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Kerala local body polls: Triangular contest shapes Kasaragods high-stakes elections
The districts multifaceted politics has ensured that all three fronts wield notable influence despite the NDAs lack of representation in the Assembly and Parliament
Kerala local body polls: A battle for legacy, relevance, and political survival in Kottayam
Kerala local body polls: A litmus test for BJP as NDA targets 25% vote share in local body polls
This election will test whether BJP can successfully transition from being a peripheral player to a formidable third front in Kerala politics. Party has mounted an unprecedented campaign, employing a mixed strategy of urban targeting and intensified community outreach with an eye on the Assembly polls next year
RS fixes Vande Mataram, SIR discussions for next week at multi-party meet
NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha will take up two major debates next week one marking the 150th anniversary of the composition of Vande Mataram and the other on electoral reforms, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls. A meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC), chaired by Chairperson C P Radhakrishnan and attended by floor leaders of several parties, finalised the schedule on Wednesday evening. According to sources, the BAC decided to hold the Vande Mataram debate on Tuesday and take up electoral reforms on Wednesday or Thursday, once the Lok Sabha completes its own debate. Each debate has been allotted ten hours. In the Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that the lower House will take up the Vande Mataram debate on Monday and the discussion on electoral reforms on Tuesday. These decisions were taken after an all-party meeting and a BAC meeting chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The move signals that the logjam over the Oppositions demand to discuss the SIR of voter rolls may finally be easing, after repeated disruptions since the Winter Session began on December 1. Opposition MPs said they plan to raise concerns about the ongoing SIR in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal, as well as the reported suicides of booth-level officers and highlight the inhuman workload and coercive pressure on these officials. Opposition leaders are viewing the BAC okaying the debates as a victory, claiming the government had climbed down from its earlier stance. They said the role of the Election Commission will be examined, amid allegations of vote theft and manipulation of electoral rolls charges the EC has repeatedly denied. Rijiju told reporters that the SIR is an administrative exercise of the EC, adding that the government looks forward to a constructive and engaging discussion.
The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings for very heavy rainfall in coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala, with schools in Chennai and Tiruvallur closed due to incessant rain. Meanwhile, parts of North India are experiencing cold wave conditions and dense fog, impacting mobility and traffic. The IMD has warned of cold wave conditions for Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and north Rajasthan.
India Committed To Idea Of Oceans Remaining Open, Stable And Rules-Based: President Murmu
The Indian Navy on Wednesday showcased its maritime prowess and multi-domain combat capabilities with an operational demonstration off the coast of Kerala on the Shangumugham Beach here.
UDFs manifesto for Ernakulam district gives thrust to tourism, waste management, public transport
The manifesto outlines plans for modern technologies in waste treatment, a mobility hub in Kakkanad, tourism fairs and food fests, and new health and welfare initiatives in panchayats
DY CM Shivakumar Asks Employers To Grant Leave to Kerala Workers for Local Body Polls
Karnataka employers asked to help Kerala-origin workers exercise voting rights
Keralas extreme poverty-free status wont affect AAY foodgrain supply: Joshi
Entrepreneurs seek a roadmap for promoting ecotourism spots in Kozhikode
They say projects that focus on sustainable livelihood schemes should be implemented, and that it should be taken up as a major campaign agenda during local body polls
LDF promises professional makeover in running of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation
Fronts manifesto for Thiruvananthapuram Corporation makes a host of promises under the broad tagline of Capital City, Happiness City. On waste management, it lays stress on waste treatment at source for households, while a centralised treatment plant using Biomethanation will be set up to treat bio waste from bulk waste generators
Ready to release funds to Kerala subject to NEP implementation: Union Minister
Mr. Brittas seeks release of remaining Samagra Shiksha funds sanctioned to Kerala during 2025-26
Kerala High Court watches movie Haal; CBFC submits appeal
Various platforms of the Navy, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, destroyers, frigates, the attack submarine INS Shishumar, and the sailships INS Sudarshini and INS Tarangini, give an over-three-hour demonstration at the Operational Demo organised at Shanghumugham
Man held on charge of alleged murder
The police grew suspicious after the post-mortem revealed severe injuries to the womans head and internal organs
Elderly Couple Homeless After House Seized By CPM-Backed Cooperative Bank In Kerala
The eviction of an elderly couple from their house in Kerala over loan dues has led to a huge public outcry, especially after the state's Left government recently brought a law to protect families from losing their only home due to mortgage issues.
Glitches in Vahan software create backlog of registrations
Mamkootathil faces increased legal jeopardy as CB registers a second rape case
State responsible for maintaining law and order, says Union Minister on Varkala train attack
Rights panel seeks report on Kuttiyadi pass from police
Action comes in the wake of public complaints
Indian Navy showcases frontline platforms, combat prowess off Kerala coast
President Droupadi Murmu is attending this event being held as part of the Navy Day celebrations.
Earn while you learn scheme launched at CUK
Loco pilots 48-hour hunger strike under way
Demands include, among others, an eight-hour limit to daily duty, a weekly off of 46 hours, only two consecutive night duty shifts instead of four in a week
Excise steps up crackdown on sale of illicit liquor in Kozhikode
Gurukkal calls for new scientific framework to reinterpret Keralas environmental past
CPI(M)-linked dealings in KIIFB Masala Bonds must be exposed: Chennithala
Congress has no obligation to shield Rahul Mamkootathil: Ramesh Chennithala
Party to decide next steps after Courts order on anticipatory bail
AI and social media poll campaigns must comply with rules
Hassan welcomes HC nod for ED probe into Sabarimala gold theft
Congress leader says investigation can expose more CPI(M) links
100% of SIR enumeration forms distributed in Kozhikode, says election officer
Two welders injured in minor explosion at Attukal temple complex
The toilet block was undergoing repair work when the accident occurred
Manifestos of key fronts recognise need for regeneration of canals in Kochi
The issue had come into focus and become a major talking point after recent interventions by the National Green Tribunal and the Kerala High Court, following reports of poor water quality in two major canals the ThevaraPerandoor (TP) and Edappally canals
Rape Case: Kerala Court Reserves Verdict on Anticipatory Bail Plea of Rahul Mamkoottathil
According to reports, the hearing, which lasted for one and a half hours, was held in a closed chamber with only Judge Nazeera S, the prosecution lawyers, and the MLA present
Multi-tasking easy for this LDF candidate
Forest watcher injured in wild gaur attack in Idukki
Vizhinjam port boasts many records on the first anniversary of commercial operation
In just 10 months, it became the fastest Indian port to handle 1 million TEUs cargo. 41 ultra-large container vessels that are 399+ metres long berthed at the port, highest for any Indian port.
KSRTC conductor sentenced to five-year RI for harassing schoolgirl on bus
The incident occurred in 2023. The student informed her school authorities, who alerted the police
Kerala records 100 new HIV cases each month
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala, long considered a low-prevalence state for AIDS, is witnessing a worrying rise in HIV infections among young people aged 1524. Their share of new cases has climbed from 9% in 2022 to 15.4% in 2025, with an average of 100 new HIV-positive cases reported monthly. Data shows that 62.6% of infections are linked to unprotected sex with multiple partners, while 24.6% are associated with same-sex relations. Another 8.1% stems from infected needles. Migration for education and work has further heightened the risk. Despite ongoing interventions, the annual number of new cases remains steady at around 1,200, and currently, 23,608 people live with HIV in Kerala. A report by Kerala State AIDS Control Society (KSACS) found that the lifestyle of young people is contributing to the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. There seems to be a clear lapse in creating proper awareness about sexual health and hygiene. There is a need to increase awareness among youths. Many are unaware that even a single sexual encounter carries risk, said Reshmi Madhavan, Joint Director of the KSACS. She noted that campaigns have helped identify patients in high-risk groups and provide early treatment. KSACS has intensified awareness efforts with Red Ribbon volunteers, conducting campaigns in 210 schools and colleges using a specially designed KSRTC bus. Social media outreach has also grown, with more young people engaging silently with KSACS content. District-wise, Ernakulam reports the highest number of cases, followed by Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur, while Wayanad records the lowest. Yet, concerns remain about underreporting. HIV is not a notifiable disease, and patients have the right not to disclose their status. With 72% of the public relying on private healthcare, actual numbers may be higher, Reshmi added. Currently, only 83% of people living with HIV in the state know their status, short of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target for 2025, which aims that by 2025, 95% of all people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of those on ART achieve viral suppression. The state provides treatment through 18 centres (including three private), with nearly 18,000 patients receiving free daily ART. Additionally, 10,000 patients receive monthly financial support of Rs 1,000. HIV prevalence World : 4.08 crore India : 25 lakh Kerala : 23608 New cases 2022-23 : 1183 2023-24 : 1263 2024-25 : 1213 2025- 26 (till Oct) : 818 Total : 4477 Main Route of Transmission Heterosexual sex : 62.6% Homosexual/Bisexual sex : 24.6% Through infected needles/Syringes : 8.1%
NGT issues notice to CPCB over pollution by Fresh Cut's waste treatment unit in Kozhikode
NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal has sought a response from the Central Pollution Control Board, Kerala State Pollution Control Board and others in a matter related to pollution caused by a waste treatment plant in Kozhikode. The green body had taken suo motu cognisance of a news report that claimed that Fresh Cut Organic Products Pvt Ltd in Ambayathode village in Kerala's Kozhikode district was causing air and water pollution. In a December 2 order, a bench of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava (retd) and expert members, A Senthil Vel and Afroz Ahmad, noted that according to the report, the foul odour from the unit had made life miserable for the locals. The main river that provides drinking water is also polluted by the effluents discharged from the unit. Skin diseases and allergies have become common in the area. Presently, the unit is closed down due to agitation. However, there is a need to ascertain that the unit meets all norms before starting and to clean up the area as the pollution persists, the bench said, noting the report. The tribunal said the report raised substantial issues relating to compliance with the environmental norms. It impleaded the Central Pollution Control Board, Kerala State Pollution Control Board, the District Magistrate of Kozhikode and the Bengaluru regional office of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) as respondents or parties. Issue notice to the respondents for filing their response/reply, the green panel said. The matter has been posted for further proceedings before the southern zonal bench in Chennai on January 29. On the run, yet in the race: UDF fields fugitive fresh cut protest chief
NGT orders probe into public complaints against Ambayathode-based waste rendering unit
Suo motu case registered based on The Hindu report over the concerns raised by the affected families and the arguments of the company management
Lep jumps from wrestling ring to poll arena
Shama Mohamed Urges Congress To Expel Rahul Mamkootathil, Calls Him 'Sexual Predator'
Shama Mohammed urged Congress' Kerala unit to expel Rahul Mamkootathil after fresh sexual assault allegations against the Palakkad MLA.
Kerala Teacher Eligibility Test May And June 2025 Results Published
Kerala Pareekshabhavan has announced the KTET May and June 2025 results. Candidates can check their scores and detailed mark sheets online at ktet.kerala.gov.in.
Land and alignment issues stall 105 ROB projects in Kerala
Ministry of Railways has sanctioned a total of 127 ROB (Road Over Bridge) projects in Kerala
Vizhinjam port crosses 1 million TEUs in 10 months, fastest in India
Developed by Adani Ports and the Kerala Government, the port handled 615 vessels, including 41 ultra-large container ships over 399 metres the most at any Indian port
Kerala Lottery Result Today, December 3, 2025: Dhanalekshmi DL-29 Winning Numbers
Kerala Lottery Result Today, 3-12-2025: Heres full list of winning numbers for Dhanalekshmi DL-29 lottery for Wednesday, December 3.
Ajay Devgn in talks for Hindi remake of Mohanlal`s Malayalam hit Thudarum?
Ajay Devgn may star in the Hindi remake of Mohanlals blockbuster Thudarum, with director Tharun Moorthy confirming ongoing discussions. The Malayalam hit, which earned over Rs 100 crore in Kerala, is also sparking excitement as Moorthy reunites with Mohanlal for a new project
In Kerala's Local Body Elections, Sonia Gandhi Fights On BJP Ticket
Sonia Gandhi is synonymous with the Congress party, but in Kerala's Munnar, the name is creating a very different buzz. Here, 34-year-old Sonia Gandhi is contesting the local body elections on a BJP ticket, turning heads and sparking curiosity
Kerala court adjourns Rahul Mamkootathil bail plea verdict to Thursday
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thiruvananthapuram District Sessions Court on Wednesday postponed the anticipatory bail of Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil , who faces charges of raping a woman and forcing her to undergo an abortion, to Thursday. The hearing was held in a closed room at the request of both sides. Saying that several documents still need to be examined, the court posted the matter for further arguments on Thursday, when the verdict will also be announced. The court directed the prosecution to submit an additional document. After the hearing, the defence requested that the prosecution assure the court that Rahul Mamkootathil would not be arrested until the verdict. The court did not approve the request, and Special Public Prosecutor Geena Kumari said no such assurance could be given. The argument lasted 1.5 hours. The defence argued that the complaint was fabricated as part of a political conspiracy. They claimed the relationship between Rahul and the complainant was consensual and maintained that the abortion was done with her consent. Digital records and situational evidence were submitted to support their allegation of a conspiracy. They further argued that the woman remained in touch with Rahul even after the alleged incidents and continued to maintain a close relationship with him. They claimed the allegations were the result of a CPM-BJP nexus and said the complainant and her husband had links with the BJP and took it up as it is election. Digital evidences were submitted to support the argument that the woman was in touch with her husband when the alleged rape took place. The prosecution dismissed the conspiracy argument and said the MLA had threatened and exploited the woman after she approached him seeking personal help. The prosecution argued that Rahul did not cooperate with the investigation. The court was informed that the woman was raped multiple times and forced to abort. Police report submitted to court noted that the rape took place. Evidence of forced abortion was too submitted. Statements from doctors who treated her, accounts from friends and other witnesses, hospital records, and WhatsApp chats were submitted. It was also alleged that abortion pills handed to her by Rahuls friend Joby Joseph caused serious health problems. The special investigation team formed to probe the case has meanwhile, widened its search for Rahul beyond the state. He has been absconding since last Friday. Police have already charged Rahul with rape, forced termination of pregnancy and recording private images without consent. According to the FIR, the woman was raped several times in Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad. It states that Rahul first assaulted and raped her at her flat in Thiruvananthapuram on March 4, forced her to record a nude video on March 17, and raped her again on April 22. The report says she was later taken to Palakkad, where she was assaulted for two days even after Rahul learned she was pregnant. Joby Joseph has been named the second accused for allegedly supplying the abortion pills. Meanwhile, self-proclaimed men's rights activist and TV commentator Rahul Easwar, arrested for allegedly defaming and disclosing the identity of the woman who accused Rahul Mamkootathil of rape and coercion to terminate a pregnancy, was remanded to two days custodial interrogation. He will be in custody till 5pm on Thursday. His bail plea will be taken up on December 6. The SIT has also been assigned the investigation of a fresh case filed against MLA Rahul Mamkootathil.
Sabarimala gold loss: Kerala court rejects bail plea of Ex-TDB president
A vigilance court in Kerala has rejected the bail plea of former Travancore Devaswom Board president N Vasu. Vasu is accused in the case concerning the disappearance of gold from the Sreekovil door frames of the Lord Ayyappa shrine. He was arrested in November. This is the first high-profile arrest in the ongoing investigation by a Special Investigation Team.
Sabarimala gold loss: Kerala court rejects bail plea of Ex-TDB president
A vigilance court in Kerala has rejected the bail plea of former Travancore Devaswom Board president N Vasu. Vasu is accused in the case concerning the disappearance of gold from the Sreekovil door frames of the Lord Ayyappa shrine. He was arrested in November. This is the first high-profile arrest in the ongoing investigation by a Special Investigation Team.
KPCC sacks Karassery bank chairman Abdurahiman from party membership
For engaging in anti-party activities by hatching a conspiracy with CPI(M) to take control of bank
Adoor Prakash says he held discussions with KPCC president Sunny Joseph after another complaint of alleged sexual assault against Palakkad MLA was e-mailed by a woman to KPCC president on Tuesday
Parasitic plant presumed extinct rediscovered in Keralas Wayanad district
Plant rediscovered from a forest region that lies less than 5 km from Chooralmala and Mundakkai, the sites of the deadly landslides of July 30, 2024, say researchers
Rahul Easwar had declared a hunger strike in prison and reiterated that he would continue to support Rahul Mamkootathil. Court orders prison authorities to ensure Rahul Easwar received medical attention
Time to use 'Brahmastra' against Rahul Mamkootathil: Congress leader K Muraleedharan
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Demanding stringent action against suspended party MLA Rahul Mamkootathil , who is facing fresh sexual assault allegations from another woman, Senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan on Wednesday said it is time to use the Brahmastra. Muraleedharan said that he expects quick and strong action from Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief Sunny Joseph after discussions with all party leaders. Speaking to reporters here, the Congress leader said that the decision to resign as MLA has to be taken by Mamkootathil himself. Once the umbilical cord is cut, the party has no role in that. The person concerned has to decide, he said. Muraleedharan said that the party suspended Mamkootathil even before there was any written complaint before it or the police. Now that there are written complaints before the party and the police, strong action will be taken against him. In native parlance, it is time to use the Brahmastra, he said. The Congress leader said that a complaint was given to the KPCC chief by the latest complainant and it has been forwarded to the DGP as Mamkootathil has been suspended from the party. Had he not been suspended from the Congress, then the party would have carried out an investigation into the allegations, he said. He said that Mamkootathil was given the responsibility to help the people and not engage in the activities that he is accused of. If he has engaged in the activities he is accused of, he is not fit to work in the political or any other domain, he said. Asked whether there are any sympathisers of Mamkootathil in the party, Muraleedharan said that the Palakkad MLA is on his way out and his supporters can join him. Cops fail to nab Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil; court to hear pre-arrest bail plea today When reporters pointed out that the CPI(M) has not taken similar action against its leaders facing such allegations, the Congress leader said that the Left party's stand does not concern us. Our stand is to protect the image of our party from being tarnished, he added. The latest complainant against Mamkootathil is a 23-year-old woman, living outside Kerala, who has sent the complaint to the party high command and the KPCC. Mamkootathil has been absconding for the past few days after police registered a sexual assault and forced abortion case against him based on a complaint submitted to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan last week by a different woman. Based on the complaint to the CM, a case has been registered under sections 64(2)(f) (rape by a person in a position of trust or authority), 64(2)(h) (rape knowing the woman is pregnant), 64(2)(m) (repeated rape of the same woman), 89 (causing miscarriage without consent), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 351(3) (criminal intimidation), and 3(5) (joint criminal liability) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the Palakkad MLA. Police have also invoked section 66(E) of the Information Technology Act for the alleged recording and threat of misuse of private images. Mamkootathil was suspended from the primary membership of the Congress on August 25. He earlier resigned as Youth Congress state president after Malayalam actress Rini Ann George accused a young leader of misbehaviour, prompting protests by the BJP and the DYFI, the youth wing of the CPI(M). Subsequently, several women and a transgender person also levelled allegations against him. Mamkootathil was elected as MLA in November last year in a by-election to the Palakkad seat, following former MLA Shafi Parambil's election to the Lok Sabha from Vatakara.
KTET May and June 2025 results out at ktet.kerala.gov.in; download here
KTET Result 2025: The Kerala Pareekshabhavan has released the K-TET May and June 2025 results at ktet.kerala.gov.in. Service teachers can check May 2025 results, while other candidates can access June 2025 scores online. The examinations were held on September 18 and 19, 2025, following online applications submitted in July. Candidates can view detailed scorecards, verify qualifying status, and download results using registration details. Official links are available for both May and June 2025 results for easy access.
Punjab records highest groundwater extraction in India, says CGWB report
CHANDIGARH: Groundwater extraction in the country is the highest in Punjab, followed by Rajasthan and Haryana, according to the latest National Compilation of Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, 2025 report of the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). The findings show that 25 per cent of the 6,762 total blocks in India have been categorised as over-exploited, critical or semi-critical, a situation concentrated in nine states, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Puducherry. As per the report, groundwater extraction in Punjab stands at 156.36 per cent, the highest in the country, followed by Rajasthan at 147.11 per cent and Haryana at 136.75 per cent, all significantly above the national average of 60.63 per cent. At the national level, annual groundwater extraction has seen a marginal decline, from 27.66 billion cubic metres (BCM) in 2023 to 26.27 BCM last year. The total annual ground water recharge of Punjab has been assessed as 18.6 bcm and annual extractable ground water resource as 16.8 bcm. Out of total 153 assessment units including three urban areas taken for study, 111 assessment units (72.55 per cent) have been categorized as Over-exploited, 10 blocks (6.54 per cent) as Critical, 15 blocks (9.80 per cent) as Semi Critical and 17 blocks (11.11 per cent) as Safe, the report said. Similarly, out of 50175.27 square kilometers recharge worthy area of the state, 34294.3 sq km (68.35 per cent) area are under Over-Exploited, 4353.15 sq. km (8.68 per cent) under Critical, 4478.11 sq km (8.92 per cent) under Semi-critical and 7049.71sq km (14.05 per cent) under Safe category, reads the report. For Rajasthan, the report states,Out of the 302 assessment units (blocks and urban areas), 213 units (70.53 per cent) have been categorized as Over Exploited, 23 units (7.62 per cent) as Critical, 27 units (8.94 per cent) as Semi-Critical, 36 units (11.92 per cent) blocks as Safe and 3 units (0.99 per cent) as Saline. Similarly, out of 317010.74 sq km recharge worthy area of the state, 222266.46 sq km (70.11 per cent) area are under Over-Exploited, 19404.23 sq. km (6.12 per cent) under Critical, 22535.05 sq km (7.11 per cent) under Semi-critical, 43869.11 sq km (13.84 per cent) under Safe and 8935.89 sq km (2.82 per cent) area under Saline categories of assessment units. In Haryana, the situation is similar. While in Haryana, out of total 143 assessment units (blocks/Urban), 91 units (63.64 per cent) have been categorized as Overexploited, 6 units (4.20 per cent) as Critical, 15 units (10.49 per cent) as Semi Critical and 31 units (21.68 per cent) as Safe categories of assessment units. Similarly, out of 43,205.81 sq. km recharge worthy area of the State, 26,828.05 sq. km (62.09 per cent) area are under Over-Exploited, 1,170.46 sq. km (2.71 per cent) under Critical, 4,253.89 sq. km (9.85 per cent) under Semicritical, 10,953.42 sq. km (25.35 per cent) under Safe categories of assessment units, it added. The report assesses the total annual groundwater extraction of the entire country for 2025 at 247.22 bcm. Agriculture remains the largest consumer, accounting for 87 per cent, or 215.10 bcm, followed by 11 per cent for domestic use (27.89 bcm) and 2 per cent for industrial use (4.23 bcm). In the present assessment, total annual groundwater recharge has been pegged at 448.52 bcm, while the annual extractable groundwater resource stands at 407.75 bcm. The average stage of groundwater extraction at the national level is 60.63 per cent. Out of 6,762 blocks in the country, 730 units (10.80 per cent) are categorised as over-exploited, and 201 blocks (2.97 per cent) are classified as critical where extraction ranges from 90 to 100 per cent. Another 758 blocks (11.21 per cent) fall under the semi-critical category, while 4,946 units (73.14 per cent) are considered safe, with extraction below 70 per cent. Additionally, 127 blocks (1.88 per cent) have been listed as saline due to brackish or saline groundwater in phreatic aquifers. The report highlights that the percentage of over-exploited, critical and semi-critical blocks exceeding 25 per cent of total units is found only in nine states, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Puducherry. It attributes the situation to region-specific factors, Over-exploitation of ground water resources could be due to various region-specific reasons. The assessment units located in the north-western part of the country (particularly in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh) have plenty of replenishable ground water resources but because of the over extraction beyond the annual ground water recharge, many of these units have become Over-exploited. Overexploited units are also common in the western part of the country, particularly in Rajasthan and Gujarat where the prevailing arid climate results in low recharge of ground water and hence stress on these sources, the report stated. It further adds, In peninsular India, over-exploited units are wide spread in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana which could be attributed mainly to the low storage and transmission capacities of aquifers of the hard rock terrains, which results in reduced availability of the resource. The report also notes that in Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Andaman and Nicobar, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Lakshadweep, domestic groundwater extraction exceeds 40 per cent. Groundwater extraction stands between 90 and 100 per cent in Delhi, and between 70 and 90 per cent in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. In most other states and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Lakshadweep, extraction levels are around 70 per cent. The report concludes that compared to the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment of 2024, the total annual groundwater recharge has marginally increased from 446.9 bcm to 448.52 bcm.
GST reduction propel vehicle sales; EVs lead growth in Kerala: FADA
A total of 91,953 units were sold in October alone, marking an overall sales growth of 40.5%
Tourist bus overturns near Kerala's Thodupuzha; injures 53 students, teachers
A tourist bus carrying school students and teachers overturned at Nellappara near Thodupuzha in the wee hours of Wednesday while returning from a trip to Kodaikanal, leaving 53 people injured. The group, consisting of students and staff members from GHSS, Thonnakal, was on its way back after a two-day excursion when the accident occurred at a sharp curve near a petrol pump at Nellappara. According to preliminary information, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle around 12.45 pm, causing the bus to skid and topple across the road. The sudden impact triggered panic among the passengers, most of whom were students seated in the rear and middle sections of the vehicle. There were a total of 46 students, four teachers, and three staff members on board. Though all of them sustained injuries, authorities confirmed that none were critical, thanks to the quick response from local residents and police. The bus involved in the accident was owned by Surendran Nair, a resident of Attingal. The rescue operation began within minutes, as people living nearby rushed to the spot after hearing the sound of the vehicle overturning. Police teams from Karinkunnam and Ramapuram joined them and coordinated efforts to safely bring the children out of the bus. The injured were immediately shifted to various hospitals in Pala using a KSRTC bus arranged on emergency request. The accident caused a major traffic disruption along the route, as the overturned vehicle blocked the entire stretch of the road. Fire and Rescue Services personnel from Thodupuzha and Pala soon arrived and took charge of the clearing process. The rescue team worked for hours to lift the bus using two cranes. They then removed spilled oil, broken glass, metal fragments, and other debris to make the road safe for movement. After prolonged efforts, traffic was fully restored, bringing the situation back to normal. Authorities said timely intervention by locals and officials helped prevent the incident from turning into a majordisaster.
KSRTC Budget Tourism Cells Navy Day trips a hit
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The KSRTC Budget Tourism Cell (BTC) has successfully tapped into public enthusiasm for the Navy Day celebrations scheduled to be held in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. The BTC has received bookings for 110 chartered trips, a chunk of it from southern districts, that will bring nearly 5,000 passengers from across the state. We are overwhelmed by the demand. Bookings had to be halted due to entry and parking restrictions, said an officer with the BTC, adding that school groups, ex-servicemens associations and other organisations made up the bulk of passengers. To make the journeys memorable, the packages include sightseeing in the capital city, covering attractions such as the Kappukad Elephant Sanctuary, planetarium, zoo, Vizhinjam harbour, Poovar and the Veli Tourist Village. Trips will conclude in the evening at Shankhumukham, where the Navy Day show is scheduled. We plan to conclude sightseeing by evening and head to Shankhumukham, said the officer, adding that the visiting locations and schedules have been customised as per the needs of passengers. Launched in November 2021, the BTC has steadily grown in popularity. This year, it earned `4.13 crore in October and `2.71 crore till mid-November, against a revenue target of over `40 crore for the year.
Kerala Lottery Result Today, December 3, 2025 Live: Dhanalekshmi DL-29 Winning Numbers
Kerala Lottery Result Today Live Updates, 3-12-2025: Heres Guessing Numbers for Dhanalekshmi DL-29 for Wednesday, December 3. Check the full list of winning numbers from 3 pm.
Rise in convective storms in Kerala triggering triple risk: Study
KOCHI: Kerala has been witnessing a significant increase in the frequency of convective storms in the month of May prior to the onset of southwest monsoon and the border areas of Idukki and Kottayam have become hotspots of lightning impacts, says a study by the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat). The research work titled Identifying the hotspot regions of emerging triple risk due to pre-monsoon convective storms over Kerala published in the science magazine Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk recently, says the circumstances in southern Kerala are worsening, with the possibility of frequent flash floods in coastal and midland areas and landslides in the Western Ghats regions. Convective storms (CS) represent a significant weather phenomenon that triggers extreme rainfall, which can result in flash floods, landslips, lightning and strong wind gusts. Kerala experiences the highest frequency of thunderstorms in the peninsula, with an annual occurrence of 6080 days, says Cusat Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research director S Abhilash. Despite the small area of impact, isolated CS can inflict significant damage.
Kerala local body polls: A litmus test for LDF governance, UDF revival in Ernakulam
Both UDF and LDF is vying for political dominance in this traditionally Congress stronghold. While the UDF seeks to reclaim the crucial Kochi Corporation after its loss in 2020, the LDF aims to validate its governance amidst rising anti-incumbency sentiments.
Edamalakkudy keeps a list of grievances ready for the poll winner
The first tribal panchayat in the State, formed in 2010, is yet to have a proper road and residents have to walk hours to reach another settlement or health centres. Most hamlets lack electricity supply.
Kerala local body elections 2025: UDF pushes for political reset in State
UDF leadership feels that its political identity as a cohesive coalition is at stake in the local body polls, a precursor to the Assembly elections.It seeks to negate LDF campaign that the Opposition is a shaky coalition built on protest against development rather than one capable of exercising power effectively
Chargesheet drops Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya, MLA Sachin Dev in KSRTC bus obstruction case
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Police have filed a chargesheet in the case related to the obstruction of a KSRTC bus, excluding Mayor Arya Rajendran and her husband, Balussery MLA Sachin Dev. The only accused named in the chargesheet is the Mayors brother, Aravind, who was driving the car involved in the incident. The development comes as Yadu, a Nemom native and former KSRTC driver, filed a fresh petition demanding that all persons named in the FIR be included as accused and that the current chargesheet be rejected. The case is being considered by Thiruvananthapuram Judicial First Class Magistrate Tania Mariam Jose. The incident took place on April 27, 2024. According to the case, a private car carrying the Mayor, her husband, and others allegedly blocked a KSRTC bus near Palayam Saphalyam Complex after claiming the bus did not give way. An argument broke out between the car occupants and the driver. That night, the Mayor filed a complaint with Museum Police alleging the driver made an obscene gesture. While Yadu later lodged a complaint accusing the group of obstructing official duty and verbal abuse, police initially refused to register a case. A case was eventually filed on court orders, naming the Mayor, Sachin Dev, Aravind, Aravinds wife Arya, and their friend S R Rajeev as accused.However, the chargesheet has now dropped four of them, retaining only Aravind. He faces a petty case and has been fined. In his new petition, Yadu has demanded that all five be reinstated as accused, along with conductor Subin, who was on duty with him.
Cops fail to nab Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil; court to hear pre-arrest bail plea today
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: All eyes are now on the principal district and sessions court that will take up the anticipatory bail plea of Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who has been booked for rape and coerced termination of pregnancy of his female acquaintance, on Wednesday as the verdict will have a profound bearing on the Congress party and the political career of the young legislator. The plea will be considered at a time the state police are scrambling to locate MLA, who has been evading them since the Thiruvananthapuram cyber police registered a case against him on Thursday. Unverified reports say he fled the state on Friday and landed in Tamil Nadu, where he stayed for a day. Later, he moved to Hosur where he remained till Tuesday morning in a farm house and left the place before the cops raided the place. The cops expressed doubts that he has been getting steady support from certain quarters, which they assess has political proximity with him, that facilitated his crossing over from Palakkad to Tamil Nadu and beyond. The police have decided to register cases against those who harbour Rahul as they felt that without external assistance, he could not remain on the run for long. New complaint against suspended Congress MLA Mamkoottathil emerges on eve of bail hearing Meanwhile, legal sources said the prosecution will strongly object to the anticipatory bail plea citing that the allegations were grave in nature and there were enough materials to substantiate the charges levelled against the 36-year-old. Rahuls hopes would hinge on the evidence that he had filed before the court in sealed envelopes on two occasions. Even as the cops remained unsuccessful in tracking down Rahul, who went absconding after being booked for raping a woman acquaintance and forcing her to terminate her pregnancy, the beleaguered legislator has filed additional pieces of evidence via his counsel in sealed covers before the principal district and sessions court, which will hear his anticipatory bail plea on Wednesday. Rahul as well as the prosecution have filed requests before the court to hear the anticipatory bail plea in a closed room owing to privacy concerns. The police are learned to have obtained medical reports corroborating that she suffered from excessive bleeding resulting from unguided termination of pregnancy done at the behest of Rahul. The photos provided by the victim that depicted her plight after being allegedly abused by Rahul and the conversations they had on WhatsApp will also form the crux of the prosecution argument. Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil's friend denies complainants claims
Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil's friend denies complainants claims
PATHANAMTHITTA: Youth Congress worker and close associate of Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, Fenni Ninan, on Tuesday dismissed the allegations raised against him in the sexual assault complaint as baseless and politically motivated. The complainant had alleged that Rahul sexually assaulted her after promising marriage and that Fenni was the person who brought her to meet him. Rejecting the claim, Fenni said he has never met the complainant and the petitioners statements were fabricated with malicious intent. I do not know the complainant. No such incident ever happened. My name has been deliberately dragged into this. Even earlier, attempts were made to tarnish my image with similar false allegations, but neither a complaint nor a single piece of evidence surfaced, he said. According to Fenni, the resurfacing of the allegation just ahead of elections is part of a larger political conspiracy. We knew that more such allegations would emerge during the election period, but we never expected such cruelty. This is a planned character assassination. During every election, there are people who personally attack political workers, he said. Dismissing media reports that he had closed his election office and gone into hiding, Fenni said he continues with the campaign as the UDF candidate in Adoor municipality, Ward 8 (Pothrad). New complaint against suspended Congress MLA Mamkoottathil emerges on eve of bail hearing
BJP Kerala chief to contest from Nemom in 2026 Assembly elections
THRISSUR: BJP state chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Tuesday said that he would contest the 2026 assembly elections from Nemom constituency. He was speaking at the Meet the Press programme titled Vote Vibe of Thrissur Press Club. Nemom constituency in Thiruvananthapuram is an important one for BJP as its senior leader O Rajagopal had won the seat earlier. Currently, Minister V Sivankutty is the MLA from Nemom. Though there were reports that Rajeev was likely to contest in the assembly election, it is the first time he has revealed the name of the constituency from where he plans to contest. Urging people to give a chance to the NDA, Rajeev said that Vikasith Thrissur would be their promise. He also put forward certain schemes like doorstep governance through digital technology. He pointed out that in most local bodies in Kerala, at least 30 to 40 per cent of budget funds was being wasted, which should be avoided. To a question on AIIMS in Kerala, the BJP state chief responded that the state government didnt acquire the land for the institution.
IMD weather update December 3: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry are likely to get more rainfall on Wednesday, December 3 as cyclone Ditwah moves towards Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts. The IMD said cold wave conditions are likely to prevail in Punjab, Madhya Maharashtra and Rajasthan. West Bengal is likely to experience dry weather.
SC nod to allocate Kerala's open prison land for BrahMos, SSB & forensic university
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Supreme Court has approved the Kerala governments request to allocate a portion of land from the Nettukaltheri Open Prison to key central institutions. The order was issued by a bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath on Tuesday. As per the verdict, 257 acres will be handed over to BrahMos Aerospace, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU). Of the 257 acres approved for allocation, BrahMos Aerospace will receive about 180 acres, while roughly 32 acres each will be allotted to the SSB and the NFSU. Out of the total 457 acres, the remaining 200 acres will continue to be reserved for the functioning and future requirements of the open prison. The court had earlier placed restrictions on diverting open-prison land for non-prison purposes. The state government approached the apex court seeking relaxation of these conditions, citing the national importance of the proposed projects. Standing counsel Nishe Rajen Sonker represented the state government in the case. Senior state government officials said the clearance would pave the way for major defence and security infrastructure in Kerala. The DRDO had requested land for BrahMos Aerospace to expand its capabilities in producing next-generation missiles and strategic hardware. Officials also noted that the presence of an SSB battalion in the southern region would significantly strengthen national security. The NFSU campus is expected to develop into an important institutional and academic centre for forensic sciences. Parassala MLA C K Hareendran welcomed the verdict, calling the BrahMos facility a crucial project for the state.
Samasthas crowdfunding crosses Rs 46 crore
KOZHIKODE: The Thahiyya fund collected by the Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama for the various projects to be implemented as part of its centenary celebrations crossed Rs 46 crore when the collection officially ended on Monday night. The fund was collected through an app developed by a group of young men associated with the feeder organisations of Samastha. Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Samastha president Syed Muhammad Jiffiri Muthukoya Thangal said Thahiyya received overwhelming response from all sections of society. Thangal thanked the rival faction Sunni leader Abdul Hakeem Azhari for his gesture of contributing to the Thahiyya fund. Thangal announced the fund collection drive on September 28 and the last date fixed earlier was extended to December 1. Strengthening the educational institutions at Walayar, Parangipettai, Tiruppur, and Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu is among the projects visualised under the Thahiyya project. It also proposes to set up Samastha Centenary Educity, rehabilitation centres, offices for Samastha in major cities, international heritage museum, e-learning village, medical care centre, special schools, higher education scholarships and construction of students hostels.
Fund allotment to local bodies declining in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state governments actual fund allotment to local self-government institutions (LSGI) has seen a significant drop in recent years. The total amount sanctioned to the three-tier LSGIs steadily declined from Rs 11,400 crore in 2020-21 to Rs 9,050 crore in 2023-24. In the latest year for which actual accounts are available, 2023-24, the transfer was Rs 5,100 crore less than the Budget allocation. The core of Keralas decentralisation is a formula-based equitable devolution of untied funds to local bodies. The sanction is in three streams a general purpose fund to meet traditional functions and establishment expenses, maintenance fund for assets management, and a development fund to meet development expenditures. Other LSGI revenue sources are Central Finance Commission awards and own funds. As per the formula devised by the State Finance Commission (SFC), the state government is bound to transfer 4% of States Own Tax Revenue (SOTR) to the general purpose fund and 6.5% to the maintenance fund. A portion of the state plan outlay is devolved as the development fund. An analysis of fund transfers in recent years showed that the government failed in its devolution commitment. In 2023-24, Budget allocations for the general purpose fund, maintenance fund and the development fund were Rs 2,244.30 crore, Rs 3,646.99 crore and Rs 8,258 crore respectively. At the same time, the actual receipts were lower Rs 1,675.96 crore, Rs 1,344.81 crore and Rs 6,029 crore respectively. The drop, however, was not due to a decline in the SOTR. In fact, the tax revenue, Rs 74,329.01 crore, was 3% higher than the previous year. Based on the tax revenue, local bodies were eligible for amounts even higher than the budget allocation Rs 2,973.16 crore as the general purpose fund and Rs 4,831.39 crore as the maintenance fund. Sources in the LSG department attributed the declining share to the fiscal strain of the government and the unprofessional functioning of LSGIs. Treasury restrictions were in place for most of the year, which slowed bill payments. Also, most of the LSGIs do not plan and execute work in a timely manner. They undertake a major portion of work in the latter half of the financial year, and by that time, treasury restrictions would be severe, said an officer. The State Finance Commission does not have a role in ensuring that the devolution formula is followed intact. The commissions responsibility ends with the submission of recommendation on the formula, said a source. Devolution index: Kerala ranked 2nd Even as the state governments share declines, Kerala still fares better than most of its counterparts in devolution to panchayats. The state is positioned second, after Karnataka, in the devolution index in Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States 2024 published by the Indian Institute of Public Administration. Kerala occupies first place in Framework, second position in Accountability and Finances, and ranks third in the dimension of Functionaries. The dimension of Finances carried the maximum weightage in the index. This dimension was based on several indicators like timely release of the 15th Finance Commission grants to panchayats, regular and effective functioning of SFC, SFC transfer to panchayats, power to collect revenue, funds available with panchayats, expenditure by panchayats as percentage of states public expenditure, and accounts and budget. The state has tried to devolve most of its functions to panchayats and has at the same time maintained a transparent system of transferring money under the panchayats window. The institution of the State Finance Commission in Kerala has emerged to be the most effective in the recent past. Panchayats in Kerala utilise funds adequately and share the top slot as far as the indicator related to fund utilisation is concerned, the report said.
PFI Man Wanted In Kerala RSS Worker Murder Case Arrested After 3 Years
NIA court in Kochi has granted five days' custodial interrogation of Shahul Hameed, the 50th accused in the RSS worker Sreenivasan murder case, after he was arrested at Delhi airport following over three years on the run.
Back to basics: With poll aspirations, five ex-MLAs look to retrace their steps in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Taking their politics to the grassroots, five former MLAs are contesting the upcoming local-body elections. And, it looks to be back to the basics for Anil Akkara, K S Sabarinadhan, E M Augusthy, R Latha Devi, and K C Rajagopalan. Taking his campaign to the Sanskrit College ward of Adat grama panchayat, in Thrissur district, Anil is no stranger to local governance. He led the panchayat as president for two successive terms from 2000 and represented the same ward in 2005. His election as Congress MLA of Wadakkanchery in 2016 adds heft to his candidature. I am no stranger here. During my time, it was a model panchayat. But both the LDF and the BJP failed to preserve our legacy. This time, our focus is on rebuilding its former glory and ensuring development and progress, Anil said. Seeking the backing of the Maramon ward of Mezhuveli grama panchayat, in Pathanamthitta district, CPM veteran K C Rajagopalan is also banking on local ties. He had served as vice-president of the panchayat in 1979 and its president in 1988. Rajagopalan, who won the Aranmula assembly seat in 2006, had stepped down from active politics after turning 75 last December. Having dedicated myself to both small and large development projects in this panchayat over the years, I am a familiar face here. Though I have not held official positions recently, the strong encouragement from local residents and party workers willed me into the picture. I am determined to continue advancing welfare initiatives across all sectors, said Rajagopalan. Featuring in local-body polls for the first time, senior CPI leader Latha Devi is the LDF candidate in the Chadayamangalam division of Kollam district panchayat. A former MLA from the same region, she considers the contest a return to her political roots. Carrying the UDF banner in the Kowdiar ward of Thiruvananthapuram corporation, former Aruvikkara MLA Sabarinadhan has been projected as the Congress mayoral face. The party hopes his candidature will help revive its position in the capitals civic body. There is a strong desire among the people for change. We have the early-bird advantage, and being a familiar face adds trust and credibility. With high expectations all round, hopes are running high, said Sabarinadhan. Bringing his legislative experience to the local level, AICC member and three-time MLA Augusthy is contesting from the Irupathekkar ward of Kattappana municipality. He made it to the assembly from Udumbanchola in 1991 and 1996 and from Peermade in 2001. I began my journey as a panchayat member in Kattappana in 1978 and later held other positions. I consider local-body elections as important as assembly and Lok Sabha polls, Augusthy said. R Latha Devi LDF candidate in the Chadayamangalam division of Kollam district panchayat K S Sabarinadhan UDF candidate in Kowdiar ward of TPuram corporation K C Rajagopalan LDF candidate in Maramon ward of Mezhuveli grama panchayat in Pathanamthitta E M Augusthy UDF candidate in Irupathekkar ward of Kattappana municipality in Idukki Anil Akkara UDF candidate in Sanskrit College ward of Adat grama panchayat in Thrissur
SC asks EC to try and extend SIR deadline for Kerala
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Election Commission to consider extending the December 11 deadline for submitting enumeration forms in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Kerala by one more week, in view of the ongoing process for local body elections. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi made the recommendation after taking note of submissions that the local body elections in the state will take place on December 9 and 11, and counting of votes on December 13. It seems to us that the request is just and fair, and it warrants due consideration by the Election Commission of India, the order said. The court allowed the petitioners to submit a formal representation to the Election Commission by Wednesday 5 pm seeking SIR extension. It asked the EC to consider the request sympathetically and take a decision within two days. Senior advocates Rakesh Dwivedi and Maninder Singh, appearing for the Election Commission of India, said the Kerala State Election Commission has already exempted SIR staff from election duties, adding that the SIR deadline had earlier been extended from December 4 to 11. Terming it a peculiar situation, the CJI said the state government staff should not be overburdened.
Keralas startup funding doubles to USD 14.7 million in 2025
KOCHI: Despite fears of funding winter and tougher valuations, Keralas startups have made a big comeback this year. They raised $14.7 million in the first nine months of 2025 a 147 per cent surge from $6 million during the same period last year, according to Tracxns Kerala Tech Ecosystem Wrap Report . The sharp rise comes despite a drop in deal volumes, indicating deeper investor bets on select high-potential ventures, according to the report by the data intelligence platform. Keralas tech ecosystem is steadily maturing, supported by a strong educational foundation, emerging innovation hubs, and increasing investor participation, said Neha Singh, co-founder of Tracxn. The rise in early-stage funding this year reflects growing confidence in the states deeptech and hardware-focused startups, she added. The latest numbers highlight the volatility of Keralas funding landscape over the years. Funding had peaked at $24 million in the first nine months (9M) of 2022 before cooling in 2023 and 2024, and this years surge marks a decisive recovery. State ranks 13th in startup funding; Ktaka tops chart Across the eight 9M periods between 2018 and 2025, inflows have ranged widely from a low of $7.1 million in 2019 to the 2022 high. But compared to other Indian states, Kerala ranks 13th in startup funding in the first nine months of 2025. Karnataka tops the chart with $2.6 billion, followed by Maharashtra at $2 billion, and Delhi at $1.4 billion. Early-stage capital dominated the ecosystem in 2025, accounting for $12.4 million almost entirely driven by semiconductor startup Netrasemis Series A round, which also made it the top-funded startup of the year. Seed funding contributed $2.3 million, while no late-stage rounds were recorded. Only nine equity rounds were closed in 9M 2025, down from 18 a year earlier, but the emergence of five first-time funded startups, one new Soonicorn startup that is likely to become unicorn in the near future and a notable acquisition signal continued pipeline strength. Along with Netrasemis big-ticket round backed by Unicorn India Ventures, Maithan Alloys, and Zoho, other key fund raises included MyDesignations $1.3 million seed round, and smaller tickets into startups such as I Hub Robotics, AugSenseLab, and FemiSafe.
Kerala govt hospitals lag in deceased organ donation
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has been actively encouraging cadaveric organ donation to help save lives. However, when it comes to identifying brain-dead patients and persuading bereaved families to donate the organs of their loved ones, the states own hospitals are trailing private transplant centres by miles. In the past five years, where private hospitals identified around 20 deceased donors a year, government hospitals across Kerala could together manage just two. Lack of coordination in public institutions has slowed things further. In all, Kerala has 64 transplant centres, including major government facilities at Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Kozhikode and the Ernakulam General Hospital. Since 2012, government hospitals have recorded just 58 donations out of 339 statewide. To improve coordination, the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) appointed nodal and assistant nodal officers in southern, central and northern regions to screen potential donors in ICUs and facilitate cadaver donations. However, the situation has not improved. This year, public centres carried out 16 of the 62 transplant surgeries but converted only two cadaver donations out of 19. The higher number of organ donations in private hospitals creates the impression that brain deaths occur only there. However, patients die on ventilators in government medical colleges, too. If brain death is certified and communicated properly, more lives can be saved. We are yet to build such a system, said a senior officer with the DME. To address the gap, the health department has designated the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (K-SOTTO) as the sole authority for both deceased and living donor programmes. By bringing all public transplant units under K-SOTTO, the government aims to improve efficiency, strengthen coordination and build public trust. Under the new unified command system, organ donation activities will be streamlined and made more transparent. All units are now under the administrative, functional and financial control of K-SOTTOs executive director. Transplant coordinators can also be assigned duties beyond their zonal jurisdiction during emergencies or special circumstances. Clash over poor performance Mohan Das M K, professor of Nephrology at Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College, publicly criticised the functioning of K-SOTTO and announced his resignation as nodal officer for the southern region, alleging failure in the cadaver donation programme. In response, Dr Noble Gracious S S, the K-SOTTO executive director, accused Das of neglecting his duty to promote organ donation, noting that only one cadaver donation was facilitated at the Thiruvananthapuram GMC in two years. He said disciplinary action had been initiated against Das for failing to perform his responsibilities and for portraying K-SOTTO in a negative light. Donors identified by hosps in 2025 Thiruvananthapuram MCH: 1 Kottayam MCH: 1 Private: 17
Thiruvananthapuram gears up for Navy operation demo on Wednesday
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The capital city, on Wednesday, will witness the precision, power and operational preparedness of the Indian Navy as it plays host to the operational demonstration being held as part of the Navy Day celebrations. The event will be held at Shankhumukham beach in the evening. President Droupadi Murmu will be the chief guest. Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union and state ministers and senior bureaucrats will attend the function. The Navy Day is being celebrated to commemorate the Navys successful attack on Karachi port in 1971 India-Pakistan war. Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, said the demonstration will provide an opportunity for citizens to understand the Navys state-of-the-art platforms and multi-domain operations, reflecting its preparedness and the ability to deliver power and precision across the maritime spectrum. As many as 19 war vessels, one submarine, four fast-interceptor craft and 32 naval aircraft, including fighters and helicopters, will take part in the demo, he added. The public will be allowed entry by 2.45pm. The President will arrive at the airport at 4.10pm. The demonstration will start after her arrival at the venue by 5.15pm. She will return to Delhi on Thursday. As per the Navy communique, the MH-60R helicopter will offer a grand salute to the President by dipping its nose in flight at a low altitude. Warships will later take over and conduct W manoeuvre, which will be followed by banner formation by Chetak choppers. The special forces will display visit, board, search and seizure operations. Simulated missile launch from warships, submarine sail past, high-speed run by fast interceptor craft and water jet fast attack craft, and MiG-29k launch and recovery operations from the aircraft carrier are the other highlights. The excitement will be carried on further through Hawj AJT combat manoeuvres, helicopter landing on a moving ship, composite fly past and firing of anti-submarine rockets. Hornpipe dance and beating retreat will be the other star attractions. Meanwhile, the city police will enforce traffic regulations from noon on Wednesday.
Kerala's Karadukka bids farewell to beloved stage with drama, dance and tears
KASARAGOD: It looked like a usual cultural event. Children performed skit and dance on stage amid applause. However, for the performers and spectators, it was an emotional moment a final farewell to something that had been a part of their lives for nearly half a century. News that the stage in their locality would be demolished for the construction of the building of Government Vocational Higher Secondary School had come as a huge shock to the residents of Kadakam in Kasaragods Karadukka village. The structure was conceived and built in 1977-78 by youngsters from Kadakam Friends Combine (KFC), an arts club in the area, and was used to host occasional cultural events in the village, recalled Vijayan Kadakam, a retired bank manager. People would make the roof with palm trees and tarpaulin covers whenever an art festival was planned. The actual roof was built later, after some decades, he said. I was part of the club then. The cultural festivals meant a lot for us those days, said Vijayan, who proposed arranging a farewell for the stage that had been a constant in their lives. Suresh Kumar, the PTA president of the school, said the stage had become a hindrance for the new school building that was being constructed using KIIFB funds. The contractor said it had to demolished without delay, he said. The stage was where many school programmes were performed. Skits prepared by residents and others were performed here too. Even some renowned theatre artists like N Sasidharan staged their plays here, Suresh said. Many budding artists from the region owe their start to the stage. Hence, they wanted to give it a fitting farewell, he said. The residents said if they had time, they would have conducted a larger art festival. However, restrictions owing to the local body elections limited their plans. As the last performance, the school students were asked to perform some dances, a skit and a candle-light ceremony. We are bidding an emotional farewell to our beloved stage, said Vijayan. KFC, the club, will look for a suitable spot to construct another stage. For now, its curtains down.
Kerala: 2nd sexual assault complaint filed against suspended Congress MLA Rahul Mankootathil
A second young woman has leveled serious sexual assault allegations against suspended Congress MLA Rahul Mankootathil. She has emailed senior Congress leaders and the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president. The woman claims Mankootathil assaulted her at a homestay under the guise of marriage. This development intensifies the controversy surrounding the MLA, who is reportedly absconding.
Consider Kerala plea to extend SIR deadline, SC tells EC
Tackling Keralas mental health challenge
Kerala is one of the States with the highest suicide rates in the country
Extend SIR Deadline in Kerala: SC
A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi took note of the submissions that local bodies elections in Kerala will take place on December 9 and 11 and counting of votes will conclude on December 13.
Senior lawyer N.N. Sugunapalan passes away
A campaign sans posters and billboards
Consider further extending Kerala SIR deadline: SC to ECI
The Supreme Court has urged the Election Commission of India to consider extending the deadline for Kerala's electoral roll revision forms, citing the ongoing local body elections. The bench suggested the poll body grant more time for officers involved in election duties to upload forms, deeming the request just and fair for consideration.
