Kabini dam: Fresh flood alert issued as rains intensify in Kerala
Inflow into the Kabini dam in Mysuru district has gone up yet again as incessant rains lashed its catchment areas in Kerala
Fresh landslip hits Udayagiri in Kannur; families shifted to relief camps as red alert remains
Isolated heavy rainfall likely to continue on Saturday; people living in landslide-prone areas and along hill slopes urged to remain vigilant and follow evacuation instructions
A petition filed by the union sought to quash the Vice-Chancellors order for recovery of funds from them and to declare that the disputed posters had not violated any provisions of the Students Code of Conduct Rules, 2005
Heavy rain to continue; orange alert for seven districts on August 8
Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts have been put on orange alert
MT memorial in Keralas Kozhikode to evolve into major cultural and research centre, says Minister
Kerala CM speaks to family of missing fisher amid protests
Satheesan speaks to daughter of John Mathias, who went missing from Vizhinjam, over the phone and assures her that the search will be intensified to locate him
CBI court convicts four, acquits former bank officials in 96-lakh loan fraud in Kerala
According to the prosecution, the accused forged sale deeds for 34 acres of ecologically fragile government forest land in Karuvarakundu village in Nilambur, Malappuram
KAU calls for community action to check spread of Giant African snail
University urges local bodies, farmers and the public to adopt coordinated control measures as monsoon accelerates breeding of invasive pest
Kerala HC gives State govt. two weeks to inform long-term measures taken after Kalladi debris slip
Court asks State to report on establishing a monitoring cell to oversee environmental clearance granted for construction activities, process for consulting area residents before a project is launched, and re-evaluation of project reports pending for more than three years
Uncertainty over BJP councillors continuation following Kerala Home departments withdrawal of letter
Residents resume protest against poultry waste rendering unit at Ambayathode in Keralas Kozhikode
Residents say they will never allow waste-laden lorries to the factory premises again nor will they permit the factory management to resume operations ignoring public protest
After Kuttipuram incident, Kerala launches 24x7 highway enforcement to curb overspeeding
The national highway network will be divided into six stretches of around 100 km each, with dedicated enforcement teams deployed round the clock in every zone throughout the week, Transport Minister C P John said
Keralam urges TN to relax stone aggregate transport ban for NH work
In a letter to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan said Keralam has limited availability of suitable stone aggregates for large-scale infrastructure works.
Arjun Ayankis brother held from Thrissur as police intensify hunt for fugitive history-sheeter
Akhil taken into custody from Thekkinkadu Maidan in Thrissur; CCTV footage shows Arjun crossing Paliyekkara toll plaza after allegedly switching vehicles to evade police.
Munnar residents demand Bailey bridge to manage tourist surge
Vehicular movement has been diverted to a narrow bridge near Munnar police station
Kochi Corporation persists with bid to rope in KMRL for ro-ro service
Mayor says getting KMRL to take over operations remains the civic bodys top priority; Corporation simultaneously works on SPV to identify another operator; KWML says talks remain at a preliminary stage, with no decision taken yet
A Crime Branch investigation into complaints related to examination for the post of Chief (Industries & Infrastructure) in the State Planning Board has led to a trend of baseless allegations being constantly raised, says PSC
Vizhinjam port stake sale: Adani yet to approach Centre
He also testifies that he knew that IAS officer Sriram Venkitaraman was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident
Keralam jewellers seek review of gold, silver import duty structure
Government data presented in Parliament indicate a sharp rise in gold and silver smuggling following the increase in import duty on the precious metals from 6% to 15%
Keralam deploys ANNAM.AI smart weather stations for climate-smart farming
The initiative is aimed at improving farmers access to reliable weather information, enabling better planning, reducing input costs and promoting informed farming practices
Income limit for accessing pay ward facilities in govt. hospitals removed in Kerala
Currently, in government hospitals, pay ward facilities managed by the Kerala Health Research and Welfare Society can be accessed only by those patients whose income, as noted on the OP ticket, is above 1,600
Residents, activists block road work for proposed quarry on Kolagappara
Protesters allege that the proposed road, stretching over a kilometre, largely passes through government revenue land, with nearly 600 metres already cut by blasting rocks with explosives
Search intensified for missing fisher
The incident occurred early last Friday when a fishing vessel carrying 14 people, including migrant workers, overturned after being struck by powerful waves
Latin Catholic Church, CPI(M) flay UDF governments half-hearted marine rescue response in Kerala
Vicar General of the Thiruvananthapuram Latin Catholic Archdiocese Fr. Eugine H. Pereira says government failed to coordinate the search and rescue for missing fishers, and entreaties to the Fisheries Minister had been of no avail. CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan visits distraught families and alleges that the government had cold-shouldered them
Kerala govt. empowers District Collectors to tackle monsoon disasters
Chief Secretary Bishwanath Sinha directs all District Collectors to immediately exercise powers available to them under Sections 34 and 50 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to ensure a rapid and unhindered response to ongoing monsoon-related crisis
Pope appoints Mar Jose Pulickal to International Council for Catechesis
Why Kerala is witnessing a decline in winter migratory birds
Long-term surveys, bird censuses and scientific studies indicate falling numbers of several migratory species visiting Kerala during winter, with climate change and habitat degradation emerging as key concerns
Thiruvananthapuram zoo set to protect old Arara nut-tree
Standing in the hog deer enclosure, the tree will be protected and its germplasm conserved so that the tree can be maintained in botanical gardens or zoos
Maiden Kalaratna Award for Kalamandalam Sibi Chakravarthy
BJPs Youth Wing Intensifies Protests Over Kerala PSC Recruitment Controversy
Thiruvananthapuram, August 7: The youth wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has ramped up its statewide protests against alleged irregularities in the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC). The movement, led by the Youth Front, aims to address pending recruitments and the handling of accusations against the states primary recruitment agency, putting pressure on the ... Read more BJPs Youth Wing Intensifies Protests Over Kerala PSC Recruitment Controversy
KGMOA demands an end to overreach by Kerala Health Ministers private secretary
KGMOA says the Health Ministers private secretary has no official authority to conduct official inspections of government health institutions or to directly intervene in its administrative affairs
BJP youth wing intensifies statewide stir over Kerala PSC recruitment row
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 7 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) youth wing, the Yuva Morcha, on Friday intensified its statewide agitation over alleged irregularities in the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC), stepping up pressure on the V.D. Satheesan-led government over pending recruitments and its handling of allegations surrounding the states premier recruitment agency. Inaugurating a Yuva []
New study identifies mycobiome-based strategy to combat cassava stem and root rot disease
The CSRR disease had emerged as a major concern in 2020 after the destructive Kerala floods of 2018
Kerala HC Extends Hysterectomy Leave Benefit to Contractual Women Employees
The petitions were filed by two Special Educators (Secondary) working under Samagra Shiksha Kerala and quashing a government order rejecting their applications for medical leave
School holiday tomorrow, August 8: As of now, there is no official announcement for a school holiday on August 8 across India. Decisions on school closures will be made by local authorities, contingent on weather and safety evaluations. The IMD has warned of severe rainfall in numerous states, with schools currently operating in Delhi-NCR, Kerala, and Odisha. If weather conditions deteriorate, district administrations may implement closure orders.
JJM: Centre Returns 5,289 Crore To States; Includes Karnataka, Kerala, TN, Andhra
Centre releases another Rs 866 crore to 13 states to enhance the rural drinking water programme.
Karthik Manikandans Enam explores the inner life of Maricha, the golden deer in The Ramayana
The production, blending elements of dance and drama, explores the lesser-known facets of the character
The sector is battling delayed wages, mounting financial losses, dwindling workers, shrinking cooperative societies, and the relentless march of power looms. Kerala, which once had nearly 25,000-30,000 handloom workers, now has only about 18,000, while the number of cooperative societies has fallen from around 600 to around 450
Kerala welfare pensions: CAG had flagged problems in direct-to-home payments three years ago
Finance Department data also show Kerala has been spending crores of rupees every year on incentives paid to individuals who distribute the pensions to homes under DTH via the PACS route
How memories and motifs inspire Onam 2026 collections
The Onam 2026 edit is all about nostalgia and Kerala-inspired imagery
Kerala MVD Officer Fines Off-Road Vehicle Returning From Flood Rescue; Suspended
The officer intercepted the vehicle at Adoor three days ago while returning from flood relief work and imposed a fine for not having valid pollution under control (PUC) certificate and for fitting additional lights
PSC rank holders' protest: BJYM rally hit by water cannons outside Kerala Secretariat
BJYM protested outside Kerala Secretariat for PSC rank holders demanding jobs. Protesters on hunger strike alleged recruitment irregularities and faced water cannons. Kerala Home Minister stated PSC irregularities are being examined by the Cabinet. A detailed inquiry has been directed by the Chief Minister for submission.
Kerala UDF govts move to halt doorstep delivery of social welfare pension draws political flak
CPI(M) announces large-scale mobilisation of pension beneficiaries and their families, cutting across political lines, against UDF governments move
How AI sentries are bringing new hope to Keralas human-wildlife conflict zones
The devices use a multi-frequency acoustic defence system loaded with over 100 audio patterns and specialised frequency profiles to safely drive animals back into the forest
Indian Railways To Run 112 Special Train Trips to Kerala for Onam Rush
While 55 special trips were operated during the festival in 2025, the number has gone up to 112 this year, an increase of about 103 per cent
Kerala Seeks 110 Cr Union Govt Aid as Crop Loss From Rains Nears 110 Cr
Kerala Agriculture Minister T Siddique said that Union Govt's natural disaster relief mechanism required a field assessment by a Central team and that the state had requested the Union government to send one immediately
Kerala floods: State seeks 110-crore emergency relief from Centre to offset farm sector losses
Minister T. Siddique says losses sustained by agricultural sector have been estimated at around 99.29 crore as of Thursday evening and that 36,829 farmers have been affected and about 3,264 hectares of agricultural land impacted by heavy rain and floods
Kerala keeps close watch on Kuthiran tunnels after rain-induced mudslips
The Kerala district administration and the National Highways Authority of India inspected the Kuthiran twin road tunnels after minor mudslips were reported above the eastern side of the tunnels. Authorities said there was no immediate threat but expert assessments are underway
Indian Railways ramps up Onam travel with 112 special train services
Indian Railways will operate 112 special train trips during the Onam festival season between August 14 and September 6, connecting Kerala with major cities across southern and eastern India to manage the festive travel rush
Heavy rain continues in Kerala, red alert for four districts on August 7
Red alert has been sounded for Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts for the day, while orange alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki districts
Heavy Rainfall Expected in Kerala, IMD Issues Red Alert for Seven Districts
Thiruvananthapuram, August 7: Heavy rainfall has been ongoing in Kerala since Friday morning. In response, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for seven districts, warning of strong winds and adverse sea conditions. The IMD has placed a three-hour Red Alert for Kottayam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. The alert ... Read more Heavy Rainfall Expected in Kerala, IMD Issues Red Alert for Seven Districts
Search for Missing Fisherman Intensified off Kerala Coast
Meanwhile, the Vizhinjam Coastal Police are continuing the search for John (54) of Pulluvila, who went missing in a separate boat mishap off the Thiruvananthapuram coast on July 31
Kerala Home Dept Cancels Letter Linked To Jailed BJP Councillor's Leave Plea
The cancellation comes after the state government suspended Local Self Government Department's Under Secretary, pending an inquiry into alleged irregularities in processing the file related to granting benefits to Sugathan
Heavy Rains Continue To Batter Kerala: Red Alert in 7 Districts
India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts
Kerala Pension News: Govt To Send Pension Via Direct Benefit Transfers
Kerala Pension News: The Kerala government has decided to stop distributing social security and welfare pensions through cooperative banks and make Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts mandatory for all beneficiaries except bedridden patients. According to a recent order
Kerala rains: Minor mudslips reported above Kuthiran tunnels on NH 544
Thrissur District Collector says NHAI civil engineers inspected the tunnels and found no immediate threat
Punjab beats Kerala in NITI Aayog rankings
Education Minister presents four-year transformation report in Vidhan Sabha; 3638 crore spent on infrastructure upgradation of 19,125 schools
Probe into Vadakara MDMA case in Kerala gathers pace as digital evidence yields fresh leads
Investigators have reportedly recovered chats, photographs and other digital material that are believed to be linked to the alleged smuggling and distribution of MDMA. The chat records also include conversations with persons facing prosecution under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, say police
IMD Forecasts Heavy Rainfall Across Several States
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall today over parts of Coastal Karnataka, East Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Keralam and Mahe, Odisha and South Interior Karnataka. Parts of northeast India, Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gangetic West Bengal, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh are also expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall during []
POCSO cases in Kerala rising, says State Commission for Protection of Child Rights report
4,765 offences reported in 2025, up from 4,607 in 2024; highest number of cases in Thiruvananthapuram
Heavy rain batters Kerala; IMD issues red alert for seven districts
India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues a red alert for Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts
Kerala Rain Forecast: Heavy rainfall is on the horizon for Kerala, particularly intensifying on Friday. The state should see a reduction in rain intensity starting August 8, with lighter showers predicted for most districts by August 9 and 10. In addition, Lakshadweep may witness isolated instances of heavy rain on August 7, but overall, the rainfall is expected to ease significantly in the coming days.
Territorial Army strengthens security, national outreachin J&K: Defence Minister
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday hailed the Territorial Armys contribution to national security and public outreach in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the volunteer force has played an important role in strengthening border security, supporting internal stability and expanding the governments Har Ghar Tiranga campaign in J&K. Addressing a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to the Ministry of Defence in New Delhi, Singh said the Territorial Army continues to exemplify the concept of the citizen-soldier, with volunteers balancing civilian professions while remaining trained and ready to serve alongside the armed forces whenever required. The minister said the force has evolved into a crucial component of Indias security architecture by providing trained manpower that can be mobilised rapidly during emergencies while also contributing to nation-building initiatives beyond its conventional military role. The Territorial Army not only strengthens the countrys defence preparedness but also serves as an important bridge between the armed forces and civil society, Singh told the committee, noting that personnel return to their civilian occupations after completing their military assignments, carrying with them first-hand experience that inspires greater public participation in national service. Highlighting its role in J&K, Singh said Territorial Army personnel have actively supported the governments outreach efforts under the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, helping extend the nationwide initiative across the Union Territory while continuing to discharge operational responsibilities related to border management and internal security. The minister described the force as a valuable reserve for the regular armed forces, capable of augmenting military operations during periods of heightened security requirements, natural disasters and other national emergencies. Senior defence officials briefed members of the parliamentary committee on the Territorial Armys operational mandate, organisational structure and recent achievements, while Members of Parliament offered suggestions aimed at strengthening the force and enhancing its effectiveness. Singh said the Territorial Army has also emerged as an important contributor to Indias broader development agenda through its involvement in environmental conservation, disaster relief and community welfare programmes. According to the Defence Minister, the force currently comprises around 44,400 personnel organised into 59 units and has participated in numerous humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations across the country, including rescue missions during floods in Assam and Kerala and cyclone response operations in Odisha. He also highlighted the work of the Territorial Armys Ecological Task Forces, saying they have planted nearly 100 million saplings across the country while maintaining an estimated 80 to 85 percent survival rate, making a significant contribution to afforestation, ecological restoration and climate change mitigation. Describing the Territorial Army as a force that combines patriotism with public service, Singh said its unique structure allows ordinary citizens to contribute directly to national security without giving up their civilian careers, thereby reinforcing the connection between society and the armed forces. The meeting was attended by Minister of State (MoS) Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Finance) Vishvajit Sahay and other senior officials of the Ministry of Defence.
Viksit Bharat 2047: Indias MedTech Aspirations to Lead the Global Market for Quality Devices
From prognosis to diagnosis, from safe delivery to critical brain & cardiac bypass surgery, from simple fracture to complex knee implantation, advancements in MedTech industry across the world has supported the medical fraternity to save lives and better the conditions of living. In India, the land of Susruta, Med Tech is considered a strategic sector and the Government of India is invested in its growth. Driven by policy backing, cost advantages and capital inflows the sector is currently valued at approximately $1620 billion with $4 billion in exports. From consumables to a number of high-end medical equipments are manufactured in the country. Domestic manufacturing jumped from about Rs 39000 Cr in 2019-20 to over Rs 80,000 Cr in 2025-26. Indian Medtech sector has had good presence of multinational companies from USA and Europe, manufacturing imaging & diagnostic equipment since a number of years. Now in the last decade, Indian companies have also entered the radio-diagnostic and radiotherapy equipment manufacturing. Further, the growth of the sector has been wide spread and expanding to tier 2 and tier 3 cities also. Some of the distinctive MedTech Products Manufactured in India Company Major Products Primary Manufacturing Plant Meril Life Sciences Heart valves, stents, robotics, IVD Vapi, Gujarat Poly Medicure Ltd. IV cannula, infusion therapy, dialysis Faridabad, Haryana Transasia Bio-Medicals Clinical chemistry, hematology, IVD analysers Daman & Uttarakhand Trivitron Healthcare Imaging, laboratory diagnostics, ICU equipment Chennai, Tamil Nadu Allengers Medical Systems X-ray, C-arm, cath lab, radiology equipment Mohali, Punjab Skanray Technologies Ventilators, anaesthesia workstations Mysuru, Karnataka Appasamy Associates Ophthalmic microscopes, phaco systems, IOLs Chennai, Tamil Nadu Agappe Diagnostics Clinical chemistry reagents Kochi, Kerala BPL Medical Technologies ECG, patient monitors, defibrillators Bengaluru, Karnataka J. Mitra & Co. Rapid diagnostic kits, ELISA Okhla Industrial Area, New Delhi G. Surgiwear Absorbable sutures, meshes Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh Biorad Medisys Orthopaedic Implants knee, hip replacement system Pune, Maharashtra Panacea Medical Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Linear Accelerators (LINAC), Cobalt-60 Teletherapy Systems, Brachytherapy Systems, Radiotherapy Accessories Bengaluru, Karnataka Medical devices are the key items of capital investment as well as operating expenses in hospitals, clinics and diagnostic labs. Share of domestic demand more than doubled from 20% in 2022 to 45% in 2025, growing at an annual rate of over 40%. The industry has the potential to reach $30 billion by FY2030, capturing a 1012% global market export share by 2047. Government is actively encouraging Domestic companies to target import-dependent segment. Under PLI Scheme for medical devices 27 greenfield projects have been commissioned and 55+ products are manufactured. Under Medical Devices Park Scheme, three parks across Greater Noida, UP; Ujjain, MP; and Kanchipuram, TN are expected to be operational by early 2027. The Department of Pharmaceuticals is proposing to fast-track 8-10 high-value medical devices, like MRI systems and their components, pacemakers, continuous glucose monitoring devices, advanced ultrasound machines etc with extra support via indigenization and research and development. Key products of MNCs and Indian Companies commissioned under PLI Company Products Envision Scientific Private Limited Stents, PTCA Balloon Catheter GE BE Private Limited PET Detector Nipro India Corporation Private Limited Dialyzer Omron Healthcare Manufacturing India Private Limited Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor Philips Global Business Services LLP MRI Coils Siemens Healthcare Private Limited CT Scan and MRI Varex Imaging Manufacturing India Private Limited Digital X-Ray Flat Panel Detector The focus now is on deepening value chain localization particularly in high-end medical devices and imaging equipment, by developing a strong component manufacturing ecosystem and increasing domestic value addition from the current level of around 25% to 4045%, For the long term the Government plans of building an innovation eco system with strong academia-industry linkage through NIPERs. Government, industry and academia collaboration is important because it turns excellent theories into enduring capabilities, not mere ideas on paper. Quality, branding and reputation is a significant factor for not just domestic growth but also to compete globally. There is a need to invest more in to research and development with strong focus on improved safety, enhanced efficacy, increased affordability. In the last 6 years, Government has brought the medical device regulation at par with the global regulatory best practices, With the strengthening of the medical device vertical in the Central Licensing Authority (CDSCO), the quality of regulation would only improve in the days to come. As the nation marches towards Viksit Bharat@2047, the MedTech sector provides a rather distinct opening to bring together cost gains, innovation, and scalability for sustained momentum. The payoff wont be limited to better access for affordable healthcare at home; it will also help Indian manufacturers become trusted suppliers across international markets. India has historically maintained leadership in the consumables and disposables segment of medical devices. Made in India products have found way into countries across the world. Now the roadmap is to build upon Indias potential as a leader in precision engineering and cost-effective medical devices and to establish it as a choice global supplier of quality, affordable medical devices. (The Author is Secretary, Dept of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers. Courtesy: PIB)
Govt. reconstitutes Cusat Syndicate
Mohammed Shiyas and Najeeb Kanthapuram nominated to the Syndicate under the MLA category
Defamatory post against CM: suspect arrested
Kerala Home department withdraws letter used by BJP councillor R. Sugathan to secure leave
The letter, dated July 20 and signed by an under secretary on behalf of the Additional Chief Secretary, was sent to Sugathan in response to his request for an escort parole to take part in the council meeting on July 31
In a memorandum submitted to Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, Kerala Minister K.A. Thulasi says the change in the ceiling is necessary, given the rising living costs
Two people in critical condition. Deceased identified as Riya Fathima, 17, and Thankamani, 72
ITI, polytechnic holders can join UG courses without Plus Two in Kerala
Authorities review emergency preparedness as rain continues in Ernakulam
Coordination among various departments and agencies has been stepped up, considering lessons learnt from the massive floods in 2018, says Aluva MLA
Idukki Collector orders closure of zipline run by M.M. Manis brother
The order follows a case registered by the Adimaly police against Mr. Lambodarans wife, the official owner of the venture. The firm was allegedly operating illegally and accommodating tourists in direct violation of a ban imposed in light of harsh weather conditions.
Kerala HC grants divorce, citing cruelty in marriage
Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani back Malayalam vampire thriller 'Half' ahead of TIFF premiere
Highlights Excel Entertainment will present and distribute Half in Hindi across North India in association with AA Films. The Toronto International Film Festival Midnight Madness selection marks Excel's first Malayalam-language acquisition. The vampire action thriller is planned for a pan-India release in five languages. Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's Excel Entertainment has come on board to present and distribute the Hindi version of Malayalam vampire thriller Half across North India, ahead of the film's world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film, selected for TIFF's Midnight Madness section, will be released in association with AA Films. It also marks Excel Entertainment's first acquisition from the Malayalam film industry. Vampire thriller heads to global stage Directed by Samjad, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Praveen Viswanath, Half stars Ranjith Sajeev, Aiswarya Raj, Abbas and Amala Paul. The action thriller follows two half-blooded vampires on a violent revenge mission, combining vampire mythology with high-speed chase sequences. Producer Anne Sajeev said the team always believed the film had the potential to reach audiences beyond its home market and described its selection at TIFF as a significant milestone. She also welcomed the partnership with Excel Entertainment and AA Films to bring the film to viewers across India. Excel Entertainment backs first Malayalam film Ritesh Sidhwani said Half stood out from the first viewing because of its distinctive cinematic style and creative vision, adding that he was looking forward to audiences experiencing it on the big screen. Farhan Akhtar praised director Samjad's approach, describing the film as aw and visceral and saying he was excited to help bring it to audiences in India. Director Samjad said the film offers a grittier take on vampire lore by avoiding slow-motion sequences and focusing on real-time action. He added that premiering at TIFF was an honour and an opportunity to represent Indian cinema on an international platform. Pan-India release planned Produced by Fragrant Nature Film Creations, Half reunites Samjad and Praveen Viswanath after their 2024 mystery Golam . The film features action choreography by Very Tri Yulisman, known for The Raid 2 and The Night Comes for Us , with the lead actors undergoing months of training to perform their own stunts. Filmed over 117 days across Rajasthan, Kerala and Kazakhstan, Half is set for a pan-India release in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Kannada. Behind the camera, the crew includes National Film Award-winning editor Mahesh Bhuvanend, production designer Mohandas and sound designer Vishnu Govind, with cinematography by Pappinu and music by Midhun Mukundan.
Panakkad landslip: traffic reopening put off to Friday amid rain alert
Officials say the road is motorable. However, experts warn that the slope can become unstable if heavy rain continues as the waterlogged soil may lose strength
Probe ordered into transportation of rescuer R. Rajeshs body without freezer facility
Kerala local body urges Tamil Nadu to prevent human waste flow into Mullaperiyar dam
Problem due lack of toilet facilities in a bus stand in Tamil Nadu near the Kerala border
Kerala rains: Kakkayam dam spillway gates closed as water inflow declines
Orange alert for eight districts in Kerala on August 7, 2026
Car plunges in to river in idukki; one dies, three injured
Local residents and migrant workers quickly mobilized for rescue, using sacks to transport the injured to a nearby hospital, while concerns were raised over the lack of a protective wall along the highway.
BJP unseated in Naranganam grama panchayat in Kerala
Youth arrested for selling banned Kerala lottery tickets in Namakkal
Ayurvedic medicine manufacturers in Kerala upbeat about amendments to Drugs and Cosmetics Rules
Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturers Organisation of India says the amendments are a progressive leap for the sector as it will be positioned closer to global herbal medicine standards while some experts fear doing away with periodic licence renewal could affect the quality of the products
Not part of UDF, says Payyannur MLA Kunhikrishnan
He says it was the combination of UDF support, votes from within CPI(M) and neutral voters that helped me win in the Assembly polls
Rajeshs relatives had to shift the body to a private ambulance with freezer facilities as a foul smell began to emanate from the decomposing body
Distribute welfare pensions only through cooperative banks: Kisan Janata
