IIA Kerala chapter office-bearers to assume office on September 19
Keralam to support new medical device parks, fast-track approvals, says CM V.D. Satheesan
Government is moving towards a 'single door, single document, single approval' system for new industrial projects, with amendments being made to 19 laws, says Chief Minister. The objective is to end prolonged delays and ensure approvals within a defined timeframe
Keralam CM launches nature festival logo
CMs plan to relocate city zoo triggers debate
Some activists say the concept of zoo is outdated; others want green lung in heart of the city to be maintained
Clash during bank election: CPI(M) leader held in Kozhikode
Case relates to clash during Chevayur bank election on November 16, 2024, in which a native of Mukkom sustained serious injuries
Veterinarians trained in antimicrobial stewardship and One Health at KVASU
Field veterinarians trained in vaccination, alternatives to antibiotics, farm biosecurity and hygiene, animal welfare and gender-responsive veterinary services
K.M. Basheer death case: court defers decision on resuming trial
KSRTC announces Hyderabad, Lakshadweep travel packages
Muslim Youth League protests against Mailampulli toll booth
Members of the Muslim Youth League blocked the Kozhikode-Palakkad National Highway 966 at Mailampulli on Wednesday, September 16, to protest the construction of a toll booth they claim would exacerbate safety issues on the newly expanded road
IDSFFK lifetime achievement award for animation filmmaker Nina Sabnani
FIR alleges that Reporter TV managing director and two unidentified persons conspired to defame the Chief Minister in public by circulating and retaining documents which they allegedly knew to be fabricated
Consultations, planned in hybrid mode, will be held in morning and afternoon sessions. The regulations, once finalised, will govern electricity tariff-related matters for the five-year control period starting 2027-28
Maradu water treatment plant set to add 20 MLD to Kochi water supply
Plants production capacity to be raised from 100 MLD to 120 MLD; new 1,000-mm high-density polyethylene pipeline to be laid over 5.2 km
El Nio casting a shadow over tea sector in Keralam as production declines
Keralams tea sector sees a 2% production drop during the eight-month period from January to August, according to data complied by UPASI
North-South, the New Pairing in Bollywood
Very picturesquely, Kareena Kapoor Khan describes her pairing with Malayali actor Prithviraj Sukumaran as Punjab ka chole and Keralam ka mutton. We are deadly together, she says.
Police, Central agencies targeting Left in Keralam: T.P. Ramakrishnan
Citing the raid on Reporter TV office, LDF convener says such targeted harassment, which affects independent journalism, can in no way be justified
Sreedhaya Suresh Takes Charge As Keralas First Tribal Woman District Collector
Being at the northern end of Kerala and one of the youngest districts in the state, there are several areas where progress can be made: Sreedhanya Suresh
Haj medical certificate deadline extended
Watch: Keralam power crisis: CM V.D. Satheesan announces emergency measures
Keralam is grappling with an unprecedented power crisis as weak monsoons and depleted reservoirs force emergency electricity imports. Following a cabinet meeting, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced urgent measures, including inter-state power procurement and a revised energy policy, as unannounced outages and soaring evening demand leave households and businesses vulnerable.
The disease usually subsides in a few days, but those with breathing difficulty and chest pain should seek treatment at the nearest hospital immediately.
Kerala State Human Rights Commission orders decision on doctors leave and dues
The commission issued the directive stating that an immediate decision must also be taken regarding the salary and other benefits due to the complainant from October 2024
Folk song workshop held for Pang school students
Awards were presented to schools that performed well in the Reading Month activities.
Malampuzha school celebrates ozone day
Clean Kerala Company sector coordinator P.V. Sahadevan inaugurated an ozone seminar held under the banner of the schools science club. School resource group convener Anjali S.N. welcomed the gathering.
Rain deficit leaves paddy farmers on edge
Water levels dip in paddy fields as farmers prepare for Mundakan crop; rising fertilizer costs add to mounting worries
Special grama sabhas to be held in 52 panchayats in Idukki to discuss ESA
Main aim of the special grama sabhas is to ensure that the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change exclude farmlands and human habitations from the ESA
Climate change increases dengue risk in Keralam; cases may rise by 20% by 2040, says study
Study identifies rainfall, humidity and El Nio-Southern Oscillation as the key drivers of dengue transmission. Changes in atmospheric pressure, temperature and relative humidity during the active and break phases of monsoon can influence localised mosquito breeding and dengue risk
DDMA conducts tsunami mock drill at Veliyankode coast
The drill tested preparedness and coordination to handle disasters like tsunami. It practised moving people to safe areas, rescue, emergency treatment, and post-disaster steps after a tsunami warning
Pro-Left staff unions in Health dept. in Kozhikode seek steps to fill vacancies
Union leaders say key posts in the district vector control unit have remained vacant since May after retirement of incumbent staff
Health authorities warn people with head injuries to avoid public waterbodies
The warning comes after a joint study by the Health department and the Indian Council of Medical Research found that they faced high risk of amoebic encephalitis
Kerala University has declared the PG Result on 16 Sept 2026. Check direct result PDF links, exam details, and how to download your mark list at exams.keralauniversity.ac.in.
Indian dentist dies after collapsing at home in Sharjah
Sharjah: A 32-year-old Indian dentist and mother of two died after collapsing at her home in Sharjahs Al Qasimia area on Monday morning, September 14, according to media reports. The woman was identified as Dr Afeena Raheem, a native of Pookkulam in Wandoor, Malappuram, Kerala. She had been living in Sharjah with her husband, Yasar 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 .
Samsung India expects double-digit growth in H2 appliances biz on festive demand
The company is encouraged by its festive sales in 2026, which started with Onam in Kerala and are expected to continue the momentum
New eel species described from Arabian Sea, named after CMFRI
New species, named Ariosoma cmfriense, was collected from the waters off Kollam in Keralam at a depth of about 300 m in January 2026
According to the Thrissur Corporations report, 15 buildings have been identified for immediate demolition. The commission directs the Corporation Secretary to submit an action-taken report in its sitting in October 2026
Kerala Startup Mission joins national initiative to promote ST-led startups
The partnership is aimed at providing structured capacity-building, mentorship, market linkages and investment-readiness support to ST-led enterprises
Kerala agri university to transfer chocolate-making technology to farmer group
The technology transfer was undertaken to enhance the value of cocoa farmers produce and promote cocoa-based entrepreneurial activities
Body of flash flood victim recovered from river in Keralams Kozhikode
30-year-old woman was swept away while sitting on a rock in the Iruvazhinjippuzha river in Kozhikode district of Keralam on Tuesday (September 15, 2026) evening
Union Tribal Affairs Ministry ropes in Kerala's KSUM for national ST startup push
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 16 (IANS) The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched a national initiative to identify, incubate, mentor and finance startups and enterprises led by Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs, with Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) among 10 institutions selected to implement the programme. Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram said the initiative was aimed at harnessing the potential of tribal youth and creating both job creators and job seekers by expanding outreach and handholding support for ST innovators and entrepreneurs. Tribal Affairs Minister of State Durgadas Uikey said the initiative was part of efforts to promote the growth of tribal communities in areas including education, health, digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence. The Ministry has signed MoUs with 10 agencies, including KSUM, to create an enabling ecosystem for innovation-driven entrepreneurship among tribal communities. The initiative seeks to reach around 1,000 ST entrepreneurs across the country, with at least 100 to be funded and incubated under the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes (VCF-ST). The MoU with KSUM will provide ST-led enterprises in Kerala with structured capacity building, mentorship, market linkages and support to become investment-ready. KSUM is the Kerala government's nodal agency for entrepreneurship development and incubation. Under the VCF-ST scheme, companies with at least 51 per cent shareholding by ST entrepreneurs and management control can avail financial assistance of up to Rs 50 lakh if the ownership condition has been maintained for six months. For funding above Rs 50 lakh, the 51 per cent ST shareholding and management control should have been maintained for at least 12 months. The scheme also provides incubation funding of up to Rs 10 lakh a year for three years, subject to satisfactory progress. Applications are currently open. Tribal Affairs Secretary Ranjana Chopra said innovation was not new to tribal communities and that traditional tribal systems contained considerable knowledge and innovation that had often not reached the modern world. A structured strategy was needed to bring such innovation into the mainstream, she said. Bridging the gap between the country's overall startup numbers and ST-led startups and handholding a larger number of tribal entrepreneurs have been identified as key priorities under the initiative. Keralas Special Secretary, Electronics and IT, Seeram Sambasiva Rao said the MoU would contribute to the socio-economic empowerment of ST communities and promote technology-oriented innovative projects by tribal youth. KSUM CEO Anoop Ambika said Kerala's startup ecosystem was conducive to identifying and scaling innovation-driven entrepreneurship among ST communities.
Cabinet clears Saral Kerala to simplify, expedite investment approvals
A Single Statutory Authority to be established to grant all approvals through a unified channel
KSRTC to Launch Lakshadweep, Hyderabad Tour Packages on Sep 22
The Kerala Road Transport Corporation will also introduce a waiting-list facility similar to the system used by the Indian Railways
Abhimanyu murder case in Keralam: court reserves order on plea by accused for in-camera trial
Trial scheduled to commence on October 15, 2026. Accused also seek restrictions on entry of media personnel and the public to the court hall during trial as well as on taking their photographs
Keralam CM Satheesan says CPI(M) scapegoated M.V. Govindan for LDFs Assembly poll debacle
Satheesan says CPI(M)s extended State committee, which concluded in Kozhikode on Tuesday, seemed to deny the real reasons for LDFs historic defeat
Relaxation for non-uniform posts runs till September 30, 2027; a separate order extends the two-year concession for uniformed services by a year
59-year-old man injured in wild boar attack in Keralams Kozhikode
The incident comes amid reports of increasing wild boar activity in residential areas of Kozhikode district
Satheesan says ED had raised serious charges in its 25-page report to State Police Chief and claims that there is an apparent discrepancy between statements by Pinarayi and Mohamed Riyas concerning the so-called incriminating Red Book ED claimed to have confiscated from T. Veena
Keralam CM warns State to brace for rising heat, surging power demand as El Nio effect set to worsen
Satheesan sets a one-week deadline for the government to mitigate the current power crisis. However, he stressed the need for long-term strategic planning to transform Keralam into a power-surplus State
Satheesan says SIT procured search warrant from magistrate court to inspect television channels office in Kochi
The untreated sewage was discharged into natural streams and water bodies through 39 public drains leading to various water bodies
Kerala PSC recruitment exam case: CM says PSC members should answer police summons
The PSC members and chairperson justified rejecting the Crime Branch summons by underscoring the constitutional bodys institutional autonomy and hinted that they would challenge it in court.
Why Keralam is facing a power crisis | Explained
Keralam is facing a severe power crisis, leading Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan to announce emergency measures. Congress-led UDF govt is now collaborating with eight States and power agencies to secure immediate electricity and develop a revised power policy for long-term energy security even as KSEB has imposed power restrictions due to supply shortages
Cabinet Approves 'Saral Keralam' to Fast-Track Investment Approvals: CM Satheesan
The initiative, based on the principle of One State, One Approval, One Document, will provide a single-window mechanism for investment approvals
Keralam seeks power from seven states and NPCIL to ease shortage
The News Mill
Rain spell soon for South Peninsula as Bay warms in likely last monsoon act
IMD sees isolated heavy rain over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal for six days from Wednesday. Kerala and Mahe could receive isolated heavy rain and again for three days from Saturday
'Saral Keralam' to cut investment delays; Kerala cabinet clears single-window mechanism
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 16 (IANS) The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Saral Keralam initiative aimed at cutting delays in investment clearances by creating a single mechanism to coordinate approvals across departments, with Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan saying as many as 19 laws would be amended to make the system investor-friendly. Briefing the media after the weekly Cabinet meeting, CM Satheesan said the governments objective was to have one state, one approval and one body for fresh investments and to minimise the hurdles faced by investors. Proposals involving investments of Rs 25 crore to Rs 50 crore will be examined by a district-level body, while those above Rs 50 crore will be handled by a state-level body. The Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) will coordinate the new mechanism. CM Satheesan clarified that the existing departments would not be bypassed and would continue to discharge their responsibilities, but the process would be streamlined to avoid files remaining pending for years. Some investment proposals, he said, had been pending for as long as seven years. The Cabinet decision followed consultations with various departments, he said. On the controversy surrounding the police search at the Reporter TV office on Wednesday morning in connection with the Messi-related fraud case, CM Satheesan said the channels functioning had not been stopped, noting that he had learnt about the police action through the channel itself. He said the SIT had been constituted to investigate the Messi episode and that the court had permitted the police to proceed with the investigation. The searches were part of that probe, he said. Responding to Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayans criticism of the police action, CM Satheesan recalled police action against Mangalam TV, Asianet and Marunadan during the previous governments tenure, and said the present action was being carried out according to law. On the power crisis, CM Satheesan said the immediate electricity shortage would be addressed within a week, while the government had begun work on a long-term power policy with particular emphasis on renewable energy. Kerala would soon enter into power-purchase agreements from October until the next monsoon, he said. He pointed to Karnatakas renewable energy capacity, saying Kerala had not adequately tapped the sector and would examine the Karnataka model. The CM also rejected claims that the Kerala State Electricity Board was being prepared for privatisation, calling the reports baseless. The state is currently facing continued supply constraints and power cuts amid a wider shortage in the national grid. CM Satheesan also said two NIA courts would be established in Kochi, with the Centre bearing the expenditure. On the seizure of a dairy from the residence of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans daughter, he said contradictory reports from the family had emerged on whether such a dairy existed and that the government had nothing to say on the issue. Reacting to the extended CPI(M) state committee meeting, CM Satheesan said it was strange that the partys Politburo had placed the responsibility for the Lefts electoral setback on state secretary M.V. Govindan and the people of Kerala. On the dispute over questioning of PSC members by Crime Branch in the Planning Board examination case, CM Satheesan said no one was above the law and that PSC chairman and members had no special right to refuse to appear before investigators. He said they would have to cooperate with the police investigation whenever called.
Accused booked on charges of cheating and criminal conspiracy
SIT Investigates Proposed Visit of Lionel Messi and Argentina Team to Kerala
The Special Investigation Team is probing financial irregularities linked to Lionel Messis proposed tour of Kerala in 2025. SIT Investigates Proposed Visit of Lionel Messi and Argentina Team to Kerala
CEE Kerala has opened the vacant seat round for KLEE 5-year LLB (LLB5) Counselling 2026. Check registration steps, eligibility, fee, documents, and the direct link to cee.kerala.gov.in.
Wildlife movement routes and conflict-prone hotspots should be mapped and kept under continuous surveillance, according to Kerala State Human Rights Commissions latest order
Messi Kerala Event Row: Police Action at Reporter TV Office Triggers Media Freedom Debate
Police searched Malayalam news channel Reporter TV's Kochi office amid an SIT probe into the Kerala Messi-Argentina event controversy. The channel alleged phones were seized.
Haj pilgrims' medical certificate submission deadline extended to Sep 30
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 16: The deadline for Haj pilgrims to submit their medical screening certificates has been extended to September 30, officials have said. The Haj Committee of India announced the extension following the intervention of Keralam Haj Affairs Minister N Samsudheen, his office said in a statement. The minister had earlier written to the Union Minority Affairs Ministry and the Haj Committee of India, highlighting the difficulties faced by pilgrims and seeking an extension of the deadline. Considering his request and the difficulties faced by the pilgrims, the deadline for submitting the medical screening certificates was extended, the statement said. Samsudheen thanked the Union Minority Affairs Ministry and the Haj Committee of India for extending the deadline and taking the decision in the interest of the pilgrims, it added.
Kerala Messi fraud case: SIT raids multiple locations linked to Reporter TV in Kochi, Wayanad
Digital Desk | Kochi, Sep 16 (IANS) The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged fraud in the name of football superstar Lionel Messi conducted simultaneous raids at multiple locations in Kerala's Kochi and Wayanad early Wednesday, including the office of Reporter TV, triggering a sharp political confrontation over the police action against the media organisation. The searches began around 4 a.m. and were carried out at the Kochi flats of Anto Augustin and Josekutty Augustin, their ancestral house in Wayanad, the Reporter TV office in Kochi and the office of GOTAD company. The police SIT reached the locations in five vehicles and conducted searches simultaneously. The police have registered a case at the Kalamassery police station in connection with the alleged fraud involving Messis name. The FIR invokes charges including cheating, fraud and criminal conspiracy. Reporter Broadcasting Company and Anto Augustin have been named as the accused. The search at the Reporter TV office, however, became the immediate focus of a political controversy, with Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan strongly condemning the police action and alleging that the operation disrupted news broadcasting. In a statement, Vijayan alleged that a group of policemen entered the news desk at the Kochi office in the early hours, forcibly took away journalists mobile phones and created an atmosphere of terror for nearly one-and-a-half hours. He also alleged that the police filmed the journalists. Vijayan described the action as reminiscent of the Emergency and alleged that what had happened in Kerala was similar to attacks on media organisations in BJP-ruled states and Delhi. He also drew a comparison to the action against NewsClick, alleging that the seizure of equipment and action against journalists in that case were similar to what had happened at Reporter TV. Kerala will not accept such an assault aimed at silencing the media, Vijayan said, while strongly condemning what he described as an attack on media freedom. He demanded an explanation from Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who also holds the Home portfolio, saying the CM and state Home Minister should answer for the police action against the media. The SIT raids form part of the investigation into the alleged misuse of Messis name. The simultaneous searches at the residences and offices of those linked to the case indicate that investigators are examining multiple aspects of the alleged financial transactions and the role of the accused and associated entities.
Delhi-NCR braces for another rainy day as IMD forecasts thunderstorms, lightning
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 16 (IANS) Delhi-NCR is likely to remain partly cloudy on Wednesday, with rain and thunderstorms expected in several areas as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast continued wet weather across the region and adjoining parts of northwest India. The national capital and neighbouring regions are likely to experience another spell of unsettled weather on Wednesday, with thunderstorms and lightning possible at isolated places. The IMD has forecast isolated heavy rainfall over Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Punjab. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also likely at isolated locations in Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Punjab and Uttarakhand. The weather system could result in short spells of rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds in some areas, rather than continuous rainfall throughout the day. The wet conditions are expected to continue into Thursday, with the IMD forecasting fairly widespread to widespread rainfall over Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Punjab on Wednesday and Thursday. Isolated areas could also receive heavy rain during this period. Bihar is also likely to witness rain and thunderstorm activity on Wednesday. Several parts of the state may receive showers, while thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are possible in some areas. Odisha is expected to experience partly cloudy conditions with rain and thunderstorms in several districts. The IMD has warned of lightning and thunderstorm activity, along with the possibility of gusty winds in some parts of the state. In Rajasthan, weather conditions are likely to shift from partly sunny skies to increased cloud cover, followed by rain and thunderstorms in some areas. The IMD has issued thunderstorm and lightning warnings for both East and West Rajasthan, with gusty winds likely at isolated places. Himachal Pradesh is likely to remain partly cloudy, with scattered showers mainly expected during the afternoon. Temperatures are likely to remain relatively moderate, although weather conditions could stay unsettled in some parts of the state. Haryana is expected to witness rain, with thunderstorms possible during the morning and thundery showers likely in the afternoon. Uttar Pradesh may experience cloudy periods, with light rain in the morning followed by brief showers in the afternoon. Thunderstorms could occur at isolated places, prompting residents to exercise caution during lightning and sudden downpours. Uttarakhand is likely to receive light to moderate rain and thundershowers at a few places. The IMD has warned of thunderstorms with lightning and intense to very intense spells of rainfall at isolated locations, particularly in the hill districts. The rainfall activity is expected to extend beyond northwest India. Heavy rain is likely at isolated places over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya, Kerala, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal on September 16.
IIT Madras sets 5% target for J&K students in next BS admission cycle
Chennai, Sep 15: For students in Jammu and Kashmir, the next IIT Madras admission cycle could come with a specific target: at least 5 per cent of students in its BS programme from the Union Territory. Speaking to Jammu and Kashmir media delegation in Chennai as part of a PIB press tour, IIT Madras Director Kamakoti Veezhinathan said the institute would work with the media to take information about its online programmes to students in Jammu and Kashmir, including those in villages. My request from you is that you, in Jammu and Kashmir, talk about this BS programme. We will keep a target that in the next admission, at least 5 per cent students must come from Jammu and Kashmir. We will work with you, he said. The emphasis on villages was part of a larger point Veezhinathan made about the role of technology in widening access to education. Referring to IIT Madras outreach programmes, he said the institutes experience had shown that academic ability was not confined to cities. Our intelligence is everywhere. Intelligence is not just in cities, he said. Veezhinathan said the institutes experience in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka had shown the importance of local media in taking information about its BS programme to students. He urged journalists from Jammu and Kashmir to similarly take the programme to villages. The BS programme is one part of IIT Madras larger attempt to take education outside its physical campus. The institute has also developed programmes for school students and an initiative called Vidya Shakti, under which teaching support is provided to students in government and other schools through technology. Veezhinathan said Vidya Shakti is currently being implemented across 10 states, including Ladakh, with lessons delivered through internet-connected systems and teachers and faculty members helping students in their mother tongue. The larger challenge, he said, was to take such interventions to places where students may have the ability but lack access to teachers or specialised courses. The institute has also expanded its online degree offerings following changes brought about by the National Education Policy, Veezhinathan said. The BS programme allows students to pursue a degree without being physically present on the IIT Madras campus.
Dakshina Chitra offers assistance for replicating heritage museum model in J&K
Chennai, Sep 15: Director of Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum Sharath Nambiar has assured all possible assistance and guidance if the museums unique heritage conservation model is replicated in J&K. Interacting with a group of Kashmir-based journalists visiting Chennai as part of a PIB Srinagar tour, Nambiar said every region, including J&K, should have such a facility as it can help preserve traditional heritage and culture while also generating employment opportunities and promoting tourism. He said the Dakshina Chitra model goes beyond preservation of traditional structures and lifestyles, as it also provides livelihood opportunities to local communities and creates an additional attraction for tourists. Nambiar said tourist groups from Kashmir had visited Dakshina Chitra in the past, while some cultural groups from the region had also participated in cultural events organised at the heritage museum. However, he said no formal requisition had so far been received from J&K authorities for replicating the Dakshina Chitra model in the Union Territory. We will be pleased to assist in replicating this model in J&K if the local authorities and government intend to do so, Nambiar said. The Madras Craft Foundation, a self-reliant organisation dedicated to preserving the traditional lifestyle, culture and architectural heritage of South India, has created a unique living heritage space, Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum, near Chennai. Established in 1996 on a relatively small piece of land, the museum has now completed 30 years of preserving and showcasing the traditional way of life of southern India. It is regarded as one of the first and unique initiatives of its kind in the country, bringing together the traditional architecture and lifestyles of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana at one location. The museum has adopted an innovative approach to heritage conservation under which traditional houses from different parts of South India are carefully documented, dismantled and reconstructed at Dakshina Chitra. When a family volunteers to hand over its traditional house for preservation, every aspect of the structure is meticulously documented before it is safely dismantled. Materials including flooring, bricks, wood, steel and other architectural elements are transported to the museum and reused to reconstruct the house in its original form. Dozens of traditional houses have been reconstructed at the museum, with several of them dating back centuries. These structures offer visitors a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle, architecture and social practices of earlier generations, including the use of clay pottery, traditional household articles and religious practices. Curator of Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum Lakuma Chebrolu, while interacting with a group of Kashmir-based journalists visiting the museum as part of a PIB Srinagar tour, said the initiative was not limited to preservation of heritage but was also creating livelihood opportunities for local communities, particularly women. She said a significant portion of the museums workforce comprises women, who are engaged in various activities associated with the preservation and functioning of the heritage centre. Dakshina Chitra has thus emerged as a distinctive model of heritage conservation, combining traditional architecture, cultural preservation, community participation and livelihood generation under one roof.
After spending Rs 3530 Cr on Smart City projects, has Srinagar really become smart?
Srinagar, Sep 15:On paper, Srinagar is almost a finished Smart City. On the ground, however, residents, traders say the bigger question is whether the citys Rs 3530-crore transformation is delivering what it promised. Nearly a decade after Srinagar was selected under the Smart Cities Mission, the city has undergone a visible makeover, with public spaces redesigned, roads and footpaths upgraded and new urban infrastructure created across key areas. But traders argue that the success of such a massive public investment cannot be measured by completed projects alone. The real test, they say, is whether these assets remain functional, improve access and mobility, and make the city better for residents and businesses. According to information reported by Srinagar Smart City as of March 31, 2026, the city has taken up 161 projects worth Rs 3,633 crore, including projects under Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). Of these, 157 projects, or 98 percent, involving projects valued at Rs 3530 crore, have been completed. The figures indicate substantial progress, but also mark the beginning of a more difficult phase: maintaining the infrastructure and demonstrating its long-term impact. The assets created under the Smart City project have not been adequately maintained, undermining the value of the investment made in them, said Aijaz Shahdhar, President of the Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA). Shahdhars assessment reflects a wider concern among traders that the programme cannot be judged merely by the number of projects completed or their financial value. The condition of roads, public spaces, parking facilities, pedestrian infrastructure, drainage, and access to commercial areas directly affects business activity. Lal Chowk, one of Srinagars most prominent commercial centres, offers a visible example. Suhail Ahmad, a retail trader operating near the Clock Tower, said the initial response to the redevelopment of Lal Chowk Plaza was highly positive. When this Smart City project was made, and this Lal Chowk Plaza was created, we were very excited, he said. He recalled how the plaza initially attracted large evening crowds, with fountains and newly developed public spaces becoming major attractions. There was a huge rush in Lal Chowk. Everything was fine. New and fresh things were there. Fountains were running. It was looking good. People used to come in the evening, he said. But he said the infrastructure subsequently deteriorated. As time passed, it went towards deterioration because of no maintenance, Suhail said, pointing to damaged bollards and a non-functional fountain. He also questioned the level of consultation with local stakeholders. We were never asked how a Smart City should be made, what facilities shopkeepers and people would need. They made the Smart City in their own way, he said. The comments underline the distinction between asset creation and asset management. An urban project may be completed technically, but its public value declines if it is not maintained and periodically upgraded. Feroz Ahmed Baba, president of the Lal Chowk Traders Association, said deterioration cannot be attributed entirely to the administration and pointed to vandalism by members of the public. When it was inaugurated, on the 14th and 15th of August, some people came and danced on the fountain. Then the fountain was pressed down and almost its entire structure was broken, Baba said. He said traders subsequently worked with authorities to restore and strengthen parts of the infrastructure. We worked together. We made Lal Chowk better, he said. However, he said damage to fountain nozzles and lighting has continued. The experience highlights a broader challenge: infrastructure created through public investment requires regular maintenance, timely repairs and public cooperation to retain its value. Traders at Srinagars Polo View Market have been demanding restoration of traffic movement and parking access, arguing that changes introduced under the Smart City initiative have adversely affected their businesses. The pedestrianisation of the market and removal of parking facilities have, according to traders, reduced customer access and affected footfall. Traders say they are not necessarily opposed to pedestrianisation or urban renewal, but argue that such interventions must be accompanied by adequate arrangements for parking, deliveries and customer access. The Polo View experience adds a commercial dimension to the Smart City debate: a project intended to improve the pedestrian environment can create difficulties for businesses if commercial access is not adequately considered. The Smart Cities Mission was not conceived merely as a beautification programme. Its focus areas included smart mobility, WASH, governance, energy and environment. Baba pointed to plans for improved footpaths, crossings, cycling infrastructure, seamless transportation and last-mile connectivity. Water transport on the Jhelum was also proposed as part of the citys mobility strategy, reportedly drawing on the Kerala model. Years have passed, but till now the water transport concept has not taken off, Baba said. For a city where the Jhelum runs through the commercial core, the limited progress on water transport raises questions about whether individual projects have been integrated into a wider mobility strategy. The official figures show that Srinagars Smart City programme has reached an advanced stage, with 157 of 161 projects completed. But the completion rate does not answer whether the assets are functioning as intended, whether they are being maintained adequately, or whether traders and residents have experienced measurable benefits. The government has stated that Smart City Proposals were prepared locally based on city needs and in consultation with stakeholders, including citizens. The programme also has a multi-level monitoring structure at the national, UT and city levels. For Srinagar, the next challenge is therefore less about construction and more about stewardship. The city has created thousands of crores worth of new infrastructure. But infrastructure is not an achievement that ends with an inauguration. Its value is determined by how well it functions years later.
BJP Claims 80% of Malayalis Benefit from Modi Government Initiatives
The Kerala BJP asserts that 80% of Malayalis have benefited from Modis government, launching a month-long service campaign to highlight achievements. BJP Claims 80% of Malayalis Benefit from Modi Government Initiatives
Three held for alleged robbery near Aluva railway station in Keralam
CPI-M Polit Bureau Orders Major Reshuffle in Kerala Leadership Amid Organizational Crisis
The CPI-M Polit Bureau has initiated a significant reshuffle in Keralas leadership following electoral setbacks and organizational challenges. CPI-M Polit Bureau Orders Major Reshuffle in Kerala Leadership Amid Organizational Crisis
IIT Palakkad researchers develop sensors for faster heparin monitoring
Accurate dosing of heparin, an anticoagulant used in cardiac surgery, dialysis etc., is important because too little of it can lead to clotting, while too much can cause excessive bleeding
Supreme Court nod for Kerala High Court to continue execution proceedings in Kashi Math case
Kerala High Court decision of August 2026 allows Kashi Matadhipati Samyamindra Tirtha to continue execution proceedings for recovery of gold, silver ornaments and paraphernalia belonging to Kashi Math Samsthan from Raghavendra Tirtha
Shaju S. takes charge as chairperson of Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society
Schools arts fete in Ernakulam in January
Habitual offender arrested after chase in Thiruvananthapuram
The accused, identified as Suresh alias Jambulingam Suresh, who hails from Balaramapuram, had allegedly been evading arrest after a case involving an attack on a woman and her daughter on August 20
NH 66, NH 544 safety lapses in Thrissur will be fixed in a month: NHAI
Review meeting assesses progress of construction, maintenance, upgrades and safety measures on the two highways; lighting and warning signs to be installed in two weeks
Relief of residents as removal of chemical-laced soil begins in village in Keralam
The hazardous chemical waste from the now-defunct Binani Zinc Limited in Ernakulam district was illegally transported and dumped across private lands in Eriyad, a coastal village in Thrissur district, a few months ago, under the guise of regular soil for land filling, raising environmental concerns among the public. A meeting chaired by RDO decided to remove the entire material within two days
Sanju Samson joins Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul in India's elite club
The Kerala batter was a key player in India's T20 World Cup triumph, but his form has been inconsistent since then. He had scored only 33 runs in four innings before the Afghanistan series. With youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also pushing for a place, Samson needed a strong performance. The upcoming Asian Games also added to the importance of his form.
CPI-M wears a smile, but ED cloud hangs over Vijayan camp
Digital Desk | Kozhikode, Sep 15 (IANS) The CPI-M leadership has put up a smiling face as its extended three-day Kerala state committee meeting ended here on Tuesday, but the proceedings have left little doubt that the party is still grappling with the political fallout of its electoral debacle. And, before the leadership could fully close ranks, the Enforcement Directorate investigation involving former Chief Minister and Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayans family added a fresh layer of uncertainty. The timing could hardly have been more uncomfortable for the party. The day the state committee meeting concluded began with television channels flashing details of the 25-page report sent by the ED to the state police chief in connection with the CMRL-Exalogic case and alleged hawala transactions involving Vijayans daughter T. Veena and her husband and former minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas. The allegations have been denied, but the political impact of the revelations could prove harder to contain than the legal questions themselves. The state committee meeting was convened in the aftermath of the partys electoral rout, which saw the CPI-M-led LDF reduced to a dramatically diminished force and forced the party leadership to confront questions over its style of functioning, political messaging and organisational weaknesses. The three-day deliberations were consequently watched for signs of a substantive course correction and, more importantly, whether responsibility for the setback would travel upwards. The leadership has sought to project unity. The two committees were slightly reconstituted, and the 307 delegates eventually joined the public meeting, where thousands of party workers and supporters had gathered. There was no visible sign of an organisation in disarray. But the ED investigation has changed the political equation in ways that cannot be settled through organisational restructuring alone. Riyas, who was present at the public meeting, appeared confident when asked about the allegations. Dismissing the media revelations, he said: No wrong has been done at all. His assertion reflects the line the leadership is likely to maintain as the investigation progresses. The larger question, however, is whether the ED probe will remain a legal battle for the individuals concerned or evolve into another political liability for a party already struggling to recover from its electoral collapse. For Vijayan, the stakes are particularly high. He has so far maintained silence on the outcome of the state committee meeting even as questions over the ED findings increasingly hover over his political legacy. For Riyas and Veena too, the unfolding investigation could become a prolonged political burden. The CPI-M may have succeeded in ending its three-day exercise with a show of confidence, but whether that confidence survives the next phase of the ED onslaught will remain the real test.
KWA to re-tender 5 MLD STP as no bidder qualifies; Work begins on 27-km sewage pipeline in Kochi
The sewerage treatment project includes three components an STP and two sewage pipeline networks of 27 km and 17 km
Kerala Man Arrested for Fraudulently Promising Foreign Visas
A man in Kerala was arrested for defrauding victims by promising visas to Canada and Australia. He faces multiple charges across the state. Kerala Man Arrested for Fraudulently Promising Foreign Visas
Kerala Man Arrested for Fraudulent Visa Promises
A man in Kerala has been arrested for defrauding several individuals by falsely promising visas for Canada and Australia. Kerala Man Arrested for Fraudulent Visa Promises
Konkani: A Living Cultural Bridge from Goa to Kerala
Konkani: A Living Cultural Bridge from Goa to Kerala Languages are more than instruments of communication. They are repositories of memory, identity, and collective experience. Konkani, spoken across different regions of India and carried by generations of communities beyond its original geographical landscape, is a remarkable example of a language that has survived migration while [] The post Konkani: A Living Cultural Bridge from Goa to Kerala appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
People should come forward to guide CPI(M): Baby
Party national general secretary says people should point out its mistakes, aberrations, and confusions at a public rally marking culmination of CPI(M)s extended State committee meet in Kozhikode
Kerala moves to enact comprehensive law for care of senior citizens
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 15 (IANS) The V.D. Satheesan government is working to bring in comprehensive legislation for the care and protection of senior citizens in the state, as it moves to fast-track the proposed Kerala State Senior Citizens (Care and Protection of Rights) Bill, 2026. Satheesan on Tuesday reviewed the proposed legislation and directed that the process be expedited, with the government seeking to establish a senior citizen-friendly system in response to Keralas rapidly changing demographic profile. The proposed law seeks to promote healthy and active ageing while enabling senior citizens to continue living in their own homes, families, and social environments for as long as possible. It also proposes measures to ensure safe and quality care for those who require institutional or specialised support. The legislation is expected to introduce standards and accountability mechanisms for senior care centres, assisted living facilities, day homes, and home care agencies. The government also plans to professionalise caregiving through a Kerala Geriatric Care Certification Framework. Under the proposed framework, caregivers would undergo training, certification and background verification. A state-level register of trained caregivers is also proposed. The government expects the move to improve the quality of care while creating a skilled caregiving workforce and new employment opportunities. The Bill also envisages developing a silver economy, linking the growing needs of the elderly population with economic and employment opportunities. This would include promoting services and innovations in areas such as elderly care, healthcare, technology, assisted living, home care, and senior-friendly products. The proposed system will have state- and district-level implementation and monitoring mechanisms, along with grievance redressal arrangements to address complaints and protect the rights of senior citizens. Special provisions are also proposed for digital and financial security of the elderly and for those requiring specialised care. Satheesan stressed the need for Kerala to prepare in advance for both the challenges and opportunities arising from its ageing population. The proposed legislation seeks to create a future-ready system that places dignity, quality care, protection and active ageing at the centre of the state's senior-citizen policy. The government sees the proposed law as an important step towards building a more organised and accountable care system as the number of elderly people in Kerala continues to grow.
Illegal transporting of minerals: Collector, SP visit check posts on Kanniyakumari Kerala border
Mukulam portal to ensure equal opportunities for students in entrance tests: Keralam Minister
Mukulam will provide higher secondary and vocational higher secondary students free AI-based training to prepare them for entrance tests such as NEET, JEE CUET, KVPY and for admission to IISER
Mukulam portal to ensure equal opportunities for students in entrance tests: Keralam Minister
Mukulam will provide higher secondary and vocational higher secondary students free AI-based training to prepare them for entrance tests such as NEET, JEE CUET, KVPY and for admission to IISER
CM reviews draft Keralam State Elderly Persons (Care and Protection) Bill
One of its thrust areas is transformation of the care-giving sector into a professional mechanism
Bangladeshi woman arrested in Kannur for alleged illegal stay
