News for 'KERALA'

Why AI Sovereignty Is Key To India's National Cybersecurity

Why AI Sovereignty Is Key To India's National Cybersecurity

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Gaganyaan astronaut Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair stressed the critical importance of AI sovereignty for national cybersecurity, citing the increasing difficulty in distinguishing between real and fake content due to AI. Speaking at the Kerala Cyber Suraksha Summit, Nair highlighted that future conflicts and industries would involve a 'whole-of-nation approach,' blurring physical and digital boundaries. He urged greater awareness of digital threats and emphasised India's need to build on its technological capabilities in AI and cybersecurity, drawing parallels with the success of Chandrayaan-3. Other speakers also underscored the rising threat of cyberattacks and the potential for Kerala to contribute to national technology requirements.

Folksy, Spooky Films You Can't Miss!

Folksy, Spooky Films You Can't Miss!

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

From Tumbbad to Kantara, these folklore-fuelled films prove Indian cinema has plenty of strange, spooky and spectacular myths to bring to the big screen.

Kerala Police And RBI Launch Reelathon To Combat Cyber Fraud

Kerala Police And RBI Launch Reelathon To Combat Cyber Fraud

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Kerala Police chief Ravada Chandrasekhar highlighted cyber fraud as a serious social challenge, particularly targeting youth, during the inauguration of 'RBI Reelathon 2026'. This multi-phase awareness campaign by the Reserve Bank of India aims to engage college students in combating cyber financial frauds through creative content creation and timely reporting.

POCSO applies to marriage with minor under Muslim law: HC

POCSO applies to marriage with minor under Muslim law: HC

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

The Kerala High Court has dismissed a petition seeking to quash criminal proceedings against a man accused of repeatedly raping a 17-year-old girl. The court ruled that even if a marriage was solemnised under Muslim religious rites, it would not protect the accused from criminal liability under the POCSO Act, reinforcing that the Act applies when one party is a minor, irrespective of personal law.

Former Keralam DGP gets four-year jail term, Rs 30 lakh fine in DA case

Former Keralam DGP gets four-year jail term, Rs 30 lakh fine in DA case

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

A Kottayam Vigilance Court has sentenced former Kerala DGP Tomin J Thachankary to four years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 30.84 lakh in a disproportionate assets case. This marks the first time a DGP-rank officer in Kerala has been convicted for such an offence, with the court finding him guilty of amassing wealth 135.80 per cent in excess of his known income between 2003 and 2007.

Monsoon Withdrawal To Begin September 19

Monsoon Withdrawal To Begin September 19

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Rainfall during the monsoon season so far, from June 1 to September 13, has been 15 per cent below normal.

Asian Games: Elavenil's silver double gives India shooting boost

Asian Games: Elavenil's silver double gives India shooting boost

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

India's shooting campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games commenced with a strong performance, securing two silver medals in the women's 10m air rifle event. Experienced shooter Elavenil Valarivan was instrumental, winning an individual silver and contributing to a team silver alongside Sonam Uttam Maskar and debutant Vidarsa Vinod. While Elavenil narrowly missed individual gold, her performance, coupled with the team's success, provided an encouraging start for India.

Elavenil Valarivan Leads India To Double Silver In Asian Games Shooting

Elavenil Valarivan Leads India To Double Silver In Asian Games Shooting

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

India's shooting campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games commenced with a strong performance, securing two silver medals in the women's 10m air rifle event. Elavenil Valarivan was instrumental, winning an individual silver and contributing to the team silver alongside Sonam Uttam Maskar and Vidarsa Vinod. While Valarivan narrowly missed individual gold, her performance, along with the team's, provided an encouraging start for India.

How a Kerala medical tourism firm orchestrated an organ trafficking racket

How a Kerala medical tourism firm orchestrated an organ trafficking racket

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has uncovered a sophisticated organ trafficking racket in Kerala, operating under the guise of a medical tourism company. The network exploited financially distressed donors, forging documents and facilitating illegal transplant procedures at major hospitals, leading to arrests and freezing of assets.

How I Learned To Make Mangalorean Prawns Ghee Roast

How I Learned To Make Mangalorean Prawns Ghee Roast

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

A newcomer to non-vegetarian cooking, Divya Nair shares a recipe of prawns ghee roast, spice perfected to her son's liking.

10 States, 10 Delicious Coconut Recipes

10 States, 10 Delicious Coconut Recipes

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

10 states, 10 delicious coconut recipes for World Coconut Day

Need Inspiration For Onam? Check Samantha, Malavika's Styles

Need Inspiration For Onam? Check Samantha, Malavika's Styles

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Onam dressing doesn't have to begin and end with the classic cream-and-gold Kasavu sari.

Kerala's Economic Crisis: BJP Points Finger At UDF, LDF

Kerala's Economic Crisis: BJP Points Finger At UDF, LDF

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

BJP leaders Rajeev Chandrasekhar and B B Gopakumar have accused both the UDF and LDF governments of pushing Kerala into an economic crisis. They criticised the lack of solutions from the ruling fronts, highlighted the state's high public debt, and questioned the allocation of revenue for development versus salaries and pensions.

'Those who oppose 'Vande Mataram' don't know their mother'

'Those who oppose 'Vande Mataram' don't know their mother'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Kerala University vice-chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal on Saturday said those who do not say Vande Mataram do not know who their mother is.

Oath-taking only in name of god or by solemn affirmation: Kerala HC

Oath-taking only in name of god or by solemn affirmation: Kerala HC

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Kerala high court has ruled that elected local body representatives must take their oath strictly as prescribed by law, invalidating oaths that included names beyond "God" or solemn affirmation. The court directed affected councillors to retake their oaths within four weeks, clarifying that while their elections remain valid, actions by a panchayat member whose oath was invalid are also invalid.

Kerala MLA Identifies Ex-CM's Security In Assault Case

Kerala MLA Identifies Ex-CM's Security In Assault Case

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Alappuzha MLA A D Thomas and five others have identified former security personnel of then Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as alleged assailants of Youth Congress workers during the 2023 Nava Kerala Sadas programme. The identification occurred at the Crime Branch office, with Thomas expressing concerns about the investigation being derailed despite a new SIT being formed under the Congress-led UDF government, which has invoked a more serious charge of attempt to commit culpable homicide.

Muslim woman performs last rites of Hindu man in Kerala

Muslim woman performs last rites of Hindu man in Kerala

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

In a heartwarming act of compassion, Irfana Iqbal, a Muslim panchayat member in Kasaragod, Kerala, performed the last rites of an abandoned Hindu man, Narayanan, according to his customs after his family refused to claim his body. Her selfless act, driven by the belief that humanity transcends religion, has garnered widespread appreciation.

Kerala High Court Halts Shuhaib Murder Trial Until June 15

Kerala High Court Halts Shuhaib Murder Trial Until June 15

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Kerala High Court has temporarily stayed the trial proceedings in the 2018 Mattannur Shuhaib murder case until June 15, following a plea by three accused seeking to transfer the trial to a different court. The case involves the alleged murder of Youth Congress leader S P Shuhaib and has seen significant legal and political attention.

How Fuel Price Hikes Are Impacting Kerala's Economy

How Fuel Price Hikes Are Impacting Kerala's Economy

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Kerala is facing increased inflationary pressure due to recent hikes in petrol and diesel prices, according to Chief Minister V D Satheesan. The state's economy is also impacted by the decline in remittances from the Gulf and higher oil prices.

Monsoon arrives in Kerala, below normal rainfall predicted

Monsoon arrives in Kerala, below normal rainfall predicted

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The southwest monsoon has officially set over Kerala, albeit delayed from its typical June 1 start. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts below-normal rainfall for the season, expecting around 90% of the long-period average, primarily due to the emerging El Nino conditions.

Kerala To Inspect Eateries Amid Rising Infectious Diseases

Kerala To Inspect Eateries Amid Rising Infectious Diseases

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Kerala's Health Minister K Muraleedharan has announced increased inspections of eateries across the state due to a rise in infectious diseases. The Food Safety Department has been directed to conduct searches, and licences will be revoked for any violations of food safety norms.

Onam Recipes: Coconut Payasam, Green Mung Thoran

Onam Recipes: Coconut Payasam, Green Mung Thoran

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Two Kerala recipes to add to your Onam repast

Kerala 'anti-drug activist' nabbed after MDMA found in home

Kerala 'anti-drug activist' nabbed after MDMA found in home

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

A 25-year-old man, Sharfin Sebastian, who allegedly posed as the state president of an anti-drug organisation, has been arrested in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, after police seized 1.590 grams of MDMA and drug paraphernalia from his residence. The arrest highlights a shocking case of hypocrisy, as the accused was actively campaigning against narcotics while allegedly possessing banned synthetic drugs.

Miss Universe India Kaziah Liz Mej: 'I Wanted To Represent India Since I Was A Kid'

Miss Universe India Kaziah Liz Mej: 'I Wanted To Represent India Since I Was A Kid'

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

'I moved out of my house at the age of 17 to pursue this dream. Since then, I've been doing everything by myself, managing everything by myself for this one dream of Miss Universe.'

Mijo Chacko Kurian Dominates 400m At Indian Athletics Series

Mijo Chacko Kurian Dominates 400m At Indian Athletics Series

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Kerala's Mijo Chacko Kurian secured a gold medal in the men's 400m event and a silver in the 200m at the 15th leg of the Indian Athletics Series in Meerut. The event also saw other athletes like Adesh Garsa, Sandeep Singh, Avantika Narale, Harita Bhadra, and Priya Mohan clinch top honours across various track and field disciplines, showcasing a strong performance from national athletes.

Mammootty@75: His 10 Best Family Dramas

Mammootty@75: His 10 Best Family Dramas

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Mammootty has played the family man through all its shades, and these 10 films prove just how devastatingly good he can be when he brings the tears along with the warmth.

Delhi PG collapse: Students trapped under debris calling on phones for help

Delhi PG collapse: Students trapped under debris calling on phones for help

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

A five-storey building in South Delhi's Satya Niketan area collapsed, trapping an estimated 30 to 50 students under the debris. Rescue operations are ongoing, with locals reporting calls from those trapped inside. The building, a PG accommodation, was reportedly undergoing basement construction and had a weak foundation. Residents expressed concerns about the age and maintenance of buildings in the area.

Cong-ruled states to challenge Mines Act in SC

Cong-ruled states to challenge Mines Act in SC

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Congress-ruled states, including Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana, are preparing to challenge the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, in the Supreme Court. They allege the new law undermines states' rights by restricting their powers to levy taxes on mineral resources, a claim the Centre denies, stating it aims for uniform mineral rates.

Escalating Human-Elephant Conflict Claims Another Life In Kerala

Escalating Human-Elephant Conflict Claims Another Life In Kerala

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A 37-year-old woman was killed and her son injured in a wild elephant attack in Chinnakkanal, Idukki, amidst heavy rain and fog. This incident highlights the escalating human-elephant conflict in Kerala, with five reported deaths in the past two weeks.

Jail escapee visits police station for Aadhaar, flees again

Jail escapee visits police station for Aadhaar, flees again

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

An Assam native, Madhur Jya Sonowal, who escaped from Aluva Sub Jail, surprisingly went to the Perumbavoor police station to retrieve his Aadhaar card. Police have intensified their search for Sonowal, who fled the station after being recognised by officials. A detailed investigation into the security lapse has been launched.

Vigilance Busts Kerala Doctor For Dual Practice

Vigilance Busts Kerala Doctor For Dual Practice

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Vigilance officials in Kerala have uncovered a case where a government doctor was allegedly engaged in private practice while also receiving a non-practising allowance. The doctor, an associate professor, was found earning an additional Rs 7 lakh monthly from a private hospital, alongside his Rs 3 lakh government salary. This discovery is part of a wider crackdown, with nearly 200 doctors under surveillance.

India eye series win against Afghanistan despite fifth bowler concerns

India eye series win against Afghanistan despite fifth bowler concerns

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

India is set to face Afghanistan in the second T20I, aiming to clinch the series despite ongoing concerns about a reliable fifth bowling option in the absence of Hardik Pandya. The team delivered a dominant performance in the first match, securing a seven-wicket victory.

ISL Kicks Off On October 10: Longer Season, Home-Away Format Returns

ISL Kicks Off On October 10: Longer Season, Home-Away Format Returns

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

The Indian Super League (ISL) is set to return to its traditional home-and-away format for an extended eight-month season from October 2026 to May 2027.

Kerala's Menstrual Leave Policy Faces Criticism

Kerala's Menstrual Leave Policy Faces Criticism

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Former DGP R Sreelekha has questioned the Kerala government's proposal to grant menstrual leave for schoolgirls, raising concerns about privacy and whether it empowers or weakens girls.

2nd T20I: Samson stars as India crush Afghanistan to seal series

2nd T20I: Samson stars as India crush Afghanistan to seal series

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Sanju Samson smashed a quick 57 as India beat Afghanistan by seven wickets to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.

World Coconut Day: Which States Produce The Most Coconuts?

World Coconut Day: Which States Produce The Most Coconuts?

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

India contributes 31.24 per cent of the global coconut output and 17.90 per cent of the worldwide cultivation area.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Kerala fans pay tribute to Argentina with floating stadium

FIFA World Cup 2026: Kerala fans pay tribute to Argentina with floating stadium

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Football fans in Kerala's Pullavoor village have created a unique floating stadium with cutouts of the Argentine squad in a river, showcasing their intense passion for the upcoming World Cup. This elaborate display continues a tradition of fervent fan support in the region.

Wild Elephant Attacks Injure Three In Kerala; State Forms Special Reserve Force

Wild Elephant Attacks Injure Three In Kerala; State Forms Special Reserve Force

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Three people were injured in two suspected wild elephant attacks in Palakkad, Kerala. These incidents follow two recent fatalities in Wayanad and Idukki. In response, the Kerala government has decided to establish a 500-member Special Reserve Force to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.

The Prince And The Driver

The Prince And The Driver

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

A Kishore Kumar song, a birthday cake, a prince's break from protocol to thank his driver, a Persian painting on the ceiling of the presidential residence -- the BRICS Summit had many memorable moments.

Onasadhya Recipe: Broken Wheat Payasam

Onasadhya Recipe: Broken Wheat Payasam

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Divya Nair shares her Amuma's recipe of payasam made using broken wheat, a healthy twist to the traditional ada pradhaman.