Kiren Rijiju, a central minister, claimed that the NDA will win a record number of seats in the Kerala Assembly elections. He stated that he wants to assure the people of Kerala that whatever they do will be for the welfare of the people of India.

They will work with every community, unlike the Congress, which aims to create a vote bank among Muslims and seeks to please them just for votes. Rijiju questioned who made Muslims poor, asserting it was the Congress party. He mentioned that the Congress is now trying to mislead the Christian community, but no one is listening to them anymore.

The people of Kerala have understood the game plan of the communists and the Congress party, which have been exchanging power for years. Now is the time for a third party to get a chance. Targeting Rahul Gandhi, he remarked that no one takes him seriously anymore.

Meanwhile, another central minister, G. Kishan Reddy, wrote a letter to the people of Kerala, referencing the Congress party's 'fake guarantees' in Telangana and urging caution. In his letter, he noted that Kerala is known for its educated and aware citizens who make informed decisions before voting.

He observed that many leaders are coming to Kerala and making various promises ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. As a central minister and MP from Telangana, he has closely observed the situation there.

The Congress party had made six guarantees and over 420 promises related to farmers, women, youth, and the poor to come to power in Telangana. These promises were heavily publicized, involving major leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi, but these guarantees have proven to be completely fake.

New Delhi, May 10 – The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Saturday that the southwest monsoon is expected to arrive in Kerala on May 27 this year, marking an earlier-than-usual onset. The normal date for monsoon arrival in the southern state is June 1.

As per agency report, if the monsoon arrives in Kerala as forecasted, it will be the earliest since 2009, when the rains reached the Indian mainland on May 23. The official onset of monsoon over the Indian subcontinent is declared once it reaches Kerala.

The southwest monsoon typically covers the entire country by July 8 and begins its withdrawal from northwestern India around September 17, retreating completely by October 15.

In recent years, the monsoon reached Kerala on May 30 in 2024, June 8 in 2023, May 29 in 2022, June 3 in 2021, June 1 in 2020, June 8 in 2019, and May 29 in 2018.

An IMD official clarified that the timing of monsoon onset in Kerala does not directly correlate with the overall monsoon rainfall across the country. "An early or delayed arrival in Kerala does not necessarily indicate a similar pattern for the rest of India. The progression depends on a range of global, regional, and local atmospheric conditions," the official said.

Earlier in April, the IMD forecast above-normal rainfall for the 2025 monsoon season, dismissing concerns of an El Niño effect, which is often linked to deficient rainfall in the Indian subcontinent.

Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, M Ravichandran, had stated that the country is likely to witness above-average rainfall during the core monsoon months from June to September.

Thiruvananthapuram, May 2 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday officially inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala, a major infrastructure project developed at an estimated cost of Rs 8,867 crore. The port, located in Thiruvananthapuram district, is expected to significantly enhance India’s maritime trade capacity and contribute to economic stability in both Kerala and the broader national landscape.

As per agency report, Modi addressed a large gathering following the inauguration, where he highlighted the port’s potential to transform India into a key player in global shipping and logistics. He emphasized that the deep-water port has been specifically designed to accommodate large container vessels, a critical requirement for India’s growing trade demands. He noted that until now, about 75 percent of India’s transshipment activities were conducted through foreign ports, resulting in substantial revenue loss for the country. With the operationalization of Vizhinjam, much of this activity is expected to shift domestically, creating new economic opportunities for local communities and reducing financial outflows.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister stated that the port’s capabilities would be tripled in the near future, establishing it as a major transshipment hub. He added that the project represents a turning point in India’s maritime development, and marks a shift in how national wealth directly benefits its citizens. Modi underlined that Gujarat, despite being his home state, must now acknowledge that Kerala has become home to one of the country’s most strategically vital seaports, developed by Gautam Adani's Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ), India’s largest port developer.

The Prime Minister acknowledged Kerala's historical significance in India’s maritime legacy, stating that in the pre-colonial era, India enjoyed a thriving economy with robust contributions to global GDP, much of which was fueled by prosperous port cities. He credited Kerala for playing a central role in that ancient success and said the new port revives that heritage in a modern context.

He also commented on the political significance of the event, calling Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan a pillar of the opposition 'INDIA' bloc, and humorously remarked that the port’s inauguration might cause sleepless nights for some. Modi responded to a mistranslation of his comments during the event by assuring that the intended message had nonetheless reached its audience.

The Prime Minister praised the cooperation between the Left-led Kerala government and the Adani Group, noting that State Ports Minister V N Vasavan referring to the corporate entity as a partner signifies a changing mindset in Indian governance and public-private collaboration.

The inauguration was attended by several dignitaries, including Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Chief Minister Vijayan, and Gautam Adani. Modi toured the port facilities wearing a safety helmet and reviewed ongoing operations and infrastructure, underscoring the government’s focus on modernizing India’s logistics backbone.

The port received its commercial commissioning certificate on December 4 last year, following successful trials. With full operations set to scale up soon, the Vizhinjam International Seaport is projected to reshape the dynamics of maritime trade in the region and boost India’s standing in global shipping corridors.

Kannur, Kerala, March 18 – In a tragic and puzzling incident, a four-month-old baby girl who was sleeping with her parents went missing from her home in Pappinisseri, Kannur, on Monday night. Hours later, she was found dead in a well near the house, police said on Tuesday.

As per agency report which quoted the statement given by the child's father, the baby was sleeping in the house's hall along with her parents and the daughters of his brothers around 9:30 PM on Monday. At around 11 PM, the baby’s mother woke up and found her missing. She immediately alerted her husband, and the family began searching for the child within the house and nearby areas.

During the search, the baby was discovered in a well near the house. She was rushed to the hospital, but doctors declared that she had died before arrival. The family informed the police about the incident at around 4 AM on Tuesday.

A case has been registered under Section 174(1) of the Indian Penal Code to investigate the suspicious death. Authorities are conducting further inquiries to determine how the child ended up in the well.

This tragic incident bears a chilling resemblance to another case from January this year, when a two-year-old girl went missing while sleeping with her parents in Balramapuram, Thiruvananthapuram. She was later found dead in a well near the house. Investigations in that case led to the arrest of her maternal uncle, who confessed to the crime.

The mysterious circumstances surrounding the latest incident have raised concerns, and the police are actively probing all possible angles, including foul play.

Pathanamthitta, Kerala, December 15 – In a tragic incident, four members of a family, including a newlywed couple, lost their lives in a collision between a car and a bus in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district early Sunday morning. The accident occurred on the Punalur-Muvattupuzha State Highway around 5 a.m., police said.

Details of the Accident

The car carrying the victims collided head-on with a bus transporting Sabarimala pilgrims from Telangana. The crash resulted in the immediate deaths of three car occupants, while a fourth succumbed to injuries en route to the hospital. None of the passengers on the bus were injured.

Local residents rushed to the scene and helped extricate the car’s passengers from the severely damaged vehicle.

Heartbreaking Context

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims included a newlywed couple who had recently returned from their honeymoon in Malaysia. The accident occurred a mere 10 kilometers from their residence, making the tragedy even more devastating for their family and friends.

Police Investigation Underway

Authorities have registered a case and are investigating the exact cause of the accident. Early reports suggest that the car veered off course and collided with the bus. The circumstances leading to the crash remain under scrutiny.

A Somber Reminder

The accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly during the early hours when visibility and alertness may be compromised. Local residents and officials have expressed condolences to the bereaved family, mourning the untimely loss of four lives.

Kozhikode (Kerala) [India] September 12: DC Books, a premier name in Indian publishing, recently celebrated a pivotal moment—its Golden Jubilee. The commemorations focused on its remarkable 50-year journey and its lasting contributions to Malayalam literature and Kerala’s cultural identity, with key events in Kozhikode and Thrissur.

The celebrations commenced on August 29, 2024, at the Muhammed Abdhurahiman Sahib Memorial Jubilee Hall in Kozhikode, a city now recognized as a UNESCO City of Literature. This event, “Devoted to Literature,” underscored the deep literary heritage of Kozhikode and spotlighted the crucial roles that both DC Books and the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) have played in cultivating a thriving literary culture. The launch of several new books, spanning a variety of genres, added vibrancy to the event, as established and emerging authors interacted with an eager audience of readers.

Reflecting on the Golden Jubilee, DC Books’ Managing Director, Ravi Deecee, remarked, “This milestone is a celebration not just for DC Books, but for the entire literary ecosystem in Kerala. Kozhikode’s designation as a UNESCO City of Literature reinforces the contributions we and KLF have made to the region’s literary landscape over the past five decades.”

A highlight of the Kozhikode event was the 26th DC Kizhakemuri Commemorative Oration, delivered by noted writer and historian Manu S. Pillai. His lecture, titled “What is History?” engaged the audience with thought-provoking insights into the nature of historical narratives. K. Satchidanandan, President of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi, presided over the event, stressing the importance of literary festivals in fostering intellectual dialogue.

The Golden Jubilee festivities continued in Thrissur on September 7, 2024. Inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister V.N. Vasavan, this event featured a keynote address by acclaimed author M. Mukundan. Renowned historian Ramachandra Guha delivered the Golden Jubilee Oration on “Where History and Literature Meet,” offering a compelling exploration of the relationship between these two fields. He deliberately avoided political discourse, instead focusing on how literature serves as a mirror reflecting societal and historical contexts. Through examples of poets like Faiz Ahmed Faiz and W.H. Auden, Guha illustrated the profound emotional and societal impacts of historical events, including the partition.

The lecture was structured into two segments: “Literature as History” and “History as Literature.” Guha posited that while creative writers are primarily motivated by artistic expression, they often provide deep insights into the societies they portray. He also examined the potential for historians to produce literary works, citing his own biographies on figures such as Verrier Elwin and Palwankar Balu as examples of how historical analysis can intertwine with literary narrative, offering nuanced perspectives on individual lives within their historical contexts.

Thrissur also saw the release of 17 new literary works across diverse genres. Among the notable titles were Thapomayiyude Achan by E. Santhosh Kumar and Manalpava by Manoj Kurur, alongside poetry collections from K. Satchidanandan and Balachandran Chullikkadu. The celebrations concluded with a musical tribute to legendary Malayalam lyricists P. Bhaskaran, Vayalar Rama Varma, O.N.V. Kurup, and Yusufali Kechery.

Founded in 1974 by the visionary Dominic Chacko Kizhakemuri, DC Books has risen to prominence as one of India’s leading publishing houses, particularly noted for its extensive catalog of Malayalam literature. Over the years, it has transformed local reading habits and established itself as a formidable national brand, recognized for its commitment to making literature accessible and engaging. With an impressive output of approximately 1,500 titles annually, DC Books stands as a beacon of literary excellence, holding the distinction of being the first ISO-certified book publisher in India. In its 50-year journey, DC Books has not only transformed the reading habits of Malayali readers but also cemented its position as a national literary powerhouse.

https://dcbookstore.com/

https://keralaliteraturefestival.com/

Kozhikode (Kerala) [India], August 23: After being crowned as Bharat Mahan, Dr Mohammed Khan, the renowned global media mogul and founder of Khans Media City, thanked the people of his hometown for his prestigious achievement. He is the first individual to receive this prestigious honor from the Ministry of Culture. His fans and well-wishers organized the special reception at Calicut International Airport & Pushpak Grande. AP Kunjali Haji, Mohammed Master MP, Alavi Haji MP, Kabeer Karottuparambil and other VIPs were present during the felicitation ceremony.

The BHARAT MAHAN Award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to India’s global image and fostered international unity through their plans and projects. The award was recognized at organized at Vidhan Sabha, old Parliament House, New Delhi. Dr. Khan’s selection for this honor determines his transformative impact on global media event marketing and his commitment to promoting India’s initiatives on the world stage. The event was graced by the presence of many VIP dignitaries including Hon’ble Shri Ram Niwas Goel (Speaker, Delhi Legislative Assembly), Hon’ble Shri Imran Hussain (Minister of Food and Civil Supplies), Hon’ble Shri Iqbal Singh Lalpura (Chairman, National Commission for Minorities, Govt. of India), Hon’ble Dr. Shelly Oberoi (Mayor of Delhi), H.H. Dr. Mazin Al-Masoudi (Ambassador of Arab League), Hon’ble Mr. Ashfaq Saifi (Chairman of Minorities Commission Govt. of Uttar Pradesh), Hon’ble Shri Aaley Mohammad Iqbal (Deputy Mayor of Delhi) and so on.

Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Khan stated, “Receiving the Bharat Mahan Award is a profound honor that celebrates not just my journey, but the power of dreams and perseverance. This recognition motivates me to continue striving for excellence and contributing to our nation’s progress on the global stage. Besides this award, being recognized in my hometown by my people is indeed the biggest acknowledgement an individual could receive in his lifetime, and I am thankful to everyone who has motivated and supported me in my journey so far.”

Dr. Khan’s remarkable career trajectory, from his humble beginnings to becoming a pivotal figure in global event marketing, embodies the spirit of innovation and determination. His work has shaped iconic sporting events, including multiple FIFA World Cups, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and the Dubai World Cup. Dr. Khan’s innovative approaches to event marketing and branding have redefined how the world experiences these international gatherings.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Khan has been instrumental in promoting various national initiatives for the Government of India, including ‘Swachh Bharat’, ‘Digital India’, and ‘Make in India’. ‘Invest in India’ As a brand ambassador for these programs, he has helped elevate their visibility and effectiveness on the world stage, serving as a bridge between India and the global community.

Dr. Khan is also actively involved in promoting world peace and sustainable green development programs through his roles with the Council for Universal Peace and World Women’s Empowerment Movements. His work consistently emphasizes the power of sports, media and entertainments to unite people across cultures and borders. The Bharat Mahan Award adds to Dr. Khan’s impressive list of accolades, including the ‘Pravasi Ratna APJ AbdulKalam Award’, the ‘Tokyo 2020 Olympics Media Gold Medal’, the ‘World Peace Leader Award’. and Golden Appreciation-FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

As the first recipient of the prestigious BHART MAHAN award, Dr. Mohammed Khan has set a high standard for all future honorees. His achievement now serves as an inspiration for aspiring professionals in media, events and management and marketing. Dr. Khan’s journey reminds us that with creativity, perseverance, and a commitment to bringing people together, one can truly make a lasting impact on the global stage while elevating India’s presence in the international arena.

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On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted an aerial survey of Wayanad district in Kerala to assess the damage caused by heavy rains and landslides. Flying over the hardest-hit areas, including Choorlamalla, Mundakkai, and Punchirimattam villages, he was joined by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and Union Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi.

Following the aerial survey, Prime Minister Modi visited the landslide-affected regions to gauge the extent of the loss of life and property. He interacted with soldiers engaged in relief and rescue operations, seeking details on the situation.

Modi’s itinerary also included visits to the Government Vocational Higher Secondary School in Vellaramalla and Bailey Bridge. He is set to meet the Central Armed Forces and residents impacted by the landslides. Additionally, the Prime Minister will tour a relief camp to further understand the needs of the affected community.

New Delhi (India), August 10: India’s leading furniture brand, Durian, has arrived in God’s Own Country, bringing its renowned style and quality to Thiruvananthapuram. This marks the brand’s first venture into Kerala, making luxurious furniture more accessible than ever for residents. The new store boasts a convenient location at Kesavadasapuram-Ulloor Road, inviting customers to explore Durian’s exquisite furniture collections. Owned by Mr. Biju Thomas, Director, Thomson Group, the store officially opened its doors on July 24th, 2024.

Spanning an area of 4500 sq. ft., this new store offers a wide range of home and office furniture, including sofas, recliners, beds, dining sets, storage solutions, and office furniture. Durian Furniture is a trusted name in the industry, known for their unwavering commitment to using top-notch materials, classic designs, versatile styles, and exceptional craftsmanship. This dedication to creating enduring furniture is evident in every piece.

Durian presents a diverse and exquisite range of furniture, all meticulously crafted to meet and exceed the highest quality standards. The collection features an array of luxury home furniture, including opulent sofas, elegant dining sets, and a serene bedroom collection. In addition, Durian Furniture offers a plethora of premium office and home office furniture, from sophisticated study table designs to ergonomic office chairs. Each piece is designed to enhance both living and working spaces with unparalleled style and comfort.

Shopping at Durian Furniture is an exceptional experience. Knowledgeable staff members, led by Manager Mr. Sunil, are on hand to provide expert guidance, helping customers find the perfect pieces to complement their living spaces. The brand also offers flexible payment options, including easy EMIs, making quality furniture more affordable than ever. Hassle-free delivery and installation services further enhance the overall shopping journey. To underscore their commitment to quality, Durian Furniture confidently offers a 5-year warranty, thereafter dedicated service from Thomson Group.

In celebration of their illustrious heritage, Durian Furniture is delighted to announce exclusive inaugural discounts on select home and office furniture. This allows customers to invest in high-quality, long-lasting furniture designed to remain stylish and relevant for years to come.

For those searching for premium luxury furniture in Thiruvananthapuram, Durian Furniture stands as the ultimate destination. The perfect blend of high-quality furniture and a delightful shopping experience elevates your purchase to another level of satisfaction.

Address: M/s Thomson Home Depot, TC 14/4332, Cordial Emerald, Kesavadasapuram-Ulloor Road, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695004

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New Delhi, 02 August (HS): The rescue work has almost been completed by the forces in Wayanad. The search for 'life' has been started with the help of trained dogs in the houses turned into rubble after the landslide from Friday, but mostly dead bodies are being found, which are being handed over to the local administration. Amid bad weather, rising water level and limited space, the Madras Sappers of the Indian Army have completed the construction of a 190 feet Bailey bridge with a capacity of 24 tonnes in a record time of 16 hours and opened it for traffic. The Army has handed over this bridge connecting Choorlamala to Mundakkai on the Iruvanipazha river to the civil administration.

The rescue and relief operations started after the landslide in Wayanad have almost been completed. The search for survivors or dead bodies has now started in the debris-turned-populated area. The Army resumed the search operation with the dog squad at 7:00 am today. The Army said in a statement that Human's Best Friend works shoulder to shoulder with humans to find humans trapped under the debris in Wayanad. Three Labrador dogs of the Indian Army, Jaki, Dixie and Sarah, are engaged in the search for life without getting tired or caring about mud or rain. The three search and rescue dogs of the Indian Army are inspired by their unwavering commitment to their mission and are looking deep into the debris and silt with their unmatched power of smell.

The Madras Sappers of the Army, demonstrating their indomitable spirit and commitment, have completed the construction of a 190 feet Bailey Bridge of 24 tonne capacity within a record time of 16 hours to connect Choorlamalla, which was cut off from the mainstream, with Mundakkai. The Bailey Bridge was handed over to the civil administration and the High Earth Movement Equipment was shifted to the other side. The civil administration is controlling the movement of vehicles after a meeting held at DC Wayanad office today. Major Sita Shelke, Combat Engineer, is leading the squad carrying out rescue and relief operations at one of the landslide affected locations in Wayanad.

Two medical teams comprising 2 officer doctors and 10 personnel from Pangode Military Station Trivandrum are providing immediate medical assistance to the injured in the Wayanad disaster. The medical team is providing first aid while facilitating rescue operations and relief material in coordination with local authorities and disaster relief teams. Indian Air Force's Dhruv (ALH) helicopter team delivered 400 kg of relief material while two medical teams from Pangode Military Station provided relief and medical aid to the injured in Wayanad.

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) District Headquarters (Kerala and Mahe) and ICG Station Beypore are actively engaged in the ongoing disaster relief operations in Wayanad in coordination with the State Administration, Indian Army, Indian Navy, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire and Rescue Services, local police and various voluntary groups. The ICG team comprising 35 personnel led by ICG Deputy Commandant Vivek Kumar Dixit is carrying out rescue operations in Choorlamalla and nearby villages. The team has assisted several civilians stranded in the disaster areas and helped in shifting them to safer places and relief camps. The team is also engaged in clearing debris in search of survivors and missing persons.

ICG Commandant Amit Uniyal informed that to augment the ground efforts, the Coast Guard Air Enclave has deployed an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) from Calicut and is on standby to augment the rescue efforts as well as airdrop relief material. Additionally, ICG Ship Abhinav is being dispatched from Kochi to Beypore carrying life saving equipment, relief material, medicines and fresh water. These supplies will be distributed to various disaster relief camps in Wayanad. Despite challenging weather conditions and difficult terrain, the ICG is committed to assist the local people and the district administration.

New Delhi, August 01 (HS): Congress leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Vadra arrived in Kerala on Thursday and visited various relief camps set up in landslide-affected areas of Wayanad district.

Rahul Gandhi won the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in the 2019 and 2024 general elections. However, he left the Wayanad constituency after winning the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh in 2024, from where Priyanka is expected to contest the by-election.

Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Vadra landed at Kannur airport at 9.30 am and then reached Wayanad by road. Congress general secretary and Alappuzha MP KC Venugopal is also accompanying them.

According to their itinerary shared by the party, Rahul and Vadra will visit the Choormala landslide site as well as a community health centre, Dr. Moopen Medical College and two relief camps in Meppadi.

The landslides triggered by torrential rains hit Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala and Noolpuzha settlements. 173 people, including women and children, were killed in the landslides that hit Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala and Noolpuzha settlements in the wee hours of Tuesday.

Wayanad, July 30 (HS): A landslide that occurred on Tuesday morning amid heavy rains in Wayanad district of Kerala has caused huge loss of life and property. Hundreds of houses have been razed to the ground in the high altitude villages of Wayanad district. More than 100 people have died in the landslide so far. The death toll is expected to increase, according to local officials.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed grief over the loss of life and property due to heavy rains and landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. He spoke to the Chief Minister of Kerala over the telephone and assured all possible help. Apart from this, the Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on Twitter that he is saddened by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My condolences are with all those who have lost their loved ones and those who have been injured. I pray for their recovery.

Prime Minister Modi said that rescue operations are going on in Wayanad. In this regard, he has spoken to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over the telephone. He has assured all possible help to Kerala Chief Minister Vijayan on behalf of the Center.

At the same time, the Prime Minister's Office posted on Twitter that the Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to the families of each person killed in the landslide in parts of Wayanad. The injured will be given Rs 50,000.