Wayanad Landslide Renews Focus on Kerala's Migrant Workforce
In recent decades, Kerala has emerged as one of the highest migrant worker populated states in India, owing to its allure of higher wage rate in the informal labour market for unorganised sector workers than any other state in India
Wayanad tragedy: Greens hold Kerala govt accountable, seek suspension of further tunnel works
Wayanad Prakrithi Samrakshana Samiti also alleges that tunnel project was approved during the term of Left Democratic Front-led government with suspicious haste and without adequate scientific evaluation, overriding early warnings raised by environmentalists
Cashew import scam: Kerala HC issues contempt notice to dept secretary K. Biju over CBI probe order
Kerala Maritime Board disbanded over administrative lapses, financial irregularities
According to a gazette notification, the Board failed to submit its annual administrative reports to the State government for the financial years 202223, 202324, and 202425
Kerala to study Adanis 49% stake sale in Vizhinjam Port
CM V.D. Satheesan said the government would not take any decision that is detrimental to Keralas interests.
Nandagovindam Bhajans launches the first bhajan clubbing event in Kerala
ROOTS by Nandagovindam Bhajans, held in Thiruvananthapuram, saw the group regaling the audience with their popular numbers and a surprise in the form of Vineeth Sreenivasan
US firm CorroHealth closure: Kochi employees remain locked out of office as uncertainty looms
Labour department officials recorded the attendance of employees who turned up at the office on the day. This arrangement will continue until Friday, when Labour Minister is expected to hold a conciliatory meeting with senior company officials
BJP councillor R. Sugathan suffers fresh setback as KAAPA advisory board upholds six-month detention
While Sugathans next legal option is to approach High Court, he will have to continue in prison if he fails to secure relief. In such a scenario, he also faces possibility of losing his position as a councillor in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation
Kerala rains: Wayanad among nine districts on orange alert
Wayanad disaster: Amit Shah speaks to Kerala CM, extends Centres support
Watch: Kerala orders probe into deadly Wayanad tunnel debris slip, halts construction
The Kerala government has ordered a detailed investigation into the deadly debris slip at the under-construction Meppadi-Kallady tunnel in Wayanad that killed at least three people and left several others missing.
Adani's Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale Faces Kerala Govt Review
Chief Minister V D Satheesan said the government has received a request seeking its prior approval for the proposed stake transfer
CM Satheesan hits back at Opposition, claims previous LDF govt was aware of proposed Vizhinjam deal
Detailed probe to find cause of Wayanad landslide: Satheesan
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Wednesday, July 8, said that the government will carry out a detailed examination to know the reasons behind the Wayanad landslide that claimed three lives on July 7. The CM said that it would also be examined whether the directives issued by the central government while giving 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 .
Why are Tamil Nadu and Kerala opposed to the proposed changes in Food Security law? | Explained
Read on to find out why ministers from Tamil Nadu and Kerala have voiced their concerns over the proposed amendments to the National Food Security Act
Kerala govt refers proposed Vizhinjam stake transfer to empowered panel
The Kerala cabinet has referred a stake transfer proposal to an Empowered Committee. This committee will examine the concession agreement and legal aspects thoroughly. The Chief Minister stated the government will protect Kerala's interests. The committee's recommendations will guide the final decision-making process. A final decision will be made after the committee submits its report.
Agri-Next to support 150 start-ups for technology driven innovations
The initiative aims to bridge the gap between innovation and farming by enabling start-ups to take cutting-edge technologies directly to farmers across Kerala.
Wayanad debris slip: Kerala CM Satheesan says detailed probe to be conducted
Chief Minister says investigation will be multi-pronged, looking at technical and legal aspects
Kerala Sets up Special Task Force to Probe Dowry, Domestic Violence Cases
The move is aimed at ensuring timely action on complaints and securing justice for women facing dowry-related and domestic violence
Wayanad debris slip Live: Search on for 5 missing; Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan to visit site
A day after a debris slip at the tunnel road construction site in Kerala's Wayanad district claimed three lives, extensive search operations are ongoing to find five people who are still missing
KEAM 2026 provisional seat allotment announced at cee.kerala.gov.in; final list to be released today
CEE Kerala has released the KEAM 2026 phase 1 provisional seat allotment result on its official website. Candidates can submit complaints regarding the provisional allotment until 2 pm today, after which the final allotment list will be published on July 8. The fee payment process for allotted candidates will be held from July 9 to July 12. CEE has also published the phase 1 engineering cutoff ranks and admission document list.
Wayanad debris slip: Search on for 5 missing; unnatural death case registered, say police
Cadaver dogs, fire force personnel and NDRF teams have been deployed to carry out the search
J&K to revive Overseas Employment Corporation
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the roadmap for the revival and operationalisation of the Jammu & Kashmir Overseas Employment Corporation Limited (JKOECL) and reviewed J&Ks overseas recruitment facilitation infrastructure, with a focus on creating a robust institutional framework to connect J&Ks skilled youth with global employment opportunities. The meeting reviewed the proposed strategy for reviving JKOECL as the governments nodal recruitment agency for facilitating safe, transparent and market-driven overseas employment. Discussions centred on strengthening institutional mechanisms, expanding international partnerships, enhancing skill development aligned with global standards, and establishing an integrated ecosystem to prepare youth for overseas careers. A detailed presentation by Director Employment J&K Harvinder Singh outlined a phased roadmap for operationalising JKOECL, including the creation of a digital overseas employment portal, partnerships with licensed recruiting agencies, foreign languages and international certification programmes, employer engagement, counselling, pre-departure orientation and post-placement support. The proposed framework seeks to position JKOECL as the nodal agency coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Protector of Emigration, Indian Missions abroad, skill institutions and licensed recruiting agencies to ensure ethical, transparent and legally compliant overseas recruitment. Protector of Emigration, Chandigarh, Ministry of External Affairs, Yashu Deep Singh, also made a presentation on emigration trends from Jammu & Kashmir, the regions contribution to overseas remittances, and employment opportunities available through Indias labour mobility agreements with several countries. He highlighted sector-wise demand for workers, emerging job roles in global markets, and key challenges affecting overseas migration from J&K, including limited public awareness of legal migration channels, inadequate institutional outreach, dependence on unverified social media information, and the need to develop skills that meet international standards. Reviewing the proposals, the Chief Minister emphasised that the objective should not merely be to facilitate migration but to prepare a globally competitive workforce. We should not only send people abroad; we should send skilled people there. Our focus should be on skilling, he said. The Chief Minister directed the concerned departments to prepare a time-bound implementation plan and convert the proposed pillars into clearly defined, actionable outcomes. He also called for adopting best practices from states such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which have successfully institutionalised overseas employment facilitation. Emphasising long-term sustainability, Omar Abdullah directed that the forthcoming Industrial Policy should provide for the establishment of skill development and training institutes to nurture an ecosystem capable of meeting international workforce requirements. He also stressed the need for a complementary industrial policy that encourages greater private sector participation in skill development and employment generation. The meeting was attended by Minister for Education Sakina Itoo, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Finance Shailendra Kumar, Commissioner Secretary School Education Ram Niwas Sharma, Secretary Labour & Employment Rajiv Ranjan, Protector of Emigration, Chandigarh, Ministry of External Affairs, Yashu Deep Singh, Director Employment, Director Skill Development and other senior officers.
Wayanad landslide horror: CCTV captures narrow escapes
Terrifying moments from the Wayanad landslide have surfaced, showing residents fleeing as a massive wave of mud rushed towards them. The chilling CCTV footage highlights the panic and destruction caused by the deadly disaster in Keralas hill district. The post Wayanad landslide horror: CCTV captures narrow escapes appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .
Srinagar, Jul 07: Chief Minister Omar Abdullahon Tuesday chaired a high-level review meetingto assess the roadmap forthe revival and operationalisation ofthe Jammu & Kashmir Overseas Employment Corporation Limited(JKOECL), sayingthat the objectiveshouldbenot merely to facilitate migration but to prepare a globally competitive workforce,anddirectingconcerned departments to prepare a time-bound implementation plan. The meeting reviewed the proposed strategy for reviving JKOECL as the government's nodal recruitment agency for facilitating safe, transparent, and market-driven overseas employment. Discussions centered on strengthening institutional mechanisms, expanding international partnerships, enhancing skill development aligned with global standards, and establishing an integrated ecosystem to prepare youth for overseas careers. A detailed presentation by Director Employment J&K Harvinder Singh outlined a phased roadmap for operationalising JKOECL, including creation of a digital overseas employment portal, partnerships with licensed recruiting agencies, foreign languages and international certification programmes, employer engagement, counselling, pre-departure orientation, and post-placement support. The proposed framework seeks to position JKOECL as the nodal agency coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Protector of Emigration, Indian Missions abroad, skill institutions, and licensed recruiting agencies. Protector of Emigration, Chandigarh, Ministry of External Affairs, Yashu Deep Singh, made a presentation on emigration trends from J&K, the region's contribution to overseas remittances, and employment opportunities available through India's labour mobility agreements with several countries, highlighting sector-wise demand for workers, emerging job roles, and key challenges affecting overseas migration from J&K. Reviving the Jammu & Kashmir Overseas Employment Corporation is a crucial step toward connecting our skilled youth with global employment opportunities. Our objective should be to prepare a globally competitive workforce. We should not only send people abroad; we should send skilled people there. Our focus should be on skilling, the Chief Minister said. He called for adopting best practices from states such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which have successfully institutionalised overseas employment facilitation. Emphasising long-term sustainability, he directed that the forthcoming Industrial Policy should provide for the establishment of skill development and training institutes to nurture an ecosystem capable of meeting international workforce requirements, and stressed the need for a complementary industrial policy that encourages greater private sector participation in skill development and employment generation. The meeting was attended by Minister for Education Sakina Itoo, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Finance Shailendra Kumar, Commissioner Secretary School Education Ram Niwas Sharma, Secretary Labour & Employment Rajiv Ranjan, Protector of Emigration Yashu Deep Singh, Director Employment, Director Skill Development, and other senior officers.
Settlement between parties after accident due to rash driving no ground to set aside conviction: HC
Building on M.G. Road in Kochi tilts following attempt to lift it
Wayanad landslide was man-made , says Kerala Minister T Siddique
Post Office Passport Seva Kendra to open at Thavanur on July 8
No unrestricted right to hold DJ parties, Kochi City police tell HC
Holiday for educational institutions in Kozhikode, Wayanad on July 8
Company says Wayanad tunnel project followed all safety norms
Home Minister hails mothers as real Toofan Warriors
Wadakkanchery police jeep fined for missing documents; excess penalty questioned
Police claim insurance was valid but not updated on portal; MVD says pollution certificate was missing and law applies equally to all
KU Syndicate cuts standing committees from 10 to seven; UDF secures all convenerships
This is for the first time since the University Act came into force in 1974 that the CPI(M) has not held a standing committee convenership in the Syndicate
Two killed in separate accidents in Kochi
NHAI officials visit Moolampilly rehabilitation site
Wayanad debris slip: experts, residents blame poor safeguards
Expert describes the tragedy as an 'engineering failure-induced disaster, arguing that extensive modifications to the terrain for the under-construction tunnel project had destabilised the slope
Govt. accords formal sanction for CBI prosecution in cashew import scam
Local bodies in Kerala hit by funds crunch
The sharp fall in the Plan fund allocations in the Revised Budget presented by the United Democratic Front government is also of concern to local bodies
Womans death: court dismisses bail plea of accused
PSC refutes reports of differences at commission meeting
Contractors failure to remove debris led to Wayanad tragedy, says Chief Minister Satheesan
He says Wayanad District Collector and District Disaster Management Authority had, on June 20, directed the contractor to clear the excavated soil from the site
Amala nurses call off 113-day strike after mediation by Labour dept.
Management and union differ on whether the settlement includes a fresh pay hike; negotiations continue at Jubilee Mission Hospital
Three dead, several missing in Wayanad debris slip
Heap of excavated mud at tunnel construction site collapsed in heavy rain; builders ignored red flags raised by district administration, says CM; announces probe to fix accountability for the accident
Transport Minister C.P. John visits Sharadambal Temple in Palakkad
Minister interacts with Vedic students
Class 8 student electrocuted while playing football in Thrissur
Badrinath came into contact with a corroded earthing wire near the main electrical switchboard and suffered an electric shock
Yellow alert for 11 districts in Kerala on June 8
State to receive rain for the next four days
Wayanad landslide: Three dead, several missing after landslide at Kalladi tunnel
Three people were killed and seven remain missing after a landslide struck the Kalladi tunnel construction site in Kerala's Wayanad district. Nine others were injured as rescue teams, including police sniffer dogs, launched a massive search operation amid heavy rainfall in the region
N. Seshadrinathan takes charge as State Election Commissioner
He had retired as the Principal Sessions Judge of Lakshadweep, has been serving as the judge of the Family Court, Irinjalakuda
Wayanad debris slip: Accurate weather forecasting still elusive in Wayanad
The weather conditions in Wayanad on the eve of the tragedy on July 7 were strikingly similar to those preceding the July 2024 disaster. The catastrophic landslides then had claimed around 300 lives
Govt. will not allow hike in student bus concession fare: Transport Minister
GAIL Kerala gets new Officer-in-Charge
State plans 300 Jawaharlal Nehru centres to promote scientific temper
Court denies bail to CPI(M) workers accused of assaulting ED officials
No relief for 10 CPI(M) workers, including former councillor I.P. Binu, who are accused of assaulting ED officials during a raid on the residence of Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan two months ago.
Wayanad tunnel accident a serious lapse, says Suresh Gopi
Union Minister says he has brought the accident to the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi; he adds that the tragedy should serve as a lesson to prevent similar incidents
CPI(M) seeks justice for laid-off staff at CorroHealth in Kochi, Kozhikode
Repeated mudslide incidents on Kochi-Dhanushkodi NH raises concern over trips to Munnar
Authorities say roadblock will continue until Thursday (July 9, 2026), with repair work expected to be completed in time to reopen the stretch for traffic on Friday
Private buses in Kollam to stay off roads today
Comprehensive action plan for the development of Paripally Medical College Hospital
Silence from Congress shifts focus to KC (M) in Pala impasse
Rather than precipitating a fresh political battle through a no-confidence motion against the chairperson, the party is expected to bide its time until the Congress arrives at a politically workable formula
1,348-crore drinking water project in Kozhikode targets March 2027 commissioning
Keralas Leader of the Opposition expresses condolences over the deaths in the incident; he demands serious investigation to determine whether there was any lapse in taking emergency measures
Maya C. Nair takes charge as Victoria College Principal
Kerala: Three killed, several injured in landslide in Wayanad
Three people died and eighteen were trapped in a landslide at the Kalladi tunnel construction site. Rescue teams worked to free those still buried in debris after the incident. The agriculture minister stated this was a man-made landslide, not a natural event. Konkan Railways was alerted earlier but reportedly did not act on the warning. Efforts are ongoing to rescue all individuals affected by the disaster.
Drones, ground patrols deployed to keep wild elephants at bay in Ranni
The operation aims to protect vulnerable fringe villages by detecting elephant movements early and issuing timely warnings to residents.
Fazal murder case: evidence missing from Ernakulam CJM court recovered
The evidence, a blood-stained towel, is considered crucial by the prosecution. After a gap, the trial of eight accused in the case will resume on August 4, 2026
What Is The Wayanad Tunnel Project: Explained
The mega budget tunnel road project is set to connect the towns of Wayanad and Kozhikode via the Kerala State Highway 83 by significantly reducing travel time
Wayanad debris slip: Why Kerala Minister said it was not a natural disaster
Kerala Agriculture Minister T. Siddique said the debris slip in Wayanad was caused by unscientifically stacked excavated soil, alleging that the contractors failure to remove the accumulated earth in time led to the incident
Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. , through its flagship sustainability initiative Bottles for Change (BFC), has signed a Letter of Association (LoA) with the Indian Coast Guard (Kerala & Mahe) to advance plastic waste management and promote environmental sustainability across coastal regions. This is also in line with ICG mission of Plastic Free Oceans. Bisleri International Signs Letter of Association with Indian Coast Guard (Mahe & Kochi) for plastic waste collection and awareness The agreement was formally signed by Dr. Angelo George, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bisleri International, and Deputy Inspector General Ashish Mehrotra of the Indian Coast Guard, in the presence of senior representatives from both organisations, including Mr. K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International; Mr. Dhinakaran, South Region Manager – CSR, Bisleri International; Mr. Jofin, CSR Executive (Kerala), Bisleri International; and Mr. Jabir, Chief Executive Officer, Green Worms. Deputy Inspector General Ashish Mehrotra, Indian Coast Guard (L) with Dr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International (R) Through this collaboration, Bottles for Change will work closely with the Indian Coast Guard to strengthen plastic waste management systems by promoting responsible collection, segregation, and recycling of post-consumer plastic. The partnership also aims to drive awareness, encourage behavioural change, and foster sustainable practices to prevent plastic waste from entering coastal and marine ecosystems. Commenting on the association, Dr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International , said, "It is an honour for Bisleri to collaborate with the Indian Coast Guard in advancing environmental sustainability. Through the Bottles for Change initiative, we are committed to supporting efforts to protect our coastlines and marine ecosystems. This partnership reflects our shared vision of responsible waste management and a cleaner, greener future for the nation." Deputy Inspector General Ashish Mehrotra of the Indian Coast Guard also appreciated the initiative which will promote greater awareness, strengthen waste management practices, and ensure the preservation of our coastal ecosystems for future generations. The Indian Coast Guard, entrusted with safeguarding India’s vast coastline, plays a crucial role in protecting marine environments. This collaboration will further enhance efforts to address the growing challenge of plastic pollution in coastal areas and oceans while promoting efficient waste management practices. As part of Bisleri’s Greener Promise, the Bottles for Change program continues to expand its impact by building strong partnerships with government institutions and community stakeholders. The association with the Indian Coast Guard marks a significant step in extending the program’s reach to coastal and marine ecosystems, reinforcing Bisleri’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. With a legacy of over 54 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water. Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and neighboring countries. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri Mineral Water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavors, such as Pop, Rev, Limonata and Spyci Jeera. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri @Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep. The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability. www.bisleri.com .
At least 2 dead as landslides ravage Wayanad, toll likely to rise
Wayanad: A major landslide was reported at Kalladi near Meppady in Wayanad on Tuesday, July 7, killing two and trapping several others under the debris. The death toll is likely to rise. Wayanad: Rescue operation underway after a landslide at Kalladi, near Meppadi tunnel project in Wayanad, Kerala, Tuesday. (PTI) The landslide occurred near Meenakshi 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 .
Kerala fishing boat operators seek wider consultations on Merchant Shipping Rules
The Federation of Fishing Boat and Fishery Industries of Kerala noted that the proposed rules could have far-reaching implications and therefore should be finalized after extensive consultations with all stakeholders
The former Chief Minister requests the Securities and Exchange Board of India to examine whether the disclosure made by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited in relation to the share purchase and subscription agreement concerning Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited conforms to contractual and regulatory requirements
Deepest Condolences: Priyanka Gandhi As Wayanad Landslide Kills 2, Rescue Ops Continue
A major landslide in Kerala's Wayanad triggered by heavy rainfall has killed two and left several feared trapped under debris.
DA hike: Kerala is considering a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance for state government employees to be disbursed in their August salaries, ahead of Onam festivities. An official order is awaited.
All efforts on to rescue those trapped in Wayanad debris slip, says Priyanka Gandhi
The Wayanad MP appeals to United Democratic Front workers, functionaries and members of the public to extend all possible support
One person was killed, and at least seven injured after a landslide in the southern state of Kerala's Wayanad district on Tuesday, media reports said.
Kerala: Landslide in Wayanad leaves one dead, several injured
A construction disaster in Wayanad has resulted in one fatality and several injuries following the collapse of a site, exacerbated by heavy rainfall. Rescue teams are actively searching for individuals who may be trapped in the debris. Officials, including the agriculture minister, have declared this incident a man-made landslide, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety measures as warnings are issued to Konkan Railways regarding further risks.
Flagging of labour rule violations could have led to CorroHealth lay-offs in Kozhikode
The laid off staff are pinning their hopes on the talks scheduled between government officials and management representatives in Kochi on July 10
CorroHealths terminated employees locked out of office, despite assurance
A meeting between Labour Minister Bindhu Krishna and top executives of the firm has been scheduled for July 10
KEAM 2026 trial allotment result released at cee.kerala.gov.in; direct link to check here
The Kerala Commissioner for Entrance Examinations has released the KEAM 2026 trial allotment result. Candidates can check their provisional college and course allocations on the official website. This trial allotment offers a preview of potential seat assignments based on submitted choices. Students can edit their preferences until July 7, 2026, before the final allotment. The provisional Round 1 seat allotment will also be announced on the same date.
Chennithala orders review of 23 child deaths in Palakkad between 2010 and 2023
The Home Ministers Office said the government has tasked Deputy Inspector General of Police, Thrissur Range, T Narayanan, to head the review
Wayanad landslide: Eyewitness urges people to 'run fast' as mound of mud comes down
A significant mudslide hit the Kalladi region of Wayanad, Kerala, during a tunnel road project, forcing locals to flee as mud cascaded over the roads and bridge. Rapid response teams, including NDRF personnel, have been dispatched to aid the situation. This disaster, resulting from relentless rains, has disrupted the Anakkompoyil-Meppadi route. Rescue efforts are ongoing to check for possible victims buried under the debris.
Mudslide hits Wayanad tunnel road project site; rescue operation on
No fatalities have been officially confirmed, but authorities fear that more workers or heavy machinery operators may still be trapped beneath the collapsed wall and debris
2 Killed In Massive Landslide In Kerala's Wayanad After Heavy Rain
The landslide occurred near Meenakshi Bridge at Kalladi, close to the site of the ongoing Anakkompoyil-Meppadi tunnel road project connecting Malappuram and Wayanad districts.
Kerala Labour Dept Intervenes After CorroHealth Denies Entry to Laid-off Employees
The employees waited outside the office for hours before recording their attendance
GECO Launches its First Brand Film, 'The Geco Tales: The Castaway'
GECO, the nature-inspired construction solutions brand from the VNC Group, today unveiled its first-ever brand film, 'The Geco Tales: The Castaway'. The film marks a milestone for the young brand, translating its founding metaphor — the gecko's extraordinary natural ability to hold — into a cinematic fable. GECO introduces its first brand film, "The Geco Tales: The Castaway GECO Epoxy Tile Grout to the shore. Guided by the creature, the castaway rebuilds his wrecked vessel piece by piece — fixing tiles, sealing leaks, and finally sailing home. The story dramatizes the brand's core belief that the right hold can change everything, and carries its signature positioning: Inspired by nature. Engineered to hold. The Geco Tales: The Castaway | Tamil Watch The Geco Tales: The Castaway | Tamil The film puts GECO's tile and stone fixing solutions at the heart of the story — the tile adhesives and grouting solutions that anchor the brand's range. Under the GECO name, the VNC Group brings together its tile fixing, adhesives and sealants, and tapes categories into a single, unified brand, with the tile and stone fixing line leading the way. GECO was founded in 2021 under the VNC Group, which has operated across categories since 1983. In a short span, GECO has built a distribution network of more than 1,000 retail outlets across Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and was recognised by Industry Outlook as a Top 10 Adhesives & Sealants manufacturer in 2024. " With GECO, the VNC Group is expanding into an entirely new category — tile and stone fixing solutions — and The Castaway is where that journey begins ," said Gokul Basker, Brand Founder, GECO & Partner, VNC Group . " For over four decades, VNC has built its name across welding consumables, steel and fencing solutions. GECO extends that legacy into the world of tile fixing solutions, sealants and tapes, giving builders and applicators a brand of their own. This film is our first step, and there's much more to come .” Commenting on the film, Director Yokesh R (Yoki) of The Paper Plane, Chennai said, " A fable lives or dies on whether you believe in its world. We wanted the island, the storm and the little gecko to feel real enough that a simple truth about holding on could land emotionally. For a brand built on nature's own engineering, telling the story as a fable felt exactly right ." 'The Geco Tales: The Castaway' premieres in July 2026, across GECO's YouTube channel, television, OTT and social media platforms. The film is positioned as the first episode in an ongoing brand story-world, The Geco Tales. About GECO GECO is the VNC Group's dedicated brand for construction solutions, spanning tile & stone fixing solutions, adhesives and sealants, and tapes. Inspired by the gecko's natural adhesion mechanism and engineered for dependable performance, GECO's tile and stone fixing solutions lead a growing range built for professional contractors, civil engineers, architects and applicators. GECO is distributed across Tamil Nadu and Kerala through a network of 1,000+ retail outlets. About VNC Group Headquartered in Karur, Tamil Nadu, VNC Group is a diversified enterprise with strong market leadership across welding consumables, steel wires, and fencing solutions. With over 40 years of commitment to creating lasting value, VNC’s BEST range of brands serves more than 8,000 retailers across South India. VNC launched GECO and Indicus Paints in 2021 and has been rapidly expanding product offerings across both categories. VNC is also a leading distributor for Tata Steel, managing a wide portfolio of their retail products across Tamil Nadu. www.thegeco.in .
Feet on the Street: Ramesh Chennithala Takes Operation, Toofan's Fight to Perumbavoor's Ground Zero
Operation Toofan Strikes at the Perumbavoor, Kerala: In one of the most closely watched ground actions of Operation Toofan — India's largest anti-narcotics mission — Kerala's Home & Vigilance Minister Ramesh Chennithala led a sweeping crackdown in Perumbavoor, Asia's plywood capital, a town whose industrial reputation had been quietly hijacked by a narcotics network operating in the shadows of its migrant labour economy. Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennnithala holding up the hand of a migrant labourer at Kandanthara Bhai Colony at Perumbavoor. Benny Behanan MP, Manoj Moothedan MLA also seen. The Minister announced the formation of a dedicated Special Task Force in his recent visit to Perumbavoor on Friday, 03 July, 2026. The force is to be led directly by the State Police Chief, to coordinate anti-narcotics operations across the state and to dismantle drug networks that operate across state lines. Additional police personnel will be deployed in Perumbavoor to reinforce the crackdown. The efforts of ACP Hardik Meena, a young IPS Cadre Officer, who had been handpicked by the Minister to lead the enforcement efforts on the ground in Perumbavoor, earned the praise of all present. What sets this ground action apart is its explicit refusal to let migrant workers bear the stigma of a trade they had no part in. The Minister was unambiguous: the narcotics network had exploited migrant labourers as cover, and it is this web — not the workers themselves — that Operation Toofan targets. In a gesture that resonated widely, the Home Minister addressed migrant workers directly in Hindi, administered an anti-narcotics pledge to them personally, and awarded "Toofan Warrior" badges to migrant worker representatives at Kandanthara Bhai Colony. The entire population of Perumbavoor — residents and migrant workers alike — was declared "Toofan Warriors" by the Minister, a symbolic move signalling that the fight against narcotics is a shared civic identity, not a dividing line between local and outsider. The response from the migrant worker community has been notably warm. Long conversations between the Minister and workers at the colony, the Hindi-language pledge, and the direct engagement by senior police officers and elected representatives together signalled an approach workers welcomed — one that treats them as partners in reclaiming the town's name, not suspects in its problem. State Police Chief Rawada Asad Chandrasekhar said no narcotics network can survive when an entire community mobilises against it. Thirty-five hospitals have expressed willingness to join the "Toofan Care" initiative, following Angamaly Little Flower Hospital's lead as the first to partner. Thousands — including elected representatives, police officers, community organisation leaders, students, and business figures — took part in the "Toofan Jagaran" rally, which culminated in a mass anti-narcotics pledge and march through the municipal stadium.
Wayanad landslip LIVE: At least two workers rescued, several feared trapped; NDRF deployed
Rescue operations are on at the site and NDRF has been deployed on an emergency basis
Wayanad landslide: Several people feared trapped at Kerala's tunnel project site
A severe landslide hit Kalladi near Meppady on Tuesday, alarming authorities with concerns that several individuals could be trapped beneath the debris from a tunnel road construction site. Quick action from local residents led to the rescue of three individuals, prompting ongoing search efforts. Rescue teams from Fire and Rescue Services, police, and NDRF are on the ground, coordinating to assess the situation and ensure no one is left behind.
