News for 'Kerala special'

Election 2024: The Big Fights In Kerala

Election 2024: The Big Fights In Kerala

Rediff.com1 Apr 2024

Kerala's election discourse operates surreptitiously. Its explicit face focuses on important national and local issues. At the same time, it seeks to secure apt communal equations to ensure votes, notes Shyam G Menon.

A Cricket Legend Turns 80

A Cricket Legend Turns 80

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Has there existed another cricketer who has been hailed as a spinner, fielder, captain, umpire, selector, and above all, a consummate team man, asks K R Nayar.

The North-South Battle Gets Ugly

The North-South Battle Gets Ugly

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

With its age-old fascination for education, southern states have done better than the North. Start-ups, IT hubs, and industry majors setting up shop have changed the face of the South. Nearly 79% of global offices set up by international conglomerates in India are in the South. Almost 46% of tech unicorns are from the South. The GDP per person in the South is 4.2 times higher than the North. None of these indicators can be ignored by any central government, whatever the political compulsions, notes Ramesh Menon.

Congress must be party of hope, not resentment: Tharoor

Congress must be party of hope, not resentment: Tharoor

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday urged the party to be a party of hope, not resentment, a party of the future not just of the past, and a party with a positive narrative and not just criticism. He also slammed the BJP for trying to divide North from South, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and national harmony. Tharoor highlighted the importance of economic growth and equitable distribution of its benefits, calling for the Congress to remain the voice of the voiceless.

'For The First Time, We Will Be Able To Say A Particular Caste Is More Backward Than The Other'

'For The First Time, We Will Be Able To Say A Particular Caste Is More Backward Than The Other'

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

'For the first time in this country, perhaps the first time anywhere, we are going to use backwardness index.' 'It is a fundamental shift in the discourse in the country's social justice.'

V-Day: Want To Go For A Helicopter Ride?

V-Day: Want To Go For A Helicopter Ride?

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Your ultimate guide to helicopter rides in India this Valentine's Day

Budget 2025: What states want from Sitharaman

Budget 2025: What states want from Sitharaman

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

Finance ministers of states demanded an increase in allocation under 50-year interest-free loan scheme, while fiscally stressed states like Punjab and Kerala pitched for a special package and borrowing flexibility, sources said on Friday. In a pre-budget meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, states have also urged for higher borrowing limits to support fiscal activities, besides additional funds for Jal Jeevan Mission.

The Harsh Reality For Wayanad Survivors

The Harsh Reality For Wayanad Survivors

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

In Kerala's society, known for its high material standard of living, plunging into a state of having nothing overnight can be terrible for one's social standing and sense of self-esteem. Rehabilitation entails piecing a community back together after a disturbance and while its aim is noble, the act of reassembling will bring alive disparities and inequalities, explains Shyam G Menon.

Christians subjected to violence by dark forces in country: Kerala archbishop

Christians subjected to violence by dark forces in country: Kerala archbishop

Rediff.com29 Mar 2024

Netto said that Christians in various parts of the country, especially in Manipur and north India, were being subjected to "cruelty and violence by dark forces" and alleged that there was no effective intervention against it by the authorities.

Trump Turns Up At Lit Fests All Over!

Trump Turns Up At Lit Fests All Over!

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

The dramatic moves of Donald Trump, which have shaken up the global order, dominated the discussion. A sense of bewilderment prevailed, but there was also expectation that President Trump would settle down to a more traditional style of governance after a time of shock and awe, observes Ambassador T P Sreenivasan, an attendee at literary festivals in Calicut, Jaipur, Kochi, Sharjah and Thiruvanathapuram.

Decoding Mumbai Indians' talent scouting for IPL

Decoding Mumbai Indians' talent scouting for IPL

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Mumbai Indians, the five-time IPL champions, have a robust scouting system that unearths hidden gems from across the country.

J-K assembly passes resolution denouncing Pahalgam attack

J-K assembly passes resolution denouncing Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Monday expressing shock and anguish over the Pahalgam terrorist attack and resolved to fight resolutely to defeat the nefarious designs to disturb communal harmony and hinder progress.

The 17 Girls India Will Never Forget

The 17 Girls India Will Never Forget

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Barely out of their teens, the first batch of girls will graduate alongside 300 male cadets from the National Defence Academy.

'Nobody Has The Right To Criticise My Dance Because Of My Skin Colour'

'Nobody Has The Right To Criticise My Dance Because Of My Skin Colour'

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

This is the story of a man who fought racism and casteism throughout his life to become a professor of Bharata Natyam at the premier centre for performing arts in India, the Kerala Kalamandalam.

Indian priest elevated as cardinal by Pope Francis

Indian priest elevated as cardinal by Pope Francis

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

The ceremony, held at the famous St Peter's Basilica and attended by clergy and dignitaries from around the world, witnessed the induction of 21 new cardinals from various countries.

Tahawwur Rana lands in Delhi, NIA records arrest

Tahawwur Rana lands in Delhi, NIA records arrest

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was brought to India on Thursday after being "successfully extradited " from the US, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said. The 64-year-old Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin landed in Delhi in a special plane on Thursday evening, ending days of speculation of when and how he will be extradited, officials said. The NIA said in a statement that it had secured the successful extradition after years of sustained and concerted efforts to bring to justice the key conspirator behind the 2008 mayhem that claimed 166 lives. Rana is accused of conspiring with David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani, and operatives of designated terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI) along with other Pakistan-based co-conspirators, to carry out the the three-day terror siege of India's financial capital.

'BJP will never conquer Kerala'

'BJP will never conquer Kerala'

Rediff.com27 Apr 2023

'Secularism is the life of Kerala, and the BJP is trying to poison this atmosphere.'

Has US Averted India-Pakistan War?

Has US Averted India-Pakistan War?

Rediff.com2 May 2025

The 'mediation' by the United States from behind the scene on the diplomatic track appears to be once again working, which calls on both Delhi and Islamabad to show restraint and pull back from a military confrontation, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'I Had No Worry About Getting A Bad Name'

'I Had No Worry About Getting A Bad Name'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

'I enjoyed my fiery exchanges with Akshay Kumar, who was extremely gracious and generous when the camera was not rolling. I enjoyed locking horns with him in court.'

UAPA invoked against suspect in Kerala blasts case

UAPA invoked against suspect in Kerala blasts case

Rediff.com30 Oct 2023

Besides Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) (punishment for murder) and Section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act, relevant sections of the UAPA have also been invoked against the accused, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) official told reporters in Kochi.

The PT Teacher Behind Two WPL Stars

The PT Teacher Behind Two WPL Stars

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

'Today when I see them talking to people from different countries confidently, I realise that education does not come from classrooms alone but from life experiences too.'

Vadakara: The Most Important Contest In Kerala

Vadakara: The Most Important Contest In Kerala

Rediff.com16 Apr 2024

Shailaja Teacher, arguably the most famous Covid warrior in India, versus former student leader Shafi Parambil who defeated 'Metro Man' E Sreedharan in the last assembly election. Shyam G Menon reports from the Vadakara Lok Sabha constituency, which some feel is the most politically important contest in Kerala this election.

Maoists-police in gunbattle in Kerala's Wayanad, 2 arrested

Maoists-police in gunbattle in Kerala's Wayanad, 2 arrested

Rediff.com8 Nov 2023

Two Maoists -- a man and a woman -- were apprehended following a gun battle in a forest area in Wayanad, Kerala, late on Tuesday night, the police said.

Wayanad rescue will take a few more days: Kerala CM

Wayanad rescue will take a few more days: Kerala CM

Rediff.com1 Aug 2024

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said the rescue mission in the landslide-hit Mundakkai region of Wayanad could take a few more days, and appointed a cabinet sub-committee of four ministers to coordinate the rescue efforts.

Kerala actress seeks fresh probe into leak of assault videos

Kerala actress seeks fresh probe into leak of assault videos

Rediff.com10 Apr 2024

In her plea, the victim claimed that a mere reading of the inquiry report with regard to the illegal access of the devices indicates that the authority carrying out the probe "never conducted a fair, free and complete" investigation as directed by the high court.

Recipe: Divya's Kerala Kootu

Recipe: Divya's Kerala Kootu

Rediff.com24 May 2023

Kerala Kootu is best enjoyed with steamed rice, but also goes well with rotis or crisp dosas.

Kerala logs 115 Covid cases out of 142 reported across country

Kerala logs 115 Covid cases out of 142 reported across country

Rediff.com19 Dec 2023

According to data on the Union health ministry's website, of the 142 COVID cases reported in the country till 8 am on Tuesday, 115 were from Kerala.

'Pope Francis Was Warm And Welcoming'

'Pope Francis Was Warm And Welcoming'

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

'Senior Vatican officials were pleasantly surprised at the number of Indians who had come to witness the ceremony.'

Maoists threaten to blow up 'Hamas rally' in Kerala

Maoists threaten to blow up 'Hamas rally' in Kerala

Rediff.com16 Nov 2023

The Maoists have warned that if the government does not stop unfairly targeting them and charging false cases against them, what happened in Kochi at the Jehovah's Witnesses convention can be expected during the 'Hamas rally of fake comrades' in the district, an official said.

How PM Mudra Loans Are Reshaping India's Economy

How PM Mudra Loans Are Reshaping India's Economy

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

By democratising access to finance, empowering women and marginalised groups, and adapting to India's diverse regional landscapes, PMMY has helped fortify the country's grassroots growth engines, says Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, V Anantha Nageswaran.

Not just women, men too have 'pride and dignity': HC

Not just women, men too have 'pride and dignity': HC

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

The Kerala High Court 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. The court said that men too have "pride and dignity" and not just women. The case was lodged in September this year after the release of the Justice Hema Committee report, which was constituted by the Kerala government after the 2017 actress assault case.

After TN and Punjab, Kerala moves SC against governor delaying bills

After TN and Punjab, Kerala moves SC against governor delaying bills

Rediff.com2 Nov 2023

The Kerala government has moved the Supreme Court claiming that Governor Arif Mohammed Khan was delaying giving his assent to bills passed by the state assembly, which was "defeating the rights of the people".

Harvinder Singh: Coach Behind Ashwani Kumar's Rise

Harvinder Singh: Coach Behind Ashwani Kumar's Rise

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Harvinder Singh was one of India's most promising pacers in the 1990s having played three Tests and 16 ODIs.

Kerala child rape-murder convict sentenced to death

Kerala child rape-murder convict sentenced to death

Rediff.com14 Nov 2023

In a crowded courtroom, the judge declared that Alam should be hanged to death for the killing of the girl, also from Bihar.

Women achievers to run Modi's social media on Int'l Women's Day

Women achievers to run Modi's social media on Int'l Women's Day

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that he will hand over his social media accounts to women achievers from different walks of life to mark International Women's Day on March 8. In his monthly "Mann Ki Baat" address, Modi said these successful women will talk about their work and experience on his social media accounts. He also renewed his appeal to people to take measures to deal with the growing problem of obesity and encouraged people to visit research laboratories or planetariums to mark National Science Day on February 28. Modi highlighted India's progress in space science and artificial intelligence, and emphasized the importance of celebrating and respecting the indomitable spirit of women. He also spoke about the diversity of India's wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts.

'I Was Lucky To Defeat Gukesh 3 Times'

'I Was Lucky To Defeat Gukesh 3 Times'

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

'You need hard work along with talent to reach exceptional heights.'

Blast caused by IED, says Kerala DGP

Blast caused by IED, says Kerala DGP

Rediff.com29 Oct 2023

However, there were conflicting reports about the number of blasts as state ministers VN Vasavan and Antony Raju said there were two blasts, while Congress MP from Ernakulam, Hibi Eden, said there were multiple blasts according to one of his friends who attended the convention.

Be mindful of Right to Privacy while ordering DNA test: SC

Be mindful of Right to Privacy while ordering DNA test: SC

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India has laid down guidelines for courts when ordering DNA tests to ascertain paternity. The court emphasized the need to balance the interests of all parties involved, including the child, parents, and other stakeholders. It also recognized the potential for infringement of privacy and the social stigma associated with illegitimate children. The court stressed that DNA tests should only be ordered when existing evidence is insufficient and when such tests are in the best interests of all parties involved.

Kesari 2: What *Really* Happened

Kesari 2: What *Really* Happened

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The grilling of Brigadier-General Dyer by Akshay Kumar's Sir C Sankaran Nair, as shown in Kesari 2, is purely an imaginary sequence, proves Utkarsh Mishra.

Ruling or Oppn, parties can't block people's right of way: HC

Ruling or Oppn, parties can't block people's right of way: HC

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

The Kerala High Court has criticized both the ruling front and the opposition in the state for holding public meetings that block public roads and footpaths. The court observed that the December 5 incident, where the CPI(M) held a conference outside the Vanchiyoor court complex in Thiruvananthapuram, was a "clear case of breach of trust" as the government holds the roads as a trustee of the people. The court has directed the police to submit a report by December 16 identifying those involved in the meeting, including those who attended and were seen on-stage in news reports. The court also pointed out that the stage for the meeting was constructed right on top of the pedestrian/zebra crossing, completely blocking the carriageway on one side of the road. This caused traffic snarls and inconvenienced pedestrians, including school children, infants, and elderly persons. The court said that provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other laws, like the Motor Vehicles Act, would be applicable to the incident.