Page 19 - Kerala

Army officer assaulted at Kochi NCC camp over 'food poisoning', 2 arrested

The accused duo entered the college premises on the night of December 23, threatened, and attacked Lieutenant Colonel Karneyil Singh, the administrative officer of the 21 Kerala NCC Battalion

Glad Shah declared Wayanad tragedy as 'Disaster of Severe Nature': Priyanka

Centre had informed the state of Kerala that the Meppadi landslide disaster in Wayanad district has been considered by the Inter-Ministerial Central Team as a disaster of 'severe nature'

Air Kerala set to start operations by June 2025 with 1st flight from Kannur

As part of the agreement, Air Kerala initially will have a substantial number of departures from Kannur, to nearby domestic destinations

Kerala's eventful 2024 marred by disasters, scandals and political twists

The devastating landslides that wiped away three villages in Wayanad, Congress' thumping victory in the Lok Sabha polls and AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's maiden electoral victory were the significant events that shaped the Kerala's socio-political scenario in 2024. The revelations of sexual abuse and harassment in the Malayalam film industry, brought to light by the Justice Hema Committee report, also stirred up the political pot due to the delay in disclosing the panel's findings, which followed allegations of rape against some key actors, including ruling CPI(M) MLA and actor M Mukesh. On 30 July, massive landslides occurred in the Chooralmala and Mundakkai regions of Wayanad, triggered by torrential rains, resulting in over 200 deaths, numerous injuries, and thousands being left homeless. It is considered one of the worst natural disasters in Kerala's history. Hundreds were left buried under the debris and many had to be pulled out by rescue agencies, which ...

Malayalam film and TV actor Dileep Shankar found dead in hotel room

Well-known film and television actor Dileep Shankar, known for his varied roles in serials, was found dead in a hotel room here, police said on Sunday. The 50-year-old actor had checked into the hotel, located in the heart of the city, on December 19 for a serial shooting project, police added. He was last seen two days ago by the hotel staff outside his room, a senior police officer said. Repeated calls from the hotel staff and the serial crew went unanswered, prompting them to inform the police. "The room was locked from inside. When we broke open the door, he was found lying motionless," the police said. The death is believed to have occurred two days ago. According to the post-mortem report, the cause of death was internal bleeding, possibly resulting from a head injury after a fall, police said. The actor had also reportedly been suffering from liver-related health issues, police added. In addition to his work in serials, Shankar also played notable roles in several films.

Legendary Malayalam writer, 'Jnanpith' awardee MT Vasudevan Nair dies at 91

Noted writer and Jnanpith award winner M T Vasudevan Nair, who had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital here following heart failure, has passed away, hospital sources said on Wednesday. He was 91. "MT has died," a hospital source told PTI without elaborating. The office of Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan confirmed receiving the information about MT's demise. He had been under the care of a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including cardiologists and critical care experts, since his hospitalisation last week.

High-level meeting suggests possibility of nuclear power station in Kerala

Kerala could get a nuclear power station if the state provides land for the purpose, according to a suggestion made during a recent high-level meeting between Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and State Power Minister K Krishnankutty here. Official sources stated that such a suggestion emerged during discussions about Kerala's demand, mentioned in a memorandum submitted to the union minister, that the thorium deposits in the state should be utilised and that the power generated from them should be provided to Kerala. State Power ministry sources in Kerala told PTI that Kerala did not demand a nuclear power station in the state but only suggested that the union government should make use of the Thorium deposits in Kerala. Khattar, while discussing various demands of Kerala, which is incapable of increasing its domestic power production and depend mostly on the existing hydro-electrical projects and power brought from neighbouring states, said that the union government is open

Over 60 NCC cadets seek treatment after suspected food poisoning in Kerala

As many as 60 NCC cadets were hospitalised following a suspected case of food poisoning at a camp held at a college in Kerala, creating an anxious situation, officials said. The case of food poisoning was reported at the camp organised at a college in Thrikkakara, by the 21 Kerala Battalion NCC on Monday evening, they added. The students who complained of food poisoning were taken to various hospitals. Many of them were discharged last night, they said. The NCC has ordered a department-level inquiry into the incident, an official source told PTI. Officials said four students initially complained of discomfort at around 7 pm after having their dinner, and the number grew to 40, then later to 60. All of them were taken to hospitals by the camp organisers. Many students left with their parents, who arrived at the camp following the incident. Meanwhile, the police have registered a case against around 10 individuals from outside for allegedly causing trouble in the camp area after ne

Kerala seeks Rs 24,000 cr special package to tide over liquidity crunch

Emphasising the need for more central funding, Kerala on Friday demanded a special package of Rs 24,000 crore to tide over the state's liquidity stress as well as Rs 2,000 crore for relief works at Wayanad, which was devastated by landslides earlier this year. In a pre-Budget meeting here, Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal also sought continuation of the GST (goods and services tax) compensation scheme to states until systemic issues are fully corrected and the original promise of GST revenue is attained. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, finance ministers from other states and senior officials, among others, were present in the meeting. "We reiterate our demand for a special package of Rs 24,000 crore to tide over the current liquidity stress by scheduling it over a period of two years from 2025-26," Balagopal said. Citing that substantial resources are required for relief works in Wayanad, he urged the government to provide a special package of Rs 2,000 crore in the

Consider excluding Rs 120 cr from airlift charges: Kerala HC to Centre

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday asked the Centre whether it can exclude around Rs 120 crore from the Rs 132 crore demanded as airlift charges for rescue operations carried out by the IAF in the state since 2006. A bench of Justices A K Jayasankaran Nambiar and Easwaran S said if the Rs 120 crore was freed up in this manner, the amount can be utilised immediately for the rehabilitation of the landslide victims in Wayanad. The bench asked the Centre to consider giving permission to temporarily free up the Rs 120 crore and relaxing the NDRF/SDRF norms so that the amount can be utilised for the rehabilitation purpose. "It is for a noble cause, so the central government should not have a problem," the court said and listed the matter on January 10, 2025 to await the Centre's response on the aspect. During the hearing, the bench also said that the sending of the bill of Rs 132 crore as airlift charges in October right after the state sought financial assistance from the Centre for ...

Wayanad landslide: Union govt 'adding chilli' to wounds, says Kerala FM

Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal on Sunday criticised the union government for demanding payment for disaster relief and rescue operations conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) during Wayanad landslides. He described the move as "adding chilli to the wounds" of the state, already burdened by the aftermath of the disaster. Addressing reporters here, Balagopal accused the BJP-ruled Centre of "failing" to provide even the funds it had promised to the state for disaster relief. The Finance Minister alleged that this was akin to mocking the people of the state. "In addition to such an approach, a new bill has been introduced in the name of the Air Force," he said. "Really, this approach is like adding chilli to a serious wound," Balagopal added. He also questioned the stance of BJP leaders, including Union Minister Suresh Gopi and former Union Minister V Muraleedharan, on the issue affecting Kerala. Balagopal made these remarks in response to queries regarding a letter dated O

Kerala CM urges PM to withdraw decision on VGF for Vizhinjam Port Project

Chief Minister Vijayan pointed out that the Centre's stance deviates from the general VGF guidelines, which classify it as a one-time grant, not a repayable loan

Priyanka Gandhi slams Centre for not providing relief package to Wayanad

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday accused the Centre of denying assistance to landslides-affected people of Wayanad due to politics and asserted that there should be no discrimination in times of natural disasters. Her remarks came after MPs from Kerala, including Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, staged a protest in Parliament premises Saturday, demanding a relief package from the Centre for landslides-hit Wayanad. Staging their demonstration in front of the steps of the Makar Dwar, the MPs raised slogans calling for "justice for Wayanad". They also held a banner with "Justice for Wayanad, provide relief package for Wayanad" written on it. Speaking with reporters, Priyanka Gandhi said, "We are very disturbed by the fact that the government is refusing to give a special package to Wayanad. We have gone to the home minister, we have written to the prime minister and to everyone possible, to declare that this as a calamity of a severe nature and to give a special package." Simi

Top 5 perfect destinations to celebrate Christmas 2024 in India; check list

From Goa's beaches to Shimla's snowy streets, there are several places in India offering their unique aura of celebrating Christmas 2024. Here are the top 5 destinations to celebrate the festival

CM Vijayan urges expansion of Kerala-TN model cooperative on states' rights

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said that the cooperation between Kerala and Tamil Nadu is based on the principles of cooperative federalism and called for its expansion to other states to curb frequent interventions in their rights. He was delivering the keynote address at the public meeting held at Vaikom Beach in this district after his Tamil Nadu counterpart M K Stalin inaugurated the renovated Thanthai Periyar Memorial and Periyar Library, established in honour of Dravidar Kazhagam founder E V Ramasamy. Vijayan, who shares a special friendship with Stalin, said the collaboration between Kerala and Tamil Nadu is a testament to cooperative federalism, highlighting the enduring bond between the two states. "This cooperation cannot be described in mere words and is demonstrated through actions," he added. In the current scenario, where there are frequent interventions on the rights of the states, especially economic autonomy, this cooperation should be extended

Men too have 'pride and dignity', not just women: Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday granted anticipatory bail to veteran actor-cum-director Balachandra Menon in a case accusing him of outraging the modesty of a female actor in 2007 during a film shoot, saying that men too have "pride and dignity" and not just women. The order and observation by Justice P V Kunhikrishnan came while allowing the anticipatory bail plea moved by the actor against whom the case was lodged in September this year after the release of the Justice Hema Committee report. In his plea, Menon had contended that the complaint was made after a gap of 17 years from the date of the alleged incident in 2007 and the intention was to malign his image. The court said there was "force" in his arguments as it was an admitted fact that the alleged incident happened in 2007. "It is an admitted fact that the victim filed the complaint after 17 years of the alleged incident. It is an admitted fact that the petitioner (Menon) is a known cine artist. He directed about 40 fil

Congress accuses Kerala CM Vijayan of acting with 'dictatorial mindset'

The opposition Congress in Kerala on Wednesday accused the ruling CPI (M) of being "intolerant" towards other political parties and denying them the freedom to freely function even in the home village of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The Marxist party and CM Vijayan were acting with a "dictatorial mindset", which is unacceptable, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan told reporters here. He was speaking after visiting the recently vandalised new Congress booth committee office at Venduttayi near Vijayan's hometown of Pinarayi. The Congress has charged the CPI(M) with "orchestrating the vandalism" on Saturday last. Terming the incident as "highly unfortunate" and "condemnable", he said, "It was in the home village of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan that the office of a political party was vandalised and set on fire." The LoP sought to know what kind of democracy prevailed in the state as other political parties were not allowed to function even in the home village of the CM. Sathe

Kerala seeks 50% share of divisible tax pool: Central Finance Committee

The request comes as the state seeks a larger share of the Rs 616.41 crore divisible pool

People are being sidelined in Congress party: Chandy Oommen

Congress MLA Chandy Oommen, the son of late party stalwart Oommen Chandy, on Tuesday said he was not given any responsibilities during the by-poll in Palakkad and claimed that there were instances of people at the lower levels of the party being "sidelined". Oommen said that it was neither correct nor acceptable for party members or supporters to be sidelined. The Puthuppally MLA, however, threw his weight behind KPCC chief K Sudhakaran amidst reports of a complete organisational revamp in Congress state unit in Kerala, saying his removal from the post was not the remedy. He said that Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief Sudhakaran has worked hard for the party and the people of the state and the UDF has scored several electoral victories under his leadership. Therefore, there was no need to remove him and there was no need for any such discussion, he added. Oommen further said it was necessary to keep everyone together while moving forward and it was the duty of the par

Kuwait's Gulf Bank files cases against Kerala nurses for loan defaults

Ten cases registered so far as Gulf Bank alleges large-scale loan default by Kerala expats