding the anti-incumbency factor. The polls held amid the pandemic, saw the BJP-led NDA capturing power in 19 grama panchayats and two municipalities. BJP, once seen only as a vote cutter, is now an emerging third force. If the UDF loses heavily in the local body polls this time, it will have no hope for the 2026 assembly election. But even if it is a tie, UDF can certainly look forward to capture power in the state, Gopakumar said.
Corruption top poll issue in Sultan Bathery
KALPETTA: The local body elections in Sultan Bathery municipality have escalated into a pivotal political confrontation, acting as a critical barometer for the UDF and LDF ahead of the assembly polls. The result here will not simply determine local council control but will send a political signal regarding the resonance of corruption allegations and the UDFs ability to recover from internal setbacks. Two interconnected issues are posing challenge to the Congress-led front. First is the recent death of party treasurer N M Vijayan, which has created a substantial leadership void and fuelled internal party distress. The LDF is aggressively using this, with Sultan Bathery municipal LDF convener Lijo Johny asserting that the circumstances surrounding Vijayans death expose the corrupt and miserable condition of the Congress across Kerala. Second, the simultaneous corruption cases against the Congress-led Sultan Bathery Cooperative Bank have provided the LDF powerful ammunition. Since cooperative banks are deeply woven into the local political fabric, the scandals threaten to severely erode the trust of swing voters and cooperative members, thereby becoming a central theme in the LDFs campaign to paint the UDF as fundamentally compromised on governance. LDF is specifically demanding the resignation of Sultan Bathery MLA I C Balakrishnan, citing a vigilance case against him and leveraging the circumstances of Vijayans death. UDF is attempting to take control of the narrative by launching a robust counter-offensive. It settled the cooperative bank debts of Vijayans family to mitigate political damage. Crucially, it is trying to portray LDF as corrupt by highlighting the financial instability and investment issues plaguing the Brahmagiri Development Society, which is under CPM control. The recent protests by around 80 Brahmagiri investors demanding police action over non-returned funds have provided UDF with tangible evidence for its counter-narrative. UDF leaders such as KPCC general secretary K L Paulose have vehemently defended MLA Balakrishnan, arguing that the CPMs campaign is meant solely to weaken the Congress and, more importantly, to cover up the Brahmagiri fraud. Meanwhile, the NDA is positioning itself as an anti-corruption alternative. It has resolved to hold public meetings and protests in every ward, explicitly highlighting the cooperative sector appointment scams and the Brahmagiri investment crisis. This strategy aims to capitalise on public frustration by linking both the UDF and the LDF to failures within the critical cooperative sector.
Kannur farmer reaps 25-ft CPM symbol at farm
KANNUR: In the village of Palanad in Koodali panchayat, a simple paddy field has unexpectedly transformed into a popular photography spot in the election fervour, drawing curious local residents and party workers alike. The centre of attention is a striking CPM party symbol featuring the hammer, sickle, and star, carefully crafted using grass by 58-year-old P Madhusoodanan. The grass-art installation stands out not just for its 25-ft size and precision, but for the dedication behind it, turning a patch of farmland into a living canvas that celebrates political enthusiasm. Madhusoodanan has been nurturing this unique hobby for years. A farmer by profession, he also works as a security guard at a nearby school, and it is after his duty hours that he dedicates his time to craft these imaginative works. During the previous election as well, Madhusoodanan has shaped various figures and symbols using different natural materials, contributing creatively to campaigning. He said that his latest creation was born out of his desire to support the CPM in the local body elections. He said he had been tending to the grass that grew naturally in the paddy field for several weeks, carefully trimming and shaping it so that it retained both its form and thickness. Using simple tools like a spade, shovel, and knife, he patiently carved out the party symbol, turning the field into a stunning display of his craftsmanship. Madhusoodanan never reveals his ideas in advance, choosing instead to surprise everyone with his unique creations. His latest work quickly drew admiration from friends, family, and people in the neighbourhood. Madhusoodanan said this was the first time he had attempted such a large creation using grass. He said that several other plants had to be cleared with care to shape the design properly. The 25-ft-wide symbol, he added, will be maintained until the election results are out.
Mayin Haji accused of unilateral decisions in Kozhikode corporation candidate selection
KOZHIKODE: The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is facing an unprecedented internal revolt in Kozhikode. Traditionally characterised by its strict organisational discipline, the party is broiled in accusations of unilateral decisions in candidate selection and apathy from its state leadership. The deepening crisis, which includes multiple resignations and electoral pacts with rivals, challenges the IUML ahead of the upcoming polls. At the centre of the storm is IUML state vice-president M C Mayin Haji, who is accused of making unilateral decisions in the candidate selection process for the Kozhikode corporation. The pressure has already led to the resignation of senior party leader U Pocker, a state secretariat member, over the candidate choice in the Nallalam division. He later announced his affiliation with the rival CPM in the civic polls. Pocker, a preferred candidate of the Jayanti Road unit, was replaced by regional president V P Ibrahim, prompting the units members to resign en masse. Following his exit, Pocker alleged that the partys system is now controlled by middle leaders like M C Mayin Haji. He also claimed that Haji is carrying out dictatorship and influencing the state leadership through threats and pressure. Lamenting the absence of the firm, decisive leadership once provided by Panakkad Thangal or P K Kunhalikutty, Pocker noted that there were no such interventions now by the state leadership. The dissent has also resulted the resignation of Moonalingal councillor K Ramlath, and UDF constituency chairman Musthafa Moozhikkal along with his wife Sajida Musthafa, a Muslim Womens League leader. However, Mayin Haji has denied any internal crisis in the party, labelling Pockers exit as an isolated issue. He also argued that such conflicts were natural during candidate selection and will be resolved at the district level. Meanwhile, IUML state secretary Shafi Chaliyam has confirmed that the party would address the issue internally. We will study the circumstances that led to Pocker leaving the party. He was a senior leader, after all.
BLO workload allegations CPM, Congress agenda: Muraleedharan
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ahead of the local body elections, senior BJP leader V Muraleedharan speaks to TNIE about the partys position on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), of electoral rolls, the recent controversies related to officials poll-related workload, and the BJPs expectations, particularly in Thiruvananthapuram. Key excerpts: BJP was the only party that supported implementing SIR amidst the local body elections. Recently, a BLO in Kannur died by suicide, and his family claims it was due to SIR-related workload. Has the BJP now changed its stand on SIR? The district collector has already clarified that the incident in Kannur had no connection with the SIR. A large percentage of employees engaged as BLOs belong to the CPM and Congress. Thus, they are making such allegations based on political interests. What pressure do BLOs face? The public fill out the forms, BLOs only have to distribute them to households. This is purely political agenda of the CPM and Congress. There is no change in BJPs stand on SIR. It is essential to prevent bogus voting. Congress alleges CPM engages in bogus voting in Kerala, yet it opposes SIR. It is contradictory. What are the first major decisions usually ken by BJP-led panchayats, corporations, and municipalities? We generally prioritise issues related to roads, waste management and drinking water. Thiruvananthapuram is considered the BJPs strongest local body. Will the recent suicides affect its poll prospects? The party has already responded to that issue. So it wouldnt be appropriate for me to comment further. Do you see this local body elections as an assessment of the governments performance? Every election is an evaluation of the government and the local administration. This election too is the peoples assessment of the governments performance. What is your message to voters? People have realised that development will not happen under the UDF or LDF, which have ruled so far. Voters should support a change, and for that, they should back the NDA.
Residents of mental health care facilities can vote unless declared as disqualified: HC
Individuals with mental health issues and those with intellectual disabilities too are citizens of the country, says court; dismisses plea that such persons are incompetent to cast their votes as per their free will
Kerala govt moves Supreme Court for deferment of SIR exercise untill local body elections
Kerala's government has moved the Supreme Court. It seeks to halt a special revision of electoral rolls. The state fears this will clash with local body elections in December. Conducting both simultaneously could create administrative chaos. The court is asked to defer the revision until after the local polls conclude. This move highlights potential disruptions to governance and election processes.
Accidents tribunal awards 1.15 crore to survivor in Chorod hit-and-run case
Congress bid to field BJP leader in Cheralayi division falls flat
Shyamala S. Prabhu declines to contest as an Independent backed by the UDF in Cheralayi; says she remains loyal to the BJP; Congress announces Meenu Rajan, an ASHA worker, as its candidate in the division
Fire breaks out at pharma facility at Kannettumukku
Water tank collapse: Thammanam residents still await compensation
Sabarinadhan files nomination for Thiruvananthapuram Corporation polls
Girl child found in Ammathottil
Conclave on migration ends; stressed need to address social aspects of migration
International Institute of Migration and Development chair S. Irudaya Rajan says there has been a rise in suicide cases of Indians in countries like Canada, where at least one migrant attempts suicide every week
Kerala Waqf Samrakshana Vedhi moves SC against Division Benchs Munambam order
Thiruvananthapuram Rural police invoke UAPA over alleged radicalisation of teenager
16-year-old boy allegedly persuaded to join the Islamic State by mother and stepfather
Kerala B.Tech students develop EVM Track software for State Election Commission
Aashin C. Anil and Jeswin Sunsi were felicitated by State Election Commissioner A. Shajahan for their contribution to the electoral process
Kerala Man Arrested For Creating Viral AI-Generated Zipline Accident Video
The Wayanad Cyber Police have arrested a 29-year-old man from Kerala's Alappuzha district for creating and circulating an AI-generated video that falsely depicts a zipline accident involving a woman and child.
District School Arts Festival at Attingal from November 25
Missing candidates vexes opposing electoral campaigns
Political parties discovering their candidates missing from the voters list at the last minute is threatening to upend campaigns in at least two corporations and one municipality.
Candidates launch ward-level campaigns across Kozhikode district
Ayyappa Seva Sangham raises alarm over crowd management
Thrissur Revenue District School Arts Festival begins at Irinjalakuda
LDF finalises plan for district panchayat in Pathanamthitta
Of the 17 seats, CPI(M) will contest in 10, CPI in three, Kerala Congress (M) in two seats while RJD and JD(S) will contest in one seat each
Drinking water scarcity worsens in Poonithura after tank collapse
School second-term exam timetable out
Houses damaged in wild elephant attack in Edamalakkudy
Three houses damaged in attack
Ernakulam Rural police record 3,328 drug cases this year, seize nearly 500 kg of suspected ganja
Transgender man approaches HC seeking right to cryo-preserve his egg cells
Shashi Tharoor Hails under-publicised Talent Ravichandran Smaran After Another Double Ton
Vijay Hazare Trophy: Shashi Tharoor has heaped praise on Karnatakas rising batting star Ravichandran Smaran, calling attention to his extraordinary domestic form and lamenting how players like him often remain under-recognised. Batting first in Hubli, Karnataka were rocked early at 13 for 2 and later 64 for 3, but Smaran once again stood tall, producing a career-best unbeaten 227 off 362 balls against Chennai on Monday. Remarkable. Important to draw attention to such under-publicised talents. No doubt he will have to excel in the IPL before the selectors will notice! Tharoor posted on X, after the 22-year-old struck yet another monumental double century in the Ranji Trophy. His innings, decorated with 16 fours and two sixes, formed the backbone of Karnatakas massive first-innings total of 547 for 8 declared. He was supported by Karun Nair, who crafted a solid 95 during a 119-run stand, followed by valuable contributions from Shreyas Gopal (62) and Shikhar Shetty (59). This knock marked Smarans second double century in three games and his third overall in first-class cricket, all inside his first 13 matches. He had earlier scored an unbeaten 220 against Kerala and a 203 against Punjab in January. With this latest effort, he has surged to fourth in the seasons run-scoring charts with 595 runs at an astonishing average of 119, trailing only Sanat Sangwan, Karun Nair and Arman Jaffer. This knock marked Smarans second double century in three games and his third overall in first-class cricket, all inside his first 13 matches. He had earlier scored an unbeaten 220 against Kerala and a 203 against Punjab in January. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Picked as a replacement by Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2025 and retained for IPL 2026, Smaran is yet to make his debut, but his domestic form continues to demand attention. His last 13 innings across formats read like a prodigys logbook: 76 in a VHT semifinal, a match-winning 101* in the final, a 203, 133*, 220*, scores in the 70s, 50sand now this unbeaten 227. Article Source: IANS
Heavy rain disrupts normal life in southern Kerala
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority issued an orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha districts applicable for the next 24 hours.
Kerala University Syndicate members accuse V-C of contempt for High Court, governing bodies
Left-backed Syndicate members decry Mohanan Kunnummals decision to postpone a Syndicate meeting scheduled for Tuesday
Fr. Jolly Vadakken appointed apostolic visitor for faithful in the Gulf
Sivankutty writes to Union Railways Minister, seek compensation, job for Sreekutty
The 19-year-old teenager sustained serious injuries after she was kicked off a moving express train by an allegedly inebriated passenger two weeks ago
Shifting loyalties continue to shake up Thrissur ahead of local body elections
Rebels emerge across parties as denial of seats and internal rifts trigger mass resignations. What began as sporadic rumblings of discontent has now grown into a district-wide wave of political realignments, setting the stage for one of Thrissurs most unpredictable and fiercely contested local body elections in recent memory
Calicut varsitys academic council to discuss regulations for FYIP again
Kerala local body polls 2025: Strict rules for election printing
Except for handwritten materials, name and address of printer and publisher must be clearly displayed on front page of all election leaflets, posters, and notices
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The prolonged suspension of young IAS officer N Prasanth has emerged as a rare and contentious episode in Keralas bureaucratic history, with the duration stretching beyond one year. The ongoing tussle between Prasanth, a 2007 batch IAS officer, and Chief Secretary A Jayathilal has drawn significant attentionnot only within the IAS fraternity but also across social media, where Prasanth enjoys considerable popularity as Collector Bro. Prasanth was originally placed under suspension in November 2024 after he levelled serious allegations against Jayathilak, accusing him of file tampering, document fabrication within the states e-office system, and other irregularities. Several senior IAS officers say they cannot recall any other officer in the state serving a suspension period exceeding a year, a factor that has made his case particularly noteworthy. The latest twist came earlier this month, when the suspensiondue to end in Novemberwas extended for another six months. The order, issued by the Chief Secretary on November 4, just a day before the suspension was set to lapse, extends the period to May 6, 2026. The move, reportedly made with the concurrence of the Centre, surprised many within the bureaucracy. Since Prasanth continued his fight against the Chief Secretary even during the suspension by posting more allegations online, I expected some action. But I never thought the suspension would be extended for six more months, a senior IAS officer said. Under the All India Services (AIS) Rules, the suspension of an officer in cases not involving criminal or corruption charges cannot ordinarily exceed one year. Officials say the administration bypassed this limitation by citing new disciplinary proceedings initiated against Prasanth. Another senior officer said the young IAS official should have pursued his grievances through official channels. In my personal opinion, it would have been better if Prasanth had fought the system internally instead of making public allegations. If such conduct is tolerated, it sends a wrong signal, the officer said. Among younger officers, the episode is being viewed as a defining clash between junior and senior ranksone that could set a precedent for future internal disputes. I have no idea how this case will end. Since Prasanth continues his fight even after the extension of suspension, it has become unpredictable. Whatever the outcome, this will remain a lesson. Many junior officers are already being warned by seniorsremember the Prasanth casewhenever they show signs of dissent. So the outcome is crucial, a junior IAS officer said. With the confrontation intensifying, several eminent retired IAS officers feel the issue should be resolved quickly instead of dragging on as a prolonged tussle. I cant recall any IAS officer in Kerala being suspended for more than a year. I personally dont want this suspension to extend further and hope this tussle ends soon, a former chief secretary said. The loop November 9, 2024: Prasanth made serious allegations against Jayathilak on social media. November 11, 2024: Acting on a report submitted by the chief secretary, the Kerala government suspended Prasanth for alleged violations of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules. December 2024: A formal charge memo was served to Prasanth, accusing him of publicly vilifying senior colleagues and engaging in conduct unbecoming of an IAS officer. January 2025: The Suspension Review Committee (SRC) extended his suspension by another 120 days, till the end of April 2025. April 2025: The suspension was extended again for six months, up to November 2025. July 2025: The government appointed a two-member panel to carry out a detailed inquiry into the disciplinary charges. November 2025: As Prasanth completed one year under suspension, he continued to make serious allegations against senior bureaucrats. His suspension was extended further by 180 days.
India launches updated action plan to combat rising antimicrobial resistance
NEW DELHI: Marking the start of the WHOs World AMR Awareness Week (1824 November), India has launched an updated National Action Plan to address the countrys rapidly growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis. The Centre emphasised that AMR, which threatens critical medical procedures and long-term treatments, demands urgent and collective action. Union Health Minister JP Nadda, while unveiling the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR 2.0), said AMR poses significant risks, particularly in surgical procedures, cancer treatment and other essential healthcare interventions. He added that the overuse and misuse of antibiotics has unfortunately become common practice, underscoring the urgency for corrective measures. The NAP-AMR 2.0 is a significant step in tackling AMR through a One Health approach. With participation from over 20 ministries and clear timelines and budgets, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to protecting public health, the ministry said in a statement. The second version of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (202529) addresses gaps identified in the first NAP-AMR and strengthens efforts to create public awareness and private sector participation, among other areas. Nadda noted that Indias AMR journey began in 2010 with initial discussions, followed by the launch of the first NAP-AMR in 2017. Stressing the key strategies to be implemented under NAP-AMR 2.0, he highlighted the importance of increasing awareness, education and training. He said there is a requirement for enhancing laboratory capacity and infection control in healthcare facilities, emphasising the need for regular stakeholder meetings to resolve challenges promptly. At the launch, Dr A.K. Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, said the updated plan is a timely initiative for generating a more coherent and coordinated response to AMR, noting that it was being released appropriately on the first day of the WHOs AMR awareness campaign. He added that India is one of the pioneers in driving this effort globally and described AMR as like a pandemic affecting many developing countries, particularly in Asia and Africa. He highlighted several steps taken by India to counter AMR. Kerala and Gujarat, he said, are the first states to ban over-the-counter sales of antibiotics. Some antimicrobials and pesticides have also been banned for use in crops. The India AMR Innovation Hub was established involving both national and international stakeholders to build a novel technology platform. It has helped in mobilising resources, bringing out innovation and enhancing collaboration between multiple stakeholders, he added. The development of NAP-AMR 2.0 began in 2022 through a series of stakeholder consultations involving the human health sector, research institutions, professional associations, civil society organisations, and the environment and animal husbandry sectors. This process was followed by high-level meetings at NITI Aayog with representatives from more than 20 ministries and departments. Each stakeholder ministry or department developed its own action plan with defined goals and timelines. The updated NAP-AMR includes specific action plans for each key stakeholder ministry or department, complete with timelines and budgets to allow effective monitoring of progress. It also establishes well-defined mechanisms for coordination and collaboration within and across sectors. Each stakeholder is expected to develop an implementation roadmap ensuring the engagement of the private sector, technical institutions, professional groups, industry, cooperatives, NGOs, international partners and other relevant organisations, the ministry said.
Schools in Tamil Nadu may face closures on November 19 due to heavy rain alerts. Other states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha are expected to have normal school operations. Parents and students should stay updated with local school administrations for any changes. Weather conditions are being closely monitored for student safety.
No sign of leopard at Parakkamala; search called off
Govt. failed in Sabarimala pilgrimage preparations: Satheesan
He says TDB and government have failed to arrange basic facilities for pilgrims and the necessary preparations needed to be done at Sabarimala ahead of the pilgrimage
Ranji Trophy 2025-26 | Kerala holds all the aces going into the final day
Eden stars with a four-for as Madhya Pradesh gets bowled out for 192 in its first innings; the visitor, on the back of a 144-run stand between Baby and Aparajith, swells the advantage to 315 runs
Woman arrested for allegedly inflicting burns on 4-year-old daughter in Kochi
SIR Phase 2: Nearly 99% enumeration forms distributed to electors in 12 States, Union Territories
Among these States and UTs, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, and West Bengal will go to the polls in 2026
ECI working on 'sinister design' to 'destroy' democracy, Opposition parties through SIR: Congress
The SIR is underway in Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep
Special Intensive Revision: Election officials announce measures to ease workload of BLOs
Criterion for the appointment of booth level agents (BLA) by political parties modified. Parties can set up help desks for the collection of filled-up enumeration forms for easing the workload of BLOs assigned to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls
Official Suspended For Sharing Video Of Dead Deer At Newly Opened Kerala Zoo
A week after at least 10 deer were killed by stray dogs at Kerala's newly inaugurated Puthur Zoological Park in Thrissur due to a major security lapse, the state's Forest Department suspended an official for allegedly sharing footage of the dead deer
