News for 'Kerala State'

EC extends SIR schedule by a week amid Opposition concerns

EC extends SIR schedule by a week amid Opposition concerns

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

The Election Commission has extended the schedule for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in several states and Union Territories following concerns raised by opposition parties.

Congress MLA from Kerala in dock over actress's charge

Congress MLA from Kerala in dock over actress's charge

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

Congress MLA from Kerala, Rahul Mamkootathil, faces an internal inquiry after actress Rini Ann George accused him of misbehaviour. Senior Congress leader V D Satheesan has assured a fair investigation and strict action if found guilty. The BJP and DYFI have also accused Mamkootathil of harassment.

Kerala okays private university bill, marking LDF's major policy shift

Kerala okays private university bill, marking LDF's major policy shift

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

The Kerala Assembly passed a bill allowing for the establishment of private universities in the state. This marks a significant policy shift for the CPI(M)-led government, which had previously opposed privatization of education. The bill was passed by voice vote following discussions on Monday and Tuesday. The opposition raised concerns about the potential impact of private universities on public institutions and questioned the practicality of the requirements for starting a private university. However, the government defended the bill, stating it was a necessary step to improve higher education in Kerala and elevate public universities to global standards.

This MLA Wants Workers To Have The Right To Disconnect

This MLA Wants Workers To Have The Right To Disconnect

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

The debate over working hours flared up after Infosys Co-founder N R Narayana Murthy called for 14-hour workdays.

The New Study Abroad Hotspot For Indian Students...

The New Study Abroad Hotspot For Indian Students...

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

MEA data show that the number of Indian students in the UAE in 2025 was 253,832, just behind the United States with 255,447 students, and Canada being on top at 427,085.

Not aware of, nor accepted: Tharoor says NO to Veer Savarkar Award

Not aware of, nor accepted: Tharoor says NO to Veer Savarkar Award

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Tharoor later told reporters in the national capital that he heard about the award on Tuesday and that he was not going for the ceremony.

Won't accept Savarkar award or attend event: Tharoor

Won't accept Savarkar award or attend event: Tharoor

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Shashi Tharoor categorically stated that he would not accept an award named after VD Savarkar, nor attend a related event, even as a senior party colleague wanted the Congress MP to not accept any honour named after the ideologue whom he claimed "bowed before the British."

PMJAY for 70+ covered 700K treatments in one year

PMJAY for 70+ covered 700K treatments in one year

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The government aims to cover around 60 million people in the age category, irrespective of income, with an assured 5 lakh annually to be shared within the family.

Yemen cancels death sentence of Kerala nurse, claims Grand Mufti

Yemen cancels death sentence of Kerala nurse, claims Grand Mufti

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

According to a statement issued by the Grand Mufti's office, the decision was made after a high-level meeting held in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, where it was decided to completely cancel the death sentence, which had been temporarily suspended earlier.

Messi brings smiles to young footballers in Delhi

Messi brings smiles to young footballers in Delhi

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Lionel Messi lit up the Arun Jaitley Stadium as the final leg of his G.O.A.T India Tour got underway in Delhi on Monday.

New Rural Jobs Bill Sparks International Concern

New Rural Jobs Bill Sparks International Concern

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

'Previously, contributing only 25 per cent of material costs, states now face burdens of 40 per cent to 100 per cent of total costs, ensuring poorer states will curb project approvals, directly stifling work demand.'

Kerala minister claims voter list tampering in Thrissur LS seat

Kerala minister claims voter list tampering in Thrissur LS seat

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty has urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct a re-election in the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency, citing reports of widespread voters' list manipulation. The allegations follow BJP's victory in the constituency, with Suresh Gopi winning by a significant margin.

Court acquits Dileep, finds 6 guilty in actress assault case

Court acquits Dileep, finds 6 guilty in actress assault case

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The court, however, found six others, including prime accused Sunil N S alias Pulsar Suni, who directly committed the crime, guilty.

Kerala leader MA Baby elected CPM chief, first from minority group

Kerala leader MA Baby elected CPM chief, first from minority group

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Former Kerala minister M A Baby was elected as the CPI(M) general secretary at the 24th party congress in Madurai. Baby, who was a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1986 to 1998, has been a member of the Politburo since 2012. He succeeds Sitaram Yechury, who passed away last year.

'I Didn't Want To Do Bigg Boss, But...'

'I Didn't Want To Do Bigg Boss, But...'

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

JioStar's SouthUnbound event served as the launchpad for several new original projects on the streaming platform.

Flood fury from Himachal to Kerala; Kashmir breathes easy

Flood fury from Himachal to Kerala; Kashmir breathes easy

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

Heavy rains across India have led to widespread flooding, causing damage to infrastructure, displacement of residents, and disruption of normal life. Rescue efforts are underway in affected areas.

Modi to open Vande Mataram debate in LS on Dec 8, Amit Shah in RS on Dec 9

Modi to open Vande Mataram debate in LS on Dec 8, Amit Shah in RS on Dec 9

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Parliament is set to debate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram and election reforms, with key discussions led by Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah.

How is 'Bharat Mata' a religious symbol: HC to Kerala varsity registrar

How is 'Bharat Mata' a religious symbol: HC to Kerala varsity registrar

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

The Kerala High Court questioned the suspension of a university registrar who cancelled a program where a 'Bharat Mata' portrait was displayed, sparking a debate over religious symbols and law and order.

Red alert issued in Kerala's Palakkad for high UV radiation

Red alert issued in Kerala's Palakkad for high UV radiation

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has declared a red alert in Palakkad district due to high levels of ultraviolet radiation. The UV index has been recorded at 11, with the highest levels occurring between 10 am and 3 pm. The KSDMA has advised the public to take safety precautions, including wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Kerala nuns arrested in Durg for 'trafficking, conversion', Rahul protests

Kerala nuns arrested in Durg for 'trafficking, conversion', Rahul protests

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other UDF MPs protest the arrest of Catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh, alleging religious persecution by the BJP government and demanding their immediate release.

Decked churches, midnight masses: India celebrates Christmas

Decked churches, midnight masses: India celebrates Christmas

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

Christmas was celebrated with devotion and festive gaiety across India, with churches decked in lights, midnight masses, and community events spreading cheer. Leaders extended greetings, and celebrations took place in various states with prayers for peace and harmony.

Govt open to debate on SIR, but don't insist timeline, Rijiju tells Oppn

Govt open to debate on SIR, but don't insist timeline, Rijiju tells Oppn

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated the government is open to discussing electoral reforms in the Rajya Sabha, urging the Opposition not to impose a timeline. Opposition parties staged a walkout after demanding an immediate discussion on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Making Robots To Help Humanity

Making Robots To Help Humanity

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

'Our vision is to innovate as many products as we can and solve as many problems as possible.'

Kerala official suspended over offensive post on crash victim

Kerala official suspended over offensive post on crash victim

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

A government employee in Kerala has been suspended for making an offensive comment on Facebook about a Keralite nurse who died in the Ahmedabad plane crash.

'Christians Can Be Taken For Granted'

'Christians Can Be Taken For Granted'

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

'Mob fury has become very common these days. And these attacks are all planned very well.' 'In all these attacks, you see that they have a very clear cut plan to make the victims as the oppressors and the guilty.' 'The attackers escape and they face no consequences as they have the backing of some political leaders.'

Handle threats to BLOs, else will cause anarchy, SC tells poll panel

Handle threats to BLOs, else will cause anarchy, SC tells poll panel

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court expressed concern over threats to election officials in West Bengal and other states, urging the Election Commission to take action. The court also addressed the lack of cooperation from state governments in electoral roll revisions.

'The Soldiers Ordered Us To Be Strip-Searched'

'The Soldiers Ordered Us To Be Strip-Searched'

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

'...including my baby sisters, age three and one.' 'My dad was humiliated, and he started screaming at them.'

Kerala court discharges two nuns among 5 in human trafficking case

Kerala court discharges two nuns among 5 in human trafficking case

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

A court in Kerala has discharged five people in a case alleging the trafficking of three underage girls for domestic work, ruling that there was no evidence of threats, coercion or exploitation.

Not allowed to...: Mumbai tourist alleges harassment by Munnar taxi drivers

Not allowed to...: Mumbai tourist alleges harassment by Munnar taxi drivers

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

The tourist, identified as Janvi, an assistant professor, posted a three-minute video on her social media account detailing how she was allegedly harassed by local taxi drivers when she tried to travel by an online cab.

Kerala govt doubles down on Zumba in schools amid opposition

Kerala govt doubles down on Zumba in schools amid opposition

Rediff.com28 Jun 2025

The minister clarified the government's position on Zumba dance, a high-energy fitness programme introduced in schools in Kerala by the General Education Department as part of its anti-drug campaign, facing opposition from certain Muslim groups who argue that it went against moral values.

SIR not held earlier no ground to challenge it, says SC

SIR not held earlier no ground to challenge it, says SC

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court is examining the validity of the Election Commission's decision to conduct special intensive revisions of electoral rolls in several states, focusing on concerns about democratic participation and the burden on ordinary voters.

No conspiracy by Dileep proved in actress assault case: Court

No conspiracy by Dileep proved in actress assault case: Court

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The prosecution had 'miserably' failed to prove the conspiracy charge against Dileep in the sensational 2017 actress sexual assault case, a local court has observed while citing inconsistencies and lack of sufficient evidence against the Malayalam star.

SC steps in for Kerala nurse on death row in Yemen

SC steps in for Kerala nurse on death row in Yemen

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

Nimisha Priya, 38, a nurse from Palakkad district of Kerala, was convicted of murdering her Yemeni business partner in 2017. She was sentenced to death in 2020, and her final appeal was rejected in 2023.

Not Delhi, but this Indian city tops pollution chart: Report

Not Delhi, but this Indian city tops pollution chart: Report

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

Noida, Bahadurgarh, Delhi, Hapur, Greater Noida, Baghpat, Sonipat, Meerut and Rohtak joined Ghaziabad among the 10 most polluted cities, the report by think tank Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air said.

Entrance Exams After Class 12 In 2026

Entrance Exams After Class 12 In 2026

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

Nayagam PP, founder of Edujob360, offers a list of the top entrance exams, their timelines, eligibility criteria, exam patterns and preparation strategies to help you plan the year ahead.

BJP states defend Governor's power to assent to Bills in SC

BJP states defend Governor's power to assent to Bills in SC

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

BJP-ruled states argued in the Supreme Court that governors and the President have autonomy in assenting to bills passed by state assemblies, asserting that courts cannot mandate assent.

Bharat Mata row sparks protests, war of words in Kerala

Bharat Mata row sparks protests, war of words in Kerala

Rediff.com21 Jun 2025

The editorial came amidst the ongoing tussle between Arlekar and the Marxist party-led Left Democratic Front government over the usage of 'Bharat Mata portrait' during official functions being held in Raj Bhavan.

'Messi's Argentina will visit in Kerala in October-November'

'Messi's Argentina will visit in Kerala in October-November'

Rediff.com19 May 2025

Kerala's sports minister V Abdurahiman stated that there was no doubt about Lionel Messi's planned visit.

Bharat Mata portrait at Kerala guv's office sparks row

Bharat Mata portrait at Kerala guv's office sparks row

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar asserted that there would be no compromise on Bharat Mata.

Time To Elect, Not Select Governors

Time To Elect, Not Select Governors

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

In a federal democracy, the people must have a say (indirect or direct) in an office as important as that of governor. Especially in a governor who can now effectively veto a bill by simply refusing to sign it, argues Harishchandra.