Fireworks show in Kerala goes awry, kills 107
Sparks fall on storehouse, igniting crackers stocked there; officials had denied permission for competitive fireworks display; several buildings in vicinity of temple were damaged; Narendra Modi rushes to Kollam with team of medical experts.
ED sends 25-page report to State Police Chief (SPC) Ravada A. Chandrasekhar under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, enclosing findings and supporting evidence from its investigation. The SPCs scrutiny of the ED report will determine whether the material warrants registration of a First Information Report, referral to the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, or any other legally permissible action
INL accuses Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan of pushing PM SHRI scheme through backdoor
INL State president Ahammad Devarkovil and general secretary Kasim Irikkur accuse V.D. Satheesan of trying to facilitate implementation of PM-SHRI in Keralam in a manner favourable to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the BJP
Kerala HC stays trial in 2016 Puttingal fireworks accident case
Court seeks States explanation on change of public prosecutor in proceedings before trial court. The incident in Kollam district had killed 109 people and injured 280 others
Man absconding for 29 years in attempt-to-murder case arrested in Keralams Kannur
Fazal was wanted in connection with an attempt-to-murder case registered over the attack on Azhikode native Sunil Kumar with a deadly weapon on January 3, 1997
KUDSIT Digital University of Kerala Gym Trainer Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online
Kerala University of Digital Sciences Innovation and Technology (Digital University Kerala) has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for Gym Trainer posts. A total of 1 vacancy has been announced under this recruitment drive. The online application process will be conducted up to 18-09-2026. Interested candidates can apply online through the official website.
Kerala Chief Minister Praises Students Invitation to Traditional Onam Feast
Kerala CM VD Satheesan commends a students heartfelt invitation to a 101-dish Onam feast at her school in Idukki. Kerala Chief Minister Praises Students Invitation to Traditional Onam Feast
Internal Vigilance and audit wings of CDB have been tasked with investigating the allegations and submitting reports
Another crash into parked lorry on NH 544 raises highway safety concerns in Keralam
Container truck rams goods vehicle at Nandikkara on NH 544, days after eight students from T.N. were killed in a similar crash at Kaipamangalam on NH 66
Probe Agency ED To Investigate Bribery Allegations Against Pinarayi Vijayan, Daughter
Enforcement Directorate alleges Rs 3.28 crore bribe to Kerala leader Pinarayi Vijayan via daughter Veena T while he was Chief Minister.
Don Palatharas Ekadesham to premiere at Filmfest Aachen 2026 in Germany
Set to be screened at the festival on September 25, Ekadesham stars Roshan Mathew, Divya Prabha, Jithin Puthenchery, Vinay Forrt, Santhy Balachandran and Mahesh Narayanan
Rare Neelakurinji bloom is back in Kerala after 12 years; here's where you can see it
Kerala Anchor Faces Police Case After Row Over Muslim Scholar's Remarks
The complaint relates to statements made by the anchor during the television debate, which triggered a controversy and was later removed by the channel.
ED Seeks FIR Against Former CM Pinarayi, Veena and Riyas in CMRL Case
It is alleged by the ED that Kerala mining firm Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) made fraudulent payments worth Rs 2.78 crore to Veena's now-defunct company Exalogic Solutions under the guise of 'IT consultancy services'
Enforcement Directorate has sent a communication under Section 66 (2) of Prevention of Money Laundering Act citing findings of its investigation in the CMRL pay-off case, say sources
Kerala Chief Minister Meets Renowned Engineer E. Sreedharan to Discuss State Development
Keralas CM V.D. Satheesan met with E. Sreedharan to discuss key development projects aimed at sustainable growth in the state. Kerala Chief Minister Meets Renowned Engineer E. Sreedharan to Discuss State Development
CPI-M gets wary of leaks ahead of Kerala unit's crucial Kozhikode meet
Digital Desk | Kozhikode, Sep 8 (IANS) The CPI-M, increasingly wary of confidential discussions finding their way outside the party, appears to have taken an unusual step to plug information leaks ahead of its crucial three-day extended Kerala state Committee meeting beginning in Kozhikode on Saturday. According to party sources, members of the Thiruvananthapuram district leadership have been asked to sign consent forms authorising the disclosure of their telephone call details to the party, in what is understood to be an effort to identify the source of any leakage of confidential discussions. The move, if confirmed, would mark an extraordinary extension of the party's traditional emphasis on secrecy surrounding its internal deliberations. The forms were reportedly circulated among district secretariat members recently. The format is understood to contain an authorisation by the individual to the telephone service provider to furnish call details. The leadership has also warned that strict action would follow if confidential party discussions were leaked. The reported move comes at a particularly sensitive time for the CPI-M. The party had gone into the 2026 Assembly election expecting Pinarayi Vijayan to secure a historic third consecutive term, but suffered a severe electoral setback instead. The defeat has since triggered considerable restlessness within the organisation, with questions being raised over the party's political strategy, organisational functioning, and leadership. The extended state committee meeting in Kozhikode, spread over three days from Saturday, assumes significance against this backdrop. With a large section of the party leadership expected to participate, the discussions are likely to include a detailed assessment of the electoral defeat. Leaks from party meetings have become a growing concern with the proliferation of mobile phones and other electronic devices. Meetings that were once conducted with considerable secrecy have increasingly become vulnerable to information being transmitted outside almost instantly. The CPI-M itself has, in the past, used technological evidence, including phone records, while acting against leaders and workers for alleged violations of party discipline. The latest reported move suggests that technology may now be turning inward, as the party seeks to guard the confidentiality of its own deliberations. However, the move has reportedly caused unease among a section of leaders, who feel that seeking such consent amounts to an extraordinary measure. They are understood to be considering bringing the issue to the attention of senior state and central leaders.
Kerala man's account frozen over mysterious UPI paymentWhat to do, rules, customer rights explained
A man from Kerala reported receiving two unknown UPI payments but chose not to return them, suspecting a scam. His bank account was subsequently frozen. Here are the rules and customer rights in such cases.
The direction was issued after the ongoing inspections based on complaints of overpricing of food and beverages in multiplexes found the non-availability of free drinking water to theatre-goers
KAU Field Assistant Recruitment 2026 - Walkin
Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for 1 Field Assistant post. Eligible candidates can attend the walk-in interview on 10 September 2026 at the designated venue. The detailed notification is available on the official website, kau.in.
Keralam facing power cuts due to rising temperatures, increase in electricity usage: Minister
At the same time, due to a weak monsoon, the water level in the States hydel power dams is low, leading to reduction in power generation, says Sunny Joseph
Unisex Salon Brand PURE 8 Expands into Kerala
Industries minister Kunhalikutty said the brand's business model could create new entrepreneurship opportunities in the state
Keralam Information Commissioner Warns Officials Over Missing RTI Files
If a file is missing, legal action should be initiated and each file should have a designated custodian, he said.
CPI(M) in Keralam steps up attack on G. Sudhakaran, seeks details of election funds
CPI(M) Alappuzha district secretariat member H. Salam launches sharp attack on Ambalappuzha MLA G. Sudhakaran, accusing him of financial irregularities and challenging him to come clean on his assets
Burial chamber found in Nittadukkam in Kasaragod district. Historian says the monument has survived largely because of local beliefs surrounding it and could be one of the oldest surviving indicators of Kanhangads human past
Keralam Swelters as Mercury Crosses 36C Amid Weak Monsoon
According to the latest IMD data, Punalur in Kollam district recorded a maximum temperature of 36.2 degrees Celsius on Monday, a striking 4.3 degrees above normal for the station
Heatwave pushes Kerala into power crisis, restrictions likely
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 8 (IANS) Kerala is facing a double blow of scorching heat and an escalating power crisis, with temperatures expected to remain 3 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal for another day and electricity restrictions likely to continue in several areas. The state recorded a maximum temperature of 36.2 degrees Celsius on Monday, while the India Meteorological Department has warned that the hot conditions will persist on Tuesday. Relief is likely from Wednesday, with some parts of the state expected to receive rain. The surge in temperatures has triggered a sharp rise in electricity consumption, with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) estimating that demand has jumped by as much as 800 MW. With adequate power unavailable from outside the state during peak hours, the KSEB imposed restrictions of up to an hour in several areas on Monday. The situation could worsen if the demand pattern remains unchanged on Tuesday. The KSEB said the absence of short-term power contracts and high prices in the real-time electricity market were making additional procurement difficult. Although the board had floated tenders to procure power for September, no company came forward to supply electricity during peak hours, leaving the board with limited options to meet the sudden spike in demand. Meanwhile, the State Disaster Management Authority has issued a series of precautionary measures as the intense heat raises the risk of sunstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration. The authorities have advised people to avoid direct exposure to the sun, particularly during the hottest hours, drink plenty of water, and remain vigilant against symptoms associated with excessive heat. The heat warning is in force from September 7 to 9, with the Meteorological Department cautioning that temperatures could remain significantly above normal across the state. With electricity consumption rising sharply as households and establishments depend increasingly on cooling appliances, the weather conditions are now adding further pressure to an already strained power supply system.
Keralam swelters as mercury crosses 36 degrees Celsius in Sept amid weak monsoon
Kerala is experiencing unusually early September heat as temperatures rise significantly. Punalur recorded a high of 36.2 degrees Celsius, far above normal levels. This heatwave occurs while the southwest monsoon remains notably weak across the state. Other districts like Kottayam and Palakkad also registered high temperatures. The combination creates a feeling of continued summer heat in many areas.
Head of Zamorin's family of Kozhikode passes away
Mr. Raja was a resident of Chinthavalappu in Kozhikode City. He took charge as the head of the family in June 2025 after the demise of K.C. Ramachandran Raja, a management expert, whose tenure at the helm spanned only a couple of months.
Watch: Kerala's new government bus will give your road travel a flight-like feel
Watch Keralas new government bus will give your road travel a flightlike feel
Media delegation from Kerala begins 7-day Press Tour to J&K
Srinagar, Sep 7: A 13-member media delegation from Kerala has embarked on a seven-day press tour to Jammu and Kashmir from September 6 to 12. The tour is being organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Kochi, with the objective of providing journalists from Kerala an opportunity to gain first-hand insights into the developmental initiatives, infrastructure projects and achievements in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. On the first day of the tour, the delegation visited the Press Information Bureau office in Srinagar. Qazi Salman, Director, PIB Srinagar, welcomed the members of the delegation and provided an overview of the media and communication landscape in Kashmir. He also interacted with the visiting journalists and shared insights into the functioning of PIB in the region. Later in the day, the delegation visited Gulmarg, the picturesque hill station located in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, and experienced the region's rich natural landscape and scenic beauty. During the week-long tour, the media delegation will visit various developmental projects and important locations across the Union Territory. The press tour aims to familiarise the participating journalists with the developmental transformation taking place in Jammu and Kashmir and provide them an opportunity to interact with the stakeholders. The press tour is part of PIB's efforts to facilitate wider awareness and informed reporting on significant developmental initiatives being undertaken across different regions of the country.
Residents of wards 7 and 8 in Chittoor area of the panchayat have not received drinking water from the Kerala Water Authority for two weeks, according to the SHRC
Private bus employee arrested and remanded as police draw flak for initial bail in Keralams Kochi
Muhammed Ansar, 24, a native of Kannur, was arrested after invoking Section 132 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for assaults or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging their duty
Denial of constitutionally guaranteed privileges to members of SC/ST communities must only be in exceptional cases of apparent fraud that is established through material independently available to the State
Two bike riders killed, one injured in separate accidents in Keralams Kochi
Guarding the Green: Why Forestry Needs Technocrats, Not Generalists
The recently notified recruitment rules issued by the Forest Department vide NO: PCCF/NG/Est/150768/3486-96 Dt: 3-9-2026 for the post of Foresters reveal an institutional blind spot. By opening the cadre to unspecific academic streams spanning to Agriculture, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Applications, Engineering, Geology, Horticulture, Mathematics, Physics, Veterinary Sciences, and Zoologywhile simultaneously compressing Direct Recruitment to a meagre 40% against a 60% promotional quota, the government has diluted the operational standards of its forest administration. Further, while failing to mandate or accord primary preference to professional graduates in Forestry (B.Sc./M.Sc. Forestry), the government has reduced scientific conservation to mere patrol work which in an era dominated by rapid climate breakdown, complex forest tenure laws, carbon accounting, and severe wildlife-human conflict, will represent an institutional and scientific regression resulting in an ecological gamble .. which UT of J & K cannot afford. The framework of including some of the above-mentioned 3-year non-professional degree holders . being unable to even identify an endangered species or calculate the sustained yield viz a viz prioritising physical stamina (25/16 km in 4 hours for male and female aspirants) discredits a specific intellectual competence and cannot substitute technical knowledge required for such recruitments. Historically, when the Imperial Forest Department was established in 1864 under Sir Dietrich Brandis, the British Crown recognised that extraction required scientific regulation to prevent the premature exhaustion of valuable timber reserves. However, the administrative culture designed for the subordinate cadres (particularly Foresters and Forest Guards) was deliberately modelled on paramilitary policing. Their primary objective was exclusion: keeping local communities out of Reserved Forests, policing timber theft, and collecting transit revenue. The recruitment always favoured physical endurance, obedience and basic literacy over technical domain knowledge. Viewed as an auxiliary policing outfit tasked with perimeter security and timber extraction, the State Forest Departments across the country have undergone a total paradigm shift. Today, it stands as a frontline defence against ecological collapse, anthropogenic climate change and catastrophic biodiversity loss. The Forester occupies the vital operational tier within the departmental hierarchythe linchpin between the ground-level Forest Guard (Beat Guard) and the gazetted Range Forest Officer (RFO). Entrusting this technical post to candidates without any educational grounding in sciences like dendrology, silviculture, forest mensuration/management and environmental jurisprudence compromises the integrity of forests as an ecological asset. Following independence, the National Forest Policy of 1952 emphasised industrial production, with subordinate staff being trained in basic paramilitary drill, boundary upkeep, and basic timber calculations. However, the enactment of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 and the landmark National Forest Policy of 1988 completely inverted this operational mandate, with the latter formally subordinating revenue generation to environmental stability, ecological balance, and biodiversity preservation. Furthermore, the enactment of the Biological Diversity Act (2002) and the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act (2006) placed complex statutory and participatory responsibilities upon field officers. Despite such seismic transformation in the department's core purpose, the recruitment framework for subordinate field staff has remained frozen in a colonial time warp, prioritising generic qualifications while ignoring the emergence of dedicated, university-trained forestry professionals. The prevailing administrative misconception that subordinate foresters learn everything through a brief post-selection departmental training course collapses when one evaluates the actual technical, scientific, and legal responsibilities demanded from a Forester on a daily basis. The core contention lies in the fact that forestry is a rigorous, multidisciplinary scientific profession and just as medical directorates cannot recruit general graduates to practice medicine, and public works departments do not hire a non-engineer to design bridges, the forest department cannot surrender scientific conservation to administrative generalists. Further, forestry is not an offshoot of general biology but a specialised technocracy and as such, equating a candidate who has spent four years for studying silviculture, forest mensuration, forest biometrics, dendrology, forest policy and wildlife with a candidate who has obtained other degrees (some 3 year programs) betrays a basic misunderstanding of what foresters do in the field. Here we have to understand that at a time when forest ecosystems face unprecedented ecological strainranging from catastrophic wildfire cycles and invasive monocultures to carbon sink verification under international climate compactsthe custodian of the forest beat/range can no longer be an ad-hoc generalis but a forestry technocrat trained in ecological restoration, assisted regeneration, canopy density optimization, measuring terrestrial biomass for carbon credits, diagnostic pathology of forest die-back, and host-pest vectors viz a viz enforcing the Forest Rights Act (FRA 2006), Wildlife Protection Act, Indian Forest Act, CAMPA compliance, fuel load index calculations, back-firing tactics and stress modelling. The critical review of deconstructed new set of rules exhibit two fundamental structural defects and flawed premises: first, that the forest management is presumed as an unskilled custodial chore which will bring an alarming administrative regression and second, that equalizing an exclusive specialized academic threshold of four years dedicated professional degree of B.Sc. Forestry, equivalent to some basic/generic university degrees in mathematics, computer applications, physics and other classroom sciences or desk disciplines, demonstrates that the people who have framed these regulations unfortunately lack a profound technical understanding of modern contemporary science followed in the management of forests. The competencies now required insist that forestry alone should remain a basic qualification to justify it as a genuine profession. But unfortunately, the regulations notified depict a general imagination, often influenced by colonial-era administrative tropes that treat the forester as an armed scout . whose duties begin and end with chasing poachers and illicit timber smugglers. Further, the new regulations notified also seem to betray Public Investment in formal Forestry Education being instituted in almost 29 SAUs and 86 affiliated colleges/ specialized research institutes following a landmark recommendations of the National Commission on Agriculture (NCA, 1976). The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) have recognised the four-year B.Sc. Forestry program as a specialised degree, with the public exchequer at the national level spending millions every year to subsidise these professional courses. Despite this, when vacancies arise in State Forest Services, the forestry graduates who spent four years in training are shoved into open competition, while other disciplines which are entirely disconnected from forest habitats have preserved strict recruitment boundaries. For instance, only B.V.Sc. graduates can enter State Veterinary cadres. Likewise, for engineering posts, only B.E./B.Tech. degree holders are eligible, and for Agriculture/ Horticulture/Extension cadres, only B.Sc. Agriculture / Horticulture graduates are preferred. Contrary to this, forestry remains the lone outlierroutinely degraded into an open-for-all category by the bureaucracy in Forest administration. The regulations issued also denounce National Policy Commitments, Working Group Studies of the various Commissions and Expert Committees established by the Union Government over the past four decades, which recommended that: Academic qualifications in forestry should be considered essential or given appropriate weightage for entry into forest services (The National Forest Policy,1988, Clause 4.12). Similarly, the National Forest Commission (2006), chaired by Justice B.N. Kirpal, explicitly noted that professional forestry education was being squandered because recruitment rules failed to mandate specialised qualifications. The commission formally recommended that State Forest Departments must prioritise candidates with professional degrees in forestry (B.Sc. / M.Sc. Forestry) for the posts of Forest Range Officers and Foresters. Further, under the Paris Agreement and our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), India has pledged to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3.0 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through expanded forest and tree cover by 2030. The Foresters or the Range Officers cannot track these targets through casual guesswork but require a precise, ground-truthed carbon inventory calculations. Thus, expecting an untrained recruit or an administrative promotee to navigate national carbon registries without foundational training will guarantee a systemic data error. Further, while legitimate career progression for frontline Forest Guards and field watchers is essential for departmental morale, tilting the recruitment balance to a ratio of 40%: 60% for direct recruitment and promotion severely curbs the infusion of modern technical skills. The lower-cadre promotions often occur late in service tenures. Thus, without a stringent technical screening mechanism or prior academic immersion in contemporary forestry disciplines, the promoted personnel are routinely left ill-equipped to execute modern geo-spatial mapping, carbon inventory assessments, or complex legal evaluations under the Forest (Conservation) Act and the Wildlife (Protection) Act. A 60% promotional intake will, as such, mess the department up with unprofessional personnel trained solely under legacy administrative routines while sidelining contemporary scientific practices. National and International scenario As far as comparative precedents go across the country, the argument for technocratic specialisation is neither unprecedented or untested nor speculative. Several forward-thinking States within the country have formally amended their subordinate and gazetted recruitment rules to prioritise or exclusively mandate professional forestry qualifications. For instance, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have incorporated distinct eligibility weightages and direct recruitment paths prioritising Forestry degree holders in frontline Range and Forester selections. The State of Kerala has long stood at the forefront of administrative professionalisation in forestry. State service commissions in Kerala have repeatedly amended cadre rules for Forest Range Officers and Foresters to reserve substantial quotas or direct preference points for professional forestry graduates, recognising that specialised training significantly cuts induction costs while enhancing other outcomes. Similarly, in Karnataka, the Public Service Commission (KPSC) has framed rules for the recruitment of Forest Range Officers and subordinate ranks that reserve up to 50% or more of direct recruitment slots exclusively for B.Sc. (Forestry) graduates. This framework has repeatedly withstood administrative and judicial scrutiny, establishing a precedent that specialised qualifications directly correlate with departmental efficiency. Ironically, the courts have routinely intervened or scrutinised arbitrary recruitment criteria under Articles 14 and 16, while urging Forest Departments to align hiring standards with the actual technical nature of modern public administration in the States which have resisted inclusion of changes in recruitment rules. These Judicial Interventions have repeatedly affirmed that States retain full constitutional power to prescribe specialised technical qualifications tailored to forest management. In States where such preferences were codified, the frontline field operations saw measurable modernisation: faster updating of working plans, progressed GIS integration, and improved seedling survival rates under science-based plantation regimes. Similarly, the precedents around the world also advocate Professional Technocracy and have developed jurisdictions to abandon the practice of entrusting public woodlands to non-specialists. Globally, the identity of a forester has shifted from an armed ranger to an environmental technocrat. In Germanythe cradle of modern scientific forestry (Forstwissenschaft)subordinate and senior foresters undergo rigorous technical education at specialised forestry universities. The Scandinavian model similarly treats forest management as an exact bio-economic science linked directly to recruitment in national carbon budgets and ecological resilience. Under the Canadian model, the provincial statutessuch as Ontarios Professional Foresters Act and British Columbias Forestry Professions Actenvisage that the practice of forestry should be legally restricted to accredited Registered Professional Foresters (RPFs). The provisions under this Act explicitly state that it is a criminal offence for an individual to prepare a forest management prescription, audit a cutting block, or direct reforestation without an accredited four-year forestry degree. Likewise, in the United States, SAF Accreditation, the US Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) enforce strict educational requirements w.r.t. a graduate degree encompassing a core curriculum in silviculture, forest inventory, and forest biometrics, typically certified by the Society of American Foresters (SAF). Further, under such provisions, a general biologist and agriculturalist/ non licensed forestry technocrat is not permitted to manage the State Forests. The potential of forests for employment generation has stemmed from diverse situations, viz rebuilding natural assets, wood production/ processing, pulp and paper industry, climate change mitigation and management of natural and plantation forests. The total employment in the formal forestry sector at the global level is estimated at about 18.2 million (full-time formal employment), which is expected to increase to at least 25million by the year 2035. A significant share of the jobs in forestry on an annual basis, however, comes from the informal sector (33 million), the commercial forest sector (45 million) and around > 2000million man-days through the direct and secondary labour force in related industries. Further, while formal employment in commercial production of NTFPs is estimated at 100 million, the potential of the informal sector of NTFPs (extraction of around 5000 products) cannot be estimated reliably. Further, considering that the worlds protected forest areas extend over about 1.9 billion hectares (out of the total forest area of 4 billion ha), even a modest effort of silvicultural treatment to these areas can provide employment to thousands of people. The forests of India directly employ around 2.4 million persons in the formal forestry sector, 38 million in the informal sector and around 5.5-6 million as seasonal workers in various sectors. The total geographic area of Jammu and Kashmir is 42, 241 km2 of which 20,194 km2 is under demarcated/recorded forest area. The land under trees and crops (TOF) is around 67,000 ha. Unfortunately, in the extent of their livelihood potential, the ecosystem services provided by our forests have reduced from Rs 987 billion in 1850 to 118 billion in 2022-23 due to indiscriminate illicit felling and faulty management. The forests of Jammu and Kashmir thus constitute the biggest unmanaged industry and, being so, they are currently not viewed as the mainstay of the UT's economy, with a contribution of just 0.7% to GDP. As far as the manning of this natural resource is concerned, our forest department presents a reverse wedge, with more officers than the foresters who actually work at the ground level. It is a shocking fact that our forests are sustained by a sanctioned strength of 3 PCCFs (and equivalents), 7 Additional PCCFs, 16 Chief Conservators, 26 Conservators, 57 Special Grade Deputy Conservators and 81 Assistant Conservators. There are only 212 Range officers, 1154 Foresters ( around 250 vacant) and just under 3900 Deputy Foresters(around 1381 vacant), which manage 20230 sq km of Forest area. Every Range officer and Forester (generally non-technical) in our forest department, therefore, on an average, manages 19833 and 4934 ha of forest land, respectively, as against a national average of 8000 and 2000 ha and a global average of 1000 and 100 ha, respectively. The Department is thus understaffed at ground level and faces many issues in both cadrization and creation of new positions at the subordinate level. The vacancies available are also being filled sarcastically through faulty recruitment rules which do not suit modern forestry requirements. With this negligent approach, we have lost a major chunk of our forests, and the degradation is still unabated. Hence, the need of the hour is not only to create more positions to match the global standards but also to provide a technically trained field leadership if the scientific management of Forests is to be viewed seriously. The corrective blueprint for this flawed recruitment policy needs to be addressed by replacing it with a scientifically sound framework to meet regional/national goals. The government must, as such, not only withdraw/reframe these ill-advised rules but also listen to the recommendations of various commissions and take advice from SKUAST-Kashmir/Jammu to place the stewardship of our forests back in the hands of trained forestry professionals. In this regard, anything less than following decisive modifications will be a disservice to our ecological future. Proposed architecture for recruitment rules: 1: Reserve Direct Recruitment Exclusively for Forestry Graduates Amend the qualification schedule to make 4 years B.Sc. (Honours) Forestry from an ICAR/ICFRE- accredited university the exclusive minimum benchmark for direct recruitment to the position of Forester, and 4 years B Sc + 2 year M Sc Forestry from ICAR/ICFRE recognized universities for Range officers/ACFs. If allied disciplines need to be included, they should be strictly limited at the Master's level to candidates with formal postgraduate specialisations in Forest Ecology or Wildlife Management (with first preference statutorily reserved for pure forestry degree holders). 2. Invert the Cadre Quota (75% Direct: 25% Promotion) Reverse the recruitment distribution to assign 75% of vacancies to Direct Recruitment and 25% to Internal Promotion for Foresters/Range officers and ACFs. This shift will guarantee an influx of technically trained young professionals ready for decades of active field operations. At the same time, the 25% promotional route will maintain a healthy advancement pathways for Forest Guards with 1-Year bridging course at State Forest Academy/ University as a per-requisite for promotion as Foresters and 2 year diploma course ( for aspirants who do not possess essential professional degree) from State Forest Academy/ University for movement from Foresters to Range officers and Range officer to ACFs . 3. Establish a Mandatory Bridge Training Program for Promotees Every Forest Guard promoted to the rank of Forester must be required to pass a comprehensive, one-year training curriculum at an accredited State Forestry Training Institute or Agriculture university. Promotion should depend on completing coursework in elementary silviculture, field GPS navigation, forest law, and emergency wildfire responsenot simply on years of service. Conclusion The forests of J&K are the nation's principal terrestrial carbon sinks, the lifeline of perennial river basins, the repositories of priceless genetic diversity and the foundational habitats of various indigenous communities. Managing this natural resource demands a high technical competence to evade a dangerous colonial relics that any candidate with basic literacy and physical endurance can protect our complex ecosystems. Thus, by reforming the recruitment rules for various Forestry cadres by prioritising professional forestry technocrats over other irrelevant degree holders, the government can rectify not only the injustice to the trained youth, but will also save millions in training costs, besides upholding constitutional mandates for scientific management of forests. (The author is a former Dean, Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K. He can be reached at drthmasoodi@gmail.com )
CPI(M) Faces Criticism Over Draft Report on Election Loss in Kerala
CPI(M) leaders in Kerala challenge a draft report on their election loss, demanding clarity on organizational failures ahead of a larger meeting. CPI(M) Faces Criticism Over Draft Report on Election Loss in Kerala
Red Bull Vallam Vali Turns Keralam's Iconic Boat Racing Tradition Into A 'Tug Of Oars' Spectacle
From Vallam kali to 'Tug of Oars': Red Bull Vallam Vali puts a fresh spin on Keralam's boat racing tradition
SHRC calls for enquiry into patients death following fall from hospital bed
Sailing expedition in Alappuzha
Two seriously injured in road accident in Varkala
National conference on second generation GST reforms begins
Three booked for allegedly assaulting, kidnapping woman in Kasaragod
Keralam CM Satheesan meets Rahul Gandhi, triggering speculation on new KPCC president
Incumbent president Sunny Joseph has repeatedly expressed his desire to opt out of the key organisational responsibility given his responsibilities as Electricity Minister. He also stressed the need for a KPCC president focussed on the party apparatus, including issues such as discipline and organisation building
Dry spell, cloud-free sky push temperature above normal at many places in Keralam
The IMD has issued a heat alert warning of hot and humid conditions at isolated places in Keralam until September 9
Kozhikode MP writes to parliamentary panel on bifurcation of Palakkad division
Detachment of the Mangaluru area from the Palakkad division and its merger with the Hubballi division will lead to shifting of key interchange boundaries, stripping Palakkad of its most critical operational assets, says Raghavan
Keralam to focus on continuity of care in NCD management
Hridayaragam initiative will begin as a pilot in Vattiyurkavu in Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki, and Nilambur to address the growing prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, which currently affect one in four and one in three adults, respectively.
Adivasi-Dalit groups to launch campaign against Land Reform 2.0
The move could pave the way for the concentration of land in the hands of large corporate interests, they say
Two killed, 2 injured after building under demolition collapses
The deceased have been identified as Joy P.J., 61, a resident of Kothamangalam, and Anoop Mathew, 45, a resident of Malayinkeezhu.
Orthodox church seeks exclusion of inhabited areas from Western Ghats ESA
Malankara Association secretary Biju Oommen said the government should intervene to ensure that inhabited areas and agricultural land were excluded from the ESA and that its limits were confined to forest areas
Keralam forms high-level monitoring committee to implement SC orders on stray dogs
It will oversee the setting up of a sufficient number of shelters for stray dogs, formation of squads for Animal Birth Control-related measures and the possibility of legal action against those who hamper these activities
Kerala CM Seeks NH66 Safety Audit, Writes To Gadkari After Thrissur Crash
Satheesan said that during the construction phase, thousands of people are compelled to travel daily through temporary diversions, narrow carriageways, unfinished stretches, and construction zones.
Keralam to hold review meeting to assess road safety
The meeting,to be chaired by Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer,will review in detail the causes of accidents on major roads andthenational highways in State
State capex utilisation rises to three-year high in April-July of FY27
Twenty-two states utilised 16.11 per cent of their combined budgeted capex in April-July FY27, the highest rate in three years, with Kerala leading at 42.36 per cent
Kerala Cricket League | Thrissur Titans brave youth policy pays off
Not just connections, outdated smartphones too a problem, say anganwadi workers
Women and Child Development department has issued order sanctioning transition of official SIM connection of anganwadi workers from the current service provider to alternative ones
V. B. Binu elected president of Kottayam Public Library
Kerala High Court lawyers step in to pay MVD fine on flood-rescue vehicle in Keralams Aranmula
Abin Varkey, MLA, reiterates his criticism of the MVD, calling its decision to penalise a vehicle engaged in flood-rescue operations inappropriate and insensitive to the circumstances
Literature empowers society to question established norms, says Kanimozhi Karunanidhi
Medical college students in Kozhikode seek better hostel facilities
Students stage token protest on the campus, demanding that steps be taken to open the new hostel buildings whose construction has already been completed
Keralam to strengthen grassroots measures against human-wildlife conflict
Standing panels to monitor activities in affected local bodies.
Keralam CM V.D. Satheesan writes to Centre to hold a detailed review of safety measures on NH 66
V.D. Satheesan urges Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to carry out an urgent review of safety measures on NH-66. He calls for enhanced traffic management, effective signage, and strict regulations against illegal parking.
Strengthening women legislators benefits democracy: LS Speaker Om Birla
Digital Desk | Faridabad, Sep 7 (IANS) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Monday that every effort that strengthens the capabilities of women legislators contributes directly to improving the quality of democracy. Speaking at a two-day Capacity Building Workshop on Gender Responsive Governance for Women Legislators under the National Commission for Womens She is a Changemaker initiative in Faridabad, Birla encouraged women legislators to deepen their understanding of parliamentary processes, policy, legislation and budgets. The Lok Sabha Speaker called upon women legislators to make their public service a means of strengthening inclusive governance and to use their positions to shape the future of their states and the nation. He also emphasised the importance of dialogue, participation and trust in a democracy. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar highlighted that the programme has brought together more than 100 women legislators, including MLAs and MLCs from across the country, providing a national platform for dialogue, experience-sharing and capacity building. She said that women legislators were not only representatives of their constituencies but also powerful voices for education, health, economy, technology, security and good governance. Rahatkar emphasised that womens political participation brings a distinct perspective to governance and that their leadership can inspire wider social change. She urged the participating legislators to use their constitutional authority and public platforms to become voices for the aspirations of millions of women and to ensure that women in their constituencies are aware of their rights and able to access the benefits of government schemes. The first day of the workshop featured four technical sessions focused on leadership, legislative functioning, public policy and gender-responsive governance, said an official statement. The sessions provided women legislators with practical insights and opportunities to exchange experiences and best practices in public leadership and governance, it said. Through such capacity-building initiatives, the NCW seeks to strengthen the capabilities of women legislators, enabling them to contribute more effectively to policymaking, governance and public service, while advancing meaningful and sustained womens leadership in public life. Those present at the inauguration of the workshop included Surama Padhy, Speaker, Odisha Legislative Assembly; Laxmi Rajwade, Minister of WCD, Chhattisgarh; Bindhu Krishna, Minister of WCD, Kerala; K. A. Thulasi, Minister, SC, ST and OBC, Kerala; Rajesh Nagar, Minister of Food & Civil Supplies, Haryana; Kalita Majhi, Minister of State, Department of Housing, West Bengal; and Sudeep Jain, Member Secretary, NCW, the statement said.
BJP claims religious groups trying to dictate terms to Kerala government
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 7 (IANS) The BJP on Monday alleged that religious fundamentalist forces were trying to put pressure on the Kerala government and take control of its functioning by threatening and intimidating the Chief Minister. BJP national executive member P.K. Krishnadas said an article in the mouthpiece of the E.K. faction of Samastha, headlined 'The Chief Minister should speak with decorum,' was the latest indication of a dangerous political trend in the state. He alleged that the close ties between the E.K. faction of Samastha and the Indian Union Muslim League were well-known and that the article showed the League putting pressure on Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan through the religious organisation. IUML is the second-biggest ally of the ruling United Democratic Front led by Chief Minister Satheesan. A religious organisation backed by a major constituent of the ruling alliance is telling the Chief Minister of a democratically elected government how he should speak. This is not merely criticism. It is an attempt to threaten and insult the Chief Minister, Krishnadas said. He alleged that there was now an attempt to shift the control of the government from political leadership to religious organisations. Such a trend, he said, would pose a threat to democracy, secularism and social harmony in Kerala. Krishnadas said the BJP had strong political differences with both Satheesan and the Congress. But that does not mean religious organisations can threaten a democratically elected Chief Minister. The BJP will oppose such politics tooth and nail, he said. He said the latest controversy could not be viewed in isolation, pointing to the recent statement from the Kanthapuram faction as well. He alleged that these developments indicated growing interference by religious organisations in the state's political and administrative affairs. Krishnadas also referred to Muslim League MLA Firoz publicly demanding the withdrawal of police cases registered against YouTuber Abdul Basil. While the Chief Minister is being pressured through Samastha and the Muslim League, the Home Minister is being publicly pressured by an MLA from the same ruling alliance. This raises the question of whose hands the real control of the government is moving into, he said. He also attacked the Congress for remaining silent on the statements from religious organisations. He said AICC General Secretary, K.C. Venugopal, when asked about the issue, had said the party's position would be clarified later. Krishnadas alleged that the Congress was unwilling to confront religious organisations because of political considerations. He said the BJP's opposition to such pressure politics should not be seen as support for the Chief Minister. We are not supporting the Chief Minister. We are opposing the politics of intimidation, he said. He urged people who voted the UDF to power to reflect on the issue and said the government should be controlled by democratically elected representatives and not religious organisations. Krishnadas also took a swipe at CPI(M) leader P. Jayarajan over his recent remarks against the BJP. He recalled Jayarajan's earlier attempt to organise a parallel Sri Krishna Jayanthi procession in Kannur and claimed that it failed to receive public support, including from CPI(M) workers. He questioned whether the Marxist party had the right to celebrate Sri Krishna Jayanthi. If they want, celebrating Kamsa Jayanthi may be more appropriate for them, he said sarcastically.
KAU Assistant Professor Recruitment 2026 - Walkin
Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for 1 Assistant Professor post. Eligible candidates can attend the walk-in interview on 23-09-2026 at the designated venue. The detailed notification is available on the official website, Kerala Agricultural University.
Frequent power disruptions affect residents of Vyttila, trigger protests
Residents of Vyttila Janatha and Ponnurunni divisions have been at the receiving end with frequent disruptions in power supply at the night since August 1
Double whammy for CPI-M's Ragesh as Kannur University drops wife Priya's defence
Kannur (Kerala), Sep 7 (IANS) CPI-M Kannur's district Secretary K.K. Ragesh is facing a fresh political and legal challenge, with Kannur University set to reverse its stand in the Supreme Court on the controversial appointment of his wife, Priya Varghese, as Associate Professor. The university has changed its counsel ahead of the Supreme Court hearing on Tuesday and is expected to inform the court that Varghese does not possess the qualifications required for the post. The move marks a dramatic departure from the universitys earlier stand that her appointment was entirely legal and that she possessed the required teaching experience. The university has appointed advocate P.S. Zulfiqar Ali, the state governments new standing counsel in the Supreme Court, to represent it in the case. Until now, the university had been represented by advocate K.R. Subhash Chandran, a former SFI leader and an active functionary of the CPI-M's lawyers organisation. Ragesh and Subhash Chandran were SFI colleagues during the same period. The sudden change comes at a particularly difficult time for Ragesh, who has already come under attack from within the CPI-M in Kannur following an extraordinary challenge to the party establishment by rebel MLA T.K. Govindan. Govindan, a former top CPI-M leader in Kannur, defied the party line just ahead of the Assembly elections by contesting the Thaliparambu seat against P.K. Shyamala, wife of CPI-M state Secretary M.V. Govindan. Shyamalas defeat in what had long been considered a CPI-M citadel sent shockwaves through the party. At a public party meeting, Ragesh had described Govindan as a Brutus. Govindan subsequently hit back, questioning Rageshs meteoric rise within the party and calling for a probe into his assets. He noted that Ragesh entered political life while working as a plumber and electrician, but subsequently rose to become a Rajya Sabha member, private secretary to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and, eventually, CPI-M Kannur district Secretary. With the university now preparing to abandon its earlier defence of Varghese's appointment, the issue has acquired a new political dimension. The Kerala High Courts single bench and the UGC had earlier raised questions over her research and teaching experience, while the university and the previous Left government had continued to defend her appointment. The fresh stand by Kannur University could therefore prove decisive in the Supreme Court case and leave Ragesh facing pressure on two fronts, the political challenge from within Kannur CPI-M and the legal uncertainty surrounding his wifes appointment.
KUHS MBBS Result 2026 Out - Check Part 1 Result Online @ kuhs.ac.in
Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) has released the fresh valuation result for Second Professional MBBS Degree Part I Examinations (2019 scheme), December 2025, updated on 7 September 2026. Get the official result link.
E. coli presence in bottled water in Keralams Kochi points at need to ensure water traceability
Kochi Corporation moots making it mandatory for hotels to use only Kerala Water Authority water, which would help ensure use of safe water and enable traceability
If you miss this flower bloom in Kerala, you may have to wait till 2038
If you miss this flower bloom in Kerala you may have to wait till
Kerala Congress Aims to Resolve Internal Disputes with Ramya Haridas Controversial Associate
The Kerala Congress plans to distance MLA Ramya Haridas from her controversial associate to quell internal disputes. Kerala Congress Aims to Resolve Internal Disputes with Ramya Haridas Controversial Associate
Kerala Congress Directs MLA to Distance from Controversial Ally
The Kerala Congress has decided against disciplinary action against MLA Ramya Haridas but aims to separate her from controversial ally Palayam Pradeep to resolve internal disputes. Kerala Congress Directs MLA to Distance from Controversial Ally
Main agenda of meeting is to discuss the debacle of LDF and CPI(M) in Assembly elections and devise ways to rejuvenate cadre
The adjournment followed a plea by the accused seeking suspension of proceedings until the Kerala High Court considers their request to stay trial court proceedings on September 8
Air India Express flight returned to Kochi after engine oil pressure warning: Airline
Air India Express flight returned to Kochi after engine oil pressure warning: Airline New Delhi: An Air India Express aircraft, flying from the Cochin International Airport to Abu Dhabi, returned to the Kerala airport in line with established safety protocols after a problem was detected, the airline clarified on Monday. Boeing 737 flight IX 415 [] The post Air India Express flight returned to Kochi after engine oil pressure warning: Airline appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Kerala PSC Final Answer Key 2026 Out - Download LGS, LDC
Download the Kerala PSC Final Answer Key 2026 for Last Grade Servants, Storeman & LDC (423/2025), exam code 073/2026, held 1 Aug 2026. Check deleted questions and direct PDF links for Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada mediums.
Police Investigate Migrant Worker in Kerala Double Homicide Case
In Kerala, police focus on a migrant worker suspected of murdering his wife and daughter, with bodies found near the Bhavani River. Police Investigate Migrant Worker in Kerala Double Homicide Case
K. Achuthan, senior Congress leader and former Chittur MLA in Keralam, dies
He represented Chittur in the Kerala Assembly from 1996 to 2016.
Why Have Sreesanth, Sanju Fallen Out?
S Sreesanth and Sanju Samson ignore each other at the Kerala Cricket League 2026 awards ceremony.
Thrissur accident that killed 8 T.N. students: Forensic surgeon indicates possible alcohol use
Preliminary post-mortem findings suggest the victims may have consumed alcohol; samples sent for detailed lab tests
Who is Udit Narayan-like voice Nisar Wayanad, who died in Dubai hours before Ajman show?
Nisar was best known for a voice similar to award-winning Bollywood singer Udit Narayan's and was popularly known by his stage name that included the name of the district, Wayanad, in Kerala, where he hailed from.
Ansiba had approached High Courtchallenging an order of Magistrate Court, which had refused to register a case based on her complaint against a video allegedly containing sexually coloured and defamatory statements regarding her
Above-Normal Heat Drives Power Demand in Keralam; Curbs Possible
The relatively high temperatures have led to a significant increase in electricity consumption in the state compared to previous periods, according to the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB)
Kerala: Congress moves to close Chirayinkeezhu clash chapter, woman MLA escapes action
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 7 (IANS) The Congress's Kerala leadership has decided against taking disciplinary action against Chirayinkeezhu MLA Ramya Haridas over the ugly factional clash that has embarrassed the party, opting instead for a compromise formula that seeks to remove her controversial aide Palayam Pradeep from the equation. The state Congress unit is expected to issue a clear directive to Haridas to stop using Pradeep as her aide and completely distance him from her political activities in the constituency. The move follows widespread complaints from local Congress leaders that Pradeep, who has been a constant presence alongside the MLA, was interfering excessively in party affairs and had become the principal source of friction within the constituency unit. The decision was taken after Haridas spoke to party General Secretary, Organisation, K.C. Venugopal. Venugopal is understood to have advised the MLA to work in coordination with the local Congress leadership and avoid factionalism. Following the meeting, the leadership decided that the issue should not be allowed to escalate further and that an attempt should instead be made to settle the dispute. The development comes a day after the state Congress initiated disciplinary proceedings over the physical confrontation involving Ramya's aide and local Congress leaders. Pradeep and S. Sajad, Vice President of the Congress Koothalloor Mandalam, were suspended from the party's primary membership based on the preliminary report of the party inquiry committee, which had examined complaints and counter-complaints from both sides. Sajad Muttappalam, a district panchayat member, and other local leaders had alleged that Pradeep's constant intervention in constituency-level party affairs had triggered resentment. They complained that his presence at party meetings and public programmes had gone beyond the role of an aide. The opposing side, however, alleged that a group including Haridas and Pradeep had gone to Muttappalam's residence late at night, leading to a confrontation and physical assault. Haridas and Pradeep, in their counter-complaint, alleged that Muttappalam had called them to his house and assaulted them. The party inquiry committee recorded the statements of six DCC office bearers from Chirayinkeezhu and two block Congress presidents before submitting its preliminary report. The party leadership subsequently acted against representatives of both sides, citing the damage caused to the party's image. State Congress President Sunny Joseph and senior leader K. Muraleedharan had publicly expressed displeasure over the incidents, describing them as a source of embarrassment for the party. With the leadership now keen to draw a line under the controversy, no further action is currently expected against Haridas or the other side. The strategy now appears clear: reprimand the MLA, remove the flashpoint around her, bring the rival factions together, and close a chapter that has already caused considerable embarrassment to the Congress.
CMD Kerala Green Marshal Recruitment 2026 Notification Out - Apply Online for 162 Posts
Centre for Management Development Kerala (CMD Kerala) has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for Green Marshal posts. A total of 162 vacancies have been announced under this recruitment drive. The online application process will be conducted from 5 September 2026 to 11 September 2026. Interested candidates can apply online through the official website, cmd.kerala.gov.in.
National-Award Winning Filmmaker R Sarath Passes Away
Sarath, who made a mark in Malayalam cinema as a director, screenwriter and storyteller, was also known for his contributions to Keralam's social and cultural life
Bharat Jodo Yatra One of 'Strongest Political Movements' in India: CM Satheesan
He said that he considered being a part of the yatra in Keralam and outside the state, as one of the best experiences of his political life
Punnamada Panthers win both titles at Red Bull Vallam Vali in Keralam
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