Thiruvananthapuram, June 30: Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has distanced the Home Department from a reported Operation Toofan meeting linked to Congress MP K Sudhakaran, saying official meetings under the campaign can be convened only by senior police officers. Operation Toofan is Kerala’s police-led anti-drug campaign aimed at cracking down on narcotics networks, drug trafficking and substance abuse. The clari

A political confrontation at the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation escalated into a brief scuffle between CPI(M) and BJP councillors on Thursday. The clash was triggered by ongoing disputes over a controversial oath-taking issue and demands for the resignation of a BJP councillor facing legal action. Cpim Protest Intensifies Over Councillor and Oath Controversy Tension gripped the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation premises after CPI(M) councillors staged a prot

Thiruvananthapuram, June 24: Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, Pinarayi Vijayan, on Wednesday wrote to Chief Minister V D Satheesan, urging immediate steps to bring back the mortal remains of Arjun, a Keralite worker who died in an explosion at an industrial facility in Qatar. Arjun, a native of Kozhikode district, was working at the Barzan gas facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City when the incident occurre

Kollam City Police have launched a month-long anti-narcotics campaign to strengthen awareness against drug abuse and encourage public participation in prevention efforts across the city. The campaign comes as Kerala continues to focus on anti-drug awareness, enforcement and early intervention to protect students and young people from substance abuse. Month-Long Drive To Focus On Awareness

Kerala’s Priyadarshini free bus travel scheme is expected to help women students, daily workers, low-income commuters and transgender persons reduce regular transport expenses from June 15. The scheme allows eligible passengers to travel free of cost on selected KSRTC ordinary bus services. The government has introduced the move as a welfare measure to improve public transport access and support daily mobility across the state.

Kerala health authorities have increased surveillance in Kozhikode after a 43-year-old man tested positive for Nipah virus. Officials have traced contacts, placed high-risk people under quarantine and strengthened public health monitoring in the district. Kozhikode Nipah Alert: Kerala Steps Up Surveillance After New Case Kerala has stepped up health surveillance in Kozhikode after a fresh Nipah virus case was reported in the district. The patient, a 43-year

After 10 days of deliberations, Congress has appointed VD Satheesan as Kerala's next Chief Minister, choosing the popular MLA over KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala, following a landslide UDF victory in the 2026 Assembly elections. In a move that concludes 10 days of intense deliberations, the Congress party has named VD Satheesan as the next Chief Minister of Kerala following the United Democratic Front (UDF)’s victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections. Satheesan’s appointment ends the speculation that had centered on senior leaders KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala. Despite Venugopal’s strong support among the newly elected MLAs, Satheesan’s massive popularity among the masses, coupled with his strategic role in the party’s victory, made him the choice for the top post. The Congress leadership in Kerala had earlier hinted at appointing Satheesan as the CM due to his leadership in revitalizing the party after its heavy defeat in the 2021 elections. As Leader of the Opposition, Satheesan has been widely credited with uniting the Opposition and presenting a strong challenge to the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. His aggressive campaigning and alliance-building efforts played a crucial role in the UDF’s landslide victory, securing 102 seats. Venugopal, despite his backing among the majority of newly elected MLAs, accepted the high command’s decision graciously, emphasizing the party’s supremacy and reiterating his support for Satheesan. This smooth transition is seen as an attempt to quell factionalism within the Congress and present a united front ahead of the state’s political challenges. Satheesan’s journey in Kerala politics began with student activism, and he has been an integral part of the Congress for decades. As a six-time MLA from Paravur, Satheesan’s political career has been marked by his unwavering loyalty to the Congress and his ability to rally support even in challenging times. His rise within the party has positioned him as one of Kerala's most influential leaders, poised to steer the Congress-led UDF into a new era. The announcement of his appointment as CM comes after a wave of political tensions in the state, marked by the paper leak controversy in the NEET-UG 2026 exam and various issues surrounding the Left government. With Satheesan at the helm, Congress hopes to build on its recent success and make significant strides in addressing key governance concerns in Kerala.

Motorists across Kerala are witnessing temporary fuel purchase restrictions as several petrol pumps introduce limits on petrol and diesel sales amid supply management concerns. The sudden move has sparked widespread discussion among vehicle owners, transport operators, and commercial users, especially after reports claimed that diesel purchases are now capped at 200 litres per customer while petrol purchases may be restricted to around ₹5,000 per person. Fuel station operators and

Reverse migration concerns are growing rapidly in Kerala as countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and several European nations tighten immigration and student visa policies. Education experts and overseas consultancy agencies estimate that nearly 30,000 Malayali students could return home over the coming years due to stricter migration rules, reduced work opportunities, and changing settlement regulations abroad. The issue is creating anxiety among students and families who once viewed overseas education as a stable path toward global careers and permanent residency. For many years, Kerala witnessed a sharp rise in students moving abroad for higher education, attracted by better salaries, international exposure, and long-term settlement opportunities. However, recent policy changes in foreign nations are creating uncertainty for thousands of students who invested heavily through education loans and family savings. Many students now fear limited job opportunities and uncertain residency prospects after completing their courses. Countries such as the UK have introduced tighter dependent visa restrictions and stricter financial eligibility rules for international students. Canada has announced caps on student permits, while Australia has increased scrutiny in visa approvals and raised language and financial requirements for applicants. These changes are making it harder for students to secure employment and permanent residency after graduation, forcing many to reconsider their future plans abroad. The possibility of large-scale reverse migration is raising concerns about Kerala’s economy and employment sector. Returning graduates may struggle to find jobs that match their international qualifications and work experience. Education consultants in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and other cities report that students are becoming more cautious while selecting foreign destinations, increasingly preferring countries with stable immigration pathways. Experts believe Kerala may eventually need stronger employment programs, startup incentives, and skill-based opportunities to support returning graduates and prevent rising unemployment.

The Kerala government has once again taken disciplinary action against IAS officer N Prasanth, marking his eighth suspension, following fresh controversy over remarks made in the media. The latest development has reignited debate over bureaucratic conduct and freedom of expression within administrative services. Repeated Suspension and Fresh Remarks On May 3, 2026, the Kerala government extended the suspension of IAS officer N

The Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (Milma) has approved a ₹4 per litre increase in milk prices across Kerala, a move that is expected to come into effect from May 20, 2026. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting of the cooperative’s governing body on April 30, 2026, amid growi

A Kerala-based techie has developed an innovative digital solution to help residents stay informed about power outages in real time. The platform, currentundo.com, has quickly gained attention for its ability to track live outages under the Kerala State Electricity Board, offering a simple and accessible way for users to check electricity disruptions in their area. The tool was introduced as power cuts continue to be a common concern in several parts of Kerala, often leaving residen

A statewide hartal called in Kerala on April 28, 2026, has significantly disrupted daily life, with public transport services coming to a near standstill and thousands of commuters stranded across the state. The protest was triggered by the death of Nithin Raj, which has sparked widespread outrage and led to demonstrations in multiple districts. According to reports, private buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws largely stayed off the roads as protestors enforced the hartal. Shops, comme

A tragic explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathikode, located in Kerala, has claimed the lives of at least 13 people and left around 40 others injured, several of them in critical condition. The incident occurred just days before the grand celebrations of Thrissur Pooram, one of the most prominent temple festivals in the state, where elaborate fireworks displays are a major highlight. According to initial reports, the blast took place while workers were preparing fireworks for the upcoming festival. The explosion triggered a massive fire that quickly engulfed the unit, causing widespread destruction and panic in the surrounding area. Eyewitnesses described multiple blasts occurring in quick succession, indicating the presence of highly volatile materials stored inside the facility. Authorities rushed to the spot immediately after receiving alerts, with fire and rescue teams working tirelessly to control the flames and search for survivors. Due to the intensity of the explosion and the extent of the damage, drones were deployed to assess the situation from above and help locate victims trapped under debris. Emergency services shifted the injured to nearby hospitals, where doctors confirmed that several victims remain in critical condition. The incident has raised serious concerns about safety standards in fireworks manufacturing units, especially during peak festival seasons when production is at its highest. Officials have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion and to check whether safety regulations were violated. Preliminary findings suggest that improper storage or handling of explosive materials may have contributed to the tragedy. Local authorities have also initiated a review of all licensed fireworks units in the region to prevent similar incidents in the future. Meanwhile, families of the victims are grappling with immense grief as the state mourns the loss of lives in what is being described as one of the deadliest industrial accidents in recent times.

A major loan app scam in Kerala has come to light, with students and homemakers emerging as the worst affected groups. The fraudulent operation involves illegal digital lending apps that lure users with quick and easy loans, often requiring minimal documentation. Once individuals sign up, they are trapped in a cycle of harassment, high interest rates, and threats. Authorities have revealed that these apps operate without proper registration and violate financial regulations. Victims

The Kerala High Court has issued a strong warning to the state government and the Travancore Devaswom Board, stating that a disaster at Sabarimala is inevitable if the current level of crowd mismanagement continues. The court criticised authorities for failing to anticipate and control the massive influx of devotees during the pilgrimage season. Within just 48 hours of its opening on November 17, the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple saw nearly two lakh devotees arrive, overwhelming police and Devasw

Kerala is battling a serious health challenge after 19 people lost their lives to Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but deadly infection caused by the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri. The state has confirmed 69 cases in 2025, almost double last year’s count, making it one of the worst outbreaks in recent years. Cases have been reported across multiple districts, affecting patients as young as three months and as old as 91 y