Man held with 2.5-crore worth MDMA in Keralams Chirayinkeezhu
The arrest was made by the Rural District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force (DANSAF) team, which had been keeping the accused under surveillance
Expressing immense happiness at arriving in the State for the first time, he calls Keralam Gods Own Country, which is blessed with natural beauty and the glory of its traditions
CIFT to provide technical support to Andaman and Nicobar administration
However, the existing panel led by him secured a majority in the election, giving the outgoing administration an advantage in determining the trusts future leadership
Waqf Board will support govt.s efforts to resolve Munambam dispute, says chairperson
M.C. Mayin Haji says the issue is pending before the Kerala High Court and the Waqf Tribunal
SAT Hospital in Keralam rejects charges of clinical trial drugs given to SMA-afflicted children
Hospital Superintendent says decision to provide SMA patients with a less expensive, generic version of the original molecule against SMA, in place of the imported original drug costing several lakhs of rupees for a single vial, was taken by a technical committee comprising experts in the field
Government had warm ties with outgoing Governor Arlekar, says Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan
Attending his official send-off, Arlekar says he only returned the affection shown by people of the State; he adds that he is happy that he could complete his tenure without much confrontation
Kerala High Court upholds 10-year jail term for man convicted of raping 73-year-old woman
The court also cancelled his bail and directed him to surrender before the trial court to serve the sentence
One of the films few positives is that some of the fantasy elements are seamlessly weaved into the story of a man aspiring to be a big-time gangster, that they almost seem believable
Former Health Ministers accuse govt. of corporatising public health sector
Former Health Ministers P.K. Sreemathy, K.K. Shailaja and Veena George accuse Health Minister K. Muraleedharan of trivialising the issues in the sector and handling the department affairs without the diligence it deserved
EC stays disqualification of Palakkad municipal councillor Prasobh Valsan
Municipality had issued a notice in June, which cited his absence from three consecutive municipal council meetings as grounds for ending his membership.
RSFI President Tulsi Ram Aggarwal Hails India's Stellar Show At World Skate Games 2026
Tulsi Ram Aggarwal: Roller Skating Federation of India (RSFI) president Tulsi Ram Aggarwal on Thursday hailed India's stellar performance at the World Skate Games 2026, where the contingent bagged seven medals in Paraguay's capital, Asuncion. Speaking at the celebration ceremony after welcoming the athletes, Tulsi Ram heaped praise on the skaters' performance, with the likes of Anandkumar Velkumar and Anirudhan Vinod, among others, winning medals. This time, we have won seven medals at the World Skate Games in Paraguay. Two gold medals, three silver and two bronze medals. Paraguay is a far and hard place to be at. It is hard to take the skaters there, but we never hesitated and took the team to the tournament, Tusli Ram said. This tournament began on October 2. Nearly 10,000 athletes from 90 countries participated in it. Italy, Colombia, Chinese Taipei, Spain, France, United States, Iran, Chile, Germany, Venezuela, Portugal, Czechoslovakia, South Korea, Guatemala, Paraguay, and so on were the teams that participated in the event. Our children have gained a lot of experience and exposure from there by meeting different people, he added. The RSFI president also stated that Colombia are a pretty strong team in skating and that the sport is just like a religion there, just like cricket is in India. Just as cricket is considered almost like a religion in our country, skating holds that same status in Colombia, which is why Colombia is unbeatable in speed skating. However, it is a matter of great pride that one of our skaters, Anirudhan Vinod from Kerala, won a gold medal in the Junior Men's Road 1-Lap. At the same time, from a small union territory or region called Puducherry, a skater named Lohnath Arun Prasath won a silver medal. In the very same competition, two of our competitors achieved podium finishes with gold and silver. The RSFI president also stated that Colombia are a pretty strong team in skating and that the sport is just like a religion there, just like cricket is in India. Just as cricket is considered almost like a religion in our country, skating holds that same status in Colombia, which is why Colombia is unbeatable in speed skating. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Video of activities near Sholayar reservoir in Keralam triggers forest access concerns
Environmentalists seek probe into alleged unauthorised entry; DFO says those seen in the video were police personnel
15 students booked for stamping on PMs photo
The students, reportedly affiliated with the MSF and the SFI, tore up the photo, stepped on it and raised slogans at the closure of the union election campaigning at MES Kalladi College, Mannarkkad
Grand Mysuru Dasara celebrations appreciated by other state CMs; sugarcane growers
Grand Mysuru Dasara celebrations appreciated by other state CMs; sugarcane growers meeting in Belagavi on October 26: Karnataka CM Shivakumar Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, on Thursday said the world-famous Mysuru Dasara celebrations had been a grand success, earning appreciation from the Chief Ministers of Kerala and Telangana, who attended the festivities. He also [] The post Grand Mysuru Dasara celebrations appreciated by other state CMs; sugarcane growers meeting in Belagavi on October 26: Karnataka CM Shivakumar appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Mysuru: MLA alleges protocol violations during Vijayadashami procession
T.S. Srivatsa, Krishnaraja MLA, questions the presence of Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumars wife Usha, and the Chief Ministers of neighbouring Keralam and Telangana, on special platform to shower flower petals on Goddess Chamundeshwaris idol
Mysuru: MLA alleges protocol violations during Vijayadashami procession
T.S. Srivatsa, Krishnaraja MLA, questions the presence of Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumars wife Usha, and the Chief Ministers of neighbouring Keralam and Telangana, on special platform to shower flower petals on Goddess Chamundeshwaris idol
Puja rush boosts KSRTC double-decker revenue in Idukki
Officials said 1,191 tourists rode the two double-decker buses on the MunnarAnayirankal route, earning over 4 lakh in five days.
Woman killed after being hit by unidentified vehicle in Kannur
Former Union Minister and advocate P C Thomas on Thursday said the Supreme Court (SC)'s decision to stay the investigation in the CMRL-Exalogic payoff case for seven days did not invalidate the FIR against former Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. On the other hand, CPI(M) leader K Anilkumar criticised the Kerala High Court's earlier order, arguing that it undermined the federal structure. Speaking to ANI, while reacting to the Supreme Court's order staying the investigation against Vijayan and others for seven days, Thomas said the matter had been sent back to the High Court because the parties had not been heard.
Man arrested for allegedly stealing liquor from premium outlet in Muvattupuzha
The alleged theft took place at the outlet located along MC Road between 6.30 p.m. and 11 p.m. on October 20
Dancer couple, singer Lathika win Swaralaya awards
Swaralaya Palakkad will organise a day-long musical programme on November 29 to honour playback singer K.J. Yesudas
Keralam government to introduce apprenticeship scheme for arts, science and commerce students
Mother, son injured in firecracker blast in Palakkad
House where the firecrackers were stored was destroyed, three nearby houses damaged. Police suspect that local firecrackers made using palm leaves were stored illegally in the house and may have caused the explosion
Delay in reconstruction of Tagore Centenary Hall in Kozhikode worries cultural activists
The hall was demolished in 2025 to make way for a modern, multi-purpose cultural complex
Kuttippuram panchayat member killed after being hit by train
Ahmed Kutty was chairman of the panchayat welfare standing committee
Congress captures Paralam panchayat in Keralams Thrissur with CPI support, BJP cries foul
Congress candidate Rose Mary elected president with eight votes, including those of two CPI members; BJP accuses Congress and CPI of a tacit political understanding
Congress captures Paralam panchayat in Keralams Thrissur with CPI support, BJP cries foul
Congress candidate Rose Mary elected president with eight votes, including those of two CPI members; BJP accuses Congress and CPI of a tacit political understanding
Kerala Tourism delegation attends ITB Asia 2026
Held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore, three-day event positions Keralams pavilion as a key highlight amid the large gathering of tourism professionals and travel enthusiasts
Kerala Tourism delegation attends ITB Asia 2026
Held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore, three-day event positions Keralams pavilion as a key highlight amid the large gathering of tourism professionals and travel enthusiasts
UDF unseats LDF in Upputhara panchayat in Idukki with BJP support
BJP member, Nisha Pradeep, votes in favour and an Independent member, Ramani Roopesh, switched sides, giving the UDF 10 votes to oust the LDF.
Thiruvambady Devaswom rejects Crime Branch report on Thrissur Pooram disruption
Devaswom secretary Girish Kumar alleges police lapses during the festival in 2024, sees attempt to shift blame onto the Devaswom. Crime Branch reportedly submitted the probe report to the government, seeking permission to prosecute eight office-bearers of Thiruvambady Devaswom
Kollam District Collector asks political parties to ensure appointment of Booth Level Agents at all polling stations and to take immediate steps to assign them where vacancies exist
Wild gaur charges at tourists on Valparai forest road
Tourists heading to Chinnakallar waterfalls thrown off their bike in the attack
According to the 16-year-old survivors statement, she was taken from Andhra Pradesh to Bengaluru and then to Chennai before being brought to Keralam
Thazhathangadi gears up for 125th boat race
As many as nine snakeboats that competed in the Nehru Trophy Boat Race will vie for honours in the seventh leg of the Champions Boat League.
Liquor Worth Rs 6,600 Stolen From KSBC Outlet in Keralam
The theft took place at the state-run Kerala State Beverages Corporation (KSBC) outlet's self-premium counter on the first floor of the Athrassery Building on MC Road between 6.30 pm and 11 pm on October 20
12 cows killed in lightning strikes in Keralams Kottayam
Hundreds of cows are reared on Cheruvally Estate in Erumeli, with cattle rearing serving as a major source of income for workers
Southern and central parts of Keralam receive heavy rain with Mavelikara in Alappuzha and Venkurinji in Pathanamthitta recording the highest rainfall of 14 cm
KSSM Medical Officer Recruitment 2026
Kerala Social Security Mission (KSSM) has published the Recruitment 2026 notification for the post of Medical Officer. Offline applications will be accepted till 31 October 2026.
CMRL-Exalogic payoff case: Ex-Keralam CM Pinarayi Vijayan to skip questioning by ED on October 23
Counsel for Pinarayi informs ED officials in Kochi that he will not appear for questioning as Supreme Court has stayed a Kerala Police probe into FIR registered against him, daughter T. Veena and son-in-law Mohamed Riyas in the case
Three accused in Pilathara gold robbery case in Keralams Kannur arrested
In June 2026, the accused attacked a car carrying a family from Maharashtra and looted gold and around 55 lakh in cash
Three accused in Pilathara gold robbery case in Keralams Kannur arrested
In June 2026, the accused attacked a car carrying a family from Maharashtra and looted gold and around 55 lakh in cash
Centre for Management Development Kerala (CMD Kerala) has released Notification No. CMD/10/2026/01 for 2 vacancies, including Company Secretary and Assistant Manager posts. Eligible candidates can apply online at cmd.kerala.gov.in from 22 October 2026 to 10 November 2026.
Doctor Arrested For Ganja, Assault In Kollam Hotel
A doctor in Kollam, Kerala, was arrested for allegedly assaulting police personnel and possessing a small quantity of ganja. He was remanded to judicial custody for the assault, while both he and a woman doctor were granted bail in the narcotics case.
Desalination project, proposed by previous LDF govt, was envisaged as a solution to persistent drinking water crisis in coastal regions of Ernakulam district. A new 190 MLD Water Treatment Plant at Aluva has received administrative sanction
Keralamto form special panel to study Labour Codes, implementation
Committee to include trade union representatives and will be tasked with submitting practical recommendations required for framing State rules
Jharkhand's Shikhar Mohan To Join India A Team From Second Game Of New Zealand Tour
MA Chidambaram Stadium: Jharkhands left-handed batter Shikhar Mohan will link up with the India A side from the second four-day game of their tour of New Zealand. India A will open their three-match four-day series against New Zealand A in Lincoln on October 24. The second game will be played at the Hagley Oval before the tour wraps up in Lincoln on November 7. He will be there with the India A team from the second game onwards. Some changes are expected to be made to the India A team due to a few players being a part of the ODI series against New Zealand. So, for now Shikhar will be there with the India A side from the second game onwards, a source familiar with the development said to IANS on Thursday. KL Rahul and Anshul Kamboj, both part of the India A set-up, have been named for the first three ODIs. Meanwhile, Auqib Nabi and Kumar Kushagra have been picked for the last two games of the five-match series. Shikhars call-up to India A team caps a rapid rise for him since he made his senior debut barely a year ago. Mohan has been in prolific form for Jharkhand in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, hammering 143 against Kerala before following it up with scores of 27 and 127 against Maharashtra in Pune in the second round of the competition. He had also made a strong impression on his Duleep Trophy debut, scoring twin fifties for East Zone in the final against South Zone and playing a vital role in his side's title triumph at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Earlier this month, Shikhar struck 60 in the first innings for Rest of India in their Irani Cup win over Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar. Born in Ranchi in May 2005, Mohan honed his skills at the Ranchi Cricket Academy and went on to represent Jharkhand at the Under-16, Under-19 and Under-23 levels before making his senior debut at 20, in a Ranji Trophy game against Tamil Nadu in Coimbatore in October last year. He had also made a strong impression on his Duleep Trophy debut, scoring twin fifties for East Zone in the final against South Zone and playing a vital role in his side's title triumph at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Keralam to Form Panel With Trade Union Representatives to Examine Labour Codes
The new labour codes by the Union government came into force in November 2025, and the Keralam government maintained that it would implement them only after a detailed scrutiny
Liquor worth 6,600 stolen from Bevco outlet in Keralam
Theft at a premium outlet at Muvattupuzha near Kochi. It came to light when Kerala State Beverages Corporation officials checked stock on October 21
Sri Lanka-based NTJ's collapse forces Al Qaeda, Islamic State to rethink South India strategy
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 22 (IANS) The collapse of the Sri Lanka-based National Thowheed Jamaat (NTJ) dealt a major blow to both Al Qaeda and the Islamic State, which had sought to expand their influence in the region. The organisation had evolved into a dangerous extremist outfit, as demonstrated by its capacity to carry out the deadly Easter bombings in Sri Lanka. Both Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State had sought to use the NTJ to extend their reach in Sri Lanka and South India, in particular. However, the NTJ appeared to be more closely aligned with the Islamic State, whose emphasis on violent jihad and its methods of operation appealed more strongly to the group. An official said that both Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State had realised that they could not operate Mujahideen-style terror outfits in Sri Lanka and South India, noting that this model of terrorism had found success only in Jammu and Kashmir. In the rest of the country, groups such as the Indian Mujahideen and the Popular Front of India (PFI) found success. However, their operations were markedly different from those carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammed or Lashkar-e-Taiba in Jammu and Kashmir, the official said. An Intelligence Bureau official said that Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State were focusing heavily on radicalisation efforts in South India and Sri Lanka. However, both outfits had realised that radicalisation alone would not suffice and needed to be backed by ground operations, such as the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka. The official said both outfits were currently encouraging their operatives and sympathisers to form groups along the lines of the NTJ or the PFI. Both terror outfits have also understood that when it comes to operations in South India, potential recruits have leaned more towards localised terror groups. Al Qaeda and the Islamic State do have traction when it comes to ideology, but recruits prefer local terror outfits such as the NTJ and PFI. This is because such groups are more capable of undertaking operations on the ground. Moreover, these groups connect more easily because of common language and other traits that are local in nature, the official said. Another official said that states such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala are more charged when it comes to radicalisation. The Islamic State and Al Qaeda have managed to penetrate their ideology in Tamil Nadu and Kerala respectively. However, it has failed to launch even one major operation in these states. In the absence of such operations, recruitment is hard, and both these outfits realise that. Intelligence inputs suggest that groups such as the NTJ and PFI are not capable of an immediate revival. The agencies, both in India and Sri Lanka, are closely monitoring those sympathetic towards these groups. Moreover, neither group has made any serious attempt at a revival since they were banned. Post the Easter bombings, the Sri Lankan government cracked down heavily on the NTJ, and this effectively eliminated the group. In the case of the PFI, the crackdown was hard, and this led to multiple raids and subsequent arrests. The financial choking of these terror groups also has ensured that a revival anytime soon would not be possible, officials say. Officials have not ruled out the possibility of Al-Ummah re-emerging in South India. The group, which was linked to the Coimbatore bombings, has reportedly been sending signals suggesting a possible comeback. According to the officials, Al-Ummah is under the control of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), with some of its members continuing to find shelter in Pakistan. Given the current situation and the ambitions of Al Qaeda and Islamic State, these groups would either wait for an Al-Ummah resurgence and ride on it or would focus entirely on creating completely new entities to run their operations in South India and Sri Lanka, an official said.
Kerala Government to Draft New Labor Code Rules After Consulting Trade Unions
The Kerala government plans to finalize new labor code rules after extensive consultations with trade unions, focusing on workers rights. Kerala Government to Draft New Labor Code Rules After Consulting Trade Unions
CMRL-Exalogic case: Vijayan moves Kerala HC to block further action of ED, Vigilance
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 22 (IANS) Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has moved an appeal in the Kerala High Court against the Vigilance probe into the CMRL-Exalogic monthly payment case, besides seeking to prevent further action by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Vijayan has submitted the Supreme Court order staying the Vigilance investigation before the High Court and is making arrangements to bring his appeal before the Division Bench as early as Saturday. The petition he had earlier filed against the Single Bench order is expected to be assigned a fresh number and placed before the Division Bench. The legal strategy also includes the possibility of filing a separate writ petition to restrain the ED from proceeding with further action until the appeal is decided. If the agency issues fresh summons or initiates other proceedings, Vijayan, his son-in-law and CPI(M) leader Mohammed Riyas, and his daughter T. Veena are likely to consider approaching the High Court. Vijayan is not likely to appear before the ED on Friday, according to the report. His legal team is preparing to deploy senior advocates to argue the appeal, banking on observations in the Supreme Court order that, in their assessment, leave room for the challenge before the High Court. The Division Bench will be asked to halt all further proceedings in the case, including the ED investigation, pending a decision on the appeal. The immediate legal battle is thus likely to centre on whether the High Court should intervene to prevent the agency from taking further steps while the appeal remains pending. The ED, however, maintains that the Supreme Court order has not barred it from continuing its investigation. The agency's assessment is that the apex court has not invalidated the ED's communication of information under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against Pinarayi. It also maintains that the evidence remains available and that the legal validity of the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) has not been questioned. The case's progress was reviewed on Thursday at the ED's Kochi office under the supervision of the Special Director. The agency is preparing to strongly oppose Vijayan's appeal before the High Court. The coming hearing could therefore determine whether the ED can continue its proceedings unhindered or whether further action will be held in abeyance pending the High Court's decision.
The Keralam government has decided to form a special committee comprising trade union representatives to examine issues related to the implementation of the Labour Codes and submit recommendations, according to Keralam Chief Minister's Office (CMO). The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister V D Satheesan at the Secretariat. The meeting, attended by Labour Minister Bindu Krishna, saw the participation of representatives from 22 trade unions. The committee will submit practical recommendations for framing the state rules under the Labour Codes. The Labour Department Secretary will be the convenor, while the Additional Secretary of the Law Department will be a member. The committee will also include seven representatives from various trade unions and officials from the Labour Department. It must submit its report within 10 days of its formation. CM Satheesan said a final decision on implementing the Labour Codes would be taken only after hearing the views of all stakeh...
Magistrate court points out there is no specific evidence currently to show the accused is facing safety threats at the facility
CMRL Case: Kerala Minister Joseph Expects Criticism To Subside
Kerala Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph stated that criticism regarding the state government's initial handling of the CMRL payments case, involving CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan and his family, would diminish following a recent Supreme Court verdict. The ED had sought a case against Vijayan, his daughter, and son-in-law, but the state initially opted for a preliminary inquiry. Joseph also addressed internal party criticism, advocating for internal channels for dissent.
Kerala to frame new Labour Code rules after consultations with trade unions
Thiruvananthapuram The Satheesan government has decided to hold wider consultations with trade unions before finalising Keralas new rules for implementing The post Kerala to frame new Labour Code rules after consultations with trade unions appeared first on Bilkul Online .
Bike crash leads to discovery of 21 gm of MDMA in Keralam mans pocket
Narcotic substance found during a medical examination at hospital
ESA row triggers political showdown in Keralams central Travancore
CPI(M) and Congress trade charges over Keralam governments handling of the issue. Pathanamthitta emerges as focal point of controversy, with CPI(M) calling a hartal in seven villages on October 24
Landslide Derails Locomotive in Keralam, Train Services Restored
The locomotive was found derailed after the train stopped at the location, the railways said
Qatar Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre burglary: Local BJP leader surrenders before police in Kozhikode
Parappil Balakrishnan, the accused, had previously contested as a BJP candidate in local body elections
Heavy rain alert in Kerala; services restored after landslide derails train near Parassala
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 22 (IANS) Kerala faces another spell of heavy rain, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing orange alerts for seven districts until Sunday and warning of isolated very heavy rainfall over the coming days. The latest weather warning comes against the backdrop of a landslide near Parassala that disrupted train services in the early hours of Thursday. Orange alerts have been issued for Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod on Saturday, and Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad on Sunday. The IMD has forecast isolated very heavy rainfall, ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm in 24 hours, in the districts under orange alert. The IMD has also issued yellow alerts for several other districts on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, warning of isolated heavy rainfall. Thunderstorms are likely to accompany the rain. The State Disaster Management Authority has advised people in hilly and coastal areas to remain vigilant as the wet spell is expected to continue through Sunday. The impact of the rain was evident near Parassala in Thiruvananthapuram district, where a landslide affected railway operations in the early hours of Thursday. Train No. 22619 Bilaspur-Tirunelveli Express was stopped at around 2.19 a.m. in the Neyyattinkara-Parassala section, near Parassala railway station, after a landslide occurred around kilometre 249. The locomotive was subsequently found to have derailed. All passengers and railway personnel were reported safe. Railway authorities immediately arranged a relief locomotive and dispatched an Accident Relief Train, along with personnel and equipment, to carry out restoration work. The Railways later confirmed that the derailed locomotive had been removed and track restoration completed. Train services resumed after the necessary safety inspections. The Mangaluru-bound Parasuram Express departed Parassala and safely passed through the affected section. The IMD defines heavy rainfall as 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to exercise caution and follow official advisories as Kerala braces for more rain over the next few days.
Keralam: Landslide derails locomotive, disrupting train services, work on to clear tracks
Case against MSF, SFI students in Keralam for trampling on PM Modis photograph
Incident allegedly happened during finale of a college union election campaign in Palakkad
A meeting of senior ED officials that began in Kochi on Wednesday is expected to chalk out legal course of action in the wake of Supreme Courts move to stay police probe based on Vigilance FIR against Pinarayi, his daughter T. Veena and son-in-law Mohamed Riyas
UDF MPs in Keralam clash over Vistadome coach credit for Madurai-Guruvayur Express
Controversy erupted when N.K. Premachandran and Kodikunnil Suresh took to social media to claim that they had been instrumental in bringing the specialised tourist-friendly railway coach to Kerala, triggering an open tug-of-war between the leaders
Keralam on high alert as rain intensifies; IMD sounds orange alert for four districts on October 22
The eastern ghat regions, southern Keralam and parts of Central Travancore received heavy overnight rain, disrupting normal life and causing waterlogging in several areas
Wifes father paid for joint house; Kerala HC orders husband to vacate
The dispute involved a couple who got married in 2012. The woman told the court that her father had paid Rs 30 lakh to purchase the house for her future security. Although the property was registered jointly, she maintained that her husband had contributed nothing towards the purchase and therefore had no independent entitlement to half of it.
No injuries reported. Train traffic along Thiruvananthapuram and Nagercoil route disrupted
LA mayoral race: Indian-American Nithya Raman apologises over Gates remark, wins Horvath backing
Digital Desk | Washington, Oct 22 (IANS) Indian-American Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman has apologised for invoking former police chief Daryl Gates, even as she picked up the endorsement of county supervisor Lindsey Horvath days before vote centres open across the city. Raman apologised privately to a South Los Angeles community group and on a podcast for her reference to Gates, Politicos California Playbook newsletter reported on Wednesday. The Los Angeles Times reported on October 16 on the controversy over the remark in Ramans race against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. Gates led the Los Angeles Police Department during the 1992 riots and remains a deeply divisive figure in the city, particularly in South Los Angeles. Separately, Horvath, a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, endorsed Raman on October 20, the Los Angeles Times reported. She is the only county supervisor backing Raman, the paper said. The endorsement gives Raman, a member of the Los Angeles City Council, a prominent ally as she seeks to unseat Bass. Meanwhile, businessman Rick Caruso, who lost to Bass in the 2022 mayoral race, praised the mayor but endorsed neither candidate, NBC Los Angeles reported. Caruso criticised Ramans plan to remove Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell, according to the station. Raman has also proposed an audit of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power as high utility bills become a key campaign issue, ABC7 reported. Raman did not post on her X account about the apology or the endorsement during the past day. Los Angeles voters can begin casting ballots in person when 11-day vote centres open on October 24, ahead of the November 3 election. Raman, born in Kerala and raised partly in Zambia before moving to the US as a child, was first elected to the city council in 2020, becoming the first Indian-American and Asian-American woman on the council. She has positioned herself as a progressive challenger focused on homelessness, housing affordability and city services, while Bass has highlighted her record on reducing street homelessness and the citys recovery from the January 2025 wildfires, including in Pacific Palisades. Policing has emerged as one of the sharpest lines of division in the race. Ramans plan to replace McDonnell has drawn criticism from Caruso and others who say the city needs stability at the top of the department, according to NBC Los Angeles. The Bass campaign did not immediately respond to the apology. A Raman victory would make her the first Indian-American mayor of Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the United States.
Malayalam actor Soubin Shahirs 6,300-square-foot Kochi apartment combines lush greenery with earthy interiors inspired by Keralas traditional homes. The foyer features a fallen tree trunk as sculptural seating, surrounded by plants such as pandanus and papyrus. Soubin revealed how childhood memories of watering plants shaped his love for nature. The home also features black micro-cement flooring, woven cane details and a customised walnut dining table.
The United Nations designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The objective is to raise awareness about the role of women farmers. Generally, our higher education institutions in Jammu and Kashmir organize seminars, rallies, and other activities to mark important national and international days. However, to the best of my knowledge, no such celebrations have taken place so far in connection with this initiative. Chancellor of the universities Mr Manoj Sinha, has described campuses as hubs of ideas where every lecture becomes a doorway. Faculty members and students need to spend time in the countryside to experience the challenges and rewards of harvesting in Kashmir. Chairman Mao Zedong famously spoke of his education at the university of green forests. This article is a modest attempt to understand some of the issues concerning women farmers and their evolving identity. Definitional issues Women farmers are individuals engaged in agricultural activities such as crop cultivation, livestock management, horticulture, fisheries, food processing, and other farm-related operations. Their work extends from land preparation to harvesting, storage, processing, and marketing. The state of Maharashtra has taken a commendable step by introducing legislation that recognizes women farmers through an activity-based definition independent of land ownership. The Women Farmers Empowerment Bill, passed by Maharashtra in July 2026, grants women independent recognition as farmers irrespective of whether they own agricultural land. This legislation represents a significant shift from recognizing the owner of agricultural land to recognizing the person who actually cultivates it. Maharashtra has shown the way for other states in the Indian Union to follow. Earlier, the National Policy for Farmers, based on the recommendations of the National Commission on Farmers, had also broadened the definition of a farmer. The commission was chaired by the eminent agricultural scientist Dr. M. S. Swaminathan. The perception that only men can be farmers must therefore be abandoned. In 2025, agriculture employed approximately 110 million women and 127 million men, indicating that the gender gap in agricultural employment had narrowed considerably. There is an urgent need to remove loopholes in policymaking and institutional practices so that women are recognized as farmers in their own right. This would enable them to benefit from various welfare schemes offered by the Union and state governments in keeping with the spirit of the Indian Constitution. Founding mothers of the Indian republic In recent years, several noteworthy works on the Indian Constitution have questioned the use of the term Founding Fathers, a phrase rooted in the American tradition of recognizing a group of eminent men. These writings seek to bring greater visibility to the women who played noticeable roles in framing the Indian Constitution. A new book, Founding Mothers of the Indian Republic: Gender Politics of the Framing of the Constitution, by Achyut Chetan, sheds light on the contributions of Indian women who participated in the constitution-making process. It is heartening to note that Amrit Kaur, a member of the Constituent Assembly, emphasized the concept of constructive citizenship. Her approach sought to move beyond identifying and regulating women primarily as members of particular religious communities and instead recognize them as citizens of the new nation, enjoying equal legal status with men. Similarly, Dakshayani Velayudhan, the only Dalit woman in the Constituent Assembly, envisioned an educational role for the state in transforming a caste-ridden society into an independent and egalitarian Indian republic. Constitutional provisions Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws. In the context of gender equality, this principle supports womens claims to equal treatment, dignity, and protection against discrimination. Article 15 prohibits discrimination on specified grounds, including sex, while Articles 15(3) and 15(4) empower the state to make special provisions for women and children and for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes and other constitutionally specified groups. Article 19(1)(g) guarantees citizens the right to practise any profession or carry on any occupation, trade, or business, subject to reasonable restrictions permitted by the Constitution. Article 42 directs the state to make provisions for securing just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief, thereby laying an important foundation for a just and equitable social order. Various state governments and Union Territories have introduced measures intended to strengthen womens participation in national development. The constitutional framework provides important guarantees and protections for women across different sections of society. Women farmers in Indian states The newly enacted Maharashtra legislation broadens the definition of a woman farmer to include women residents engaged in agriculture for at least one agricultural season in a year, irrespective of the nature of their landholding. The proposed Women Farmer Certificate explicitly recognizes categories such as landless cultivators, landless livestock rearers, agricultural labourers, plantation workers, and pastoralists. In principle, this creates a pathway through which women who do not own land can gain access to government welfare schemes and agricultural credit. In Kerala, women farmers play an important role in the agricultural economy and environmental sustainability through grassroots collectives. The Kudumbashree collective farming initiative organizes neighbourhood groups into Joint Liability Groups to cultivate fallow land. Meghalaya offers another interesting example. Approximately 48 per cent of women reportedly own land, a proportion higher than the national average. In some communities, the inheritance of family property by the youngest daughter reflects the states distinctive matrilineal traditions. These examples demonstrate that institutional recognition, collective organization, and property rights can strengthen womens participation in agriculture. The J&K Experience In May 2018, the then Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, announced a zero-stamp-duty policy for properties registered in the names of female family members. The initiative reflected the progressive spirit of the 1944 Naya Kashmir programme. However, the measure was short-lived and was revoked in 2019. It is worth noting that asset ownership in Jammu and Kashmir remains largely dominated by men. In terms of land ownership, only 23 per cent of women in the region reportedly hold property in their names, compared with 73 per cent of men. Despite these constraints, women farmers in Jammu and Kashmir are increasingly demonstrating their capabilities and emerging as a distinct and important category of agricultural entrepreneurs. Zainab Wani, a Kashmir-based freelance journalist, has brought several success stories to public attention under the theme Farm Heroines of Kashmir. She writes about how Kashmiri women such as Shaziya, Gulshana, and Tahira are transforming the Valleys agricultural landscape through determination, innovation, and a willingness to create employment opportunities where few previously existed. Shaziya, who holds LLB and LLM degrees and comes from a village in the Shopian area, oversees a dynamic agro-enterprise that functions more like an integrated ecosystem than a conventional farm. Her model emphasizes sustainability and avoids the use of fertilizers. Her work has been recognized by a zonal body of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Similarly, Gulshana, from Pulwama, has established a dairy farm and demonstrated how dedication and hard work can provide a model for others to emulate. She reportedly supplies more than 150,000 litres of milk annually. She has benefited from the National Livestock Mission, which, among other objectives, seeks to improve feed and breed quality across India. In Kulgam, Tahira, a young woman without land of her own, has demonstrated that even a small shed-sized space can become an important source of income through mushroom cultivation, potentially providing employment throughout the year. These encouraging stories demonstrate the potential of women farmers to transform local economies. The Jammu and Kashmir government must build on this momentum by taking further measures to support and empower them. The Way Forward The Jammu and Kashmir government should consider enacting a Women Farmers Empowerment Act along the lines of Maharashtras initiative. Globally, women continue to face substantial legal and institutional barriers to land ownership and inheritance. In India, women constitute a significant proportion of the agricultural workforce and self-employed agricultural workers, yet their ownership of agricultural land has historically remained disproportionately low. Anil Agarwal, chairman of Vedanta Limited, has argued that economies grow faster when women are empowered. The Jammu and Kashmir government could draw inspiration from Gujarats experience with women-operated Amul milk parlours in villages, adapting the model to local conditions and opportunities. Block Development Officers, working in partnership with Gram Sabhas and other local institutions, could invite women recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization as Women Heroes in Agrifood to share their experiences. Such interactions could inspire local women farmers and help disseminate effective agricultural practices. More than a hundred women around the world have received recognition through initiatives celebrating their pioneering contributions to agrifood systems. Women farmers should also receive childcare support to reduce their unpaid care burden and enable them to devote more time and energy to agricultural work. Through initiatives such as the Namo Drone Didi programme, women can be trained in drone operations, precision agriculture, and smart irrigation. Such skills could help improve productivity, reduce costs, and create new employment opportunities in rural areas. Jammu and Kashmir also faces an administrative challenge: its government machinery has relatively limited staffing in some critical service-delivery roles, while several institutions lack the technical expertise needed to implement complex development programmes effectively. The government must therefore rethink the role of the developmental state, ensuring that effective public services and ease of doing business extend to the village level. The author is a Kashmir-based political scientist.
Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (KCMMF), known by its brand name Milma, has cautioned the public about a fake link claiming to give away INR 50,000 as Milma
Kochi pharma firm loses 99 lakh in alleged impersonation fraud
According to the FIR, the accused hacked a mobile phone used by the companys accounts department and managed to save a phone number as that of the CEO, using the WhatsApp display picture used by him
Row over SMA drug distribution in Keralam unwarranted, say experts
SAT Hospital authorities deny the claim of parents of SMA children that the drug given free of cost at the hospital clinic was an experimental drug. Hospital authorities say what was given was the generic version of Risdiplam, the patented original formula by Roche, now manufactured by the Indian firm Natco Pharma and which has been approved by drug regulatory bodies in the country
SC stays CMRL-Exalogic probe against Pinarayi Vijayan, daughter for a week
The Supreme Court has stayed the investigation into corruption FIRs against Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena T, and PA Mohammed Riyas. They are allowed to challenge a Kerala High Court order that prompted the registration of these FIRs. The court clarified that its observations do not reflect any opinion on the merits of the cases. It also expressed concern regarding the urgency with which the matter was taken to the high court.
Kerala Police to conduct intelligence-based operations against spas: Ravada Chandrasekhar
Probe under way into alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl from Andhra Pradesh at a spa in Kovalam
CMFRI launches open-sea mussel longline farming unit at Vizhinjam
Thiruvananthapuram Corporations dog shelters face opposition from nearby panchayats
Kuttichal panchayat comes out against a private dog shelter in which around 200 dogs from the Corporation are being housed
Weather tomorrow, October 22: The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, and Kerala and Mahe on October 22. Heavy rain is also likely in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Lakshadweep, while Karnataka and other regions may experience rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds. Check the state-wise weather forecast, rainfall alerts and warnings for tomorrow.
Keralam will draw action plan to expand, strengthen Operation Toofan: Minister
Man booked for alleged defamatory remarks against Aluva MLA
The accused has been booked on charges including criminal defamation
Student run over by train in Kozhikode
Police say she was attempting to cross the railway tracks when the Vande Bharat Express, travelling towards Thiruvananthapuram, struck her
Forest dept. all set to build elephant crossings on Gap Road in Idukki
Plan includes building three elephant underpasses, crossing ramps, culverts, and an animal over-bridge along the MunnarBodimettu section of NH 85 to safeguard elephant corridors and curb human-wildlife conflict. The NHAI has already sanctioned 6.96 crore for the project.
Mr. Shivakumar said people speaking Telugu from Andhra Pradesh, Malayalam from Keralam, and Tamil from Tamil Nadu were among those participating in the festival.
Mr. Shivakumar said people speaking Telugu from Andhra Pradesh, Malayalam from Keralam, and Tamil from Tamil Nadu were among those participating in the festival.
Jalaj Saxena equals Bishan Bedi as Kerala notch up innings win against Odisha
This was Jalajs 35th five-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy, a phenomenal number that puts him level with the great Bishan Singh Bedi for the joint fifth-most five-fors in the tournaments history. Odisha, meanwhile, became the 20th Ranji team he has taken five wickets against.
Around 8,000 children embark on their educational journey at Thiruvullakkavu temple in Thrissur on Vijayadashami; nearly 50 acharyas lead the Vidyarambham ceremony
Telangana, Keralam CMs attend grand Dasara celebrations in Mysuru
Mysuru: The world-renowned Mysuru Dasara celebrations ended in the palace city on Wednesday, October 21, with a spectacular Vijayadashami procession, the grand finale of the 11-day festivities. Celebrated as Nada Habba (state festival), the Dasara, or Sharan Navaratri, festivities were a grand affair this year, showcasing Karnatakas rich culture and traditions, reminiscent of royal pomp 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 .
