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Kerala SIR Process: Help Desks To Assist 43 Lakh Voters
Two officers will be temporarily assigned to each help desk to guide the public and provide assistance
Kerala students emerge winners in Wild Wisdom Global Challenge 2025
Presidents, vice-presidents elected to panchayats across Kerala
The Congress-led United Democratic Front and the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front win control of seven district panchayats each. In some of the hung panchayats, parties such as the Social Democratic Party of India, Welfare Party and Twenty20 extend support to candidates of major alliances in the election of presidents and vice-presidents
Binoy Kurien is Kannur district panchayat president
SIR: govt. to open help desks for voters
Kerala SIR: notices to be issued a week before the hearing date
Notice will be served on voters in the draft roll who could not be mapped with the 2002 SIR list
Second phase development works in full swing at Feroke railway station
Will develop local body as space of happiness: Ernakulam district panchayat president
Bird flu: over 28,500 birds culled in Alappuzha in two days
Besides the culling of birds, 584 eggs and 8,380 kg of feed were destroyed
Mary Thomas, T.K. Sudheesh take oath as Thrissur district panchayat president, vice-president
LDF candidates secure decisive victories in district body elections; formal oath-taking ceremony graced by Ministers, officials, and political leaders
LDF, UDF share victories amid draws of lots, upsets
Sheela Stephen elected Idukki district panchayat president
UDFs T.S. Siddique is the vice-president. Kerala Congresss Sheela will hold the post for a year, while Congress nominee Mini Sabu will be in charge for the remaining four years of the term
LDF gets president, BJP vice-president in Parali
New local body heads take charge in Kozhikode
Thousands witness Mandala puja at Sabarimala
Sabarimala Ayyappa temple will be closed on the night of December 27, marking the culmination of the Mandala puja season, and will open at 5 p.m. on December 30 for the Makaravilakku festival
Little KITEs camps: 15,000 students to develop weather models in Kerala
Students are learning the scientific methods behind modern weather determination and the functioning of weather forecasting centres
No loss of land due to cricket stadium project, claims SSUS
The V-C accuses the Save University Campaign Committee of launching a misleading campaign against the project
Kerala to issue draft notification on minimum wages for private hospital staff in a month
Over 4 kg of suspected hybrid ganja seized at Kochi airport
P.C. Thomas seeks airport, major infrastructure projects for Kuttanad
Calicut Archdiocese to host Felix Natalis in city on December 28
Draw of lots favours LDF in Koppam, Thrithala
As SRV school turns 180 , its glorious legacy is in peril
The decline in the number of students marks more than a mere fall from grace for a school that, until the 1990s, boasted thousands of students spread across multiple divisions in each grade
Demolitions in Fakir Colony and Waseem Layout
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, Karnataka Deputy CM D K Shivkumar spar over Bengaluru bulldozer demolition drive
Congress loses power for first time in Peringottukurissi
Candidate backed by LDF-IDF combine elected president of the panchayat governing body
Safety measures to be in place for smooth conduct of Cochin Carnival
Maximum number of police personnel will be deployed for keeping law and order. Strict action will be taken against stalls that fail to adhere to safety guidelines
T.M. Sasi is Palakkad district panchayat president
N. Saritha was elected vice-president
R. Lathadevi takes charge as Kollam district panchayat president
No understanding with CPI(M), BJP and SDPI in local bodies, says Satheesan
Such dispersals occurred primarily on account of adjustments made to limit the number of voters to 1,200 per polling station in line with an EC decision, say officials
Laly James suspension exposes rift in Thrissur Congress
Allegations of cash-for-posts in the mayoral selection mar Congress first day in power in the Thrissur Corporation, sparking open revolt and a bitter blame game
BJP sets history by capturing power in two panchayats in Palakkad
BJP retains control of the Palakkad municipality for a third consecutive term. The party wrests power from LDF by securing 10 seats in the 19-member Akathethara panchayat, and winning eight of the 14 wards in Pudur.
UDF assumes power in 71 of 82 panchayats in Ernakulam
Twenty20 backs the Congress-led UDF in Vadavucode-Puthencruz grama panchayat; the LDF has been restricted to seven panchayats
Kudumbashrees Technoworld to become Keralas first women-led IT incubation centre
2025 was an eventful year for Kerala
Kerala made national headlines during this period by becoming a fully digitally literate State and the first State in the country to be free from extreme poverty
MVD issue notices to online firms over safety risks posed by 10-minute delivery service
Action has been taken against firms found to have breached safety standards
Defamatory post: Congress leader released from police custody
N. Subrahmanian was asked to appear before the investigating officer at Chevayur police station again on December 29
Lights, flowers add zing to year-end festivity in Thiruvananthapuram
Tastefully done lighting themes blend seamlessly with the flower arrangements at Vasantholsavam, attracting visitors in hordes
Kochi metro and water metro to operate additional services on New Years Eve
On the night of December 31, Kochi water metro services will resume after a short break on the High CourtMattancherry and High CourtVypin routes
Keralas Technopark invites EoI from co-developers for QUAD project at Technocity
A pre-bid meeting to brief interested developers on the EoI details will be held at 4 p.m. on December 30.
Resigned Congress members join hands with BJP in Thrissur's Mattathur to elect panchayat president
THRISSUR: In a dramatic turn of events, eight Congress councillors who resigned from the party joined hands with the BJP to elect independent candidate Tessy Jose Kallarakkal as the president of Mattathur grama panchayat on Saturday. Of the 24 wards in Mattathur, the UDF won eight, the LDF 10 and the NDA four, while two independents were also elected. The LDF fielded one of the independents, Ouseph, as its presidential candidate, while the UDF backed the other independent, Tessy. Tessy won the election with the support of the UDFs eight votes and three votes from the BJP. We resigned from the Congress to protest the failure of the district and block-level leadership to intervene in internal disputes. There were issues right from the candidate selection stage, and matters worsened after the results were declared. We hope the district leadership will step in and resolve them, said Linto Pallipparambil, one of the Congress ward members who resigned. Meanwhile, KPCC chief Sunny Joseph suspended DCC general secretary T M Chandran and mandalam president Shafi Kalluparambil from the party for acting against organisational decisions. By losing local body polls, has Pinarayi already lost Kerala? And what of Tharoor and BJP?
'Kerala is my lucky place': Renuka Singh ahead of fourth T20I vs Sri Lanka
India's women's cricket team aims for a fourth T20I win against Sri Lanka. Pacer Renuka Singh is a key player, finding success in Thiruvananthapuram. She has improved her bowling with new variations. Renuka's dedication and preparation are evident. She is a crucial part of India's future plans, with potential for success in upcoming tournaments.
Nepal womans health improves after heart transplant at Ernakulam GH: Kerala Health Minister
Congress in shock as its own members stage revolt in Mattathur, tie up with BJP
All eight Congress members quit the party en masse, backing an independent candidate as panchayat president in dramatic power shift
Kerala CM Vijayans statement came after the Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) and the police demolished over 150 houses in Kogilu Layout on December 20, leaving nearly 500 people homeless
KMB enforcement wing inspects houseboats, fines violators in Kerala
The KMB enforcement squad recently imposed a fine of 1.30 lakh against some violators in Kozhikode district
Congress Leaders Quit, Tie Up With BJP To Take Control Of Kerala Panchayat
In a major political twist in the Mattathur panchayat in Kerala's Thrissur district, all eight Congress members resigned en masse and joined hands with the BJP to take control of the council.
Uma Thomas, MLA petitions KPCC for split chairperson term in Thrikkakara
Since the formation of the municipality, the UDF had traditionally opted for split terms, often with disastrous consequences, or yielded to hard bargaining by rebels-turned-independent councillors
Don't interfere in our state's affairs: Shivakumar tells Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has responded to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's criticism of an anti-encroachment drive in Bengaluru. Shivakumar stated that Vijayan should not interfere in Karnataka's affairs without knowing the facts. He clarified that the drive targeted illegal land occupation on a dangerous waste dump site.
Karnataka DCM Shivakumar lashes out at Kerala CM Pinarayi over remarks on Bengaluru demolition drive
BENGALURU: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday lashed out at Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan for interfering in evictions in an encroached land in Bengaluru. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, the DyCM said it is unfortunate that senior leaders like Pinarayi Vijayan has commented on this without knowing the facts of the matter. The land which was cleared of encroachment was a solid waste pit. There are many health-related issues in the area due to this. We also have humanity, and we have given them an opportunity to move to other areas, he said. Shivakumar said leaders like Pinarayi Vijayan should not interfere in such matters. Land mafia sets up slums in order to encroach upon the land at a later stage. We wont let that happen. We are willing to give houses under the Rajiv Gandhi scheme if there are eligible people, he said, responding to Kerala CMs remarks that the Karnataka government was involved in Bulldozer Raj in Bengaluru. The DyCM stated that they are only protecting government land in the middle of the city and will send a message regarding this to Congress party leaders in Kerala. We dont have Bulldozer culture, I appeal to Pinarayi Vijayan not to talk like that, he said. Responding to protests by some people, he said they are all politically motivated statements and protests. He should not comment on matters of our state without knowing the facts. This is a political gimmick in view of the upcoming Kerala elections, the DyCM said.
Freezing Munnar becomes magnet for Christmas-New Year tourists
Letchmi recorded 2C, and Silent Valley recorded 3C, matching the previous seasonal low of -1C at Sevenmallay on Dec. 20
'We are not into bulldozers': DK Shivakumar hits back at Kerala CM over Bengaluru demolition drive
Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar has criticized Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's remarks on a recent Bengaluru demolition drive. Shivakumar stated that senior leaders should understand ground realities before commenting, emphasizing the action was to protect public land from encroachers and land mafia, not targeting any community. He urged Vijayan to avoid making statements without full knowledge of the situation.
Keralas Opposition Leader V. D Satheesan calls CM Pinarayi Vijayan an autocrat
He further alleged that CPI(M)s cyber cell has been engaged in constant personal attacks against senior Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi
BJP targets Congress over its association with Jamaat-e-Islami in Kerala
The BJP has accused the Congress-led UDF in Kerala of aligning with extremist Islamic organizations. State BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar alleged that such alliances endanger Kerala and India. This comes as the ruling CPI(M) also intensified its attacks on the UDF. The BJP leader emphasized that extremist groups should not infiltrate democratic institutions.
Top Congress leaders attend working committee meet, discuss further action against VB-G RAM G law
The meeting comes ahead of next year's Assembly polls in Assam, Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, and the leaders are expected to deliberate on the party strategy
CWC Meet: Congress Discusses Next Steps on G RAM G Law
The meeting comes ahead of next year's assembly polls in Assam, Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, and the leaders are expected to deliberate on the party strategy
Watch: Dushyant Sridhar interview: On collaborations and spirituality | Margazhi
Popular vedic speaker and harikatha exponent Dushyant Sridhar talks about the essence of spirituality, how he cites modern examples when he talks about ancient scriptures and his journey as a storyteller so far. He also explains why he appears on advertisements, and why he walked the ramp during a recent fashion event in Chennai that celebrated classical musicians. Dushyant also talks about the trips he puts together for yatris; in 2026, he has Kerala, Cambodia and Egypt on the list.
Defamatory post: Congress leader in police custody
He had already been booked under various sections of the BNS for the defamatory post against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan
'Have Taken Four Wickets Whenever Ive Played Here', Says Renuka After Match-winning Spell Vs SL
Greenfield International Stadium: India pacer Renuka Singh marked her return to T20I cricket in emphatic fashion, delivering a match-winning spell as India clinched the five-match series against Sri Lanka with a commanding eight-wicket victory in the third T20I here at the Greenfield International Stadium. Playing her first T20I in over a year, Renuka finished with outstanding figures of 4/21 from four overs, dismantling the Sri Lankan batting line-up and earning the Player of the Match award. The right-arm pacer missed Indias tour of England earlier this year and was rested for the opening two matches of the series as the team experimented with different bowling combinations. With the ICC Womens T20 World Cup less than six months away, Renukas performance served as a timely reminder of her importance to Indias plans. My performance was good. I have played T20 cricket for a long time, so I am happy. Kerala is my lucky place. I have also played Under-19 cricket here. Whenever I have played, I have taken four wickets. I was excited to come to Kerala. It is my lucky ground, she said in the post-match press conference. She also highlighted the teams broader focus as preparations intensify for the global event. The bowling department is doing well. The combination of pacers and spinners is good. We are trying to find a better combination for the World Cup. We are trying to keep our standards high so that we can win as many matches as possible. Our motto is to take women's cricket to the next level. Renuka has been Indias leading wicket-taker at the last two editions of the Womens T20 World Cup, picking up seven wickets in both the 2023 and 2024 tournaments, though India fell short of reaching the final on both occasions. Buoyed by their maiden ICC Womens Cricket World Cup triumph at home earlier this year, the team is now eyeing a historic first T20 World Cup title in England and Wales in 2026. According to Renuka, all planning is firmly centred on the upcoming T20 World Cup, which begins on June 12. She revealed she has been working extensively on adding variations to her bowling. I go to the NCA (National Cricket Academy) to prepare for any tournament because it works for me. I can do some extra work on my bowling and fitness, and that helps me execute better. According to Renuka, all planning is firmly centred on the upcoming T20 World Cup, which begins on June 12. She revealed she has been working extensively on adding variations to her bowling. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India have been placed in Group A for next years T20 World Cup, alongside Australia, Pakistan, South Africa and two teams yet to qualify from the qualifiers. Article Source: IANS
Sabarimala gold theft case: Congress leader N Subrahmanian in custody over photo controversy
KOZHIKODE: The probe into the Sabarimala gold heist has turned into a major political confrontation in Kerala, with the police taking a Congress leader, N Subrahmanian, into custody over a controversial social media post linked to the case. N Subrahmanian, a member of the KPCC Political Affairs Committee, was taken into custody by the Kozhikode Chevayur police for allegedly sharing a photograph depicting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan alongside the prime accused in the gold theft case, Unnikrishnan Potti . The core of the controversy involves the alleged theft of gold from the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) and the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols of the Sabarimala temple. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) found that several kilograms of gold were missing from the sacred items. Prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti, a priest-turned-businessman, allegedly siphoned off gold under the guise of electroplating and renovation work between 2014 and 2019. Potti was arrested in October after a ten-hour questioning session. The SIT has since arrested multiple high-profile figures, including former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) presidents A Padmakumar and N Vasu. Political temperature soared when N Subrahmanian shared a picture on Facebook showing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan with Unnikrishnan Potti, accompanied by a caption questioning the deep relationship between the two. The Chevayur police registered a case under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Kerala Police Act for allegedly attempting to provoke a riot and promote enmity. Subrahmanian, while being taken from his home after a police search, stated, I shared a real image taken from a video shared by the Chief Minister's Office itself. This is an attempt to suppress the opposition's activities. The CPM, however, labelled the image as a fabricated AI-generated photo. They clarified that the original footage was from a public function in August, and Potti was merely a bystander who was edited into the frame to look like he was in a private conversation with the CM. Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT reaches Tamil Nadu, records Dindigul mans statement
Kerala Lottery Results Today 27/12/2025; Karunya KR-736 Winning Numbers
Kerala Lottery Result Today, 27-12-2025: Heres Guessing Numbers for Karunya KR-736 for Friday, December 27.
Bravery awards for 9-yr-old, 11-yr-old posthumously
NEW DELHI: Nine-year-old Vyoma Priya lost her life while trying to save a six-year-old during an electrical accident in their gated community park in Tamil Nadus Coimbatore. Kamlesh Kumar, an 11-vear-old, died while bravely attempting to save another child in the Durgawati river near Jaipur village in Bihars Kaimur district. The two were among the 20 young boys and girls who were conferred with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025 by President Droupadi Murmu on Friday. Lauding the award-winning children for bringing pride to their families, communities, and the entire country, the President said, The greatness of a country is certain when its children are filled with patriotism and high ideals. Remembering the brave deeds of the two children who were awarded posthumously, she said, Nine-year-old daughter Vyoma Priya and 11-year-old brave son Kamlesh Kumar lost their lives while saving the lives of others with their courage. The President also conferred the awards in six categories bravery, art and culture, environment, social service, science and technology and sports. The President praised 10-year-old Shravan Singh from Chak Taran Wali, Ferozepur, Punjab, who showed exceptional courage during Operation Sindoor by making daily high-risk supply runs to frontline soldiers and motivating his family and community to support the Army, despite constant threats from hostile drones. Shravan Singh, amidst the risks associated with war during Operation Sindoor, regularly delivered water, milk, and lassi to the Indian soldiers stationed at the border near his home. Whereas, the differently-abled daughter Shivani Hosuru Uppara has achieved extraordinary accomplishments in the world of sports, overcoming economic and physical limitations, she said. It is because of talented children such as the seven-year-old Vaka Lakshmi Pragnika that India is considered a chess powerhouse on the world stage. Ajay Raj and Mohammed Sidan P, who saved the lives of others with their bravery and intelligence, deserve the praise they receive, she said. Vaibhav Suryavanshi has made a name for himself in the highly competitive and talent-filled world of cricket and has set many records, she added. Among those the President mentioned was Muhammed Sidan P, an 11-year-old Class 6 student from Palakkad, Kerala. He saved his two friends from electrocution while they waited for their school bus. Talking about the significance of the Veer Bal Diwas, the president said that about 320 years ago, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, and his four sons had made the supreme sacrifices while fighting for truth and justice.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The LDF has decided to initiate legal action in connection with the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation mayoral election. CPM leader S P Deepak alleged that 20 BJP councillors took their oath of office in violation of rules and that their votes should not be counted in the mayoral election. According to the petition of S P Deepak, 20 BJP councillors took the oath in violation of rules. Chempazhanthy Udayan of Mannanthala ward and Sugathan R both of them swore in the name of Sree Narayana Guru. Pappanamcode Saji of Melamcode ward, R C Beena of Nedumcaud ward, Saritha P of Manacaud ward and Harikumar of Fort ward swore in the name of Padmanabhaswamy. Deputy Mayor Asha Nath and Vinod R of Cheruvakkal ward swore in the name of Bharatmata, Pangode councillor Vishnu Mohan swore in the name of Udayannoor Devi, Valiyasala councillor Soorya V S took the oath saying Kavilamma, Sreedevi S K of Ponnumangalam ward in the name of Bhagavat. Ponkulam councillor took the oath in the name of martyrs of his institution, Gopakumar of Thiruvallam ward took oath in Thiruvallam Parasuramans name. Sruthi S S of Attukal took oath in the name of Attukalamma, and Kamaleswaram councillor V Giri swore in the name of Irukulangara Durga Bhagavati. Deepa S Nair of Perunthanni swore in the name of Padmanabha and Mahavishnu. Sreekanteswaram councillor Sukanya O took the oath in the name of Sreekanteswaran Ayyappan. Jaya Rajeev of Kadakampally swore in the name of Ayyappa. Attipra councillor Sunil S S took the oath in the name of Karyavattom Sree Dharma Sastha, and Akkulam councillor Mini P S swore in the name of Gurudeva and martyrs of her institution. Deepak said the councillors swore in the name of deities and martyrs, which he claimed was unconstitutional. However, District Collector Anukumari rejected the demand. The collector stated that once the councillors took the oath and signed the register, they were legally recognised as councillors. She also pointed out that any objection should have been raised at the time of oath-taking and signing, and added that the aggrieved parties may now approach the court if they wish to contest the matter. Speaking to the media later, Deepak criticised the collectors stand, calling it strange and a challenge to democracy. He said a complaint regarding the alleged violation had been submitted two days earlier along with a video clip as evidence.
Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V V Rajesh, deputy mayor reach out to Sreelekha amid murmurs of dissent
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Newly elected mayor V V Rajesh and Deputy Mayor Asha Nath on Friday evening visited BJP councillor R Sreelekha at her residence, amid reports that she was unhappy over being denied the mayoral post. Sreelekha had left the council hall soon after Rajesh took oath and before he delivered his first address, even as Opposition councillors were still present. She did not participate in the celebrations, triggering speculation within political circles. Following the visit, Rajesh said the meeting was part of an outreach effort to interact with senior leaders in the corporation. We are meeting all important leaders and began with this visit. We also discussed upcoming initiatives in the health sector with Dr Sethunath, he said, adding that Sreelekha had assured her support for the corporations activities. However, a party source said Sreelekha continued to be upset over missing out on the mayoral position, and that the BJP leadership was making efforts to pacify her and maintain unity within the council. It is learnt that strong backing from the RSS helped Rajesh stake his claim to the post. A section of party leaders had reportedly opposed Sreelekhas candidature, citing her lack of political experience. The source said the party leadership felt that the BJP, which does not enjoy an absolute majority in the council, required a leader with stronger political acumen to steer the corporation through a challenging phase.
Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT reaches Tamil Nadu, records Dindigul mans statement
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The special investigation team probing the Sabarimala gold theft cases has extended the probe to additional areas in Tamil Nadu as part of its effort to verify information provided by a businessman that a racket involved in trafficking idols could have played a role in the gold heist. The SIT knocked on the doors of a Dindigul-based man, identified as M S Mani, under the suspicion he was the same person the businessman had mentioned in his testimonial. The businessman, a close contact of senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, told the SIT that four panchaloha idols were bought by a Tamil Nadu-based antique collector from Kerala and that they reached the hands of an international smuggling racket. The businessman mentioned the antique-collector as D Mani. It was while verifying the statement that the sleuths reached the doors of the Dindigul man, who identified himself as M S Mani. The man told reporters that the investigators did not tell him which case his statement was recorded in. While clarifying his name was M S Mani, he said he had no connection with either the antique trade or Sabarimala. He said one of his friends Balamurugans phone number might have been misused by suspects, which could have led the cops to him. The SIT scrutinised the IT returns documents and also showed photographs of a couple of people to him and asked whether he could identify any of them. His reply, sources said, was negative. However, sources said Chennithala and the businessman, whose identity has been kept under wraps, confirmed it was the Dindigul man they had mentioned about. The SIT will issue summons to him to appear in person in Thiruvananthapuram, a source said. Highly-placed sources said the development should not be construed as a breakthrough. Besides Dindigul, a few more places in Tamil Nadu, including Virudhunagar, have been searched by the SIT.
Congress councillor levels pay for Thrissur mayor post charge
THRISSUR: Congress councillor from Laloor division Laly James on Friday levelled major allegations against DCC president Joseph Tajet and parliamentary committee chairman Rajan Pallan, accusing them of denying her the Thrissur mayor post as she could not pay the party fund. Joseph refuted the allegations. The Congress on Thursday announced Dr Niji Justin from Kizhakkumpattukara division as its Thrissur mayor candidate. Laly said she was overlooked despite winning with a higher majority than the other candidates and Niji was chosen as she paid the required money. Two days back, Joseph called me into the DCC office along with other party leaders. They asked me if I could pay the party fund. I couldnt. I took up this opportunity to serve people, not to garner wealth and hence couldnt give the money when they asked, she told TNIE. Despite this, Laly voted in Fridays mayor election. I will continue as a member and party councillor despite disagreements, said Laly, a fourth-time councillor.
Sabarimala pilgrim footfall crosses 30 lakh this season
PATHANAMTHITTA: The number of devotees who have visited the Sabarimala temple during the ongoing pilgrimage season has crossed the 30-lakh mark. As per official figures till December 25, a total of 30,01,532 pilgrims have had darshan at the hill shrine. In the previous season, the pilgrim count had crossed the 30-lakh mark by December 23 itself, with 30,78,044 devotees. By December 25, 2024, the total number of pilgrims stood at 32,49,756, while in 2023, around 28.42 lakh devotees had visited the shrine by the same date. This season witnessed unprecedented rush right from the beginning, prompting the authorities to enforce strict restrictions on virtual queue bookings and spot bookings, following directions from the High Court. The highest number of pilgrims this season was recorded on November 19, four days after the temple was opened, when 1,02,299 devotees offered prayers. The lowest turnout was on December 12, with 49,738 pilgrims. Compared to previous years, the rush on Sundays was relatively lower this season. On Sunday, December 21, a total of 61,576 devotees visited the shrine. On other days, the footfall remained above 80,000, with 85,847 pilgrims on Monday, 83,845 on Tuesday, 85,388 on Wednesday and 89,729 on Thursday. In view of the mandala pooja, the number of pilgrims allowed through the virtual queue has been reduced to 30,000 on Friday and 35,000 on Saturday (December 26 and 27). Spot booking has been capped at 2,000. Meanwhile, restrictions were imposed on the movement of pilgrims from Pampa from Friday morning in connection with the Thanka Anki procession. By 9 am, a total of 22,039 devotees had completed darshan, officials said.
Two pilgrims collapse, die on forest route to Sabarimala
IDUKKI: Two Ayyappa pilgrims who proceeded to the Sabarimala temple via the Sathram forest route collapsed and died at different locations on Friday. Both the deceased were natives of Tamil Nadu. The first incident occurred at Sathram, where Balaji, 43, a native of Karur district, collapsed while walking along the forest route after obtaining online darshan pass. According to fellow pilgrims, he developed extreme fatigue after walking around 500 metres, sat down to rest and suddenly collapsed. Forest department officials and health department personnel stationed at Sathram rushed to the spot, but he had already died. The body was shifted to the Vandiperiyar Primary Health Centre, and after inquest by Vandiperiyar police, was sent to Idukki Medical College Hospital for postmortem examination. The second incident was reported near Seethakulam along the Sathram-Sabarimala forest route, where B Rajakumar, 52, of Thanjavur collapsed and died. The police and health department staff from Pulmedu reached the spot and confirmed the death. The body was taken to the Vandiperiyar PHC, following which the Kumily police conducted the inquest and shifted it to Idukki MCH for autopsy. The police said the bodies would be handed over to relatives after postmortem procedures. Authorities have reiterated advisories urging pilgrims to avoid overexertion, especially while using the forest routes, and to immediately seek medical assistance in case of fatigue or health distress.
65-year-old tribal woman killed in wild jumbo attack in Wayanad
KALPETTA: A 65-year-old tribal woman was killed in a wild elephant attack in Thirunelli, Wayanad. The body of Chandini, a member of the Paniya community from Cherumathur Unnati in Appapara, was found inside the forest under the Thirunelli forest station limits on Friday. Chandini was a resident of the Aloor tribal settlement at Paralikunnu near Kambalakkad. Forest officials said she had been staying with her daughter Priya at Cherumathur settlement in Appapara. However, she went missing on Thursday night. Forest officials carried out a search during which her body was found along the uphill stretch of the Panavalli-Appapara forest road. Officials also spotted fresh footprints of a wild elephant in the area. Thirunelli Forest Range Officer Ranjith Kumar S said Chandini left her daughters house around 11.30pm on Thursday to visit another daughter at Panavalli Unnati. When she failed to reach her destination, the family became anxious and informed the forest department. During a search, her body was recovered inside the forest, he said. The postmortem examination conducted at Mananthavady Medical College confirmed that the cause of death was an elephant attack. She suffered severe injuries to the chest due to trampling, and there were also marks indicating that the tusks had pierced her body, the officer added. Forest officials said movement through forest roads at night had been banned due to the ongoing breeding season. There are strict restrictions in place. Chandini appears to have taken a shortcut through the forest, avoiding the forest guards. It is suspected that she was attacked by a herd, possibly accompanied by a calf, Ranjith said He further said that Minister O R Kelu has directed officials to ensure prompt compensation to the family. An initial instalment will be released immediately, he added. Chandinis body was handed over to her relatives after postmortem examination and cremated at Appapara Unnati on Friday evening.
AMMA For the first time in its three decades of existence, women assumed charge of Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), with Shwetha Menon and Cuckoo Parameswaran elected president and general secretary respectively. The leadership change followed the resignation of the 17-member executive committee, which included Mohanlal, in September last year after the release of the Hema Committee report. Brain-eating amoeba The brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri) claimed 45 lives in the state, according to the health department. Kerala witnessed a surge in the number of cases in August and September, raising serious concerns about public health surveillance. Chirakkal Dr Haris Chirakkal, head of the urology department, flagged a shortage of equipment at Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital, triggering an internal probe. Following the revelation, Dr Haris was subjected to targeted attacks for criticising the government and slapped with a show-cause notice. The health department drew more fire when the portion of a building at Kottayam MCH collapsed, killing a woman and injuring two others. Dadasaheb for Mohanlal Actor Mohanlal was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Indian cinemas highest honour, making him the second Malayali to receive the recognition after filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan. 'Empuraan' The Prithviraj-Mohanlal film 'L2: Empuraan' found itself in the eye of a storm following its April release after right-wing groups claimed that its riot scenes bore resemblance to the 2002 Gujarat violence. They forced the makers to carry out cuts, alleging anti-Hindu narrative. Fresh Cut controversy Kozhikode witnessed fierce protests against Fresh Cut Organic Products poultry-waste processing plant over air and water pollution, and foul odour. Tensions escalated in October following violent clashes between residents and police, which led to injuries to officers and cases being registered against leaders of the agitation. The issue triggered political involvement and regulatory scrutiny, including National Green Tribunal (NGT) intervention and disputes over the units licence. GOAT Kerala missed out on Lionel Messis GOAT India Tour primarily due to logistical issues, lack of FIFA-standard facilities, funding delays, bureaucratic hurdles, and disagreements between organisers and the Argentine Football Association, leading to cancellation of the planned November event and its replacement with a Hyderabad leg to cover the southern region. Honey M Varghese Honey M Varghese, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Ernakulam, hit the spotlight after presiding over the 2017 actor abduction and assault case and delivering the verdict in December. The judgment convicting six accused, and acquitting actor Dileep, the eighth accused, drew both praise and criticism. Invest Kerala The state government organised the Invest Kerala Global Summit on February 21 and 22, offering a platform for investors, multinational companies, and startups to explore investments. After 10 months, according to Industries Minister P Rajeeve, the state was able to attract investments worth `35,463 crore and 50,000 new job opportunities. Joblessness Unemployment in the state saw a spurt with the number of jobless youths in rural areas rising to 76 per thousand in 2023-24, from 65 in the previous year, way above the respective national average of 25 and 24. Kerala had the fourth-highest rural unemployment rate in both years, according to the Handbook of Statistics on Indian States. Over the past 10 years, Kerala recorded its highest rural unemployment rate 107 per thousand in 2014-15. Killer in the family In one of Keralas most macabre family murders of the year, 23-year-old Afan went on a killing spree in Venjaramoodu, murdering his grandmother, uncle, aunt, teenage brother, and girlfriend, while his mother survived with serious injuries. Police said he travelled between three crime scenes on a motorcycle before surrendering. He was hospitalised after claiming to have consumed rat poison, before attempting suicide in custody. 'Lokah' 'Lokah: Chapter 1 - Chandra', Mollywoods first female-led superhero film, was released in August. Starring Kalyani Priyadarshan and directed by Dominic Arun, it became the first Malayalam flick to enter the `300-crore club. Mob lynching Ramnarayan Baghel, a migrant worker from Chhattisgarh, was killed in a mob attack in Walayar, Palakkad. The crowd allegedly assaulted the 31-year-old while shouting Bangladeshi, triggering statewide outrage over hate crimes and migrant safety. Nimisha Priya The case of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who is on death row in Yemen, saw major developments in the year. Her scheduled execution in July was postponed amid intense negotiations over blood money. Organ donation Organ donations in Kerala reached a five-year peak. Ernakulam General Hospital became Indias first district-level hospital to perform a heart transplant when woman from Nepal received the heart of Shibu, a Kollam resident. Polls The local body elections, widely seen as the semi-final ahead of the 2026 assembly polls, delivered a sharp political message. The UDF emerged as the biggest gainer, wresting control of four corporations. The BJP made headlines by capturing Thiruvananthapuram corporation, while the LDF was left with just Kozhikode corporation. The year also saw a by-election to the Nilambur assembly seat in June, where Congress Aryadan Shoukath defeated CPMs M Swaraj. Quality of national highways The national highway network in the state has been undergoing a major upgrade. However, cave-ins of under-construction stretches in Malappuram and Kollam exposed serious lapses and violations, raising questions about the quality of the work. Rahul Mamkootathil Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil courted controversy following sexual misconduct allegations and rape cases by multiple women. The party suspended the 36-year-old and followed it up with expulsion. Sabarimala The special investigation teams probe into the Sabarimala gold theft case exposed a nexus involving former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) officials. A total of 4.5 kg of gold went missing from the hill shrine following repair work in 2019. Former TDB officials, including A Padmakumar, N Vasu and Murari Babu, were arrested. Following new developments, the SIT expanded its investigation into other states. Transshipment terminal The Vizhinjam Transshipment Terminal was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May, establishing it as Indias first deepwater hub. It achieved rapid operational success, handling 1 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) and major vessels like MSC Irina by the year-end, all while preparing for phase II expansion to extend berths and the breakwater for even greater capacity, solidifying its role as a global competitor to Colombo. Universities The year saw a standoff between the governor and the government over appointments of vice-chancellors to APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) and Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology (Digital University Kerala, DUK). Following the deadlock, the apex court intervened, leading to the formation of a committee to recommend candidates. A consensus was arrived at and Dr Ciza Thomas (KTU) and Dr Saji Gopinathan (DUK) were appointed as VCs. Vedan Rapper Hirandas Murali aka Vedan was arrested in a narcotics case and later booked over sexual assault allegations. The governments decision to honour him with the state film award for best lyricist sparked debate. Wild animal attacks Wild animal attacks continued, with four people killed by tigers alone in 2025. From 2016 to early 2025, 919 persons have been killed and nearly 9,000 injured in encounters with wild animals. Kerala officially requested the Centre to amend the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The main goal is to allow the culling of wild animals that are a direct threat to people and property. Xtreme poverty eradication The state government declared Kerala as extreme poverty-free in November, through the Extreme Poverty Eradication Project (EPEP). The project identified 64,006 families as extremely poor. The announcement, however, sparked controversy, with the opposition questioning the lack of transparent and census-based data, and alleging political motivation. Year of Youth Youth emerged at the forefront of politics, particularly during the local body elections, with major parties fielding candidates from student wings such as KSU and SFI. Zoological Park, Thrissur Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the long-awaited Thrissur Zoological Park in Puthur in October. The designer zoo is expected to transform the region into a global tourism destination. Tributes P Jayachandran (Jan 9) Legendary playback singer P Jayachandran died, leaving behind melodies that defined an era. With his rich, emotive voice and thousands of unforgettable songs, he remains etched in the musical memory of South India. Shaji N Karun (Apr 28) Acclaimed filmmaker and cinematographer Shaji N Karuns passing marked the loss of one of Indias most poetic cinematic voices. Through internationally acclaimed films and visionary storytelling, he carried Malayalam cinema to the global stage. V S Achuthanandan (July 21) Former chief minister and Communist stalwart V S Achuthanandan affectionately known as VS passed away at the age of 101. A towering public figure, he leaves behind a legacy of principled politics, uncompromising integrity, and decades of unwavering service to the people of Kerala. M K Sanoo (Aug 2) Leaving behind a life devoted to literature and human values, writer, critic, and social activist Prof M K Sanoo died, aged 96. A compassionate public intellectual and cultural guide, his works and interventions shaped Keralas literary and social landscape. T J S George (Oct 3) Renowned journalist and thinker T J S George passed away, closing a luminous chapter in Indian public discourse. A Padma Bhushan awardee and prolific columnist, his fearless commentary and deeply insightful writing enriched journalism over six decades. Sreenivasan (Dec 20) Veteran actor, writer, and filmmaker Sreenivasan bid farewell after a remarkable journey in Malayalam cinema. For nearly five decades, his sharp wit, humane storytelling, and timeless humour shaped the soul of popular cinema, touching generations of viewers and creators alike. text: Anna Jose and Rajesh Abraham EDITING: Prasad V Mathew and Niharika Pramod DESIGN: arjun k j
IUML pushes hard for 30 seats in upcoming Kerala state assembly elections
MALAPPURAM: With the assembly elections approaching, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has mounted an aggressive pitch for a larger share of seats within the UDF, setting its sights on around 30 constituencies five more than the 25 the party contested in 2021. The Muslim Leagues renewed ambition is no longer confined to its traditional Malabar strongholds; it is now pressing for a strategic expansion into southern Kerala, signalling a decisive shift in its electoral calculus. At the core of IUMLs demand is its performance in the recent local body elections. Party leaders argue that improved seat and vote shares especially in southern districts have strengthened their bargaining position. The League is seeking winnable seats in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha, regions where its presence was once marginal but is now electorally relevant. We recorded an 80% winning rate in the local body polls and performed strongly in southern Kerala as well. Seeking more seats in the UDF is our right, said IUML state general secretary P M A Salam. He said seat-sharing talks are expected to conclude by January 15 and that the party anticipates a positive response when it places its demands before the UDF leadership. Stressing the party deserves more seats, a senior IUML leader said the party was promised 27 seats in 2021. However, due to last-minute adjustments within the UDF, we were able to contest only 25 seats, of which we won 15just six fewer than the Congress. In the 2025 LSG polls, we secured 3,203 seats, finishing third among parties in Kerala. Therefore, we deserve to contest at least 30 seats, the leader said. IUML smashes Malabar stereotype; tally 220 in southern local bodies league likely to strictly enforce three-term policy In the south, Kollam has emerged as a key testing ground for the party. Despite an ongoing rift with ally RSP, the IUML is eyeing Eravipuram, invoking the memory of its 1991 victory when senior leader P K K Bava defeated the RSP while it was part of the LDF, according to sources. They said the IUML no longer wishes to contest from Punalur, where it failed miserably for the last two terms. Salam, meanwhile, dismissed reports of a possible seat swap with the Congress involving Guruvayur. Some leaders aspiring to contest from Guruvayur, with the help of certain media, are creating such stories. We are not bothered about it, he said. However, internal party deliberations suggest a more intricate reshuffle is under way. IUML sources indicate a strong possibility that the party will contest from Pattambi, while firmly rejecting speculation that Muslim Youth League president K M Shaji could be fielded from Kasaragod. There is no chance Shaji will be considered from Kasaragod. He may be given Koduvally if M K Muneer opts to contest from Kozhikode South, a senior leader said. The party is also considering ceding Thiruvambady to the Congress to facilitate Malappuram DCC president V S Joys candidature, while pushing for Trinamool Congress leader P V Anvar as the UDF candidate in Beypore. The IUML is also expected to strictly enforce its three-term policy with few exceptions for the senior leaders potentially sidelining several sitting MLAs and opening the door for a generational shift. Youth League leaders such as P K Firoz, P M Sadiq Ali and P K Nawas are said to be in contention. Reflecting trends from the local body elections, the leadership is also weighing the option of fielding two or more women candidates. With prominent women Youth League leaders, including Najma Thabsheera and Fathima Thahiliya, already elected to local bodies, the Vanitha League may emerge as the primary beneficiary. The Congress, meanwhile, is signalling resistance. A senior Congress leader, said the IUMLs expectations may be scaled down. We expect the League to ask for 30 seats, but we can offer only 27 or 28 at most. Giving them more winnable seats in the south would mean sacrificing the seats currently held by sitting Congress MLAs. Their best chance is to secure two or three additional seats in Malabar, he said. Adding to the strain is IUMLs deep dissatisfaction over its representation in the governing bodies of local self-governments in southern Kerala. League leaders say they had anticipated at least 35 chairperson or vice-chairperson posts in the region, but not even half that number materialised. The party is particularly aggrieved over te Congresss refusal to concede deputy mayor posts in Kochi and Kollam, despite IUML support being crucial in several civic bodies.
IUML smashes Malabar stereotype; tally 220 in southern local bodies
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Shattering the long-held perception of being a Muslim-Malabar-only party, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has recorded a remarkable breakthrough across the seven southern districts, winning over 30 key positions in local bodies. The party now holds the chairperson post in four municipalities, vice-chairperson post in six municipalities, and nine president posts and over 15 vice-president posts in panchayats. Overall, 220 IUML representatives have been elected to various local bodies in Idukki, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts, giving the party a strike rate of 79% in the region. This is the first time the League has demonstrated such electoral strength beyond its traditional Malabar base. Even earlier, we had some representation in the southern districts but our organisational strength wasnt adequate, IUML state general secretary PMA Salam said. This time, we strengthened the leadership, energised the organisation, and reworked our policy and approach, he said. IUML state secretary Mohammed Shah said the party has now gained recognition beyond its traditional support base, among the non-Muslim secular sections in society. We directly contested against SDPI in many local bodies, including in Idukki and Kottayam districts, and defeated them. People have acknowledged this, he said. The party has secured a total of 53,69,745 votes in the local body elections across the state, accounting for 9.77% of the vote share. Political observers attribute the Leagues success partly to Muslim consolidation in favour of the UDF, coupled with informal understanding between the UDF and the Jamaat-e-Islami, which directly contributed to the leagues unprecedented victory in these regions. These local body election results showed that the Muslim consolidation against the LDF has completed a full circle. The Jamaat-e-Islami factor prompted the non-UDF Muslim voters to vote for the League and also helped neutralise the SDPI factor in several places, a UDF leader said. The weakening of the PDP in the southern districts is also seen as a contributing factor. N Sree Kumar, a former Resident Editor of Veekshanam Daily, the Congress organ, said Congress willingness to share winnable seats with allies after a decade in opposition has reshaped coalition dynamics. V D Satheesan is the architect of this. He is reshaping UDF as a common platform for secular political parties, left-leaning individuals, and other organisations where everyone will have a space to share, he said. RSP state secretary Shibu Baby John noted that the Leagues victory in the south proves that it enjoys non-Muslim support as well. Kerala Congress (J) chairman P J Joseph added that a strengthened organisation and cordial relationship within the UDF have clearly benefited the League.
Keralas NR bank deposits race past Rs 3 trillion
KOCHI: Keralas banking sector has raced past a historic landmark. For the first time, non-resident (NR) deposits in banks in the state crossed the Rs 3-trillion mark a symbolic threshold that underscores the states deep economic umbilical link with its global diaspora. As on September 30, 2025, NR deposits stood at Rs 3,03,464.57 crore, up from Rs 2,86,987.21 crore three months earlier an increase of Rs 16,476.79 crore, or 5.75%, in a single quarter. The rebound is particularly striking because the April-June quarter had seen a rare dip, when deposits slipped 2.31%, or Rs 6,634.92 crore the first decline in several quarters. The long-term trajectory, however, has been one of steady ascent. Kerala reached its first trillion in March 2015, before doubling it by March 2020. It took another five years to vault past Rs 3 trillion. At the heart of this surge lies a mix of sentiment, economics, and strategy, according to banking industry officials. A weaker rupee, attractive deposit rates, and renewed post-pandemic remittance momentum have strengthened inflows, they said. Historically, a weakening rupee relative to the USD has resulted in increased inflows into NRE accounts. This years inflows have followed this established trend, said Joy P V, EVP & country head - retail liability & fee products of Federal Bank. Weakening rupee may support remittance The bank, which leads Keralas NR deposit league table with Rs 85,250.08 crore, credits its performance to deep remittance linkages and trust built over decades. Federal Banks strong rupee drawing arrangement and wide global correspondent network make remittances easy for NRIs. With innovative and tailored savings products, competitive interest rates, and relationship-led banking, we have consistently earned customer trust. Along with favourable exchange rates, these have helped attract substantial inflows to NRI accounts, Joy said. Federal Bank on top If Federal Bank holds the crown for volume, Canara Bank has delivered the quarters biggest headline-grabbing leap. Its NR deposits more than doubled from Rs 10,935.71 crore to Rs 21,914.95 crore, an astonishing Rs 10,979-crore jump in just three months. No other bank in Keralas NR portfolio comes close to that kind of growth spurt this quarter a burst that bankers attribute to targeted mobilisation campaigns and aggressive rate positioning. The State Bank of India remains a strong second in the rankings, with Rs 80,234.07 crore in NR deposits as of September, reinforcing its formidable base among long-standing expatriate customers. Bankers agree that currency dynamics have played a decisive role. Over the past five years, the rupee has slid from around Rs 75.71 to about Rs 85.45 per dollar a depreciation that has made every dollar remitted to India stretch further. For many NRIs, the arithmetic is irresistible: stronger foreign earnings converted at weaker rupee levels, topped with tax-free interest on NRE and FCNR deposits. The weakening of the rupee increases the effective value of foreign currency remittances, making investments and deposits in India more attractive, said Biji S S, SGM & head branch banking, South Indian Bank. Attractive interest rates, favourable remittance rates, confidence in Indias long-term growth, and improved digital onboarding have all contributed to higher inflows. Biji believes the trend isnt a flash in the pan. A moderately weakening rupee is likely to support sustained NRI inflows in the near to medium term. NR deposits remain attractive because they offer higher risk-adjusted returns compared to many overseas markets, tax-free interest on NRE/FCNR deposits, full repatriability, and a robust, well-regulated banking system. The broader macro backdrop reinforces that optimism. Remittances to India have staged a strong revival post-Covid, and Kerala continues to rank among the countrys biggest recipients -- even as migration patterns diversify and newer corridors such as the US gain prominence alongside the Gulf. For now, Keralas Rs 3-trillion milestone isnt just a round number its a testament to the enduring economic power of its diaspora. NRI deposits in Kerala banks head towards Rs 3-trillion mark
At 21, Diya claims Pala top post denied to her father
KOTTAYAM: Two years ago, when Binu Pulikkakandam was humiliated by his party CPM and the LDF by denying him the promised Pala municipal chairpersons post, his daughter Diya Binu Pulikkakandam was doing her bachelors course in economics at the Madras Christian College. While she may not have fully grasped the political intricacies behind the move, bowing down to the pressure tactics of the Jose K Mani-led Kerala Congress (M), her fathers exclusion wounded her. On Friday, Diya, having taken a break from her academic pursuits, was sworn in the chairperson of the same Pala municipality. Her victory, achieved by defeating both the KC (M) and the LDF, represents a form of poetic justice, as she herself put it. A first-time member of Pala municipality, the 21-year-old has fulfilled a long-held dream for her father, who has been a councillor for the past two decades. And for Binu, the achievement through his daughter signifies a form of vindication, more than a political revenge. This is not merely my personal political retribution for the position I was denied. It should be viewed as a fitting response from the people to the betrayal I experienced from a party and coalition I supported, Binu told TNIE. He said this revenge will not end here, but will extend to the upcoming assembly elections. This marks the beginning of the downfall of KC (M) in Pala. The people of Pala will not tolerate political betrayal, Binu said. Diya perceived her win as poetic justice that time has delivered. She expressed her satisfaction, saying, It is a great pleasure to achieve this for my father. Binu Pulikkakandam offers sweets to his daughter Diya, as her mother & sister look on Will strive for devpt of Pala municipality, vows Diya As she takes over the mantle of Pala municipality, with MLA Mani C Kappen claiming she is the youngest chairperson of a municipality in India, the development signifies a generational shift in the states leadership dynamics and marks the increasing influence of Gen Z in governance and administration. I understand this is a significant responsibility. I will strive for the progress and development of Pala municipality to the best of my abilities. I anticipate wholehearted support from all 25 of my fellow councillors. I will value their expertise and advice in leading the municipality, Diya said. For the KC (M), the defeat could not have come at a worse time. The party has been excluded from power for the first time in the history of Pala municipality, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of its founding leader K M Manis first ministerial swearing-in.
Kerala is My Lucky Place: Renuka Singh After Match-Winning Spell vs Sri Lanka
She also praised Indias bowling unit, highlighting the strong pacerspinner combination and the teams focus on finding the best balance ahead of the World Cup
Fire engulfs plywood factory in Perumbavoor
Theatre camp begins in Kozhikode
SHRC seeks action against road safety violations in city
Kerala CM slams Karnataka demolitions, calls it bulldozer justice
As per media reports, a demolition drive at Yelahanka last week pulled down more than 200 houses in Waseem Layout and Fakir Colony
This is the only Indian state to make it to the list of World's Top 26 Destinations For 2026
Kerala has been recognized as a top global destination for 2026 by Rough Guides, securing the 16th spot. Known as 'God's Own Country,' it offers authentic experiences like backwaters, hill stations, and rich traditions, perfect for slow travel. The state's tourism portal also saw significant global traffic, highlighting its growing appeal.
Vijay Hazare Trophy - Centurions Karun and Padikkal star in Karnatakas big win against Kerala
The latter scores his second consecutive ton as the two forge a match-winning partnership of 223;AparajithandAkhilhelp Kerala post a competitive total; Madhya Pradesh edges outTN
New airlines that got green signal from Centre will struggle to offer competition, say experts
NEW DELHI: The sudden clearance to operate in Indian skies given to two airlines that had been awaiting the nod for nearly a year appears to be a strong message from the Centre in light of the disruption caused by Indias largest domestic carrier IndiGo from December 1 to 9. The two new airlines are Kozhikode-based Alhind and Hyderabad-headquartered FlyExpress, while Shank Air, based in Uttar Pradesh, was also given the nod last year and plans to begin operations in 2026. Aviation professionals and experts, however, unanimously feel there is no way the newbies can take on dominant players like IndiGo or the two airlines from the stable of the Air India Group Air India and Air India Express. Captain C S Randhawa, president of the Federation of Indian Pilots, is quite critical of the decision. Stating that the newbies can never break the duopoly exercised by the existing airlines, he added, All these three airlines have neither enough funding nor expertise. The best of airlines have not survived. No regional airlines have survived in this country. These airlines are not a threat to any operating airlines in the country as they cannot survive on non-UDAN routes. They face the challenges of finances, aircraft leasing, pilot availability, sustainability, competitive fares and reliability, he stated. The government needs to get fuel under GST and give subsidies to encourage big corporate houses to enter aviation with a big bang to break the monopoly or duopoly. Regional airlines only increase regional connectivity. There is an urgent need for the government to have a relook at the aviation policies of the country, Captain Randhawa explained. He also claimed that Alhind had shut its Kochi office and terminated all employees. Shank Air was still struggling to obtain certification for Air Operator Certification and get aircraft on lease, he added. Training the specific pilots to operate the ATR aircraft or smaller aircraft would take more than eight months. The average life of a regional airline is approximately 3-7 years. Therefore, such airlines starting up with 1 or 2 aircraft fail in prolonged operations and shut shop, he added. Aviation expert Captain Mohan Ranganathan gave zero chances of the new airlines offering any competition. Where are the captains? The title of a 1971 Robert Stirling novel 'Shell Never Get Off the Ground' is apt to describe their situation, he said. A representative of the other leading pilot association, Airline Pilot Association of India, told TNIE, Where are the big aircraft for these airlines to start their operations? IndiGo presently has 434 aircraft and it took them two decades to reach this position. The new airlines need to lease A320 aircraft only from them. Orders placed at Boeing by Air India for the 737s are getting delayed. It will take the new airlines at least two decades to reach the position of these airlines. Spicejet and Akasa Air have been around for some time but they have between 20 and 30 aircraft each and cannot match up to the airlines yet, he added. Captain G R Gopinath, who pioneered the low-cost airline concept in the country through his Air Deccan, said, Permitting new airlines to operate is good for the country as the industry will become more vibrant. The public stand to benefit as the prices will be kept under check. Airlines will become more effective and service-minded. It is good that the government is doing it and it will benefit all. In an earlier interaction with TNIE in Kerala, Alhind CEO Reena Abdul Rahiman said the Thiruvananthapuram-Kochi-Kozhikode sector was their priority. To facilitate this, the company had started a base in Kochi airport as early as August 2024. Alhind Air will begin its operations with two ATR 72-600 aircraft, with plans to scale up to seven within the first year. Alhind Air is also mulling operating in certain routes under the UDAN scheme like Kochi-Mysuru, the airlines operations manager T C Vivek had informed TNIE. Alhind Group, with a turnover of over Rs 20,000 crore and more than 130 offices in India and overseas, is headquartered in Kozhikode and has a regional office in Delhi. This reporter repeatedly tried reaching the offices of Alhind and Shank Air but got no response.
Criminal courts cannot detain foreign nationals on bail: HC
Sabarimala all set for Mandala puja on Saturday
Ceremonial procession carrying the Thanka Anki reached the Sannidhanam on Friday evening ahead of the Mandala puja
SIT extends probe to Tamil Nadu in Sabarimala gold case
Nagesh Trophy: Maharashtra Beat Rajasthan; Karnataka Thrashed Kerala In League Matches
National T20 Cricket Tournament: Maharashtra defeated Rajasthan while Karnataka dominated Kerala in crucial league matches of the 8th edition of the Nagesh Trophy -- Men's National T20 Cricket Tournament for Blind 2025 at the Railway Sports Ground in Hubali on Friday. Both matches highlighted exceptional skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship, underscoring the growing talent and competitive spirit in Indian blind cricket. In an exciting league encounter, Maharashtra defeated Rajasthan by three wickets. Batting first, Rajasthan posted 158/8 in 20 overs, with Vishanu Bhiya (44) and Rohitas Pareek (25) providing key contributions. In response, Maharashtra chased down the target in 19.5 overs -- their chase anchored by a brilliant 76-run innings from B3 Anil Belsare, who was named Player of the Match. Parmeshwar (29) also played a pivotal role, while competitive bowling from Swapnil Dilip Wagh and Amol Karche kept the contest thrilling. In the second match of the day, Karnataka thrashed Kerala by 174 runs in Hubli. In a commanding performance, Karnataka posted a massive 320/2 in 20 overs, with Sunil Ramesh (186 off 78 balls) and Bhaskar B2 (59 off 34 balls) leading the charge. Gudadappa added 38 runs, helping set a daunting target. Kerala could only manage 146/7 in 20 overs, despite Ahad B3 (49)* and Arjun P (31). Karnatakas disciplined bowling, led by Lokesha B2 (1/5) and B1-Basappa Waddagolu (1/8.5), dismantled the chase. Sunil Ramesh was named Player of the Match for his outstanding innings. Nagesh Trophy is Indias premier national-level T20 cricket tournament for visually impaired (blind) mens teams. It brings together state and union territory teams from across the country to compete in a structured T20 format under the auspices of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), with support from organisations like the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. Gudadappa added 38 runs, helping set a daunting target. Kerala could only manage 146/7 in 20 overs, despite Ahad B3 (49)* and Arjun P (31). Karnatakas disciplined bowling, led by Lokesha B2 (1/5) and B1-Basappa Waddagolu (1/8.5), dismantled the chase. Sunil Ramesh was named Player of the Match for his outstanding innings. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Nagesh Trophy is named in honour of the late S. P. Nagesh, founder president of CABI and a champion for blind cricket development in India. The first edition of the tournament was held in 201819, and has continued annually with increasing participation and competitiveness. Teams from multiple states and union territories compete each year in round-robin league matches followed by knockouts and finals. Andhra Pradesh are the defending champion of the tournament, winning the title by beating Delhi in the finals last year. Article Source: IANS
Capital Fortress Breached, BJP Celebrates 'Political Arrival' In Kerala
The BJP's long-cherished dream of coming to power in the civic body in Kerala's capital, Thiruvananthapuram, came to fruition on Friday as VV Rajesh took oath as the first mayor from the party.
State launches new campaign for good health
A rally was flagged off from Kasaragod on December 26 as part of the campaign promotion. It is expected to reach Thiruvananthapuram on January 1 when it will be launched formally
CPI(M) rebel P. Nirmala elected chairperson in Shoranur
LDF, holds 17 seats in the 34-member municipality where 18 are required for a majority
