Study on Keralam ELSA-3 shipwreck shows persistent nurdle pollution, evolving ecological impacts
In the aftermath of the May 2025 accident, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) initiated short term (rapid) and long term (two years) impact assessment studies through Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute (SDMRI) in Thoothukudi.
Justice C.S. Dias directs Chottanikkara Judicial First Class Magistrate court to start proceedings from September 22 and dispose of the matter within six months
Keralas Reimagining Keralam to chart roadmap for 73 major projects
More than 40 government departments and agencies will participate in discussions to determine project ownership, resources, funding and implementation strategies
Keralam power crisis: KSEB invites bids for power supply for next three months
Electricity board floats tender to procure 300 MW to 800 MW to meet power demand from October to December this year
Keralam social worker Mavoorus Maliyekkal dies
Fire breaks out at automobile service centre in Keralams Kochi; none injured
The blaze broke out when workers were uninstalling steel frames of the facility as part of relocation
Kerala to launch three-day conference on 73 development projects
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Crime Branch vs Kerala PSC: Who will blink first in probe into irregularities?
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 15 (IANS) The standoff between the Crime Branch and the Kerala Public Service Commission over the questioning of its members in the Planning Board examination irregularities case is set to intensify, with the investigating agency refusing to yield and preparing to ask the members to appear before it for questioning. Sources familiar with the developments said the Crime Branch is all set to write to the PSC members, making it clear that they will have to come to the Crime Branch headquarters to give their statements. The move comes after the PSC conveyed that its members would not appear at the Crime Branch office and that they were willing to cooperate if the investigators came to the PSC headquarters instead. The emerging confrontation is now turning into a test of authority between a constitutional recruitment body and a criminal investigation agency. The Crime Branch is understood to be of the view that the constitutional status of the PSC does not confer any special protection on its chairman or members from being questioned in a criminal investigation. The agency is also maintaining that proceedings before a Legislative Assembly committee and a criminal investigation are entirely different and cannot be equated. The PSC, however, has relied on its constitutional status and protocol to resist the summons. The Commission had earlier taken a similar stand when its secretary was summoned by the Assembly Petitions Committee. The High Court had subsequently ruled that the secretary need not appear, taking into account the constitutional status of the PSC. The Crime Branch is not treating that order as a bar to its investigation. The agency has already registered a case over the alleged irregularities in the Planning Board recruitment examination, though no one has so far been named as an accused. The SIT headed by IG Ajitha Beegam has been examining the role of PSC officials and members in the controversial examination and selection process. The questioning of the Commission members is being viewed as a crucial next step. The investigators had initially decided to question the members involved in the process and subsequently record the statement of PSC Chairman M.R. Baiju, who had personally conducted the interview for the post. The Crime Branch has already identified serious lapses in the evaluation process and sought action against officials found responsible. It has also sought a review of two appointments made on the basis of the controversial examination. With the PSC refusing to come to the Crime Branch headquarters and the agency preparing to reiterate its demand, the immediate question is who will blink first. The dispute could ultimately move into the legal arena if the two sides fail to resolve the issue. For the Crime Branch, allowing the PSC's position to prevail could complicate the investigation into the examination irregularities. For the PSC, appearing before the police could set a precedent concerning the manner in which members of a constitutional body are questioned. As the clock ticks, the next communication from the Crime Branch to the PSC members could, therefore, determine whether the confrontation ends in compliance, negotiation or a fresh legal battle.
Kochi to host Keralams c0c0n 2026cybersecurity conference in October
Organised by Kerala Police, the event will bring together cybersecurityprofessionals, government and lawenforcement agencies, industry leaders, researchers, technologyexperts, academicians and students
Keralam elderly welfare: Govt sets up CM-led council to coordinate, monitor activities
14-member governing council will ensure the welfare of the elderly, their safety, health care, social participation, mental health, and financial security
Kerala Woman Vlogger Says Solo Trip Led to Arrest Threat In Afghanistan
A Keralite woman travel vlogger, who had earlier claimed that she was arrested by the Mujahideen in Afghanistan, has now said that local authorities threatened to arrest her in Bamyan.
Only 250 institutions in Keralam hold Eat Right Campus certification; validity of 204 expires
An initiative of FSSAI, Eat Right Campus project aims at ensuring safe, healthy and sustainable food on campuses and reducing incidences of food-borne illnesses, deficiency diseases and non-communicable diseases
Power crisis puts Satheesan govt under pressure; Oppn mounts attack
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 15 (IANS) The power crisis is fast emerging as the first major political and administrative challenge for the V.D. Satheesan government, with the Left Opposition stepping up its attack over the continuing power cuts and contrasting the situation with the previous decade when Kerala had largely remained free of scheduled power restrictions. Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph's admission on Tuesday that no final decision has been taken on buying power from NTPC at around Rs 30 a unit has added to the uncertainty. The minister said such high-cost procurement would impose a huge financial burden on the state and would require Cabinet approval. He also declined to say how long the current power cuts would continue, saying the government was trying all possible options to resolve the crisis at the earliest. The CPI(M) led Left is using the shortage to portray the new government as incapable of managing the power sector, pointing out that routine cuts had virtually disappeared during the 10 years of the Pinarayi Vijayan government. The political challenge for the Satheesan government is that consumers, rather than statistics on power availability, are now directly experiencing the impact of the shortage. But power sector experts argue that the present crisis cannot be viewed merely as a failure to procure enough electricity at short notice. Engineering physicist and power sector expert K.S. Manoj said the shortage exposed a deeper vulnerability in Kerala's power system, its dependence on external power, volatile procurement costs and the absence of sufficiently strong long-term planning. The immediate question is the cost of keeping the system running. If 300 MW were to be purchased continuously at Rs 30 per unit, the power bill alone would work out to about Rs 2.16 crore a day, or nearly Rs 65 crore for 30 days. The actual financial impact, however, would depend on the quantity procured, duration and contractual terms, said Manoj. He said that KSEB needed a full-time professional Chairman and Managing Director with expertise in power-system management. He says the issue should not become an IAS-versus-technocrat debate, but that whoever heads the utility should have the technical competence, managerial ability, accountability and continuity needed to handle decisions involving power procurement, generation, transmission and electricity markets. The crisis has also revived questions over Kerala's long-term power strategy. The state needs an integrated 15-20 year plan covering demand growth, hydropower availability, renewable energy, electric vehicles, energy storage and the possibility of national-level power shortages. The focus, the expert says, should shift from merely adding installed capacity to ensuring firm and flexible power during periods of peak demand. Hydro and pumped-storage potential, battery storage, renewable generation, demand response and a diversified procurement portfolio would have to form part of such a strategy. The present crisis is also likely to bring earlier long-term power purchase agreements under renewed scrutiny. Such agreements, the expert argues, should be assessed through an independent technical and financial review rather than through political blame. For the Satheesan government, however, the immediate political reality is more pressing. Until supply stabilises, the Opposition is likely to keep presenting the power cuts as evidence of administrative failure, while the government will have to explain why a state that went through a decade with virtually no routine cuts is now facing a shortage severe enough to consider buying power at an exceptionally high price. The real test, therefore, is not merely how the government gets Kerala through the present shortage, but whether it can prevent the cycle of shortage, emergency procurement, high costs and renewed shortage from becoming a recurring feature of the state's power sector.
Kerala vlogger on solo trip to Afghanistan faced arrest
A Keralite woman travel vlogger, Arunima, faced threats of arrest in Bamyan, Afghanistan, for violating local laws that prohibit women from travelling alone. She recounted being questioned by authorities and needing assistance to proceed, highlighting the challenges faced by solo female travellers in the region.
Meta Blocks Viral AI-Generated Dance Video of Kerala Leader VD Satheesan in India
Kerala gold trade sector pins hopes on proposed jewellery park
Association asks Centre to cut gold import duty to 6%, citing smuggling and a weak rupee
New Revelations in CMRL-Exalogic Case Spark Political Turmoil in Kerala
Allegations of money laundering linked to former Kerala CMs family intensify political tensions ahead of CPI(M) conference. New Revelations in CMRL-Exalogic Case Spark Political Turmoil in Kerala
Hindu Festivals Draw Controversy Over Krishna-Chicken Ads
A controversy in Kerala has brought the sensitive question of religious imagery in commercial advertising into sharp focus after restaurant promotions featuring Lord Krishna alongside chicken and other non-vegetarian dishes surfaced online. The visuals, circulated around Lord Vishnu, triggered strong reactions from sections of the Hindu community, who argued that using revered deities to promote [] The post Hindu Festivals Draw Controversy Over Krishna-Chicken Ads appeared first on Tfipost.com .
The directive, issued based on monitoring of the States public distribution system, will affect 5,370 Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) card holders(6,401 beneficiaries)and 38,909 Priority Household (PHH) card holders(60,300 beneficiaries)
Keralam Exploring All Options to Tackle Power Crisis: Minister Sunny Joseph
Joseph said purchasing power from NTPC could place a significant financial burden on the state and would require Cabinet approval
Theft reported at Keralam MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadans under-construction house; police launch probe
Case filed based on complaint that electrical wires worth 50,000 reportedly stolen from Kuzhalnadans property
CPI(M) leader Mohamed Riyas rejects hawala allegations against wife and Pinarayis daughter T. Veena
Riyas says the 'scribblings' found by ED during its probe into CMRL-Exalogic pay-off case were related to a future business endeavour Veena was planning
Pinarayi Vijayan era under fire as CPI(M) meet on Kerala poll debacle reaches its sharpest point
Digital Desk | Kozhikode, Sep 15 (IANS) The CPI(M)s extended state committee meeting entered its concluding day on Tuesday with the party facing an unusually open and sharp internal questioning of the leadership style that has dominated Kerala for nearly three decades, with former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan clearly at the centre of the criticism. The three-day meeting, convened to review the Lefts crushing electoral defeat, has witnessed an unprecedented degree of criticism from district committees and delegates. Much of it has been directed, directly or indirectly, at the style of functioning that evolved around Vijayan, who first became state secretary in 1998 and remained in that position until 2014 before serving as Chief Minister from 2016 to 2026. The Kollam district committee reportedly bluntly linked the decline of communist parties elsewhere in the world to the arrogance of their leaders, while the Kannur committee said the decade of LDF rule had weakened the organisation. The 2026 Assembly election campaign claims that there was no alternative to the LDF, was also criticised as having worked against the party. The criticism assumes added significance because the Central Committee report itself had acknowledged serious organisational and political shortcomings. Delegates have demanded that the party should make its mistakes and the corrective measures it proposes to take clear to both the people and its cadre. Though Vijayan has not been the principal speaker in the discussions, the thrust of the criticism is unmistakably linked to the political style associated with him. State secretary M.V. Govindan has also come under criticism, particularly over the party organisation and its failure to arrest the electoral decline. All eyes are now on Govindans reply to the discussions. His response is expected to indicate how the state leadership intends to address the unusually candid criticism without allowing the debate to turn into an open leadership challenge. The political reality, however, appears to favour continuity. Despite the intensity of the criticism, there is little indication that the meeting is preparing the ground for an immediate change at the top. A dramatic leadership change involving either Vijayan or Govindan would require a major political intervention that does not appear imminent. For now, the focus is on whether Govindan can acknowledge the concerns raised by the delegates, defend the leadership where necessary and offer a credible course correction. The extended state committee will conclude with a massive public rally in Kozhikode in the evening. The party has claimed that over a lakh people will participate. The rally may provide the leadership an opportunity to project unity. But the debate inside the meeting has already ensured that the question of the Vijayan era and its legacy can no longer be kept outside the partys post-poll reckoning.
Kerala Vlogger Says She Escaped Arrest Threat in Afghanistan
The authorities in Bamyan told her that she had violated the law and would be arrested, the vlogger claimed
CMRL-Exalogic case: Reports say Veena's diary has 'hawala' details, Riyas trashes claims
Digital Desk | Kozhikode, Sep 15 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorates latest revelations in the CMRL-Exalogic case, that surfaced in the media on Tuesday, showing some purported documents allegedly containing pages of a diary linked to Veena Vijayan, rattled the CPI(M), which is holding a three-day convention in Kerala. The EDs 25-page communication to the State Police Chief, details of which were out in the media, on the concluding day of the three-day CPI(M) meeting, alleges that documents seized from the rented residence of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans daughter T. Veena contain evidence of money laundering and that hawala channels were used to transfer money abroad. The reports mentioned that the agency has also alleged that the former Minister and Veenas husband, P.A. Mohammed Riyas, had a role in the transactions. A 16-member WhatsApp group, comprising Riyass staff, friends and associates, was used in connection with hawala transactions. One number in the group was reportedly saved as Minister Riyas. The reports said that the agency has also purportedly identified a Koduvally native in the group whom it suspects of involvement in hawala operations. It is alleged that Veena and Riyas travelled together to Dubai, including in May 2024, as part of efforts to move money and establish a benami garment business in Veenas name. Notes allegedly written by Veena, seized during a May 27 raid at the residence in Thiruvananthapuram where she had stayed with Pinarayi Vijayan, have also been cited in the reports. The ED claims Veena acknowledged that she had written the notes, according to the reports. The disclosures could hardly have come at a more politically sensitive moment for the CPI(M). The extended state committee meeting was convened primarily to examine the Lefts crushing poll defeat and its drastic loss of political ground. The timing of the purported ED revelations has therefore added another layer of embarrassment to a party already under pressure to explain the electoral debacle. The mood was palpable on Tuesday morning when CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby and state Secretary M.V. Govindan emerged to proceed to the meeting venue. Both leaders maintained stoic silence when confronted with questions on the fresh allegations and walked away without responding. Riyas, however, launched an unusually sharp counterattack, dismissing the reports as a deliberately scripted campaign to tarnish his and his familys image. If this is important evidence, would it be released in this manner? he asked, rejecting as completely false propaganda the claim that Veena had admitted that the money involved was black money. Riyas said Veena had been questioned three times and that the ED had not asked her a single question about hawala transactions. He questioned the timing of the disclosures, pointing out that they emerged on the very day the CPI(M)s extended state committee meeting concluded. Describing the allegations as a precisely written script, Riyas said those behind it deserved the National Award for Best Screenplay. He maintained that he would fight the allegations legally and was not afraid. The EDs allegations and Riyass counterattack have now ensured that an issue the CPI(M) leadership may have hoped to keep outside the partys poll-debacle deliberations has become an unavoidable political talking point. More importantly, Riyas is a member of the power state secretariat committee, the crucial body of the state party unit.
Meet Agimol Pradeep, Indian-origin nurse who won $250,000 global nursing award
In a remarkable achievement, Indian-origin nurse Agimol Pradeep has clinched the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2026, celebrated for her impactful advocacy in organ and stem-cell donation. The $250,000 award will see half allocated to Upahaar's efforts in expanding organ donation initiatives. This recognition not only emphasizes the vital contributions of nurses to healthcare but also aligns with Kerala's efforts to bolster its nursing workforce amid persistent global shortages.
TN govt plans university for AI, quantum computing, other emerging technologies
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 15 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu Higher Education Department is preparing to establish a specialised university focusing on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, biotechnology, climate technology and space technology. The proposed Periyar Institute of Emerging Technology will initially function as an autonomous institute under Anna University. The university has been entrusted with preparing a detailed project report covering its academic structure, infrastructure, research priorities, funding requirements and international collaborations. The institute is expected to begin its first academic session within five months. The governments long-term plan is to transform it into an independent university with powers to award degrees and conduct advanced, application-oriented research. The proposed institution will collaborate with leading universities, research centres and industries in India and abroad. Anna University will coordinate the initial partnerships and design specialised degree programmes aligned with developments in advanced technologies. The institute will focus on building a pool of highly skilled graduates and researchers capable of contributing to emerging industrial and scientific sectors. Its academic programmes are expected to combine classroom learning with research, product development and industry-based applications. The Higher Education Department is simultaneously working to establish an institute of excellence dedicated to basic sciences. Legislation required for setting up the institution is likely to be introduced during the current academic year. Modelled on the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, the proposed institute will have degree-awarding powers and concentrate on postgraduate education, doctoral programmes and postdoctoral research. Its principal fields will include physics, chemistry, mathematics and computational biology. Tamil Nadu also plans to collaborate with internationally recognised research institutions to develop academic programmes and research facilities that meet global standards. Around 30 prominent institutions currently undertake basic science research across India. Tamil Nadu is expected to become the third state, after Kerala and Odisha, to establish a state-level research institute exclusively for basic sciences. Alongside these initiatives, the government has relaxed requirements for establishing private universities. The minimum land requirement has been reduced from 100 acres to 12 acres in Chennai and 18 acres in other municipal corporation areas. The mandatory endowment fund has also been lowered from Rs 50 crore to Rs 25 crore. The changes are intended to attract credible educational institutions, encourage investment and expand access to specialised higher education and research facilities across the state.
PIB Srinagar media delegation visits Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum
Chennai, Sep 14: A 13 member media delegation from Jammu and Kashmir, organised by Press Information Bureau (PIB), Srinagar, visited Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum at Muttukadu, Tamil Nadu, on Monday as part of press tour being conducted by PIB Srinagar from Sep 13 to 19. The delegation was briefed about the museum and its heritage structures by curator Lakuma Chebrolu. She explained the architectural features of the traditional homes preserved at the museum and provided information about the different regional styles represented there. The museum houses reconstructed traditional heritage homes from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. The delegation was informed that the houses were carefully dismantled and reconstructed at the site with the involvement of regional artisans and traditional master builders. The visiting media delegation also explored the traditional streetscapes and living environments recreated at the museum, providing an insight into the architectural and cultural traditions of the southern states. Sharath Nambiar, Director, Dakshina Chitra, interacted with the delegation and briefed them about the history of the museum and its role in preserving India's tangible and intangible cultural heritage. He also highlighted the support extended by the Government, particularly the Ministry of Culture, which provided land for the institution and continues to extend assistance from time to time. The visit provided the media delegation an opportunity to understand the preservation and presentation of traditional architecture, indigenous crafts and performing arts, and their relevance for contemporary audiences. Later the delegation also met Sanjay Ghosh, Deputy Director, CBFC Chennai. The delegation is led by Shahid Mohammad Lone, Field Publicity Officer (FPO), Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), serving as the Conducting Officer, with Ifham Ul Islam Information Assistant, PIB Srinagar accompanying the delegation. The media tour of Srinagar based journalists is also significant since Jammu and Kashmir and Tamil Nadu are states paired together under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB).
According to the law of this country, a woman cannot travel alone, the vlogger, who runs the Facebook page Backpacker Arunima, said in a fresh social media post. She added that she had earlier been denied a permit in Jalalabad because she was travelling alone
Kerala HC issues notice to Mani C. Kappan on petition seeking disqualification as Pala MLA
The matter will be considered again on September 22
The Liberian-flagged vessel owned by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) sank off the coast of Alappuzha in May 2025, reportedly causing substantial coastal and marine damage to the shores of Keralam and Tamil Nadu
Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim meets Keralam CM, leaves for Maldives
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan in Malappuram. They discussed strengthening Malaysia-India ties through economic cooperation and increased trade. Both leaders explored opportunities in digital economy, healthcare, and tourism sectors. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar also met the visiting Malaysian premier later. Ibrahim concluded his two-day Kerala visit before departing for the Maldives.
VD Satheesan AI dance video restricted by Meta in India after going viral
Meta restricted access in India to a viral AI-generated video showing Keralam Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan dancing with electricity board officials, following a notice from the Government of India. The video, created by aikavala on Instagram, amassed 1.78 crore views. Before the restriction, Chief Minister Satheesan had publicly acknowledged and appreciated the clip at a Kerala High Court eventThe creators announced the regional block after receiving a notification from Meta citing a government notice, though the exact reason from authorities has not been detailed.
Ms. Kurup had approached the court following alleged cyber attacks and death threats arising from a TV program she had hosted debating the remarks made by Sunni Muslim Scholar Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musaliyar about women
Poll debacle puts Kerala CPI-M leadership under scrutiny
Digital Desk | Kozhikode, Sep 14 (IANS) The CPI-M's three-day extended Kerala State Committee meeting has witnessed unusually sharp criticism and self-criticism of both the central and state leaderships following the partys electoral defeat, state Secretary M.V. Govindan openly acknowledged on Monday, signalling an intense internal effort to find a way out of the political and organisational crisis confronting the party. Govindan said the leadership was not surprised by the criticism and made it clear that even he had come under attack during the discussions. Asked about it, he said criticism was an essential part of party functioning. If there is no criticism against me, how can I be a party leader? If there is no criticism of me, then what kind of conference is this? All of us need to correct ourselves. Through such corrections, the party will become stronger, he said. The discussions are being held entirely behind closed doors among 307 delegates, essentially the top brass of the CPI-M in Kerala. Nineteen members had participated in the discussions by Monday, with the meeting specifically convened to undertake a self-critical assessment of the reasons for the election defeat. The discussions have also produced a series of proposals aimed at rebuilding the party and countering the growing influence of the RSS. The CPI-M has decided to develop a dedicated mobile app for party education and immediate clarification of doubts among workers. It has also decided to make party workers more active at places of worship and intervene to ensure that festivals and celebrations remain public practices rather than becoming platforms for the RSS. The party plans an in-depth study of the right-wing shift and intends to strengthen its presence in new media. The leadership has also acknowledged the growing disconnect between party workers and the people, with branch and area committees being asked to intervene more effectively in people's day-to-day issues. Govindan said the party would take stringent action against leaders involved in unauthorised accumulation of wealth. A suggestion has also emerged for a broad national alliance to resist the moves of central agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate. For the CPI-M, the three-day exercise marks an unusually serious attempt to respond to a defeat that has left the party searching for a way out of a difficult political situation. The meeting concludes on Tuesday. It remains to be seen whether the exercise will end with routine organisational conclusions or result in concrete changes in the partys leadership and functioning.
22nd Kerala state maxillofacial surgery conference set for Kovalam
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How the humble coir is transforming rural lives in India
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) India is the worlds largest producer of coir and accounts for more than 80 per cent of global coir fibre production, but the industry is also closely linked with women's livelihoods as they account for nearly 80 per cent of those engaged in fibre extraction and spinning. This makes coir an important rural livelihood sector -- connecting coconut farmers, workers, women artisans, cooperatives, entrepreneurs, manufacturers and exporters, according to a factsheet issued by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). What begins as coconut husk is becoming a source of enterprise and livelihood across Indias coconut-growing regions. The potential of coir extends well beyond the production of raw fibre. Through processing, design and innovation, coir can be transformed into a wide range of higher-value products, including mats, ropes, brushes and other household products, decorative items, handicrafts, and eco-friendly packaging solutions. The Central Coir Research Institute has developed eco-friendly coir rail wheel axle packaging cups as an alternative to HDPE plastic cups. Such innovations show how a traditional natural fibre can find applications in modern industries while supporting environmentally responsible production. With support from the MSME Ministry, particularly through the Coir Board and the Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), coir is becoming a pathway to self-employment, womens empowerment and local economic growth. In Kadiyam, East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, Allam Gowthamy transformed coconut fibre and coir waste into a successful enterprise. She received specialised training at the Coir Board Training Centre, Dhawaleswaram and established Adigo Coir Products in 202425 with a project cost of Rs 10 lakh, supported by a Rs 6.50 lakh bank loan and PMEGP assistance. The unit now produces eco-friendly doormats, ropes, decorative dolls, and handicrafts, the factsheet states. The enterprise has achieved an annual turnover of around Rs 35 lakh and a profit of approximately Rs 10 lakh, while generating direct employment for six women. But her impact extends beyond her own enterprise. She has trained nearly 120 women in coir mat weaving, rope making and handicraft production, helping them develop livelihood opportunities. Her success has also inspired around 5 additional coir units in nearby areas with the PMEGP. Another example of turning coir pith into an opportunity for sustainable agriculture is that of P. Surendran, who established Sampoorna Plus Agro Fertiliser Enterprises (SAFE) in Kerala's Kozhikode in November 2024. With training and technical support from the Coir Board, Kannur and Central Coir Research Institute (CCRI), Kalavoor, he began producing eco-friendly coir pith bio-fertilizer that improves soil fertility and moisture retention. In just one year, his enterprise has built a customer base of 500+, sold over 20 tonnes of bio-fertiliser, and generated a turnover of Rs 13 lakh, with a profit of Rs 4 lakh in FY 202425. The unit also employs five workers, including two women, creating local livelihood opportunities. From coir waste to a sustainable business, his journey shows how innovation and technical support can create new business opportunities from materials that might otherwise have limited economic value, the factsheet added.
Satheesan, Anwar Ibrahim discuss investment opportunities in Keralam
The meeting focused on expanding cooperation between Keralam and Malaysia in healthcare, tourism, trade, investment and education, and on identifying opportunities for Malaysian investment in the State.
VD Satheesan meets Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim in Malappuram
PM Ibrahim arrived in Keralam on Sunday evening after attending the BRICS conference in New Delhi and was staying at the wellness centre
Meta removes viral AI dance video of Kerala CM VD Satheesan
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PM Modi speaking Hindi globally fills us with pride: CM Fadnavis
Digital Desk | Navi Mumbai, Sep 14 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modis commitment to Indian languages, stating that hearing the Prime Minister speak Hindi on global platforms fills the nation with pride. He was speaking at the Hindi Diwas celebration and the 6th All India Official Language Conference organised in Navi Mumbai, an event attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Addressing the gathering, CM Fadnavis apologised for his late arrival before highlighting the significance of hosting the national convention in Maharashtra. He noted that while such conferences were once mere formalities, Home Minister Amit Shah spearheaded the effort to rotate them across different states. Reflecting on language policy history, Fadnavis pointed out that Hindi was widely used for official work during the British era before both Hindi and English were designated as official languages in 1963. He stated that since PM Modi assumed office, mother tongues and official regional languages have received unprecedented respect across the country. You must learn your mother tongue, and the New Education Policy (NEP) ensures this by promoting education in local languages alongside additional Indian languages, CM Fadnavis said. Recalling history, he noted that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, then an opposition leader, was among the first to address the United Nations in Hindi. He added that writer Munshi Premchand played a pivotal role in making conversational Hindi acceptable for official work. Addressing the conference, Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised the importance of regional languages, asserting that Marathi deserves deep respect. He highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration granted classical language status to Marathi. HM Shah praised Maharashtra's diversity, describing it as the most multilingual state in India. Quoting freedom fighter and social reformer Vinoba Bhave, he noted, If I had not used Hindi, I could not have reached every village in Kashmir, Assam, and Kerala with the revolutionary message of Bhoodan and Gramdan. It was the official language that enabled me to communicate with people across the nation. Reiterating the central government's focus on language preservation through the New Education Policy, the Home Minister emphasised that foundational learning in one's mother tongue is essential for a child's holistic growth. Describing Maharashtra as the land of Veer Savarkar, he emphasised that Savarkar was not only a freedom fighter and social reformer but also one of the most learned linguists of his time. He built upon Lokmanya Tilaks call for the purification of the Marathi language and coined numerous words that were previously absent in Indian languageswords that found natural acceptance in Marathi and other national languages. HM Shah added that the Ministry of Home Affairs honoured Savarkar's linguistic legacy in Hindi through the 'Shabd Sindhu' initiative.
Kerala Prisons Eye Menu Overhaul To Cut Costs, Boost Health
The plan drops mutton and fish from the menu, replacing them with chicken curry, soya chunks, and eggs. Right now, fish is served twice a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays, with mutton featured on Saturdays
CEC Gyanesh Kumar begins Bhutan visit to promote democracy, poll management
Digital Desk | Thimphu, Sep 14 (IANS) Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday kicked off a three-day visit to Bhutan during which he will meet the King and also join celebrations of the hill nations National Voters Day, an official said. The visit will further strengthen the close institutional cooperation between the Election Commission of India and the Election Commission of Bhutan, building on their continued engagement, said an official statement. During the visit, CEC Gyanesh Kumar will meet the King of Bhutan in Thimphu, the statement said. A key engagement during the visit will be the celebration of Bhutans National Voters Day at the Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law, Paro, on Tuesday, where the CEC would be the Chief Guest, it said. On Wednesday, Gyanesh Kumar will call on Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, in Thimphu. He will also hold an interaction with senior civil servants of Bhutan, the statement said. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has regularly engaged with other nations to promote democratic practices and election management. Earlier, delegates of the International Election Visitors' Programme 2026 (IEVP 2026) were given a live demonstration of EVMs and a mock poll in New Delhi, gaining hands-on understanding of Indias robust, tech-driven, and transparent electoral process, an official said. A live demonstration of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) was held at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) for international delegates to IEVP 2026, the statement said. Addressing the delegates, IIIDEM Director General Rakesh Kumar Verma highlighted Indias enduring commitment to electoral integrity, inclusivity and institutional excellence. The live demonstration also offered delegates an insightful engagement, showcasing Indias secure, transparent, and technology-driven electoral framework, the statement said. Under the IEVP, 43 delegates from 23 countries, including representatives from five Foreign Missions in Delhi, earlier participated in the first phase of the programme and visited Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry on April 8-9 to witness polling, the statement said.
Residents take out protest following drinking water shortage in Kochi
Sources at KWA said that the issue has come to their notice and will be rectified soon
BRICS creators in Keralam: CM Satheesan showcases Real Keralam Story to global audience
Kerala Sanctions Rs 551.5 Crore For PWD Works Ahead Of Sabarimala Pilgrimage Season
Kochi Metro documents leak: Police launch probe
According to police, the incident came to light after KMRL found that some of its confidential documents were being circulated in WhatsApp groups
Meta restricts viral AI video of Keralam CM Satheesan dancing
Meta has restricted access in India to a viral AI-generated video depicting Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan dancing with KSEB officials. The video, which garnered 1.78 crore views, was restricted following a legal request, though the creators believe it wasn't due to the CM's objection, as he had previously expressed excitement about it.
Hindu Seva Kendram, Adivasi Samrakshana Samiti Help 501 Tribal Members Return To Hindu Fold
As many as 501 members of tribal communities in Kerala have returned to their ancestral faith, the Hindu fold and traditions through an initiative involving the Hindu Seva Kendram and the Kerala Adivasi Samrakshana Samiti. Hindu Seva Kendram founder Pratheesh Vishwanath described the development as a return to the communitys ancestral faith, culture, identity and [] The post Hindu Seva Kendram, Adivasi Samrakshana Samiti Help 501 Tribal Members Return To Hindu Fold appeared first on The Commune .
CPM Calls For Course Correction After Defeat In Kerala Assembly Polls
With the CPM now out of power in Kerala after 10 years, the debate within and around the party is increasingly centred on whether the leadership has correctly identified what needs to be corrected in the first place.
AQIS mounts digital push in India, seeks to rebuild operational capabilities
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) The Al-Qaeda in the Sub-Continent (AQIS) has been gradually re-building its capabilities and is seeking to regain its lost glory. While on one hand it has been regrouping in Afghanistan, on the other it has increased its recruitment cum radicalisation drive in India. An official said that the Al-Qaeda which faced huge losses after its top leadership was wiped out, has been quietly building bases in Afghanistan. According to reports, the Al-Qaeda has, in the last three years built eight bases. These are serving as training camps, which also offer instructions in handling of weapons and explosives. Some of these camps are also offering training in Artificial Intelligence (AI), drone operations and encryption. An Intelligence Bureau official said these developments not only pose a direct security risk to India, but to Afghanistan as well. As the Al-Qaeda continued to rebuild its camps, the Islamic State, an arch rival also stepped up operations. The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) which is currently backed by the ISI, would engage in a fierce battle with the Al-Qaeda and this is not good news for the region, the official added. Another official said that rebuilding on Afghan soil is one part of the problem. The other is that there has been a renewed push within India to recruit and radicalise as many youth as possible. The Al-Qaeda has been targeting states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Kerala, the official said. Officials say that the AQIS was formed with the intention of targeting India. The outfit has shown a great deal of interest on the Kashmir issue and has tried setting up units over there. However, its biggest focus as of now is on Uttar Pradesh. When the AQIS was launched its operations were headed by Maulana Asim Sheikh Umar. He hailed from Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh and his right hand man Mohammad Usman also hails from the same state. Over the years, these linkages have helped the Al-Qaeda set up a network in states such as Uttar Pradesh. Initially it focussed only on digital activity. The brief for this network was to circulate content that called for an armed revolution or Jihad against the Indian government. Last week, the UP Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested a 19-year-old alleged operative of the AQIS from Azamgarh. Mohammad Nabil is accused of circulating content that promotes Jihad. His brief was to connect with as many youth as possible and recruit them. He was focussing heavily on getting in touch with persons in Jammu and Kashmir, the UP ATS said. Officials say that it wants a strong operational base in Afghanistan, while in India it is planning a massive digital network that would focus on radicalisation, spreading disinformation and calling for Jihad against the Indian state. Counter-terrorism experts say that India already faces immense threats from the Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Tayiba. It is also dealing with terror groups such as the Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HuJI) and Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) that operate from Bangladesh. While the Islamic State has been spreading its ideology fast and wide in certain pockets of India, this rebuilding exercise by the AQIS poses a fresh challenge. The AQIS on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks released a video of Osama Bin Ladens son, Hamza Bin Laden. This was a clear strategy to have a cult like figure at the helm as it would immensely help in recruitments, the experts also say. Officials say that the Al-Qaedas links with the Pakistan-sponsored terror groups are nothing new. The Mumbai 26/11 attacks, which were among one of the worst that the country has faced, had the blessings of the Al-Qaeda. Ilyas Kashmiri, the then head of the Al-Qaedas 313 Brigade had worked closely with David Headley and other Lashkar-e-Tayiba operatives to plan and execute this attack. The Lashkar-e-Tayiba could very well take the support of a renewed Al-Qaeda for attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. India is facing a challenge on the security front from various quarters and hence closely monitoring every small activity by these terror groups would be crucial for national security, an official said.
CM Satheesan hosts 35 BRICS content creators to highlight Keralam
The News Mill
Keralam CM interacts with content creators, social media influencers from BRICS nations
Keralam stands tall as a beacon of sustainable and inclusive development, hails V D Satheesan
Keralam Govt Trying To Procure Electricity From NTPC: Minister Sunny Joseph
In response to reporters' queries on the impact of purchasing power at higher rates, like Rs 30 per unit, the minister said it would pose an additional financial burden on the government
Kerala High Court issues notice to Mani C Kappan on plea seeking his disqualification as Pala MLA
The Kerala High Court on Monday (September 14) issued notice to Mani C Kappan on a petition filed by businessman Dinesh Menon seeking his disqualification as Pala MLA following his conviction in four cheque-bounce cases in Mumbai. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas orally raised questions on the effect of suspension of the sentence on Kappans disqualification. [] The post Kerala High Court issues notice to Mani C Kappan on plea seeking his disqualification as Pala MLA appeared first on India Legal .
Police officer under probe in Keralam after seized tobacco stolen from station
The investigation is against Senior Civil Police Officer Sabith, who is suspected of stealing the seized products from the station and has been untraceable since the incident came to light, officials said
Man tied up, brutally assaulted during robbery in Keralam
Kochi: A 28-year-old man suffered multiple fractures to his ribs and hands after he was allegedly brutally assaulted and robbed by two persons near Aluva railway station here, police said on Monday. The injured, Jofin Joju of Kodanad near here, was walking towards Aluva railway station when he was allegedly approached by the two-member gang 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 .
Raiza Wilson's horror science-fiction fantasy thriller 'Nova' to hit screens on September 25
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 14 (IANS) The makers of director Milo's eagerly awaited horror science-fiction supernatural fantasy thriller 'Nova', featuring actress Raiza Wilson in the lead, on Monday announced that their film would now hit screens on September 25 this year. On the occasion of Vinayakar Chathurthi, the makers released a poster confirming the film's release date. It may be recalled that Raiza Wilson had disclosed that she had braved blood-sucking leeches, constant mist and rain among other things to shoot for this film. Raiza, who is best known for her performance in 'Pyaar Prema Kaadhal', while sharing her experience of working on the eagerly awaited film, had said, The film is structured like a story within a story. I play an important character that appears in the flashback portions. The movie combines elements of action, thriller, and science-fiction. I have never acted in a story or role like this before, which is exactly why I was drawn to it, said Raiza Wilson and went on to add that the shoot took place in the forests of Marayoor in Kerala. We even filmed inside sandalwood forests, where obtaining permission itself is difficult. There were many challenges-- blood-sucking leeches, constant mist and rain, the intimidating sounds of wild animals, and muddy, slippery paths. Before going there, I thought the shoot would be quite easy. I had no idea it would be so demanding. I have never faced such difficulties in any of my previous films. Despite all this, we completed the shoot on schedule without delays, she had explained. Stating that director Milo always kept the atmosphere on set energetic and positive, the actress had said because of that, the hardships they faced never felt overwhelming. It is remarkable that he chose such a complex story for his very first feature film. It takes a lot of courage. He worked extremely hard and deserves appreciation for it. Since it rained most of the time, I often had to sit on set in wet clothes. The action scenes I performed were filmed there. Stunt master Vimal Rambo gave me specialized training. I had also already undergone fight training for my film 'Mr. X'. So, performing the action scenes in Nova became easier. Apart from Raiza Wilson, the cast also includes Dhruva of 'Aanmai Thavarael', Adviti Shetty, Bengali actress Krithika Biswas, Malayalam actor Joe John Chacko, Sendrayan, and YouTube personalities Finally Swathika and Finally Krishna.
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim Honored with Sheikh Abu Bakr Foundation Excellence Award in Kerala
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim receives the Sheikh Abu Bakr Foundation Excellence Award during his visit to Kerala, emphasizing educational and religious collaboration. Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim Honored with Sheikh Abu Bakr Foundation Excellence Award in Kerala
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim Meets Kerala Cleric Kanthapuram, Receives Award
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim Meets Kerala Cleric Kanthapuram, Receives Award
Eiffel Tower and Indian Orthodoxy in the Shadow of the Supreme Court
ON THE NEW YEAR OF 2019, from the northern tip of Kerala to the southern end of Kerala stretching over 620 kilometres, half a million women of Kerala stood holding their hands as a human chain which was described as Mahila Mathilugal (womens wall) demanding gender equality which also wanted access to the Sabarimala temple to worship the Lord Ayyappa who is adorning the temple. It was stated that the women during their menstruation cycle are not allowed to enter Sabarimala because it is considered menstruation will pollute and disturb the celibacy of the Lord who is considered as a Brahmachari . The women were demanding implementation of the judgment of the Supreme Court delivered on September 28, 2018 which ruled that keeping the menstruating women out considering that they were impure and had the effect of polluting the place was nothing but untouchability hit by Article 17 of the Constitution. The news of the women's human chain got hardly reported in spite of the fact that it was a unique agitation involving several thousands women. The majority of the five-judge bench held: Article 17 is the constitutional promise of equality and justice to those who have remained at the lowest rung of a traditional belief system founded in graded inequality It has been placed on a constitutional pedestal of enforceable fundamental rights, beyond being only a directive principle, for two reasons. First, untouchability is violative of the basic rights of socially backward individuals and their dignity. Second, the Framers believed that the abolition of untouchability is a constitutional imperative to establish an equal social order. Its presence together and on an equal footing with other fundamental rights, was designed to give vulnerable people the power to achieve collective good. Article 17 is a reflection of the transformative ideal of the Constitution, which gives expression to the aspirations of socially disempowered individuals and communities, and provides a moral framework for radical social transformation. But the demand of these women was never implemented in spite of the fact that there was a judgment in their favour and the State was supposed to implement the order under Article 144 of the Constitution. However, what prevented them was that a Review Petition was not only entertained, but also referred to a larger bench of 9 judges which took almost 8 years to hear the case for days together, whose verdict is awaited. However, what was shocking was that the bench never fixed any time limit for arguments of the counsels and they went on for more than three weeks. More shocking was that the counsels were willing to put forth arguments which were based on ancient texts and discarded over the years. Some arguments sounded similar to the ones which were advocated before the Privy Council in the beginning of the 20th century about the time tested practice and belief of the Hindu sect which should not be altered by any notions invented over the period. Little do they realise that by the 42nd amendment to the Constitution of India (1976), fundamental duties were introduced and Article 51-A makes several duties on the citizens and the sub-clause (e) specifically directs them to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women. While the women fight for their self-respect and dignity in the court, a group of Sanyasis belonging to the Swaminarayan sect calling themselves Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) recently went to Paris to attend the consecration of their temple in the outskirts of the city. The said group also wanted to have site-seeing in the city, one unavoidable place being the Eiffel Tower situated in the middle of the city. They intimated their tour operators that they should ensure that during their visit there should not be any interactions with the women working in the Tower. In essence, they wanted the women staff of the Eiffel Tower to be kept away from their eye contact. The management also attempted to implement the said request which led to a woman protesting against such crude discrimination and leading to the strike of the Eiffel Tower staff on September 7. In India, we may be accustomed to such blatant discrimination, but in Paris and other places it gave rise to a wide range of protest. The Mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Gregoire was quoted saying Equality between women and men will never stop at the foot of our historical monuments, nor anywhere in this country. It must be applied everywhere, for everyone. The Indian Express quoted a spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs as saying, We are aware of the opening of a temple by the BAPS Sanstha in the Paris area. As to the particular issue pertaining to the Tower, this is a matter purely between the entities concerned. Thus the Indian Government washed off its hands instead of reacting to the conduct of the group of Sadhus who went abroad and did something contrary to the spirit of India, that too in a country where three centuries ago in a revolution overthrowing the monarchy, people raised slogans of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity which prominently finds a place in the preamble to our Constitution. To add a caveat, however, Dr. Ambedkar said that he was inspired to include these words after being inspired by the teachings of Lord Buddha who was his master. India and the Promise of Article 15 Notwithstanding the fact that the Constitution assures equality before law and Article 15 specifically prohibits any discrimination by the State on grounds of sex and other reasons set out therein. Even during the debates while framing the Constitution and when the Constituent Assembly called for responses from the general public, there were several representations received from the Hindu orthodoxy that religious rituals, such as funerals or menstrual cycles of women, rendered certain persons temporarily untouchable. To criminalise the practice of untouchability, they argued, constituted direct interference with religion.( Assembling Indias Constitution , Rohit De Ornit Shani, Penguin Random House, 2025, p. 56) The very same book which gathered this information from the archives of the Constituent Assembly also referred to several exercises made by the Hindu orthodoxy to preserve the tradition and practice of the religion. Notwithstanding these sectarian approaches, the Constituent Assembly unanimously introduced Article 14 , 15 , 16 and 17 of the Constitution and wanted to remove any kind of discrimination practiced against women. Added to this is the fundamental duty provided under Article 51-A(e). The Government of India is also party to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination of Women (CEDAW) (June 25, 1993). Article 11 of CEDAW, to which India is a party, requires State parties to take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in the field of employment. In its General Recommendation No. 19 (1992), the United Nations Committee on CEDAW further clarified that equality in employment can be seriously impaired when women are subjected to gender-specific violence, such as sexual harassment at the workplace. Indias commitment to protection and promotion of womens constitutional rights as well as respect for its obligations under various international treaties is unequivocal. However, in the matter of providing equality and non-discrimination against women, however progressive the government may be, it was the judiciary which gave its peculiar interpretation, especially interpreting Article 15 of the Constitution which bans discrimination based on sex. Saurabh Kirpal, commenting on this wrote: Chief Justice M.C. Chagla [who] held that personal laws could not be challenged as violating any fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution. This was on the basis that the definition of the term law (under Article 13 ) in the Constitution did not include personal laws in its purview. Justice P.B. Gajendragadkar, who went on to become Chief Justice of India, agreed with Chief Justice Chagla, and explained the position in starker terms. He ruled that the rules prescribed for marriages are determined by the social and economic condition of the society. In dealing with these rules, it is also necessary to remember the obvious natural differences between the sexes themselves and considerations which may legitimately arise from these differences. In his view, Article 15 of the Constitution prohibited discrimination against women if it was based on the ground of sex only. This use of the word only, as per the learned judge, implied that if there was some other ground to differentiate between men and women, other than sex alone, the legislation would be upheld. ( Who is Equal? , Saurabh Kirpal, Penguin Random House India, p.187-88) That the Indian judiciary is still in the learning process was recorded in the case of Gwalior Judge in which Indira Jaisings intervention was described by a lawyer with a phrase which was completely misogynist. Justice J.S. Khehar observed: Every day is a matter of learning there is a lot to be learnt, from what she innocuously conveyed. Her sensitivity to the issue, one may confess, brought out to us, a wholly different understanding on the subject. It is therefore, that we have remarked above, that the evaluation of a charge of sexual harassment, would depend on the manner in which it is perceived. It took 8 years for the Supreme Court to issue a Hand Book on Combating Gender Stereotypes (2023). Writing the preface for the book, Chief Justice Dhananjay Chandrachud wrote: Our oath as judges mandates that we perform the duties of our office without fear or favour, affection or ill-will. The oath demands that we discharge our functions with impartiality and objectivity, applying the law to every case before us. A judges oath demands rejecting improper attempts to influence their decision-making. The oath also requires a judge to put aside any preconceived notions about the parties before the court. Relying on predetermined stereotypes in judicial decision-making contravenes the duty of judges to decide each case on its merits, independently and impartially. In particular, reliance on stereotypes about women is liable to distort the laws application to women in harmful ways. (Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes, Supreme Court of India, 2023) No sooner Chief Justice Surya Kant took over, he dismissed the book as too Harvard-oriented and said that it may not be understood by the rape survivor, her relatives or commoners. He said that judges should receive practical training on the issue, directing the National Judicial Academy, Bhopal to frame fresh guidelines , rather than sermonise High Court judges from the Supreme Court. But what is happening in the country is quite different. There was a Hindu Swamiji from South who told the women to stay at home and take care of the children and if they want to earn some amount, they can prepare kumkum or pappad at home. This trait is not confined only to Hindu swamijis . An Islamic scholar from Kanthapuram in Keralam, A.P. Aboobacker Musliar apparently advised women to remain confined to their homes because their public appearances led to great destruction. When a journalist Aparna Kurup questioned and criticized the view, she got death threats. When she approached the police for her protection, a case was booked against her which is still going on. Four women judicial officers were terminated by the Madhya Pradesh High Court; they approached the Supreme Court. When the matter came up before Justice Nagarathna she got furious and even at the admission stage remarked: I wish men had menstruation, then only they would understand. Finally allowing all the four applications and setting aside those termination orders, she emphasized that the only way such discriminations will disappear is that women should enter the field in large numbers and ultimately have positions where the decision-making will be in their hands. She said : To holistically understand womens effective participation in the Judiciary, it is important to look at three main phenomena: (I) the entry of women into the legal profession; (II) the retention of women and growth of their numbers in the profession; and (III) the advancement of women, in numbers, to senior echelons of the profession. Many have stressed that increased diversity within a judiciary, and ensuring judges are representative of society, enables the judiciary as a whole to better respond to diverse social and individual contexts and experiences. It is a recognition of this fact that a greater representation of women in the judiciary, would greatly improve the overall quality of judicial decision making and this impacts generally and also specifically in cases affecting women. Ultimately, whether any case will be filed against those BAPS sadhus is not known. Since their newly consecrated temple may attract many devotees and tourists from Europe, the French govt. may not attempt any such exercise. But theoretically if any case is instituted in India, what will be the outcome, is anybodys guess? Since Article 15 (2) is qualified by the word only and in the absence or conditions of sex plus theory is applied in all probabilities the Sadhus may escape by saying that the religious right will exclude an application of discrimination theories. Ultimately, the nine-judge bench will decide, of which Justice B.V. Nagarathna is also a part of the key answer. If they decide that the Hindu Sadhus cannot dictate as to who should be the Eiffel Tower staff and what should be their sex identity, it will be well and could and on par with the civilized world. If they decide otherwise, then the Prime Minister shouting on all platforms about Nari Shakthi will only become a mirage.
Rain, thunderstorms likely in Delhi today; heavy rain alert in 10 states
IMD has forecast another spell of rainfall in the capital, with isolated heavy showers likely through September 17; Gujarat, Odisha, Kerala and parts of the northeast also under heavy rain alert
Civil works of Vattiyurkavu junction development project in Keralam to take off on September 14
The works, which have been contracted by the Kerala Road Fund Board to the Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society, involve construction of roads, culverts and retaining walls as well as shifting of utility lines
Kerala Youth Arrested at Mumbai Airport with
A 22-year-old from Kerala was arrested at Mumbai Airport with nearly 5 kg of hydroponic weed valued at 1.73 crore. Kerala Youth Arrested at Mumbai Airport with 1.73 Crore Worth of Hydroponic Weed
Keralam CM V.D. Satheesan takes a trip down memory lane at alumni meet
An MBBS internship in India, officially designated as the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) or Compulsory Rotatory Residential Internship (CRRI), is a mandatory 12-month hands-on clinical training period that every medical graduate must complete after passing their final MBBS professional examinations. Governed by the National Medical Commission (NMC), it serves as the final practical bridge between being a medical student and a licensed, independent primary care physician. Why Internship? The Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) is mandatory for MBBS students in India for several vital reasons, ranging from practical clinical readiness to legal requirements. Here is exactly why this internship year is an absolute necessity in the Indian medical education system: The Bridge from Theory to Real-World Practice 1. For four and a half years, MBBS students primarily acquire theoretical knowledge and observe cases from a distance. The internship is their first opportunity to shift from classroom learning to active clinical action. Hands-on experience: It teaches them vital practical skills that textbooks cannot, such as drawing blood, putting in IV lines, passing catheters, and suturing wounds. Decision-making: It builds clinical judgment, teaching them how to prioritise patients, manage emergencies, and make split-second decisions under pressure. 2. Legal Requirement for Licensing In India, completing the 12-month internship is a statutory legal requirement. You cannot get a permanent registration number from the National Medical Commission (NMC) or State Medical Councils without a valid internship completion certificate. Without this registration number, an MBBS graduate cannot legally practice medicine, prescribe drugs, or work as a Medical Officer in India. 3. Preparation for Diverse Indian Healthcare Demands India has a massive, highly diverse population with major differences between urban and rural healthcare availability. The internship includes a mandatory 3-month posting in Community Medicine (rural health centres). It exposes young doctors to grassroots healthcare challenges. It teaches them how to manage public health programs, treat tropical diseases, and handle cases with limited resources in rural setups. 4. Specialisation Exploration (Choosing a Career Path) Before the internship, students often do not know which branch of medicine suits them best. Rotating through every major department (Medicine, Surgery, OB-GYN, Paediatrics, Orthopaedics, etc.) acts as a trial period. It helps graduates figure out which speciality they want to pursue for their post-graduation (MD/MS) based on their aptitude and interest. 5. Development of Soft Skills and Professionalism Being a doctor requires much more than medical knowledge. The intense internship year forces students to develop critical soft skills: Communication: Learning how to explain diagnoses to patients, break bad news to families, and counsel anxious relatives. Teamwork & Stress Management: Learning to work with nurses, senior residents, and hospital staff while managing long 24-to-36-hour shifts. When Internship? In the context of Indian medical education, there is only one true internship period: the 12 months following your final year exams. It is a mandatory, legally enforced bridge that transforms a medical student into a licensed, practising physician. The Human Element: Demographics, Grind, and Grit : Behind the clinical rotation tables lies the raw, human reality of the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI). For an intern, this year is less about academic reading and entirely about surviving the high-stakes, high-pressure environment of Indian public healthcare. 1. The Age Factor: Young Minds, Massive Responsibilities The Age Bracket: The vast majority of medical interns in India are 23 to 25 years old. The Transition: At an age when most of their peers in engineering or corporate sectors are navigating entry-level office jobs, medical interns are thrust into life-or-death situations. They go from being protected students who memorize textbook definitions to frontline workers breaking bad news to grieving families, assisting in emergency resuscitations, and managing chaotic casualty wards. 2. The Hardwork and The Grind The sheer volume of physical labor expected from an MBBS intern in India is notoriously gruelling. The Brutal Shift Timings: A standard day is rarely just 8 hours. Depending on the department, interns routinely pull 24-hour to 36-hour continuous shifts with little to no sleep. The Scut Work: Because Indian public hospitals are chronically understaffed, interns function as the backbone of daily operations. Beyond clinical learning, a massive portion of their energy goes into administrative laborwheeling patients to radiology, running blood samples to laboratories, manually filling out endless paperwork, and tracking down patient case sheets. 3. The Psychological and Environmental Factors The environment of a government hospital medical college shapes an intern's resilience through extreme trial by fire: Overwhelming Patient Footfall: Indian public hospitals handle an astronomical volume of patients. An intern on a single emergency night shift might screen hundreds of patients, testing their clinical reflexes and patience to absolute limits. The NEET-PG / NExT Shadow: Perhaps the most unique and stressful factor for Indian interns is the dual burden of time. They must survive physically exhausting 100-hour workweeks while simultaneously preparing for one of the toughest competitive exams in the worldNEET-PG or NExT. Balancing active hospital duties with late-night textbook revision leads to chronic sleep deprivation and burnout. Emotional Detachment vs. Empathy: Facing severe trauma, systemic resource shortages, and patient mortality daily forces these young doctors to mature rapidly. They must quickly learn the delicate balance of maintaining emotional empathy for patients while building a thick skin to prevent psychological exhaustion. Where Internship? According to the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) Regulations set by the National Medical Commission (NMC): The Same Institute Rule: For Indian Medical Graduates (IMGs), the rule is strict: you must complete your 12-month internship at the exact same medical college hospital from which you completed your MBBS course. The older practice of ransferring or externing to a different hospital in another city or state for internship is no longer casually permitted. The Approved Hospital List: For Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs)students who completed their MBBS abroad and passed the screening examthe internship must be completed in NMC-approved government or private medical colleges within India, often allocated through centralized state counselling processes. Rural Postings: A portion of the internship (specifically under Community Medicine) cannot be done in the main city hospital. Interns must live and work at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) in rural areas for up to two months to understand grassroots public healthcare. The Reality Checklist: Conditions of the Internship Places The conditions of the hospitals where MBBS students undergo their internships vary wildly depending on whether they are in a massive government facility, a rural village, or a corporate private hospital. 1. Public / Government Medical Colleges (The High-Volume Zones) The vast majority of Indian medical students train in state or central government hospitals. The conditions here are characterised by extreme intensity: Infrastructure Deficits: These places are often overcrowded and under-resourced. Interns regularly work in wards lacking central air conditioning, facing broken fans, or short on basic ward supplies (like gloves, specific syringes, or proper patient trolleys). The Patient Influx: Public hospitals are flooded with hundreds of patients every day. While this means the infrastructure is chaotic, it provides unmatched clinical exposure. An intern here will see rare diseases and perform dozens of basic procedures (like drawing blood, putting in IV lines, or suturing wounds) daily. Hygiene and Security Challenges: Wards can be highly congested. Security is a major concern, as overcrowded emergency rooms frequently witness friction between emotionally distressed patient relatives and under-staffed medical teams. 2. Rural Health Centres (The Grassroots Postings) During the mandatory rural rotation, the environment shifts completely: Basic Living Conditions: Interns are usually required to live in residential quarters on-site at a village PHC or CHC. These accommodations can vary from decent to highly compromised, with issues like erratic electricity, poor internet connectivity, and basic plumbing. Limited Diagnostic Tools: Unlike tertiary hospitals, there are no advanced MRI machines or rapid lab results here. Interns must rely purely on basic clinical examination skills, managing snakebites, basic maternal deliveries, and infectious diseases with minimal backup. 3. Private Medical Colleges / Corporate Hospitals For students studying in private institutions, the setting is vastly different: Superior Infrastructure: The working conditions are physically comfortable. Hospitals are clean, fully air-conditioned, technologically advanced, and well-staffed with nurses and ward boys. Lower Administrative Workload: Because these hospitals have dedicated staff for running lab samples or filling paperwork, interns face much less non-clinical scut work. The Downside (Patient Privacy): Because patients pay high fees, they rarely allow a young intern to perform procedures on them. Private hospital interns primarily observe senior consultants rather than getting the intense hands-on experience that their government counterparts get. Ultimately, the place where an MBBS internship is done determines a doctor's initial clinical competence. Government hospitals present brutal physical conditions but elite medical learning, while private institutions offer comfortable conditions but limited independent practical exposure Why Internship Stipend? The question of why MBBS intern students deserve a fair and uniform internship stipend has become a central debate in medical education. After completing four and a half years of rigorous academic study and clearing their final professional exams, MBBS graduates enter a mandatory one-year rotating internship. This period is not just a continuation of their education; it is a transition into full-time clinical service where interns form the backbone of public healthcare delivery. Here is why a robust, standardised internship stipend is a necessity, not a luxury, for MBBS interns. 1. Payment for Essential Clinical Labour MBBS interns are not mere observers; they are frontline healthcare workers. In most government and charitable medical colleges, interns work gruelling shifts that frequently extend from 12 to 24 consecutive hours, sometimes totalling over 80 to 100 hours a week. They manage emergency wards, conduct preliminary patient examinations, dress wounds, draw blood, and assist in major surgeries. Without their labour, the daily operations of major public hospitals would heavily falter. A stipend is the rightful financial compensation for this intense physical and mental labour. 2. Financial Independence and Relief By the time a medical student reaches their internship, they are usually 23 to 25 years old. Dependence on Parents: After a lengthy and expensive education, expecting young adults to continue relying on their parents for basic living expenses (food, rent, utility bills, and books) is unfair and financially draining for families. Loan Repayment: Many students take out substantial educational loans to fund their MBBS. A fair stipend allows them to begin managing their financial obligations and daily expenses independently. 3. Boosting Morale and Mental Well-being Medical internships are notoriously stressful, characterised by high patient loads, sleep deprivation, and exposure to critical trauma. When interns are underpaid or not paid at all, it breeds resentment and severe burnout. Financial anxiety compounded by physical exhaustion severely impacts an intern's mental health. Providing a fair stipend acts as a vital morale booster, making students feel valued by the healthcare system they serve. 4. Preventing Exploitation and Ensuring Equity Currently, there is a massive disparity in stipends across different states and institutions. While interns in some central government institutions receive a substantial amount, their peers in certain state government colleges or private institutions receive a fraction of that, or sometimes nothing at all, despite doing identical work. Mandating a fair, uniform stipend prevents private management from exploiting young doctors as cheap labour. It ensures equity, guaranteeing that a student's compensation is determined by their work, not by the geographical location or funding type of their college. The Current Landscape vs. The Need of the Hour The National Medical Commission (NMC) and various court rulings have repeatedly emphasised that all interns must be paid a stipend fixed by the respective authorities. However, implementation remains uneven. Medical interns are the primary link between patients and senior doctors. Denying them a fair stipend undermines the dignity of the medical profession. Providing a justifiable stipend is an investment in the healthcare system, ensuring that the next generation of doctors is motivated, financially secure, and focused entirely on saving lives. What Internship Stipend should be paid? To enhance and standardise the stipend amount for MBBS intern doctors, both the central and state governments must adopt a coordinated policy framework. Currently, the National Medical Commission (NMC) mandates that interns be paid, but leaves the specific execution and financial liability to individual states and institutions. This creates massive regional disparities. The Supreme Court of India has repeatedly reprimanded defaulting institutions and the NMC, emphasising that medical internships are a matter of right and denying fair compensation is akin to onded labour. A comprehensive policy roadmap should be implemented to ensure fair remuneration. 1. Central Government & NMC Action Plan As the overarching regulatory bodies, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the NMC must set the national benchmark. Establish a National Minimum Stipend Floor: The NMC should amend the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) Regulations to establish a statutory National Minimum Stipend Floor (e.g., 25,00030,000 per month) indexed to inflation. No medical collegegovernment or privateshould be legally allowed to pay below this baseline. Strict Enforcement and Penalties: The NMC must continuously monitor compliance through its mandatory disclosure portal. Institutions failing to pay or delaying stipends should face swift disciplinary actions, including hefty financial penalties or the freezing of seat allocations. Reactivate Regular Central Revision Cycles: The Central Government should resume its strict biennial (two-year) revision cycle for central institutions like AIIMS and central university hospitals. This sets an immediate upward benchmark for state governments to emulate. 2. State Government Action Plan Because public health and state medical colleges fall under provincial jurisdiction, state governments must fix systemic local issues. Implement Equal Pay for Equal Work Across Sectors: State policies must mandate private and minority medical colleges to match the stipend amounts paid by government medical colleges within that state. An intern's clinical duties remain identical regardless of whether a hospital is state-run or privately owned. Automatic Inflation Indexing: State health departments should implement a policy where intern stipends automatically increase by a set percentage (e.g., 5-10%) every two years to account for the rising cost of living, bypassing the need for students to launch mass protests or strikes to seek adjustments. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Systems: To prevent private management from coercing or shortchanging students, states should mandate that all internship stipends be disbursed via a Direct Benefit Transfer system linked directly to the intern's bank account, ensuring complete audit transparency. Rahul Gandhi's vision on internships Rahul Gandhi's vision on internships revolves around the idea that fair compensation and structured training are legal rights for the youth, rather than privileges or cheap labor. As the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), his philosophy shifts the narrative from ad-hoc stipends to a legally enforceable structural framework. This vision can be analyzed through two distinct lenses: his broader national policy for all graduates and his specific stance regarding medical (MBBS) intern doctors. 1. Broad National Vision: The Right to Apprenticeship During his election campaigns and policy announcements, Rahul Gandhi introduced a flagship economic model for young graduates known as the Pehli Naukri Pakki (First Job Guaranteed) scheme. Legally Guaranteed Internships: Modelled after the rights-based approach of MGNREGA, his vision proposes a statutory Right to Apprenticeship Act. This would make it legally mandatory for both government offices and private corporations to take in college graduates and diploma holders under the age of 25 for a one-year internship. National Minimum Stipend Baseline: A core component of this vision is a guaranteed financial floor. He proposed a fixed stipend of 1 lakh per year (equivalent to 8,500 per month) to be transferred directly via DBT into the accounts of the interns. Criticism of Existing Models: Gandhi has frequently criticised current central government internship schemes. He argues that a low-stipend infrastructure results in high refusal rates (claiming up to 90% of youth reject them) because meagre payouts fail to match basic living costs. 2. Emerging Stance on MBBS Intern Doctors The broader philosophy of fair pay for professional work has directly intersected with ongoing medical agitations. Direct Appeals from Medical Interns: Protesting MBBS and BDS internsspecifically highlighted during recent statewide strikes in places like Jammu and Kashmir demanding a stipend hike from 12,300 to 30,000have formally approached Rahul Gandhi to champion their cause on a national stage. Dignity of Labour over Exploitation: Within his political framework, the gruelling 12-to-36-hour shifts clocked by medical interns without timely or adequate compensation align with what he labels administrative exploitation. The core of his vision supports the idea that medical interns are professional healthcare workers whose compensation must mirror their immense clinical responsibilities. Treating Health and Life Insurance as a Non-Negotiable Labour Right: Within his core political philosophywhich views interns as vital frontline workers rather than cheap student labourproviding free health, accident, and disability insurance is a natural extension. In high-risk clinical environments where medical interns face continuous exposure to blood-borne pathogens, needle-stick injuries, and infectious diseases, his vision treats institutional insurance coverage as a primary safety net that the hospital must guarantee. State-Sponsored Group Premium Models: Rather than forcing financially strapped medical students to buy private out-of-pocket policies, the framework aligns with a fully government-funded group welfare model. Similar to the way he has pushed for direct-to-beneficiary safety net expansions (like the 25 Lakh health insurance model in Kerala), his internship vision implies that state and central governments must completely absorb the premium costs for comprehensive medical student insurance during their 12-month rotation. Institutional Protection Against Legal & Negligence Vulnerabilities: Medical interns operate under constant high-pressure clinical supervision. Gandhis rights-based approach supports insulating young doctors through compulsory institutional professional indemnity insurance. This ensures that trainee doctors are protected against potentially crippling personal legal liabilities or allegations of negligence while managing overcrowded public emergency wards and casualties . (The author is pursuing his M.Tech in Power Systems and Control and is a worker of Congress's student organisation, NSUI. Feedback at: fahadpeer07@gmail.com)
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