Om Prakash Mathur Sworn In As 29th Governor of Keralam
Om Prakash Mathur succeeds Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who has been appointed Governor of Tamil Nadu
Kerala University Plans Six-Month Paid Apprenticeships For FYUGP Students
Kerala University plans six-month paid apprenticeships for eligible FYUGP students, with monthly stipends of up to Rs 12,300 to build practical skills and improve employability.
Telangana CM Reddy calls for coordination among police forces of Southern states
Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Oct 23 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister, A. Revanth Reddy, on Friday emphasised the need for coordination among the police forces of all Southern states. He called for establishing strong systems that foster coordination across state borders among the police forces of the states. Chief Minister Reddy was addressing a Southern Regional Police Coordination Committee (SRPCC) meeting at the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) here. Directors-General and Inspectors-General of Police from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala, representatives from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Puducherry and Lakshadweep and senior officials from Central agencies are attending the meeting. He told the officials that they bear the responsibility of transforming South India into a secure region. Chief Minister Reddy stated that the Government of Telangana is fully committed to sharing its technical infrastructure and ICCC systems with neighbouring states. He noted that the conference provides an opportunity to foster better coordination between the police departments and specialized units of the various states. Stating that safety and security are the very foundations of society, he said the public expects a police force that operates effectively, upholds ethical values, and functions with complete impartiality. In the current climate, where the nature of crime is constantly evolving, platforms like the SRPCC are crucial. Policing strategies must evolve, and reforms must be a continuous process. I am a firm believer in reforms. The resources we allocate to the police force are not merely an expenditure; I view them as an investment toward building a better society and ensuring the safety of our citizens, he said. He told the participants that Hyderabad police system has been reorganised into three distinct commissionerates which allows each Police Commissioner to focus specifically on a defined jurisdiction, thereby enabling the achievement of better outcomes. CM Reddy said the state government has established specialised units such as HYDRAA, EAGLE, and T-SAFE to focus specifically on various types of crimes. Currently, issues like cybercrime, drug trafficking, and traffic-related challenges have become critical. Each unitand every specialised divisionmust prioritise technological integration and training to achieve the best possible outcomes, he said. The Chief Minister claimed that the reforms implemented in Telangana are yielding positive results. The Telangana Police Department is gaining recognition and acclaim at both national and international levels for its efforts in areas such as drug control, the prevention of cybercrime, and the eradication of Naxalism, he said. He pointed out that during the PRAGATI review meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, Telangana was ranked first in the country for its control of cybercrime. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has commended our police officers for their efforts in transforming Telangana into a completely Naxal-free state. He mentioned that the EAGLE unit has received a score of over 80 per cent from the Central Government for its performance in drug control. The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau has set new benchmarks in recovering and returning funds lost by victims of cybercrime. We have launched a new unit called TG-SAFEmodelled after the U.S. FDAto coordinate the efforts of various departments in curbing food adulteration and regulating pharmaceuticals, he said. Our HYDRAA unit is earning public appreciation for its work in protecting and restoring lakes, ponds, and other water bodies, effectively reviving their former glory. HYDRAA is also working towards the protection of government and public assets, he added. CM Reddy claimed that Telangana has become the first state in the country to appoint transgender individuals as traffic assistants within the Hyderabad Traffic Police department. He stated that the welfare of police force is also a matter of utmost importance to the state. Police personnel fight for the state and work tirelessly for the safety of the public. When necessary, they even sacrifice their lives in the line of duty. Ensuring their welfare and the future of their families is one of my top priorities, he added. Telangana DGP CV Anand, Karnataka DGP Dr. M.A. Saleem, Tamil Nadu DGP Dr. Mahesh Aggarwal, Puducherry DGP Shalini Singh, Lakshadweep ADG B. Shankar Jaiswal, Kerala IG Ajitha Begum, Andhra Pradesh IGP Ravi Krishna, Director of EAGLE Sandeep Shandilya, Director of the Telangana Cybersecurity Bureau (TGCSB) Shikha Goel and others attended the meeting.
Accused in Keralam synagogue arson case slapped with UAPA, larger conspiracy suspected: police
Anti-terror law invoked considering the sensitive nature of the location he targeted, says District Police Chief (Kochi City) Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar
Kerala Police Charge Main Suspect in Kochi Synagogue Arson Under UAPA, Investigate Larger Conspiracy
Kerala police have charged the main suspect in the Kochi synagogue arson under UAPA, probing for links to a larger conspiracy. Kerala Police Charge Main Suspect in Kochi Synagogue Arson Under UAPA, Investigate Larger Conspiracy
A Division Bench had denied former Chief Minister the permission to appeal against Single Bench order, after which he approached Supreme Court, which stayed the order for seven days and redirected the matter to be considered again
UAPA invoked against Kochi synagogue arson accused, wider conspiracy under probe
Digital Desk | Kochi, Oct 23 (IANS) The Kerala Police have invoked provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against Ebin Paul, the prime accused in the arson attack near the historic Kadavumbhagam Synagogue in Ernakulam, as investigators step up efforts to establish whether the incident was part of a wider conspiracy. Sections 16 and 18 of the UAPA, dealing with terrorist acts and conspiracy to commit terrorist acts, have been invoked against the accused. The move marks a major escalation in the investigation into the October 12 attack on the nursery outside the synagogue. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is examining the possibility that Ebin acted on the instructions of an unidentified handler known as 'Boss'. The accused has also referred to a person called Vikram, whose identity and possible connection with Boss remain under investigation. Police are trying to establish whether the alleged handler is a real person operating from abroad and whether others were involved in planning the attacks. The accused has claimed that he received instructions through phone calls and digital platforms. Investigators are verifying these claims through forensic examination of his mobile phones and other electronic devices. The digital evidence is expected to help establish the nature of the communications, identify the persons involved and determine whether the accused received payments for carrying out the attacks. The investigation has widened after the police linked Ebin to other arson incidents in Muvattupuzha, including an attempted fire at a locked house and an attack on a used car showroom. Investigators are examining whether the incidents were connected and whether they formed part of a planned sequence of attacks. The SIT has also extended its investigation to Pune, where Ebin studied, to gather details about his background and possible connections. The police are examining whether any external network influenced or directed his alleged actions. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and other central agencies have already gathered information about the case. The synagogue, one of the historic Jewish places of worship in Kerala, has added an international dimension to the case. Investigators are now focusing on identifying the alleged handler, verifying the digital trail and establishing the motive behind the attack. The accused remains in judicial custody, and further questioning is expected after the forensic examination yields additional evidence.
Mortal remains of two Keralam residents killed in Germany fire brought home
Body of the third victim is expected to be brought home on Friday night
India's longest train journey, the Vivek Express, connects Dibrugarh in Assam to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, covering around 4,188 km in approximately 75 hours. The journey takes passengers through several states, from Assam's tea gardens and the plains of Bengal to the cities of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, before reaching the greener landscapes of Kerala and the southern coastline. Here is what travellers can see along the route and how to plan the trip.
CM Satheesan offers to host Raihan Vadra's exhibition in Keralam
Raihan Vadra said the Bikaner House administration in Delhi pulled down many of his pictures of the protests at his solo exhibition, 'No Idea Is Final'
Kerala CM Invites Rehan Vadra to Host Exhibition Amid Controversy
Keralas CM welcomes Rehan Vadras exhibition after controversy over removed artworks at Bikaner House. Kerala CM Invites Rehan Vadra to Host Exhibition Amid Controversy
Bodies of Two Indians Killed in Germany Apartment Fire Arrive in Keralam
Anjali, a native of Periyanad in Kollam district, also died in the fire at the apartment in Bochum. Her body has been taken to her hometown in Keralam.
Indian-American Ramaswamy gets Trumps backing on ad featuring mother of his Democratic rival Acton
Digital Desk | Washington, Oct 23 (IANS) US President Donald Trump has defended Indian-American Republican Vivek Ramaswamys attack ad featuring the estranged mother of his Democratic rival Amy Acton in the Ohio governors race, even as Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a fellow Republican, urged that it be pulled while saying he was keeping his endorsement. Its wrong to run this ad, DeWine told reporters on Thursday, according to CBS News. I would urge Ramaswamys campaign to take this down. DeWine, who is term-limited, called the ad on its face, deeply, deeply troubling, CBS News reported, but said he was not rescinding his endorsement of Ramaswamy. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday afternoon, Trump stood by the Indian-American candidate. All I can say is Vivek is great, he said, according to the White House pool report. If its even a little bit true, you dont want her as governor, Trump said. Asked why he was defending the ad when Ohio Republicans had called for it to come down, Trump said: Thats her opinion. Im defending it because I know that if that ad were about my mother, you would love it. Whats happened is the press has ganged up on a woman making a horrible statement about her daughter, and I dont know why she should be shielded or the daughter should be shielded, he said. If what the mother said about the daughter is half right, she has no right even running for the governor of Ohio. Trump also called DeWine disloyal to the Republican Party in a Truth Social post, ABC News reported. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined the attack on Ramaswamy. Vivek Ramaswamy is a disgusting and slimy political hack, Jeffries wrote on X on Thursday afternoon. Every single Republican should denounce this malignant clown and rescind their support. Vice President J.D. Vance, campaigning in Ohio on Wednesday, defended Ramaswamy for having the audacity to run a TV commercial which calls it out like it is, according to the vice-presidential pool report. Politics is a tough business, Vance told reporters, according to CBS News. And my message to my fellow elected Republicans is, if you actually believe in the things you say you believe in, stop whining about an advertisement and go win the race in 13 days. Ramaswamy campaign spokesperson Connie Luck responded to DeWine by saying the first and only candidate to attack the mother of her opponent in this race was Amy Acton, CBS News reported. In the ad, Actons mother, Donna Arthur, says: Its not easy for a mother to say this, but Amy was a serious problem. She is a liar; she lies about her past, according to CBS News. Acton, a former Ohio public health director, has spoken of being abused by her late stepfather, who was charged in 1978 with raping her, CBS News reported. The case never went to trial. Acton said on Thursday she had hoped Ramaswamy wouldnt sink this low, but of course he did, CBS News reported. Two new polls show a tight race. A Fox News poll conducted October 15-19 had Acton at 50 per cent and Ramaswamy at 48 per cent among likely voters. A VoteHub/Verasight poll of 623 registered voters, conducted October 1-20, had Acton at 46 per cent and Ramaswamy at 45 per cent among likely voters, within the polls 4.2-point margin of error. VoteHub said most of its interviews were collected before the ad first aired. Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur born in Cincinnati to immigrant parents from Kerala, ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. The election is on November 3.
Bodies of two Indians killed in Bochum fire return to Kerala
The News Mill
Game boards carved on rocks in Kasaragod hint at age-old yen for leisure
Six such games, resembling the Manjadippala or Kadippala boards, were found carved on rocks, hinting that people engaged in recreational activities thousands of years ago. However, doubts have been raised about their antiquity and purpose. Further studies and scientific dating are required to determine their precise age
EoDB, economic growth & human capabilities
Indias modern economic trajectory presents a compelling developmental paradox. Over the past few decades, the nation has evolved from a state-controlled post-colonial economy into a global technological and industrial powerhouse. Yet, as observed by analyst Edward Luce in his works In Spite of the Gods, this remarkable ascent coexists with deep structural inequities, a formidable bureaucratic apparatus, and enduring developmental challenges. To understand this dynamic, we must look beyond aggregate Gross Domestic Product(GDP) figures and examine the intricate interplay between state-led planning, democratic pluralism, and human capabilities. This national tension is also mirrored vividly at the regional level in Jammu and Kashmir, especially when evaluating legislative efforts like the recent Ease of Doing Business reforms against critical local economic realities. A central question in regional development is whether economic growth should be pursued as an end in itself or as a means to expand human freedoms. Early post-independence policies relied on heavy state planning and the restrictive License Raj, which resulted in sluggish national growth. Sweeping economic reforms in 1991 unleashed market dynamism, lifting millions out of poverty and positioning India as a leader in information technology and services. However, as economist Amartya Sen argues, true development requires expanding human capabilities, such as health, education, and social well-being, rather than merely growing national income. While corporate sectors thrive globally, many citizens remain limited by inadequate public schooling, healthcare deficits, and malnutrition. Furthermore, targeted tracking by the Future of India Foundation through its YouthPOWER analytical initiative highlights deep structural vulnerabilities in human capabilities. Their economic research demonstrates that the share of Indian women in active work fell by almost half between 2004-05 and 2017-18, and subsequent workforce recoveries have been primarily driven by older women returning to low-paying, informal agricultural labour rather than secure, salaried employment. At a regional governance level, administrative reforms must constantly wrestle with this dichotomy regarding how to accelerate economic velocity without compromising the broader human and social safety framework. The tension between human capability and rapid industrial growth is vividly illustrated by contrasting internal state models. The Kerala model prioritizes public action, universal healthcare, and foundational education, resulting in high social indicators like near-universal literacy and low infant mortality, even during periods of slower per capita income growth. Conversely, the Gujarat model focuses heavily on market-led industrialization and infrastructure development, generating high gross domestic product growth rates and economic dynamism, though often lagging in human development metrics and equity issues. This regional divide highlights a crucial lesson, an economy cannot sustain its rise if it neglects foundational human capabilities, because a workforce lacking basic health and education cannot adapt effectively to a shifting global landscape. In Jammu and Kashmir, the legislative push toward an Ease of Doing Business framework brings these structural debates into sharp focus. Examining the recent legislative framework, economist and former J&K Finance Minister Dr. Haseeb Drabu has noted that the structural design of such investment-facilitation policies often leans heavily toward an uncalibrated speed structure while ignoring local ownership realities and structural market failures. Because regional industry is overwhelmingly micro-based, with micro-enterprises accounting for the vast majority of industrial employment and investment, blanket regulatory easing or rigid paper blueprints like Master Plans risk bypassing local economic safeguards and ecological vulnerabilities unless they incorporate specific size-based tools and local protections. Policymakers face a difficult fiscal balancing act regarding how to fund essential public goods without discouraging private investment. To bridge this gap, modern governance requires expanding the formal tax net rather than over burdening existing industries, shifting inefficient subsidies toward universal healthcare and education, and ensuring lagging regions receive adequate central support and autonomy. Within the framework of Jammu and Kashmirs legislative efforts, the challenge lies in balancing procedural efficiency with substantive planning controls. Relying purely on fiscal incentives and top-down regulatory shortcuts and not building structural depth leads to failure in delivering sustainable economic transformation. Unlike authoritarian models of industrialization, India and its constituent regions achieve these economic shifts within the framework of a vibrant, vocal democracy. Balancing the aspirations of corporate capital and investment facilitation with the livelihood security of an enfranchised local population remains an unprecedented historical feat. To achieve a true balance, legislative iterations of the Ease of Doing Business bill can be deliberately structured to protect local enterprises and ecosystems while attracting capital. Policymakers can introduce tiered compliance frameworks that exempt micro and small enterprises from burdensome red tape while maintaining rigorous oversight for large-scale industrial projects. Additionally, embedding mandatory local skill-development quotas, ecological impact safeguards, and localized credit access directly into the legislative framework would ensure that corporate investments actively nurture human capabilities rather than bypass them. Sustainable regional progress in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be measured by commercial hubs or macro-level investment inflows alone, but by actively cultivating the substantive freedoms and well-being of ordinary citizens. In a region marked by delicate ecological balances and unique socioeconomic vulnerabilities, real capability expansion means ensuring that local youth, artisans, small-scale entrepreneurs, and marginalized workforces possess the health, modern vocational training, and institutional safety nets required to exercise genuine agency. Economic growth, regulatory reform, and social justice are not competing choices. In a sensitive Himalayan polity like Jammu and Kashmir, they must function as mutually reinforcing pillars where legislative acts expand human capabilities and empower local communities. The author is an entrepreneur managing infrastructure and agricultural ventures in Kashmir. He is also a fellow of the Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN)
CM Satheesan invites Raihan Vadra to Kerala to host his exhibition after row erupts at Delhi
CM Satheesan invites Raihan Vadra to Kerala to host his exhibition after row erupts at Delhis Bikaner House Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has welcomed Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadras son Raihan Vadra to the state to hold an exhibition, saying that he is proud to host Raihans exhibition No Idea is Final. This [] The post CM Satheesan invites Raihan Vadra to Kerala to host his exhibition after row erupts at Delhis Bikaner House appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
When mob takes law into its own hands: another man lynched in Keralams Palakkad
The brutal lynching of an aurally challenged, unidentified man near the Moolathara dam in Keralams Palakkad has once again shaken the conscience of society. Abdul Latheef Naha speaks to investigators, psychiatrists and forensic experts to understand how did a homeless man become the target of a group that took it upon itself to punish him and such incidents are recurring.
UDF govt. shielding Pinarayi Vijayan in CMRL-Exalogic payoff, hawala cases: P.K. Krishnadas
The recent Supreme Court verdict has exposed the alleged understanding between the Congress and the CPI(M) in corruption cases, alleges BJP leader
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
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
Rainfall alerts remain in place for October 23 across several states and Union territories, with the IMD forecasting heavy rain in Coastal Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and continued rainfall over Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Thunderstorms and gusty winds are also expected in parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, while Odisha is forecast to face thundersqualls on October 27 and 28.
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.
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
Natcos generic SMA drug approved; clinical trial labels trigger Kerala row
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
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
KSRTC will expand its services, says Keralam Transport Minister C.P. John
Committees comprising local body heads and ward members will be formed to ensure local body participation in the functioning of KSRTC depots and services, says the Minister
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
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
CPI(M) leader sends defamation notice to Congress district panchayat member
The legal notice follows a case registered against Sreena Devi Kunjamma based on a complaint lodged by K.P. Udayabhanu, alleging that she attempted to tarnish his public image and personal life through social media.
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
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
He challenges a Single Judge order that had earlier this month directed the registration of an FIR against him, his daughter T. Veena and son-in-law P.A. Mohamed Riyas
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
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
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.
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...
Keralam forms committee with trade unions to review Labour Codes
The News Mill
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
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.
Bihar native arrested for attempting to derail train in Keralam
Surveillance camera footage from Shoranur railway station, the railway yard and nearby areas helped investigators identify the suspect as Shuklal Marari, 24
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.
Kerala Infant Murder: Mother Held, Search On For Other Accused
Police in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, have arrested the mother of an eight-month-old girl, Manju, nearly three years after the infant was allegedly killed by a man who became angry when she cried. The baby's body was dumped in a marsh in August 2023, and two other accused, Sivan and Shakthi, are currently being sought.
