News for 'kerala government'

Write off landslide victims' loans, Kerala CM tells banks

Write off landslide victims' loans, Kerala CM tells banks

Rediff.com19 Aug 2024

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday urged various banks to write off the loans availed by landslide victims and survivors in Kerala's Wayanad.

Mpox confirmed in Kerala man who returned from UAE

Mpox confirmed in Kerala man who returned from UAE

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

A 38-year-old man undergoing treatment in Kerala's northern Malappuram district has been confirmed to have contracted Mpox infection, the state health department said on Wednesday.

Nipah Death Puts Kerala On Alert

Nipah Death Puts Kerala On Alert

Rediff.com22 Jul 2024

The scare of communicable diseases seems to be gripping the country with Maharashtra reporting 28 Zika cases this year, the highest since 2021.

'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.'

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.

Centre denies permission to Kerala minister to visit Kuwait

Centre denies permission to Kerala minister to visit Kuwait

Rediff.com14 Jun 2024

George reportedly waited for hours at the airport, hoping for permission from the Ministry of External Affairs.

Narivetta Review: Tovino Thomas Is Exceptional

Narivetta Review: Tovino Thomas Is Exceptional

Rediff.com25 May 2025

Narivetta takes its cue from real-life incidents and fictionalises the ordeal through the experiences of a young cop caught in the crossfire between the police and tribals up in arms, notes Arjun Menon.

Day after ED arrest, Gujarat Samachar owner gets temporary bail

Day after ED arrest, Gujarat Samachar owner gets temporary bail

Rediff.com17 May 2025

The Enforcement Directorate on Friday detained Bahubali Shah, one of the owners of the leading Gujarati newspaper Gujarat Samachar, following a raid on their premises in Ahmedabad, sources said.

Jamaat-e-Islami supports Priyanka in Wayanad: Kerala CM

Jamaat-e-Islami supports Priyanka in Wayanad: Kerala CM

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

Kerala Chief Minister and veteran Marxist leader Pinarayi Vijayan intensified his attack on the Congress, alleging that its general secretary, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, is contesting the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election with the backing of Jamaat-e-Islami.

Pope's bond with India: Canonisations, new Cardinal and unfulfilled visit

Pope's bond with India: Canonisations, new Cardinal and unfulfilled visit

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Pope Francis's connection with India was marked by a mix of hopes and challenges. His long-held wish to visit the country remained unfulfilled, but he made significant contributions to the Catholic community in India, including elevating Indian figures to sainthood and appointing an Indian priest as a Cardinal. While his efforts to resolve conflicts within the Syro-Malabar Church were unsuccessful, his legacy will be remembered for his efforts to promote unity and understanding in the Catholic Church.

HC quashes POCSO case against 6 scribes of Malayalam news channel

HC quashes POCSO case against 6 scribes of Malayalam news channel

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The Kerala High Court has quashed a case booked under the POCSO Act against six journalists of Malayalam news channel Asianet for allegedly disclosing the identity of a minor victim of sexual assault in a program on the ill effects of drug abuse. The court said that the channel's intention was not to disclose the victim's identity and that the program was intended to alert the public about the increasing drug abuse among youngsters in Kerala. The court also criticized some media outlets for reporting allegations without proper investigation or inquiry.

Kerala CM lifts SDRF gag order on scientists' landslide interactions

Kerala CM lifts SDRF gag order on scientists' landslide interactions

Rediff.com2 Aug 2024

Vijayan said the news that the SDMA had directed scientific institutions and scientists not to visit the disaster-affected Meppadi panchayat in Wayanad and not to express their opinions was misleading.

Tharoor shares selfie with BJP minister amid growing rift with Cong

Tharoor shares selfie with BJP minister amid growing rift with Cong

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor welcomed the revival of long-stalled India-UK FTA negotiations, posting a selfie with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and the UK's Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds. Tharoor's post comes amid a row over his recent article praising the Kerala government's investment climate, which drew criticism from some Congress leaders.

Why Tharoor Gives The Congress A Headache

Why Tharoor Gives The Congress A Headache

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The Kerala unit of the Congress instantly gets a headache when Shashi Tharoor lets loose one of his observations showering flowers on enemy territory. With every such action triggering controversy within a nervous Congress party, some feel it is high time Tharoor showed a degree of solidarity with the ideals of his party, notes Shyam G Menon.

Can't deny funds to states not implementing NEP: Parl panel

Can't deny funds to states not implementing NEP: Parl panel

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

A parliamentary panel has criticized the Indian government for withholding funds from states that have not agreed to implement the PM SHRI schools scheme, calling the reasoning behind the decision "not factual or justified." The panel has recommended the immediate release of pending funds to states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, which have been significantly impacted by the delays.

Guv delaying bills has become an 'endemic': Kerala to SC

Guv delaying bills has become an 'endemic': Kerala to SC

Rediff.com20 Nov 2023

The top court also issued a notice to Attorney General R Venkataramani asking that either he or Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assist it in the hearing. The court will now hear the Kerala government's plea on Friday.

Allow women of all ages into Sabarimala, Kerala government to SC

Allow women of all ages into Sabarimala, Kerala government to SC

Rediff.com7 Nov 2016

In a U-turn, the Left Democratic Front government of Kerala on Monday informed the Supreme Court that it favoured the entry of women of all age groups in the historic Sabarimala temple in the state.

How BJP Won 1 Seat In Kerala

How BJP Won 1 Seat In Kerala

Rediff.com6 Jun 2024

At least one commentator felt that both the BJP's reach and popularity had been underestimated in Kerala. They have shown systematic gain; one that seems personality-neutral and therefore institutionalised, explains Shyam G Menon.

After full literacy, Kerala is now 100% e-governed, says CM Pinarayi

After full literacy, Kerala is now 100% e-governed, says CM Pinarayi

Rediff.com25 May 2023

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday declared the southern state as India's first fully e-governed state where an entire range of government services have been digitised so that they can be provided to the citizens promptly and transparently.

Now, TN actor Vijay moves SC against Waqf Act

Now, TN actor Vijay moves SC against Waqf Act

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

Several petitions were filed in the apex court challenging the Act, contending that it was discriminatory towards the Muslim community and violated their fundamental rights.

MI's Vignesh Puthur Impresses On Debut

MI's Vignesh Puthur Impresses On Debut

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

On day two of IPL 2025, 24-year-old Vignesh Puthur left teammates and spectators in awe with a performance that showed class and maturity.

New CEC who played key role in Art 370 abrogation, Ram temple trust

New CEC who played key role in Art 370 abrogation, Ram temple trust

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Kumar, who played a key role in implementing decisions following the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir during his stint in the Union home ministry, took charge as an election commissioner on March 15, 2024.

Malayalam actor Siddique gets bail in rape case

Malayalam actor Siddique gets bail in rape case

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

The top court also took note of the fact that the complaint in the case was filed in August, eight years after the alleged incident took place in 2016.

Experts explain: Why are Covid cases rising again

Experts explain: Why are Covid cases rising again

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Covid is growing milder with time but an occasional surge in cases is expected because the virus that causes it is now endemic and constantly evolving, say scientists while assuring that there is no cause for concern.

'I Don't Look At The Batter In Front Of Me'

'I Don't Look At The Batter In Front Of Me'

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

'...whether he is a top player or not, it doesn't matter.' 'If I go by a player's name I won't be able to bowl at my best.' 'For me he is just a batter, and my only focus is where I need to land the ball.'

Landslide survivors' rehab key issue in Wayanad LS bypoll

Landslide survivors' rehab key issue in Wayanad LS bypoll

Rediff.com27 Oct 2024

Local residents have stressed that land acquisition for rehabilitation must be completed promptly, as it has been delayed after estate owners challenged it in the Kerala high court.

Legendary Malayalam writer M T Vasudevan Nair passes away

Legendary Malayalam writer M T Vasudevan Nair passes away

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

The great literary figure of Malayalam and Jnanpith Award winner M T Vasudevan Nair, who had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital here following heart failure, has died, hospital sources said on Wednesday.

Petitioners seek urgent listing of Waqf pleas, SC to decide

Petitioners seek urgent listing of Waqf pleas, SC to decide

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to consider listing for urgent hearing the petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

Kerala man forced to fight in Ukraine, wife seeks help

Kerala man forced to fight in Ukraine, wife seeks help

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

Binil T B, an electrician from Thrissur, left for Russia seven months ago, hoping to secure a better job and higher wages while his wife was expecting their first child.

Gyanesh Kumar appointed as next CEC

Gyanesh Kumar appointed as next CEC

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988-batch Kerala Cadre IAS officer, has been appointed as the next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India. Kumar, who was previously an Election Commissioner, will serve until January 26, 2029. His appointment comes amidst controversy as the Congress party demanded the government defer its decision until the Supreme Court concludes its hearing on a petition challenging the composition of the selection panel. Kumar's tenure will see him oversee several state assembly elections, including Bihar, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.

'Delimitation Is Not A South Versus North Issue'

'Delimitation Is Not A South Versus North Issue'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

'There will be no change of seats for Delhi, Assam and Maharashtra.' 'Andhra, J&K, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal and Telangana will lose seats while there will be an increase for MP, UP, Bihar, Haryana, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh.' 'It is a big mistake if you make it a north-south issue.'

Can Jha & Team Convince Japan, Korea Etc?

Can Jha & Team Convince Japan, Korea Etc?

Rediff.com23 May 2025

JD-U MP Sanjay Kumar Jha heads a diplomatic mission to Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan and Singapore, to seek international cooperation after the Pahalgam attack while highlighting Pakistan's role in cross-border terrorism.

SC to hear pleas challenging Waqf Act on April 16

SC to hear pleas challenging Waqf Act on April 16

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

A three-judge Supreme Court bench will hear petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, on April 16. The petitions, including those by politicians and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, were filed in the top court challenging the validity of the newly-enacted law. The Centre has filed a caveat in the apex court, seeking a hearing before any order is passed.

Jamiat too files petition in SC against Waqf (Amendment) Act

Jamiat too files petition in SC against Waqf (Amendment) Act

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

A fresh plea has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, claiming it was a "blatant intrusion" into the rights of a religious denomination to manage its own affairs in the matter of religion. The plea, filed by Samastha Kerala Jamiathul Ulema, argues that the amendments would distort the religious character of Waqfs and irreversibly damage the democratic process in their administration. Several other petitions have been filed in the apex court challenging the validity of the bill, including those by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, and AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan.

Suresh Gopi to quit Modi 3.0 Cabinet? Kerala MP reacts

Suresh Gopi to quit Modi 3.0 Cabinet? Kerala MP reacts

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Gopi said that it is a matter of pride for him to be in the Council of Ministers of the Modi government and to represent the people of Kerala.

Kerala guv clears 1 bill, reserves 7 for presidential nod amid tiff with govt

Kerala guv clears 1 bill, reserves 7 for presidential nod amid tiff with govt

Rediff.com28 Nov 2023

While the governor gave his assent to the significant public health bill, he has reserved seven bills, including the controversial University Amendment Bill, for presidential assent, Raj Bhavan said on Tuesday.

Wholesale price inflation dips to 0.85% in April

Wholesale price inflation dips to 0.85% in April

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Wholesale price inflation dropped to 0.85 per cent in April as prices of food articles, manufactured products, and fuel eased, government data showed on Wednesday. WPI-based inflation was 2.05 per cent in March. It was 1.19 per cent in April last year.

Will You Get Such An Increment This Year?

Will You Get Such An Increment This Year?

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The revised salaries of MPs are significantly lower than the salaries drawn by top bureaucrats in the country.

Waqf Act comes into force as SC set to hear pleas

Waqf Act comes into force as SC set to hear pleas

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India will likely hear a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 on April 15. The Act, which came into force on April 8, has been met with widespread criticism from various stakeholders, including politicians, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind. They argue that the law is discriminatory and violates the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution. The petitions allege that the amendments give the government more control over the administration of Waqf, effectively sidelining the Muslim minority from managing their own religious endowments.

SC grants protection from arrest to actor Siddique in rape case

SC grants protection from arrest to actor Siddique in rape case

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

A bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma issued notices to the Kerala government and the victim in the case and sought their replies within two weeks.