Kerala

Budget 2026 brings fresh focus to India’s mountain trails

Budget 2026 aims to develop a network of trekking, wildlife and coastal trails across some of the country’s most ecologically rich landscapes. Thus, positioning India as a global destination for low-impact, nature-based travel.

Amid Nipah cases in India, which countries are screening for the deadly virus?

Thailand and Nepal have ramped up travel screening while Taiwan has tightened health surveillance following cases of the Nipah virus in India. So far, two confirmed cases have been detected in West Bengal

FirstUp: Japan PM to call snap elections, Minneapolis to mourn Renee Good... The headlines today

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to dissolve parliament and call a general election today. The announcement of a snap election comes just three months after she became the nation's first woman PM. Meanwhile, an official day of mourning will take place in Minneapolis for Renee Nicole Good, who was killed by ICE agents

Will employees get the right to disconnect in 2026?

As the first working week of 2026 begins, will employees be able to strike a work-life balance this year? In India, the Right to Disconnect bill was introduced in the Winter Session in December. Where do other nations stand?

Kerala police probe complaint that woman working in UK encouraged teenage son to join Isis

The case was filed after the teenager’s uncle brought him to the police, stating that the boy had made the claims upon returning from the UK

Why a Kerala school shut for two days over hijab row

A private school in Kerala’s Kochi was closed for Monday (October 13) and Tuesday (October 14) after a row erupted last week over the demand to allow a student to wear the hijab. The Class 8 pupil was denied entry on October 10 after she appeared at St Rita’s Public School donning the headscarf. The matter escalated after her father turned up at the school with several others. The controversy soon snowballed, creating a political storm in the southern state

Brain-eating amoeba: Why Kerala’s survival rate trumps globally

Kerala has recorded more than 70 cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which has claimed 19 lives in the state this year. The rare disease, caused by Naegleria fowleri, has a survival rate of around three per cent globally. However, while infections have surged in the southern state, so has the survival rate – standing at over 24 per cent

‘Brain-eating amoeba’ kills 19 in Kerala: What is this rare infection?

Kerala has reported over 60 cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare brain infection. The disease has caused 19 deaths this year. Caused by Naegleria fowleri or ‘brain-eating amoeba’, the infection causes inflammation of the brain. But why is it so deadly?

Why Kerala’s Guruvayur temple held ‘purification rituals’ after influencer’s reel caused stir

The Guruvayur temple in Kerala held punyaham or 'purification rituals' on Tuesday (August 26) after vlogger Jasmin Jaffar’s recent reel showing her dipping her foot in the sacred temple pond went viral. The clip stoked a major controversy, with devotees and temple authorities accusing her of hurting religious sentiments. Here’s what happened

Kerala Youth Congress chief resigns after Malayalam actor's harassment allegations. Who is Rahul Mamkootathil?

Rahul Mamkootathil resigned as Kerala Youth Congress president after facing harassment allegations by Malayalam actor Rini Ann George. While she did not reveal the name of the politician, George claimed she received offensive messages. Later, writer Honey Bhaskaran spoke out against the Palakkad MLA. However, the youth leader asserted his innocence and said he resigned to protect the party from unnecessary distractions