News for 'kerala government'

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.

These products account for over 50% of India's exports in FY25

These products account for over 50% of India's exports in FY25

Rediff.com16 May 2025

Agriculture, pharma, electronics, and engineering goods together accounted for over 50 per cent of India's merchandise exports in 2024-25, according to government data, highlighting the country's growing strength in diverse sectors amid efforts to boost manufacturing and value-added exports.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Over 150 hurt in Kerala temple fireworks mishap; SIT to probe case

Over 150 hurt in Kerala temple fireworks mishap; SIT to probe case

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

Over 150 people were injured, including eight seriously, in a fireworks accident during a temple festival near Neeleswaram in Kasaragod late Monday, police said.

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.

Kerala ADM's suicide amid graft charges sparks political turmoil

Kerala ADM's suicide amid graft charges sparks political turmoil

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

The Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party have united in their demands, calling for the immediate resignation and arrest of P P Divya, a Communist Party of India-Marxist leader and district panchayat president, who leveled graft accusations against ADM Naveen Babu at his send-off function organised by colleagues at the Kannur district collectorate.

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.

'Victim Might Be A Stranger But She Needs Our Support'

'Victim Might Be A Stranger But She Needs Our Support'

Rediff.com28 Aug 2024

'Abuse, asking for sexual favours, and expecting women to compromise to gain a foothold or accelerate their careers exist in every field. Why is a woman alone expected to go through the grind?'

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

'I am not an aspiration-oriented politician.' 'This is the time to redefine politics.' 'Politics of power is not real politics.'

'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.'

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.

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.

Toll in blasts at Christian prayer gathering in Kerala rises to 5

Toll in blasts at Christian prayer gathering in Kerala rises to 5

Rediff.com12 Nov 2023

The victim, identified as 45-year-old Sally Pradeepan from Malayattoor in Ernakulam district of the state, died at a private hospital on Saturday night, a government health bulletin said.

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

>The Indian Army still uses old British-era names and recruits soldiers based on caste or region, which hurts national unity, argues Colonel K Thammayya Udupa (retd).

194 of Kerala Nipah victim's contacts are high-risk

194 of Kerala Nipah victim's contacts are high-risk

Rediff.com22 Jul 2024

The health department said two of the persons on the contact list are from Palakkad, while four are from Thiruvananthapuram.

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.

'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.'

Centre must be concerned about states' finances: SC

Centre must be concerned about states' finances: SC

Rediff.com6 Mar 2024

Fiscal mismanagement by states is an issue the union government has to be concerned about as it impacts the nation's economy, the Supreme Court observed on Wednesday and advised the Centre and the Kerala government to iron out their differences on a cap on net borrowing by the southern state.

Kerala bids farewell to 23 victims of Kuwait fire tragedy

Kerala bids farewell to 23 victims of Kuwait fire tragedy

Rediff.com14 Jun 2024

Kerala on Friday said a tearful goodbye to most of the 23 victims from the state who died in the Kuwait fire tragedy -- one of the biggest incidents to ever affect the state's expatriate community known for their dedication and hard work.

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.

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.

Why Latin America Loves India And Vice Versa

Why Latin America Loves India And Vice Versa

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

The warmth and respect for India were evident wherever I went and noticed how most Latin Americans have Indian gurus either directly or online and yoga was very much in vogue, observes Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

Nipah returns to Kerala, 14-yr-old boy found infected

Nipah returns to Kerala, 14-yr-old boy found infected

Rediff.com20 Jul 2024

George, who met the media in Malappuram, said the Pune NIV (National Institute of Virology) had confirmed the infection in the boy, who is currently under treatment at a private hospital.

One killed, 6 held as TN police bust Haryana gang behind Kerala ATM heist

One killed, 6 held as TN police bust Haryana gang behind Kerala ATM heist

Rediff.com27 Sep 2024

Two police officials who were injured when the container driver and his associate attacked them in a bid to flee, have been admitted to a government hospital with injuries, she said.

Student suicide: HC orders police protection to Kerala college amid protest

Student suicide: HC orders police protection to Kerala college amid protest

Rediff.com9 Jun 2023

The court directed police to provide protection for the "smooth functioning" of the college in order to conduct the admission process.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.'

Kerala's action hero makes a dashing entry into govt

Kerala's action hero makes a dashing entry into govt

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

He was trolled during the Lok Sabha poll campaign, but despite the tactics by his rivals, action hero Suresh Gopi rose to national stardom in cinema style on June 4, winning the Thrissur seat on a BJP ticket and scripting history for the saffron party in Kerala.

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.

UDF MLAs defy Kerala Cong chief's call, to donate for Wayanad relief

UDF MLAs defy Kerala Cong chief's call, to donate for Wayanad relief

Rediff.com4 Aug 2024

Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan on Sunday said the UDF will take part in all the rehabilitation efforts and work towards restoring normalcy in the lives of the survivors.

Bakri Eid: SC raps Kerala govt for easing Covid curbs

Bakri Eid: SC raps Kerala govt for easing Covid curbs

Rediff.com20 Jul 2021

The apex court pulled up the state government for giving in to traders' pressure by granting relaxations ahead of Bakrid and said it disclosed a 'sorry state of affairs'.