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No freebies, only long-term support for poll-bound states in Budget 2026

The Union budget prioritizes long-term growth for poll-bound states. New projects include rare earth mineral corridors in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. High-speed rail corridors will benefit Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Agriculture support targets coconut farmers in Kerala. Tourism development is a key focus with new circuits and destinations. Fisheries and women-led startups also receive attention.

The Economic Times 2 Feb 2026 12:01 am

Opposition-ruled South has reasons to cheer with higher tax share on its way

The 16th Finance Commission's recommendations will increase central tax devolution to southern states in 2026-27, with Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu set to receive thousands of crores more. While some states acknowledge the increase, Karnataka's Chief Minister expressed disappointment, citing a reduced share of divisible taxes.

The Economic Times 1 Feb 2026 10:05 pm

Union Budget 2026: A budget for difficult times

Budget 2026 sets the Centres capital expenditure target at 12.2 lakh crore, proposes dedicated rare earth corridors, construction of new national waterways and measures to improve industrial productivity; poll-bound States such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu find mention

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 9:45 pm

Youth held with 53.98 g of suspected MDMA

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 9:04 pm

Curtain comes down on 16th International Theatre Festival of Kerala

Eight-day festival featured 47 performances, including 8 international and 14 national productions

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 9:02 pm

KEAM 2026 registration deadline extended: Check the last date and direct link to apply here

Kerala CEE has extended the KEAM 2026 registration deadline to February 6, 2026, 5:00 PM. This applies to new applicants and those needing to complete their submissions. Key documents must also be uploaded by February 6th and 7th. Admit cards are expected April 1st. Further course additions will be enabled later.

The Times of India 1 Feb 2026 8:58 pm

Government to fix school staff strength based on students UID: Minister

Sivankutty says this is to curb fake admissions that cause major financial loss to the exchequer

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 8:54 pm

SSLC examinations to be held from March 5 to 30; results on May 8

The SSLC IT examinations will be held from February 2 to 13, while model examinations are scheduled from February 16 and 20

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 8:52 pm

Union Budget disappointing: K.N. Balagopal

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 8:44 pm

Left, Congress leaders slam Union Budget for ignoring Kerala

M.A. Baby says Union Budgetexposes blind commitment of Modi government to a few big corporate houses; M.V. Govindan calls it a declaration of war against Kerala; Chennithala terms Budget a complete disappointment

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 8:38 pm

Thrissur Collector Arjun Pandian wins ICDS Award

District bags 10 honours for exemplary child and women welfare initiatives under ICDS 202425

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 8:38 pm

Leaders from poll-bound Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu slam Union Budget, Assam CM welcomes it

While Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman did not make any big-ticket announcements for the poll-bound states in her Budget speech, there were proposals for high-speed rail links for Chennai, an ecologically-sustainable mountain trail at Podhigai Malai in the Western Ghats and a rare-earth minerals corridor in southern states.

The Economic Times 1 Feb 2026 8:28 pm

Budget prioritises building clean energy value chain with BCD exemptions, rare earths corridor

The Centre aims to support Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu for creating dedicated rare earth corridors to promote mining, processing, research and manufacturing

The Hindu Businessline 1 Feb 2026 8:19 pm

Ensure drinking water during summer: DDC

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 8:05 pm

Union Budget: Turtle trails to be developed along Karnataka coast

Sitharamans nineth budget speech promised a world-class development of turtle trail along coastal areas of Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 7:55 pm

Union Budget: hike in divisible tax pool to 2.38% brings relief to Kerala

However, 16th panel, headed by Arvind Panagariya, has decided not to recommend any revenue deficit grants to States

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 7:47 pm

Kerala for All conclave: A different viewpoint on travel

Tiffany Brar, a visually challenged person, mentions the challenges she faces while travelling in the country and the way technology can be used to improve the experience

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 7:37 pm

Chief Minister proposes multimodal cargo network with CIAL as primary hub

The Chief Minister stated that CIAL is striving to create a business environment favourable to the States economic growth beyond just functioning as an airport

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 7:22 pm

Kerala for All conclave: Tourist is no longer the king, environment is, says Jose Dominic

It must benefit the community it serves and fulfil a larger purpose, says founder of CGH Earth

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 7:21 pm

Union Budget: Kerala among States picked for Dedicated Rare Earth Corridor scheme

Proposal had featured high on Keralas Union Budget wish list and in the State Budget

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 7:14 pm

Kerala for All conclave: Accessibility should not be an afterthought, say experts

Empathy should be developed towards the differently abled from the school level itself by making it part of the curriculum, so that future innovators design solutions accessible to all, says Anoop P. Ambika, CEO, Kerala Startup Mission

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 6:48 pm

Astonishing In Election Year: Shashi Tharoor Says Kerala Neglected In Budget

Congress's Shashi Tharoor, who has been making headlines lately over what many see as his softened stance towards the NDA government, was extremely critical of the Union budget 2026 presented today by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

NDTV 1 Feb 2026 6:45 pm

Did 'Dhadak 2' director Shazia Iqbal call 'Dhurandhar' a sinister film?

Filmmaker Shazia Iqbal indirectly criticised Aditya Dhar's spy thriller 'Dhurandhar', calling it a sinister film with a roubling intent that incites hate and violence. She also targeted the teaser for 'The Kerala Story 2', highlighting concerns about propaganda and prejudice amplified by social media.

The Times of India 1 Feb 2026 6:43 pm

Mother, daughter killed in road accident

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 6:20 pm

Kerala for All conclave: Kerala best suited in India to build a new model for inclusive, accessible tourism, says Suman Billa

Time has now come to look at making a paradigm shift by creating destinations 100% disabled-friendly, says the additional director, Union Ministry of Tourism

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 6:08 pm

State working on comprehensive plan for gender-inclusive tourism

The real issue is that barriers are not properly understood and many of them could be addressed through simple design decisions, says Monolita Chatterjee, urban designer and architect

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 5:53 pm

RANJI TROPHY | Kerala finishes its disappointing season on a winning note

CRICKET | The visitor romps home past Goa by nine wickets with pacer Nidheesh ninth First Class five-for the cornerstone; the host avoids an innings defeat thanks to a resolute fifty from Misal and 60-run stand with Tendulkar for the ninth wicket

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 5:47 pm

'No Trust Left': Shashi Tharoor Slams LDF Govt In Kerala, Accuses BJP Of Communal Politics

Attacking LDF over corruption, Shashi Tharoor accused the BJP of playing communal politics in Kerala.

News18 1 Feb 2026 5:42 pm

Kerala for All conclave: Inclusive growth in key sectors will help hospitality segment, says Sminu Jindal

191.8 million people with reduced mobility are excluded from the mainstream due to accessibility issues, says the founder of Svayam, Indias leading accessibility organisation

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 5:37 pm

Union Budget 2026: States, UT going to polls this year get benefits

The central government has ensured all poll-bound states receive a substantial share in the Union Budget 2026-2027 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, February 1. This year, Assembly elections will be held in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and the Union Territory (UT) of Puducherry. Except for Assam, all other states are Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 1 Feb 2026 5:28 pm

Watch: 16th Finance Commission report tabled | Union Budget 2026

The Centres decision to retain States share in the common pool of taxes at 41% for 202631 has sparked criticism from opposition leaders. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Sixteenth Finance Commission report in the Lok Sabha on February 1, 2026, setting the framework for tax devolution between the Centre and States. Several States, including Karnataka and Kerala, had sought a higher 50% share, citing rising fiscal responsibilities.

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 5:18 pm

Seems to have missed the ball: Tharoors cricketing analogy to slam Budget

New Delhi, Feb 1 (PTI) Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday used a cricketing analogy to express his disappointment with the Union Budget, saying Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman seems to have missed the ball. In an interview with PTI at the news agencys headquarters, Tharoor said Sitharamans Budget speech seemed to have lots of subheadings but very few specifics, and was completely short of an overall vision. As a Kerala MP, Tharoor said, he had nothing to be happy about in this Budget. Tharoor asserted that the biggest unanswered question remains jobs, noting that there was little in the

The Sen Times 1 Feb 2026 5:12 pm

Its Very Disappointing: Shashi Tharoor Say Kerala Was Ignored In Budget 2026

Congress leaders Tharoor and Mather criticised the Union Budget for ignoring Kerala, lacking project details, and causing negative market reactions.

News18 1 Feb 2026 4:29 pm

Missed the Ball: Tharoor Uses Cricket Analogy to Attack Budget

Tharoor noted Kerala received little attention in the Budget, with key projects like the All India Institute of Medical Sciences still pending after years.

Deccan Chronicle 1 Feb 2026 4:10 pm

Union Budget disappoints Kerala; 16thFinance Commission raises States tax share

Rare earth corridor only major gain; key demandsremainunaddressed

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 4:01 pm

Rare Earth Corridors, Rail And Freight: Budget Takeaways For Poll-Bound States

The expected big-ticket announcements ahead of crucial elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Assam may not have happened, but the Union Budget 2026 still had several proposals targeted at these states.

NDTV 1 Feb 2026 3:46 pm

Jammu Kashmir, Other States to Get Eco-Friendly Mountain Trains

SRINAGAR: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the 2026 Budget, announced plans to develop ecologically sustainable mountain trains and hiking trails in key hill regions, including Jammu Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Araku Valley, and Pudigai Malai. The government will also introduce wildlife tourism trails, featuring turtle nesting routes in Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala, and []

KashmirLife 1 Feb 2026 3:40 pm

Kerala Lottery Result Today Live 1.2.2026: Samrudhi SM-40 Winning Numbers

Kerala Lottery Result Today Live Updates: Here's full list of winning numbers for Samrudhi SM-40 lottery draw for Sunday, February 1.

News18 1 Feb 2026 2:59 pm

Budget 2026: Whats In It For Poll-Bound West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam And Kerala

Sitharaman unveils Budget 2026 with high-speed rail for Bengal and Tamil Nadu, Buddhist circuits for Assam, Rare Earth Corridors, and SME Growth Fund to boost poll-bound states.

News18 1 Feb 2026 2:58 pm

Dedicated rare earth corridors in TN, Kerala, would promote mining: CII

The Union Budget 2026 proposal towards establishment of Rare Earth Corridors would help promote mining, processing, research and manufacturing and thus help build India's leadership in rare earth magnets

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 2:21 pm

Centre to Develop Mountain Trails in APs Araku Valley, J&K

Turtle trails along key nesting sites in the coastal areas of Odisha, Karnataka and Kerala; and Bird watching trails along the Pulikat lake in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu will also be developed

Deccan Chronicle 1 Feb 2026 1:12 pm

Kerala for All conclave: Accessible tourism no longer a niche segment but mainstream imperative, says Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan

Speaking after inaugurating Kerala for All conclave organised by Kerala Tourism and The Hindu Group in Kochi, Pinarayi Vijayan says Kerala is committed to setting a model for the country by learning from the global best practices while adapting them to local realities of State

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 1:03 pm

Union Budget 2026: Mountain, turtle, birdwatching trails to come up in Himachal, Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu

Three birdwatching trails along the Pulicat Lake in Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border will be developed

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 12:45 pm

Rare Earth Corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu

The proposed corridors will focus on strengthening domestic capabilities across the rare earth value chain, covering extraction, processing and manufacturing activities. The finance minister said the initiative aims to enhance domestic production and reduce import dependence.

Deccan Chronicle 1 Feb 2026 12:06 pm

Kerala for All conclave: Kerala is a fort against religious polarisation, says N. Ram

In his keynote address during the inauguration of Kerala for All conclave, N. Ram says inclusive and accessible tourism should be treated as a right of all tourists and not something that is given as charity or as a special privilege

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 12:05 pm

Budget 2026 bonus for Tamil Nadu: From rare earth corridor to high-speed rail, what Sitharaman proposed for the poll-bound state

Budget 2026: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27. The budget includes significant proposals for Tamil Nadu. Rare earth mineral corridors will be established in Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. Seven high-speed rail corridors are planned, including Hyderabad-Chennai. A coconut promotion scheme will boost production in key states. The minister wore a magenta Kanjeevaram saree.

The Economic Times 1 Feb 2026 12:05 pm

Odisha, Kerala, Andhra, Tamil Nadu to have dedicated rare earth corridors

The scheme aims to establish 6,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) of integrated REPM manufacturing capacity in India, covering the full chain from rare-earth oxides to finished magnets

The Hindu Businessline 1 Feb 2026 12:00 pm

Budget 2026: Odisha, T.N., Andhra, Kerala to get dedicated rare earth corridors to promote research and mining

Budget 2026: The move comes as India looks to reduce its dependence on China for rare-earth minerals. Two of the four states, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, are set to go to Assembly elections in 2026

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 11:55 am

Budget 2026: Odisha, Kerala, Andhra, Tamil Nadu to get dedicated rare earth corridors what it means

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed dedicated rare earth corridors in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala to boost domestic capabilities and reduce import dependence. The initiative, part of the 2026-27 Union Budget, aims to support mining, processing, and manufacturing of critical minerals essential for clean energy and defence.

The Times of India 1 Feb 2026 11:42 am

Budget 2026: GMDC shares rally 5% as FM Sitharaman announces rare earth corridor

GMDC and NMDC shares rose after the Budget 2026 announced a dedicated rare earths corridor aimed at building a complete critical minerals supply chain. With states like Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Kerala set to become key hubs, the move boosts long-term prospects for Indias rare earth and mining companies.

The Economic Times 1 Feb 2026 11:40 am

Budget 2026: Sitharaman pitches rare earth corridors in four states as India counters China supply risks

India is set to boost its rare earth capabilities. The government will support states like Odisha and Kerala to establish dedicated rare earth corridors. This move aims to reduce import dependence and build a complete domestic ecosystem. Initiatives include incentives for permanent magnet production and recycling of critical minerals.

The Economic Times 1 Feb 2026 11:23 am

Sitharaman Announces Rare Earth Corridors In 4 States, Including Tamil Nadu

Taking a big step to reduce India's dependence on China for rare earths, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that dedicated corridors will be set up for the minerals in four states - Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

NDTV 1 Feb 2026 11:19 am

Kerala Minister Slams The Kerala Story Sequel Teaser as Propaganda

Kerala Culture Minister Saji Cherian criticises the teaser of The Kerala Story 2, alleging it promotes communal polarisation and undermines the states secular fabric.

Web Dunia 1 Feb 2026 11:10 am

'Aimed at political gain': Kerala minister slams 'Kerala Story 2'

Saji Cherian, the Kerala Minister for Culture, has slammed the teaser of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond.

NewsBytes 1 Feb 2026 10:50 am

Kerala for All conclave Day 2: Final day to deliberate on future of Kerala tourism

Day Two brings policymakers, administrators, practitioners and industry leaders together to outline pathways to embed inclusive thinking into the future of Keralas tourism landscape

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 9:55 am

Union Budget 2026-27: Centre must fulfil promises to Kerala, including AIIMS, says Tharoor

The Congress MP also said unemployment was another major concern facing the country and hoped the budget would include measures to tackle it.

The Hindu 1 Feb 2026 9:26 am

'Prakambanam' BO day 2: Sagar Surya film mints Rs 1.43 crores

Horror-comedy 'Prakambanam' is making waves at the box office, showing a significant jump on its second day with Rs 90 lakhs collected in Kerala. The film, starring Ganapathi and Sagar Surya, has garnered positive reviews for its blend of humor and scares, following three college friends whose lives take a chaotic turn. Worldwide gross now stands at Rs 1.43 crores.

The Times of India 1 Feb 2026 7:17 am

'VVK' BO day 2: Jeethu Joseph film mints Rs 2.75 crores

Biju Menon and Joju George's 'Valathu Vasathe Kallan' is showing steady box office growth, collecting Rs 1.2 crores on its second day in Kerala. The film has garnered Rs 2.75 crores worldwide in its opening two days. Audiences are particularly enjoying the engaging first half and its emotional twists, despite some noting a lack of intense thriller elements.

The Times of India 1 Feb 2026 6:44 am

Kerala Kumbh Mela draws lakhs of devotees every day

THIRUNAVAYA, Jan 31 : The Mahamagha Mahotsavam, which is described as the Kumbh Mela of Kerala, being held on the banks of Bharathapuzha (Nila river) at Thirunavaya in Malappuram, has been drawing lakhs of devotees since it began on January 18. Organizers say more than three-and-a-half lakh people are participating in the Kumbh Mela every day. Rajesh Verma of the Mohanji Foundation, which is coordinating the event, said more people are expected to attend as the event enters its final [] The post Kerala Kumbh Mela draws lakhs of devotees every day appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 1 Feb 2026 4:28 am

Tharoor signals active involvement in UDFs Assembly campaignafter meeting Kerala Opposition leader

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan calls on Mr. Tharoor at the latters house in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday

The Hindu 31 Jan 2026 10:26 pm

Kerala for All: Final day of conclave to deliberate on shaping the future of Kerala tourism

Day two of Kerala for All to focus on governance, innovation, and implementation, bringing policymakers and industry leaders together to embed inclusivity into Keralas tourism future

The Hindu 31 Jan 2026 10:18 pm

Congress not against high-speed rail project, says Satheesan

The Leader of the Opposition said the project must be environmentally sustainable and financially viable for Kerala

The Hindu 31 Jan 2026 8:38 pm

Government in the process of developing a NoRKApolice station: Kerala Chief Minister

Speaking at the valedictory session of the fifth Loka Kerala Sabha, Pinarayi Vijayan criticises Union government for its serious inaction in introducing the draft Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill in Parliament

The Hindu 31 Jan 2026 8:24 pm

Kerala for All conclave: States political legacy will not allow curbs on people, says expert

The latest social media-fuelled tourism, especially Insta tourism, triggers mass movement of people to one place or another destination for a certain period, leaving an impact on the environment and ecology around the destinations, says D. Dhanuraj, Founder-Chairman of CPPR

The Hindu 31 Jan 2026 8:03 pm

Kerala for All conclave: Design public spaces to ensure access for all, says Manoj Kumar Kini

We cannot merely emulate urban design models from developed countries and need to evolve a model suited to our own context, says Biju Kuriakose, co-founder of architectureRED

The Hindu 31 Jan 2026 7:58 pm

Expectations from Union Budget run high in poll-bound Kerala

The report of the 16th Finance Commission, likely to be tabled in Parliament, pushes up expectations as the State is anticipating a better deal than it received under the 15th panel. In January, Kerala had presented a hefty wish list to the Union Minister, which included a 21,000-crore special fiscal correction package assistance for establishing a Defence R&D Corridor and a Rare Earth Corridor and an an additional borrowing space of 0.5% of Gross State Domestic product

The Hindu 31 Jan 2026 7:52 pm

Kerala SIR: LDF to take out march to CEO office on February 2 over anomalies

LDF convener says that there have been allegations that the SIR was an attempt to indirectly prepare a National Population Register

The Hindu 31 Jan 2026 7:50 pm

Kerala for All conclave: Experts flag lack of empathy, continuous education of architects as key barriers to universal accessibility

Flagging absence of proper dissemination of information, expert says only a small percentage of architects are aware that building designs must incorporate accessibility standards

The Hindu 31 Jan 2026 7:26 pm

Kerala for All conclave: Kerala rides the Responsible Tourism wave

The project to develop community-based tourism activities that offer an engaging experience for tourists has become a huge success story in tourism over the years, says Rupeshkumar, chief executive officer, Kerala RT Mission Society

The Hindu 31 Jan 2026 7:14 pm

CIAL highlights Kochis strategic importance in trade and air cargo ecosystem

Dhaval Raut of KPMG noted that Kochi accounts for nearly 60% of Keralas air cargo movement, with perishables forming a major share, underscoring the need for robust cold-chain and time-sensitive logistics infrastructure

The Hindu Businessline 31 Jan 2026 6:55 pm

Kerala for All conclave: Many inclusive tourism initiatives lack the queer factor, says Keshav Suri

Akash Hingorani, Principal Architect at Oasis Designs, expresses concern over most Indian cities still grappling with shortage of inclusively designed public spaces

The Hindu 31 Jan 2026 6:43 pm

Realtor Roys death: Kerala ruling front and opposition demand transparent investigation

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan demanded a fair and transparent enquiry into Mr. Joys death. Industries Minister P. Rajeeve said Mr. Roys death during an Income Tax raid was shocking and had a chilling effect on the business sector in Kerala

The Hindu 31 Jan 2026 6:38 pm

Kerala for All conclave: Attitudes, not infrastructure, are the real barrier to accessibility, says Paralympian Ekta Bhyan

Joby Mathew, Indian para-athlete and champion arm wrestler from Kerala, highlights how lack of access to public spaces impedes his daily life despite his sporting achievements

The Hindu 31 Jan 2026 6:00 pm