Heatwave pushes Kerala into power crisis, restrictions likely
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 8 (IANS) Kerala is facing a double blow of scorching heat and an escalating power crisis, with temperatures expected to remain 3 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal for another day and electricity restrictions likely to continue in several areas. The state recorded a maximum temperature of 36.2 degrees Celsius on Monday, while the India Meteorological Department has warned that the hot conditions will persist on Tuesday. Relief is likely from Wednesday, with some parts of the state expected to receive rain. The surge in temperatures has triggered a sharp rise in electricity consumption, with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) estimating that demand has jumped by as much as 800 MW. With adequate power unavailable from outside the state during peak hours, the KSEB imposed restrictions of up to an hour in several areas on Monday. The situation could worsen if the demand pattern remains unchanged on Tuesday. The KSEB said the absence of short-term power contracts and high prices in the real-time electricity market were making additional procurement difficult. Although the board had floated tenders to procure power for September, no company came forward to supply electricity during peak hours, leaving the board with limited options to meet the sudden spike in demand. Meanwhile, the State Disaster Management Authority has issued a series of precautionary measures as the intense heat raises the risk of sunstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration. The authorities have advised people to avoid direct exposure to the sun, particularly during the hottest hours, drink plenty of water, and remain vigilant against symptoms associated with excessive heat. The heat warning is in force from September 7 to 9, with the Meteorological Department cautioning that temperatures could remain significantly above normal across the state. With electricity consumption rising sharply as households and establishments depend increasingly on cooling appliances, the weather conditions are now adding further pressure to an already strained power supply system.
Keralam swelters as mercury crosses 36 degrees Celsius in Sept amid weak monsoon
Kerala is experiencing unusually early September heat as temperatures rise significantly. Punalur recorded a high of 36.2 degrees Celsius, far above normal levels. This heatwave occurs while the southwest monsoon remains notably weak across the state. Other districts like Kottayam and Palakkad also registered high temperatures. The combination creates a feeling of continued summer heat in many areas.
Head of Zamorin's family of Kozhikode passes away
Mr. Raja was a resident of Chinthavalappu in Kozhikode City. He took charge as the head of the family in June 2025 after the demise of K.C. Ramachandran Raja, a management expert, whose tenure at the helm spanned only a couple of months.
Karnataka cuts Cauvery water release to Tamil Nadu by 57 pc amid rainfall dip
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 8 (IANS) The quantity of Cauvery water being released to Tamil Nadu from Karnataka's Krishnaraja Sagar and Kabini reservoirs has been reduced sharply to 5,200 cubic feet per second following a decline in rainfall and inflows across the upper catchment areas. The combined discharge had stood at 11,983 cusecs the previous day. It has now fallen by 6,783 cusecs, representing a reduction of nearly 57 per cent within a day. The decline is significant for Tamil Nadu, which closely monitors releases from Karnataka's Cauvery basin reservoirs. The water flowing downstream contributes to the storage at the Mettur Dam and supports irrigation in the Cauvery delta, where farmers rely on timely supplies for standing crops and seasonal cultivation. Of the total quantity released towards Tamil Nadu, 4,800 cusecs were being discharged from the Krishnaraja Sagar reservoir, commonly known as KRS. The remaining 1,200 cusecs were being released from the Kabini reservoir. KRS is situated at Srirangapatna in Karnataka's Mandya district. Its catchment area includes Kodagu district and parts of Wayanad in Kerala. Rain has completely stopped in Kodagu, leading to a steady reduction in the volume of water entering the reservoir. By Monday morning, the water level at KRS stood at 106.84 feet against its full reservoir level of 124.80 feet. The inflow was recorded at 2,511 cusecs, while outflow remained higher at 4,800 cusecs. As discharge exceeded the inflow, the reservoir's stored water continued to decline. A similar situation was reported at the Kabini reservoir in Mysuru district. Its water level was recorded at 2,268.50 feet above sea level, compared with the full reservoir level of 2,284 feet. The inflow into Kabini stood at 2,514 cusecs, while 1,200 cusecs were being discharged downstream. The releases from Kabini and KRS together accounted for the 5,200 cusecs flowing towards Tamil Nadu. Reservoir discharges are normally regulated after considering rainfall, inflows, available storage and downstream requirements. With rainfall weakening across the upper Cauvery catchments, the authorities are expected to closely monitor reservoir levels before making further changes. The reduction has renewed attention on water availability for Tamil Nadu's Cauvery delta. Any fresh spell of rain in Kodagu and Wayanad could improve inflows into KRS, Kabini and other reservoirs in the basin.
Watch: Kerala's new government bus will give your road travel a flight-like feel
Watch Keralas new government bus will give your road travel a flightlike feel
Media delegation from Kerala begins 7-day Press Tour to J&K
Srinagar, Sep 7: A 13-member media delegation from Kerala has embarked on a seven-day press tour to Jammu and Kashmir from September 6 to 12. The tour is being organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Kochi, with the objective of providing journalists from Kerala an opportunity to gain first-hand insights into the developmental initiatives, infrastructure projects and achievements in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. On the first day of the tour, the delegation visited the Press Information Bureau office in Srinagar. Qazi Salman, Director, PIB Srinagar, welcomed the members of the delegation and provided an overview of the media and communication landscape in Kashmir. He also interacted with the visiting journalists and shared insights into the functioning of PIB in the region. Later in the day, the delegation visited Gulmarg, the picturesque hill station located in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, and experienced the region's rich natural landscape and scenic beauty. During the week-long tour, the media delegation will visit various developmental projects and important locations across the Union Territory. The press tour aims to familiarise the participating journalists with the developmental transformation taking place in Jammu and Kashmir and provide them an opportunity to interact with the stakeholders. The press tour is part of PIB's efforts to facilitate wider awareness and informed reporting on significant developmental initiatives being undertaken across different regions of the country.
Private bus employee arrested and remanded as police draw flak for initial bail in Keralams Kochi
Muhammed Ansar, 24, a native of Kannur, was arrested after invoking Section 132 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for assaults or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging their duty
Denial of constitutionally guaranteed privileges to members of SC/ST communities must only be in exceptional cases of apparent fraud that is established through material independently available to the State
Two bike riders killed, one injured in separate accidents in Keralams Kochi
Guarding the Green: Why Forestry Needs Technocrats, Not Generalists
The recently notified recruitment rules issued by the Forest Department vide NO: PCCF/NG/Est/150768/3486-96 Dt: 3-9-2026 for the post of Foresters reveal an institutional blind spot. By opening the cadre to unspecific academic streams spanning to Agriculture, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Applications, Engineering, Geology, Horticulture, Mathematics, Physics, Veterinary Sciences, and Zoologywhile simultaneously compressing Direct Recruitment to a meagre 40% against a 60% promotional quota, the government has diluted the operational standards of its forest administration. Further, while failing to mandate or accord primary preference to professional graduates in Forestry (B.Sc./M.Sc. Forestry), the government has reduced scientific conservation to mere patrol work which in an era dominated by rapid climate breakdown, complex forest tenure laws, carbon accounting, and severe wildlife-human conflict, will represent an institutional and scientific regression resulting in an ecological gamble .. which UT of J & K cannot afford. The framework of including some of the above-mentioned 3-year non-professional degree holders . being unable to even identify an endangered species or calculate the sustained yield viz a viz prioritising physical stamina (25/16 km in 4 hours for male and female aspirants) discredits a specific intellectual competence and cannot substitute technical knowledge required for such recruitments. Historically, when the Imperial Forest Department was established in 1864 under Sir Dietrich Brandis, the British Crown recognised that extraction required scientific regulation to prevent the premature exhaustion of valuable timber reserves. However, the administrative culture designed for the subordinate cadres (particularly Foresters and Forest Guards) was deliberately modelled on paramilitary policing. Their primary objective was exclusion: keeping local communities out of Reserved Forests, policing timber theft, and collecting transit revenue. The recruitment always favoured physical endurance, obedience and basic literacy over technical domain knowledge. Viewed as an auxiliary policing outfit tasked with perimeter security and timber extraction, the State Forest Departments across the country have undergone a total paradigm shift. Today, it stands as a frontline defence against ecological collapse, anthropogenic climate change and catastrophic biodiversity loss. The Forester occupies the vital operational tier within the departmental hierarchythe linchpin between the ground-level Forest Guard (Beat Guard) and the gazetted Range Forest Officer (RFO). Entrusting this technical post to candidates without any educational grounding in sciences like dendrology, silviculture, forest mensuration/management and environmental jurisprudence compromises the integrity of forests as an ecological asset. Following independence, the National Forest Policy of 1952 emphasised industrial production, with subordinate staff being trained in basic paramilitary drill, boundary upkeep, and basic timber calculations. However, the enactment of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 and the landmark National Forest Policy of 1988 completely inverted this operational mandate, with the latter formally subordinating revenue generation to environmental stability, ecological balance, and biodiversity preservation. Furthermore, the enactment of the Biological Diversity Act (2002) and the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act (2006) placed complex statutory and participatory responsibilities upon field officers. Despite such seismic transformation in the department's core purpose, the recruitment framework for subordinate field staff has remained frozen in a colonial time warp, prioritising generic qualifications while ignoring the emergence of dedicated, university-trained forestry professionals. The prevailing administrative misconception that subordinate foresters learn everything through a brief post-selection departmental training course collapses when one evaluates the actual technical, scientific, and legal responsibilities demanded from a Forester on a daily basis. The core contention lies in the fact that forestry is a rigorous, multidisciplinary scientific profession and just as medical directorates cannot recruit general graduates to practice medicine, and public works departments do not hire a non-engineer to design bridges, the forest department cannot surrender scientific conservation to administrative generalists. Further, forestry is not an offshoot of general biology but a specialised technocracy and as such, equating a candidate who has spent four years for studying silviculture, forest mensuration, forest biometrics, dendrology, forest policy and wildlife with a candidate who has obtained other degrees (some 3 year programs) betrays a basic misunderstanding of what foresters do in the field. Here we have to understand that at a time when forest ecosystems face unprecedented ecological strainranging from catastrophic wildfire cycles and invasive monocultures to carbon sink verification under international climate compactsthe custodian of the forest beat/range can no longer be an ad-hoc generalis but a forestry technocrat trained in ecological restoration, assisted regeneration, canopy density optimization, measuring terrestrial biomass for carbon credits, diagnostic pathology of forest die-back, and host-pest vectors viz a viz enforcing the Forest Rights Act (FRA 2006), Wildlife Protection Act, Indian Forest Act, CAMPA compliance, fuel load index calculations, back-firing tactics and stress modelling. The critical review of deconstructed new set of rules exhibit two fundamental structural defects and flawed premises: first, that the forest management is presumed as an unskilled custodial chore which will bring an alarming administrative regression and second, that equalizing an exclusive specialized academic threshold of four years dedicated professional degree of B.Sc. Forestry, equivalent to some basic/generic university degrees in mathematics, computer applications, physics and other classroom sciences or desk disciplines, demonstrates that the people who have framed these regulations unfortunately lack a profound technical understanding of modern contemporary science followed in the management of forests. The competencies now required insist that forestry alone should remain a basic qualification to justify it as a genuine profession. But unfortunately, the regulations notified depict a general imagination, often influenced by colonial-era administrative tropes that treat the forester as an armed scout . whose duties begin and end with chasing poachers and illicit timber smugglers. Further, the new regulations notified also seem to betray Public Investment in formal Forestry Education being instituted in almost 29 SAUs and 86 affiliated colleges/ specialized research institutes following a landmark recommendations of the National Commission on Agriculture (NCA, 1976). The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) have recognised the four-year B.Sc. Forestry program as a specialised degree, with the public exchequer at the national level spending millions every year to subsidise these professional courses. Despite this, when vacancies arise in State Forest Services, the forestry graduates who spent four years in training are shoved into open competition, while other disciplines which are entirely disconnected from forest habitats have preserved strict recruitment boundaries. For instance, only B.V.Sc. graduates can enter State Veterinary cadres. Likewise, for engineering posts, only B.E./B.Tech. degree holders are eligible, and for Agriculture/ Horticulture/Extension cadres, only B.Sc. Agriculture / Horticulture graduates are preferred. Contrary to this, forestry remains the lone outlierroutinely degraded into an open-for-all category by the bureaucracy in Forest administration. The regulations issued also denounce National Policy Commitments, Working Group Studies of the various Commissions and Expert Committees established by the Union Government over the past four decades, which recommended that: Academic qualifications in forestry should be considered essential or given appropriate weightage for entry into forest services (The National Forest Policy,1988, Clause 4.12). Similarly, the National Forest Commission (2006), chaired by Justice B.N. Kirpal, explicitly noted that professional forestry education was being squandered because recruitment rules failed to mandate specialised qualifications. The commission formally recommended that State Forest Departments must prioritise candidates with professional degrees in forestry (B.Sc. / M.Sc. Forestry) for the posts of Forest Range Officers and Foresters. Further, under the Paris Agreement and our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), India has pledged to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3.0 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through expanded forest and tree cover by 2030. The Foresters or the Range Officers cannot track these targets through casual guesswork but require a precise, ground-truthed carbon inventory calculations. Thus, expecting an untrained recruit or an administrative promotee to navigate national carbon registries without foundational training will guarantee a systemic data error. Further, while legitimate career progression for frontline Forest Guards and field watchers is essential for departmental morale, tilting the recruitment balance to a ratio of 40%: 60% for direct recruitment and promotion severely curbs the infusion of modern technical skills. The lower-cadre promotions often occur late in service tenures. Thus, without a stringent technical screening mechanism or prior academic immersion in contemporary forestry disciplines, the promoted personnel are routinely left ill-equipped to execute modern geo-spatial mapping, carbon inventory assessments, or complex legal evaluations under the Forest (Conservation) Act and the Wildlife (Protection) Act. A 60% promotional intake will, as such, mess the department up with unprofessional personnel trained solely under legacy administrative routines while sidelining contemporary scientific practices. National and International scenario As far as comparative precedents go across the country, the argument for technocratic specialisation is neither unprecedented or untested nor speculative. Several forward-thinking States within the country have formally amended their subordinate and gazetted recruitment rules to prioritise or exclusively mandate professional forestry qualifications. For instance, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have incorporated distinct eligibility weightages and direct recruitment paths prioritising Forestry degree holders in frontline Range and Forester selections. The State of Kerala has long stood at the forefront of administrative professionalisation in forestry. State service commissions in Kerala have repeatedly amended cadre rules for Forest Range Officers and Foresters to reserve substantial quotas or direct preference points for professional forestry graduates, recognising that specialised training significantly cuts induction costs while enhancing other outcomes. Similarly, in Karnataka, the Public Service Commission (KPSC) has framed rules for the recruitment of Forest Range Officers and subordinate ranks that reserve up to 50% or more of direct recruitment slots exclusively for B.Sc. (Forestry) graduates. This framework has repeatedly withstood administrative and judicial scrutiny, establishing a precedent that specialised qualifications directly correlate with departmental efficiency. Ironically, the courts have routinely intervened or scrutinised arbitrary recruitment criteria under Articles 14 and 16, while urging Forest Departments to align hiring standards with the actual technical nature of modern public administration in the States which have resisted inclusion of changes in recruitment rules. These Judicial Interventions have repeatedly affirmed that States retain full constitutional power to prescribe specialised technical qualifications tailored to forest management. In States where such preferences were codified, the frontline field operations saw measurable modernisation: faster updating of working plans, progressed GIS integration, and improved seedling survival rates under science-based plantation regimes. Similarly, the precedents around the world also advocate Professional Technocracy and have developed jurisdictions to abandon the practice of entrusting public woodlands to non-specialists. Globally, the identity of a forester has shifted from an armed ranger to an environmental technocrat. In Germanythe cradle of modern scientific forestry (Forstwissenschaft)subordinate and senior foresters undergo rigorous technical education at specialised forestry universities. The Scandinavian model similarly treats forest management as an exact bio-economic science linked directly to recruitment in national carbon budgets and ecological resilience. Under the Canadian model, the provincial statutessuch as Ontarios Professional Foresters Act and British Columbias Forestry Professions Actenvisage that the practice of forestry should be legally restricted to accredited Registered Professional Foresters (RPFs). The provisions under this Act explicitly state that it is a criminal offence for an individual to prepare a forest management prescription, audit a cutting block, or direct reforestation without an accredited four-year forestry degree. Likewise, in the United States, SAF Accreditation, the US Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) enforce strict educational requirements w.r.t. a graduate degree encompassing a core curriculum in silviculture, forest inventory, and forest biometrics, typically certified by the Society of American Foresters (SAF). Further, under such provisions, a general biologist and agriculturalist/ non licensed forestry technocrat is not permitted to manage the State Forests. The potential of forests for employment generation has stemmed from diverse situations, viz rebuilding natural assets, wood production/ processing, pulp and paper industry, climate change mitigation and management of natural and plantation forests. The total employment in the formal forestry sector at the global level is estimated at about 18.2 million (full-time formal employment), which is expected to increase to at least 25million by the year 2035. A significant share of the jobs in forestry on an annual basis, however, comes from the informal sector (33 million), the commercial forest sector (45 million) and around > 2000million man-days through the direct and secondary labour force in related industries. Further, while formal employment in commercial production of NTFPs is estimated at 100 million, the potential of the informal sector of NTFPs (extraction of around 5000 products) cannot be estimated reliably. Further, considering that the worlds protected forest areas extend over about 1.9 billion hectares (out of the total forest area of 4 billion ha), even a modest effort of silvicultural treatment to these areas can provide employment to thousands of people. The forests of India directly employ around 2.4 million persons in the formal forestry sector, 38 million in the informal sector and around 5.5-6 million as seasonal workers in various sectors. The total geographic area of Jammu and Kashmir is 42, 241 km2 of which 20,194 km2 is under demarcated/recorded forest area. The land under trees and crops (TOF) is around 67,000 ha. Unfortunately, in the extent of their livelihood potential, the ecosystem services provided by our forests have reduced from Rs 987 billion in 1850 to 118 billion in 2022-23 due to indiscriminate illicit felling and faulty management. The forests of Jammu and Kashmir thus constitute the biggest unmanaged industry and, being so, they are currently not viewed as the mainstay of the UT's economy, with a contribution of just 0.7% to GDP. As far as the manning of this natural resource is concerned, our forest department presents a reverse wedge, with more officers than the foresters who actually work at the ground level. It is a shocking fact that our forests are sustained by a sanctioned strength of 3 PCCFs (and equivalents), 7 Additional PCCFs, 16 Chief Conservators, 26 Conservators, 57 Special Grade Deputy Conservators and 81 Assistant Conservators. There are only 212 Range officers, 1154 Foresters ( around 250 vacant) and just under 3900 Deputy Foresters(around 1381 vacant), which manage 20230 sq km of Forest area. Every Range officer and Forester (generally non-technical) in our forest department, therefore, on an average, manages 19833 and 4934 ha of forest land, respectively, as against a national average of 8000 and 2000 ha and a global average of 1000 and 100 ha, respectively. The Department is thus understaffed at ground level and faces many issues in both cadrization and creation of new positions at the subordinate level. The vacancies available are also being filled sarcastically through faulty recruitment rules which do not suit modern forestry requirements. With this negligent approach, we have lost a major chunk of our forests, and the degradation is still unabated. Hence, the need of the hour is not only to create more positions to match the global standards but also to provide a technically trained field leadership if the scientific management of Forests is to be viewed seriously. The corrective blueprint for this flawed recruitment policy needs to be addressed by replacing it with a scientifically sound framework to meet regional/national goals. The government must, as such, not only withdraw/reframe these ill-advised rules but also listen to the recommendations of various commissions and take advice from SKUAST-Kashmir/Jammu to place the stewardship of our forests back in the hands of trained forestry professionals. In this regard, anything less than following decisive modifications will be a disservice to our ecological future. Proposed architecture for recruitment rules: 1: Reserve Direct Recruitment Exclusively for Forestry Graduates Amend the qualification schedule to make 4 years B.Sc. (Honours) Forestry from an ICAR/ICFRE- accredited university the exclusive minimum benchmark for direct recruitment to the position of Forester, and 4 years B Sc + 2 year M Sc Forestry from ICAR/ICFRE recognized universities for Range officers/ACFs. If allied disciplines need to be included, they should be strictly limited at the Master's level to candidates with formal postgraduate specialisations in Forest Ecology or Wildlife Management (with first preference statutorily reserved for pure forestry degree holders). 2. Invert the Cadre Quota (75% Direct: 25% Promotion) Reverse the recruitment distribution to assign 75% of vacancies to Direct Recruitment and 25% to Internal Promotion for Foresters/Range officers and ACFs. This shift will guarantee an influx of technically trained young professionals ready for decades of active field operations. At the same time, the 25% promotional route will maintain a healthy advancement pathways for Forest Guards with 1-Year bridging course at State Forest Academy/ University as a per-requisite for promotion as Foresters and 2 year diploma course ( for aspirants who do not possess essential professional degree) from State Forest Academy/ University for movement from Foresters to Range officers and Range officer to ACFs . 3. Establish a Mandatory Bridge Training Program for Promotees Every Forest Guard promoted to the rank of Forester must be required to pass a comprehensive, one-year training curriculum at an accredited State Forestry Training Institute or Agriculture university. Promotion should depend on completing coursework in elementary silviculture, field GPS navigation, forest law, and emergency wildfire responsenot simply on years of service. Conclusion The forests of J&K are the nation's principal terrestrial carbon sinks, the lifeline of perennial river basins, the repositories of priceless genetic diversity and the foundational habitats of various indigenous communities. Managing this natural resource demands a high technical competence to evade a dangerous colonial relics that any candidate with basic literacy and physical endurance can protect our complex ecosystems. Thus, by reforming the recruitment rules for various Forestry cadres by prioritising professional forestry technocrats over other irrelevant degree holders, the government can rectify not only the injustice to the trained youth, but will also save millions in training costs, besides upholding constitutional mandates for scientific management of forests. (The author is a former Dean, Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K. He can be reached at drthmasoodi@gmail.com )
CPI(M) Faces Criticism Over Draft Report on Election Loss in Kerala
CPI(M) leaders in Kerala challenge a draft report on their election loss, demanding clarity on organizational failures ahead of a larger meeting. CPI(M) Faces Criticism Over Draft Report on Election Loss in Kerala
Kerala CPI(M) draft report faces pushback ahead of 300-member review meet
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 7 (IANS) The CPI(M) state secretariats draft report on the partys electoral debacle came under sharp criticism on Monday at the state committee, with delegates questioning whether the document is sufficiently candid about the organisational and political failures that led to the setback. The criticism, particularly from the Kannur delegation, has put the leadership under pressure to make the report more comprehensive before it is finalised. Delegates reportedly objected to the absence of any specific reference to organisational lapses and the failure to acknowledge that the candidate selection process had gone wrong. They also questioned where the findings of the CPI(M) Central Committee were reflected in the draft report. The criticism was that the report merely referred to shortcomings in general terms without identifying the specific failures that had contributed to the partys defeat. Delegates questioned how corrective measures could be worked out when the document itself did not clearly spell out where the party had gone wrong. The draft was also criticised for being prepared more in the manner of a routine organisational activity report rather than as a detailed political assessment of the partys electoral setback. The delegates argued that the party needed a frank assessment of its failures if it was to undertake effective course correction. Around 20 delegates took part in the discussion on Monday. The debate assumes added significance as the exercise will now move into a much wider forum. The extended state committee meeting, expected to bring together around 300 party leaders, will discuss the report and the reasons for the electoral setback. The objections raised in the state committee today could therefore provide an indication of the fault lines that may emerge when the report is placed before the larger gathering. The CPI(M) leadership is facing the task of arriving at an assessment that is sufficiently candid to satisfy the party rank and file while also providing a basis for corrective action. The Kannur intervention is significant in this context, as it has challenged the draft at the level of its basic assessment rather than merely seeking minor changes. The state committee discussion will continue on Tuesday, when further interventions are expected before the report moves towards the extended committee. The final document is likely to reflect the outcome of these discussions and the pressure for a more specific accounting of the partys organisational and political failures.
Red Bull Vallam Vali Turns Keralam's Iconic Boat Racing Tradition Into A 'Tug Of Oars' Spectacle
From Vallam kali to 'Tug of Oars': Red Bull Vallam Vali puts a fresh spin on Keralam's boat racing tradition
SHRC calls for enquiry into patients death following fall from hospital bed
Two seriously injured in road accident in Varkala
National conference on second generation GST reforms begins
Three booked for allegedly assaulting, kidnapping woman in Kasaragod
Keralam CM Satheesan meets Rahul Gandhi, triggering speculation on new KPCC president
Incumbent president Sunny Joseph has repeatedly expressed his desire to opt out of the key organisational responsibility given his responsibilities as Electricity Minister. He also stressed the need for a KPCC president focussed on the party apparatus, including issues such as discipline and organisation building
Dry spell, cloud-free sky push temperature above normal at many places in Keralam
The IMD has issued a heat alert warning of hot and humid conditions at isolated places in Keralam until September 9
Dry spell, cloud-free sky push temperature above normal at many places in Keralam
The IMD has issued a heat alert warning of hot and humid conditions at isolated places in Keralam until September 9
Kozhikode MP writes to parliamentary panel on bifurcation of Palakkad division
Detachment of the Mangaluru area from the Palakkad division and its merger with the Hubballi division will lead to shifting of key interchange boundaries, stripping Palakkad of its most critical operational assets, says Raghavan
Keralam to focus on continuity of care in NCD management
Hridayaragam initiative will begin as a pilot in Vattiyurkavu in Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki, and Nilambur to address the growing prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, which currently affect one in four and one in three adults, respectively.
Two killed, 2 injured after building under demolition collapses
The deceased have been identified as Joy P.J., 61, a resident of Kothamangalam, and Anoop Mathew, 45, a resident of Malayinkeezhu.
Orthodox church seeks exclusion of inhabited areas from Western Ghats ESA
Malankara Association secretary Biju Oommen said the government should intervene to ensure that inhabited areas and agricultural land were excluded from the ESA and that its limits were confined to forest areas
Keralam forms high-level monitoring committee to implement SC orders on stray dogs
It will oversee the setting up of a sufficient number of shelters for stray dogs, formation of squads for Animal Birth Control-related measures and the possibility of legal action against those who hamper these activities
Kerala CM Seeks NH66 Safety Audit, Writes To Gadkari After Thrissur Crash
Satheesan said that during the construction phase, thousands of people are compelled to travel daily through temporary diversions, narrow carriageways, unfinished stretches, and construction zones.
Keralam to hold review meeting to assess road safety
The meeting,to be chaired by Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer,will review in detail the causes of accidents on major roads andthenational highways in State
MYL Kozhikode district conference from September 9 to 11
Anchored by the central slogan Youths Correction in Times of Injustice, the three-day event, Insaaf Bagh, will feature leadership camps, delegate sessions, panel interactions, and cultural presentations.
State capex utilisation rises to three-year high in April-July of FY27
Twenty-two states utilised 16.11 per cent of their combined budgeted capex in April-July FY27, the highest rate in three years, with Kerala leading at 42.36 per cent
Kerala Cricket League | Thrissur Titans brave youth policy pays off
V. B. Binu elected president of Kottayam Public Library
Kerala High Court lawyers step in to pay MVD fine on flood-rescue vehicle in Keralams Aranmula
Abin Varkey, MLA, reiterates his criticism of the MVD, calling its decision to penalise a vehicle engaged in flood-rescue operations inappropriate and insensitive to the circumstances
Literature empowers society to question established norms, says Kanimozhi Karunanidhi
Medical college students in Kozhikode seek better hostel facilities
Students stage token protest on the campus, demanding that steps be taken to open the new hostel buildings whose construction has already been completed
Keralam to strengthen grassroots measures against human-wildlife conflict
Standing panels to monitor activities in affected local bodies.
2,799 booked for drunk driving in Keralam; licenses of 884 recommended for cancellation
Highway patrol units across the State have been instructed to continue regular inspections in the coming days and take stringent action against repeat offenders
Keralam CM V.D. Satheesan writes to Centre to hold a detailed review of safety measures on NH 66
V.D. Satheesan urges Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to carry out an urgent review of safety measures on NH-66. He calls for enhanced traffic management, effective signage, and strict regulations against illegal parking.
Strengthening women legislators benefits democracy: LS Speaker Om Birla
Digital Desk | Faridabad, Sep 7 (IANS) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Monday that every effort that strengthens the capabilities of women legislators contributes directly to improving the quality of democracy. Speaking at a two-day Capacity Building Workshop on Gender Responsive Governance for Women Legislators under the National Commission for Womens She is a Changemaker initiative in Faridabad, Birla encouraged women legislators to deepen their understanding of parliamentary processes, policy, legislation and budgets. The Lok Sabha Speaker called upon women legislators to make their public service a means of strengthening inclusive governance and to use their positions to shape the future of their states and the nation. He also emphasised the importance of dialogue, participation and trust in a democracy. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar highlighted that the programme has brought together more than 100 women legislators, including MLAs and MLCs from across the country, providing a national platform for dialogue, experience-sharing and capacity building. She said that women legislators were not only representatives of their constituencies but also powerful voices for education, health, economy, technology, security and good governance. Rahatkar emphasised that womens political participation brings a distinct perspective to governance and that their leadership can inspire wider social change. She urged the participating legislators to use their constitutional authority and public platforms to become voices for the aspirations of millions of women and to ensure that women in their constituencies are aware of their rights and able to access the benefits of government schemes. The first day of the workshop featured four technical sessions focused on leadership, legislative functioning, public policy and gender-responsive governance, said an official statement. The sessions provided women legislators with practical insights and opportunities to exchange experiences and best practices in public leadership and governance, it said. Through such capacity-building initiatives, the NCW seeks to strengthen the capabilities of women legislators, enabling them to contribute more effectively to policymaking, governance and public service, while advancing meaningful and sustained womens leadership in public life. Those present at the inauguration of the workshop included Surama Padhy, Speaker, Odisha Legislative Assembly; Laxmi Rajwade, Minister of WCD, Chhattisgarh; Bindhu Krishna, Minister of WCD, Kerala; K. A. Thulasi, Minister, SC, ST and OBC, Kerala; Rajesh Nagar, Minister of Food & Civil Supplies, Haryana; Kalita Majhi, Minister of State, Department of Housing, West Bengal; and Sudeep Jain, Member Secretary, NCW, the statement said.
KAU Assistant Professor Recruitment 2026 - Walkin
Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for 1 Assistant Professor post. Eligible candidates can attend the walk-in interview on 23-09-2026 at the designated venue. The detailed notification is available on the official website, Kerala Agricultural University.
Frequent power disruptions affect residents of Vyttila, trigger protests
Residents of Vyttila Janatha and Ponnurunni divisions have been at the receiving end with frequent disruptions in power supply at the night since August 1
Double whammy for CPI-M's Ragesh as Kannur University drops wife Priya's defence
Kannur (Kerala), Sep 7 (IANS) CPI-M Kannur's district Secretary K.K. Ragesh is facing a fresh political and legal challenge, with Kannur University set to reverse its stand in the Supreme Court on the controversial appointment of his wife, Priya Varghese, as Associate Professor. The university has changed its counsel ahead of the Supreme Court hearing on Tuesday and is expected to inform the court that Varghese does not possess the qualifications required for the post. The move marks a dramatic departure from the universitys earlier stand that her appointment was entirely legal and that she possessed the required teaching experience. The university has appointed advocate P.S. Zulfiqar Ali, the state governments new standing counsel in the Supreme Court, to represent it in the case. Until now, the university had been represented by advocate K.R. Subhash Chandran, a former SFI leader and an active functionary of the CPI-M's lawyers organisation. Ragesh and Subhash Chandran were SFI colleagues during the same period. The sudden change comes at a particularly difficult time for Ragesh, who has already come under attack from within the CPI-M in Kannur following an extraordinary challenge to the party establishment by rebel MLA T.K. Govindan. Govindan, a former top CPI-M leader in Kannur, defied the party line just ahead of the Assembly elections by contesting the Thaliparambu seat against P.K. Shyamala, wife of CPI-M state Secretary M.V. Govindan. Shyamalas defeat in what had long been considered a CPI-M citadel sent shockwaves through the party. At a public party meeting, Ragesh had described Govindan as a Brutus. Govindan subsequently hit back, questioning Rageshs meteoric rise within the party and calling for a probe into his assets. He noted that Ragesh entered political life while working as a plumber and electrician, but subsequently rose to become a Rajya Sabha member, private secretary to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and, eventually, CPI-M Kannur district Secretary. With the university now preparing to abandon its earlier defence of Varghese's appointment, the issue has acquired a new political dimension. The Kerala High Courts single bench and the UGC had earlier raised questions over her research and teaching experience, while the university and the previous Left government had continued to defend her appointment. The fresh stand by Kannur University could therefore prove decisive in the Supreme Court case and leave Ragesh facing pressure on two fronts, the political challenge from within Kannur CPI-M and the legal uncertainty surrounding his wifes appointment.
KUHS MBBS Result 2026 Out - Check Part 1 Result Online @ kuhs.ac.in
Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) has released the fresh valuation result for Second Professional MBBS Degree Part I Examinations (2019 scheme), December 2025, updated on 7 September 2026. Get the official result link.
E. coli presence in bottled water in Keralams Kochi points at need to ensure water traceability
Kochi Corporation moots making it mandatory for hotels to use only Kerala Water Authority water, which would help ensure use of safe water and enable traceability
In the 76-member council, now reduced to 75 following the vacancy in Ayyappankkavu, the UDF commands the support of 47 members, including an independent. The main Opposition LDF remains restricted to 22, while the BJP holds six seats
If you miss this flower bloom in Kerala, you may have to wait till 2038
If you miss this flower bloom in Kerala you may have to wait till
Kerala Congress Directs MLA to Distance from Controversial Ally
The Kerala Congress has decided against disciplinary action against MLA Ramya Haridas but aims to separate her from controversial ally Palayam Pradeep to resolve internal disputes. Kerala Congress Directs MLA to Distance from Controversial Ally
Main agenda of meeting is to discuss the debacle of LDF and CPI(M) in Assembly elections and devise ways to rejuvenate cadre
The adjournment followed a plea by the accused seeking suspension of proceedings until the Kerala High Court considers their request to stay trial court proceedings on September 8
Air India Express flight returned to Kochi after engine oil pressure warning: Airline
Air India Express flight returned to Kochi after engine oil pressure warning: Airline New Delhi: An Air India Express aircraft, flying from the Cochin International Airport to Abu Dhabi, returned to the Kerala airport in line with established safety protocols after a problem was detected, the airline clarified on Monday. Boeing 737 flight IX 415 [] The post Air India Express flight returned to Kochi after engine oil pressure warning: Airline appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Kerala PSC Final Answer Key 2026 Out - Download LGS, LDC
Download the Kerala PSC Final Answer Key 2026 for Last Grade Servants, Storeman & LDC (423/2025), exam code 073/2026, held 1 Aug 2026. Check deleted questions and direct PDF links for Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada mediums.
Who is Athira Suresh, the NIT Calicut grad who left ExxonMobil for the Indian Army?
Lieutenant Athira Suresh from Kozhikode, Kerala, was commissioned into the Indian Army on September 5, 2026, after leaving her job as a Project Controls Engineer at ExxonMobil. A Civil Engineering graduate from NIT Calicut, she joins a family with three generations of military service. She trained at OTA Gaya's SSC Technical (Women) course, part of a passing-out parade that commissioned 595 new officers across two academies that day.
Police Investigate Migrant Worker in Kerala Double Homicide Case
In Kerala, police focus on a migrant worker suspected of murdering his wife and daughter, with bodies found near the Bhavani River. Police Investigate Migrant Worker in Kerala Double Homicide Case
K. Achuthan, senior Congress leader and former Chittur MLA in Keralam, dies
He represented Chittur in the Kerala Assembly from 1996 to 2016.
Thrissur accident that killed 8 T.N. students: Forensic surgeon indicates possible alcohol use
Preliminary post-mortem findings suggest the victims may have consumed alcohol; samples sent for detailed lab tests
Who is Udit Narayan-like voice Nisar Wayanad, who died in Dubai hours before Ajman show?
Nisar was best known for a voice similar to award-winning Bollywood singer Udit Narayan's and was popularly known by his stage name that included the name of the district, Wayanad, in Kerala, where he hailed from.
Ansiba had approached High Courtchallenging an order of Magistrate Court, which had refused to register a case based on her complaint against a video allegedly containing sexually coloured and defamatory statements regarding her
Above-Normal Heat Drives Power Demand in Keralam; Curbs Possible
The relatively high temperatures have led to a significant increase in electricity consumption in the state compared to previous periods, according to the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB)
Kerala: Congress moves to close Chirayinkeezhu clash chapter, woman MLA escapes action
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 7 (IANS) The Congress's Kerala leadership has decided against taking disciplinary action against Chirayinkeezhu MLA Ramya Haridas over the ugly factional clash that has embarrassed the party, opting instead for a compromise formula that seeks to remove her controversial aide Palayam Pradeep from the equation. The state Congress unit is expected to issue a clear directive to Haridas to stop using Pradeep as her aide and completely distance him from her political activities in the constituency. The move follows widespread complaints from local Congress leaders that Pradeep, who has been a constant presence alongside the MLA, was interfering excessively in party affairs and had become the principal source of friction within the constituency unit. The decision was taken after Haridas spoke to party General Secretary, Organisation, K.C. Venugopal. Venugopal is understood to have advised the MLA to work in coordination with the local Congress leadership and avoid factionalism. Following the meeting, the leadership decided that the issue should not be allowed to escalate further and that an attempt should instead be made to settle the dispute. The development comes a day after the state Congress initiated disciplinary proceedings over the physical confrontation involving Ramya's aide and local Congress leaders. Pradeep and S. Sajad, Vice President of the Congress Koothalloor Mandalam, were suspended from the party's primary membership based on the preliminary report of the party inquiry committee, which had examined complaints and counter-complaints from both sides. Sajad Muttappalam, a district panchayat member, and other local leaders had alleged that Pradeep's constant intervention in constituency-level party affairs had triggered resentment. They complained that his presence at party meetings and public programmes had gone beyond the role of an aide. The opposing side, however, alleged that a group including Haridas and Pradeep had gone to Muttappalam's residence late at night, leading to a confrontation and physical assault. Haridas and Pradeep, in their counter-complaint, alleged that Muttappalam had called them to his house and assaulted them. The party inquiry committee recorded the statements of six DCC office bearers from Chirayinkeezhu and two block Congress presidents before submitting its preliminary report. The party leadership subsequently acted against representatives of both sides, citing the damage caused to the party's image. State Congress President Sunny Joseph and senior leader K. Muraleedharan had publicly expressed displeasure over the incidents, describing them as a source of embarrassment for the party. With the leadership now keen to draw a line under the controversy, no further action is currently expected against Haridas or the other side. The strategy now appears clear: reprimand the MLA, remove the flashpoint around her, bring the rival factions together, and close a chapter that has already caused considerable embarrassment to the Congress.
CMD Kerala Green Marshal Recruitment 2026 Notification Out - Apply Online for 162 Posts
Centre for Management Development Kerala (CMD Kerala) has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for Green Marshal posts. A total of 162 vacancies have been announced under this recruitment drive. The online application process will be conducted from 5 September 2026 to 11 September 2026. Interested candidates can apply online through the official website, cmd.kerala.gov.in.
National-Award Winning Filmmaker R Sarath Passes Away
Sarath, who made a mark in Malayalam cinema as a director, screenwriter and storyteller, was also known for his contributions to Keralam's social and cultural life
Bharat Jodo Yatra One of 'Strongest Political Movements' in India: CM Satheesan
He said that he considered being a part of the yatra in Keralam and outside the state, as one of the best experiences of his political life
Kerala PG Dental MDS 2026 First Phase Allotment List Out - Check List Online at cee.kerala.gov.in
Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE) Kerala has released the Kerala PG Dental MDS 2026 first phase centralised allotment list on September 5, 2026 at cee.kerala.gov.in. Check allotment status, required documents, and the admission deadline of September 11 in this complete guide.
Award-winning Keralam filmmaker R. Sarath passes away
He is known for his contemplative cinema that expressed environmental concerns
Veteran Keralam cinematographer T.N. Krishnankutty dies
He worked in more than 70 films during his long career in Malayalam cinema
Dry spell pushes temperatures above normal at many places in Keralam
IMD issues heat alert warning of hot and humid conditions at isolated places in Keralam until September 8
Keralam gym trainer arrested for allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting minor
A special squad took the accused into custody at Atholi on Sunday and recorded his arrest under sections of POCSO Act
Above-normal temperatures push up power demand in Keralam; partial curbs possible
Power demand has increased across the country, resulting in reduced availability of electricity through the power exchange
Kochi Metros Pink Line stations to showcase Keralams cultural heritage
Each of the 11 stations on the Kakkanad extension will feature a distinct theme rooted in the States art and traditions. Themes range from cartoons and handloom to Kathakali, Kalaripayattu and Theyyam.
Keralam govt to decide on PM-SHRI scheme after cabinet panel report: Minister
Samsudheen said there were differences between the Centre and the State over the implementation of the scheme
Private bus operators threaten indefinite strike in Keralam
Say the recommendations of an expert committee appointed to address their concerns are inadequate
Four police officers in Kalady suspended for alleged custodial torture
The action followed a complaint by a taxi driver who alleged that the four officers brutally assaulted him after taking him into custody from his house on September 2 in connection with a case involving one of his friends.
Samastha EK faction slams Keralam CM for opposing Islamic cleric's remarks on women
Samastha EK faction slams Keralam CM for opposing Islamic clerics remarks on women
Suresh Gopi opens toll gates after seeing long queue of vehicles in Keralams Thrissur
According to the police, the Union Minister was travelling from Thrissur towards Ernakulam when he saw vehicles queued up for more than two kilometres on both sides of the toll plaza
Legal notice issued over alleged defamatory remarks against CPI, C. Achutha Menon
Zipline operator dies in accident at Ranipuram tourist spot in Keralams Kasaragod district
Duleep Trophy: Want to show leg-spinners can succeed in red-ball cricket, says Shreyas Gopal
Chennai, Sep 6 (IANS) Clocking 100 first-class appearances felt like a distant dream for Shreyas Gopal. But with that achieved via taking the field for the ongoing Duleep Trophy final, the Karnataka leg-spin bowling all-rounder said he is driven by an even larger mission: proving that leg-spinners still have a vital role to play in red-ball cricket. Gopal, along with veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami, completed the milestone of 100 First-Class matches during the ongoing Duleep Trophy final between South Zone and East Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here on Sunday. Definitely not, but everyone dreams of playing for the country, playing 100 First-Class games. Its a very special achievement and Im very grateful for this opportunity. Im very happy about this, Gopal told reporters at the end of day ones play. Gopals career has enjoyed a significant second wind since returning to Karnataka after playing for Kerala in 2024. In the previous Ranji Trophy season, he finished as the third-highest wicket-taker with 48 scalps alongside hitting five half-centuries with the bat. I put in a lot of work, especially on bowling. I was told that there are not too many leg-spinners who have played upwards of 30-50 games. I wanted to make a point to show that leg-spinners can play red-ball cricket and still be successful. I put a lot of work into my bowling. Batting was a little more gifted for me, in the sense that I grew up as a batsman so I had that natural ability to bat, but bowling took a lot. I bowled a lot of weeks, months and years, he added. According to Gopal, the primary shift in his bowling approach over recent seasons has been tactical rather than purely technical. Using the crease, understanding what situation it is and when to attack, when to defend. Most times it will come off, sometimes, like today, it is not going to come off. But as long as you go in with a plan, as long as you try and achieve something with a goal, it at least gives you a sense of direction. If you just go there without a plan, most times you are not going to be aware of whats going to hit you. With over a decade of experience of playing domestic cricket, Gopal, who ended up with 0-77 in 19 overs on day one, signed off by emphasising on the importance of emotional equilibrium through the unpredictable nature of the game. I think its very important to stay neutral, not get too carried away with success, and on days like today, not feel too terrible about it. There was a person who once told me that its harder to handle success than failure. When youre successful, you can get carried away a lot easier. When you dont get that success, you want to do so much better, so you try and work a lot harder. But its very important that you work as hard as when youre successful and when things are falling.
Wanted robber lands in police net after 25 years; Virudhunagar police trace accused in Keralam
Commission mandates senior officials to submit a detailed action taken report on the incident in which the MLA was involved in an altercation with fellow party workers within seven days of receiving the notice
Former panchayat member booked for allegedly hurting religious sentiments
The case was registered against the local Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader on a complaint by K.K. Biju, taluk secretary of Balagokulam.
Police officer suspended for mishandling case to favour accused in Keralams Thiruvananthapuram
The suspended officer was found not to have issued arrest intimations to relatives of the accused in a case that involved the assault of four minor children
Newly-wed couple found dead in Sasthamcotta Lake in Keralam
The couple had married four months ago after being in a relationship, despite strong opposition from both their families
Keralam likely to revise retirement age of judicial officers to 62 shortly
Supreme Court directs 21 States, including Keralam, to reconsider their decision against raising the retirement age or take appropriate decisions for the enhancement of retirement age in the judicial service to 62 years
Unsafe driving practices raise concerns on newly widened NH 66 in Kozhikode
Abrupt lane changing, indiscriminate overtaking and illegal parking pose a threat to road users. Enforcement agencies plan intensified checks using interceptor vehicles fitted with radar cameras.
Housing funds for SC/ST beneficiaries to be given directly: Minister
Government will not transfer housing allocation to the Life Mission, says Minister at launch of Bharatiya Dalit Congress 100-day outreach programme
Samastha mouthpiece lashes out at Keralam CM over Kanthapuram comments
Titled Speak respectfully, the editorial said that Mr.Satheesans comments are akin to a blind man describing an elephant
Web portal for real-time monitoring of road restoration works in Pathanamthitta
The portal has been designed to address the lack of a unified system to track the progress of works, from granting of administrative sanction to release of payments to contractors
50,000 MVD fine sparks fresh row, Aranmula MLA backs car owner
Abin Varkey has come out strongly in support of the vehicle owners, citing their role in the flood rescue operations in Aranmula. The MLA says the couple had voluntarily joined the rescue effort and used their car to evacuate several stranded residents for three days
