South First

26/09/2025

The govt has set up a three-member expert committee to examine the demand for a survey of the old – road.

The panel, chaired by Chandrasekharan, APCCF (Forest Management), includes Land revenue commissioner Jeevan Babu and PWD chief engineer (Roads) Ajith Ramachandran. It has been empowered to seek records, consult experts, and conduct field inspections, and must submit its report within three months.

The move follows a HC directive on a petition by Kuttan Gopalan and others, seeking survey and demarcation of the road from Pooyamkutty to Perumbankuthu through the Malayattoor Idyara reserved forest.

The court noted that the route passes through ecologically sensitive areas, including an elephant corridor, requiring expert study.

Local bodies like Mankulam panchayat have backed the project, citing improved connectivity.

The old Aluva–Munnar road, once vital, was destroyed in the 1924 floods and lost prominence after new routes and a bridge at Neriyamangalam were built in the 1930s. Demand to restore the road has since resurfaced.

26/09/2025

: B Shivadhar Reddy has been appointed as Director General of Police (Coordination), Telangana, succeeding Dr Jitender who retired today.

He will also hold full additional charge as Director General of Police (HoPF), , until further orders.

26/09/2025

Protest in Bengaluru: Voices for Palestine at Freedom Park

Protestors gathered at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Friday to express solidarity with Palestine. Demonstrators demanded an immediate end to the ongoing genocide, urged the Indian government to impose an arms embargo, and called for cutting ties with Israel.

Protestors gathered at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Friday to express solidarity with Palestine. Demonstrators demanded an immediate end to the ongoing genoc...

26/09/2025

: Maganti Sunitha Gopinath is BRS candidate for Jubilee Hills bypoll.

BRS chief K Chandrashekar Rao selected Maganti Sunitha Gopinath as the party’s candidate for the by-election for the Jubilee Hills constituency. BRS sources said the party selected Sunitha, wife of Maganti Gopinath, whose death necessitated the election, recognising and respecting his services to the party and the people.

BRS chief K Chandrashekar Rao selected Maganti Sunitha Gopinath as the party’s candidate for the by-election for the Jubilee Hills constituency. BRS sources ...

26/09/2025

: A 49 year-old worker, Shankar Dayal Sharma, died on Friday after being trapped under a diesel tanker that rolled back at the Phase II site in .

He was employed with contractor Afcons and was rushed to Kalamassery MCH but could not be saved.

Kochi metro rail ltd (KMRL) expressed deep regret over the accident and assured support for the family, while also promising full cooperation with the inquiry.

The agency has directed Afcons to submit an immediate explanation and launched its own internal probe under the General Manager (Civil).

In the wake of the incident, KMRL said its Director (Project) will carry out safety inspections across all sites and enforce stricter protocols to prevent similar mishaps.

26/09/2025

: Minister for Public Works on Friday laid the foundation stone for the Memorial at , commemorating social reformer ’s role in the historic .

Velu recalled that had arrived in Kerala with his family at the request of local leaders to support the satyagraha, which was launched in March 1924 against caste-based restrictions on public spaces in .

“His leadership and inspiration played a decisive role in the success of the struggle,” the Minister said.

The memorial is being built by the Tamil Nadu government on half an acre of land provided by Kerala free of cost and tax, near the remnants of the Arookutty jail where Periyar was imprisoned for a month in 1924 during the agitation.

Designed on the model of a jail, the 1,141-sq ft project will house a statue of Periyar, a museum, a hall, landscaped gardens, a park, and other tourism-related facilities. Tamil Nadu has earmarked ₹4 crore for the project.

Kerala Minister for Culture Saji Cherian, who spoke at the event, described the Vaikom Satyagraha as a milestone in the fight against caste oppression and for freedom of movement.

“It was Periyar’s presence that turned it into a success. Memorials like this embody ideals that transcend caste and religion, offering vital messages to the youth,” he said.

Tamil Nadu Minister for Tamil Development M.P. Saminathan, MLA Daleema Jojo, District Collector Alex Varghese, and others attended the function.

26/09/2025

: The Telangana government has ordered 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in seats and positions across rural and urban local bodies via a GO.

26/09/2025

In BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh, right wingers harass Christians

Once the land of opportunity and peace, life in Chhattisgarh has turned nightmarish for Malayalis, especially Christians. On , how Hindutva forces are targeting them, with the blessings of those responsible for protecting them, and the Indian Constitution

Once the land of opportunity and peace, life in Chhattisgarh has turned nightmarish for Malayalis, especially Christians. On , how Hindutva force...

26/09/2025

CM Siddaramaiah reiterates 7 October deadline for officials to complete Socio-Economic and Educational survey

Further speaking about the survey in Bengaluru, the chief minister said, "Work has also commenced in Bengaluru Urban District from today. There are approximately 50 lakh households under BBMP’s jurisdiction."

26/09/2025

Dulquer Salmaan approaches High Court against customs department seizing his luxury car

During the operation, 36 luxury cars were taken into custody for allegedly being smuggled into the country from Bhutan using fake documents. From Dulquer's residence in Kochi, officials seized a Land Rover.

26/09/2025

SIT launches probe into su***de of Kerala BJP councillor K Anilkumar

Poojapura police had earlier recorded the death as unnatural, stating that Anilkumar's su***de note did not blame anyone.

26/09/2025

Cyber-policing or cyber-snooping? Telangana’s push for digital forensics tools raises concerns

The tools are meant to enhance evidence handling, investigations, and digital forensics for the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau.