Main Headlines
- President Droupadi Murmu’s Sabarimala Visit: President Droupadi Murmu will visit Sabarimala for darshan today. Security has been tightened at Sannidhanam and Pamba.
- Physiotherapy Units Dedication: Minister Veena George will dedicate 46 physiotherapy units in AYUSH hospitals to the nation this evening.
- Heavy Rain Warning: The Central Meteorological Department has warned of very heavy rain in the state for five days starting today. Red alert issued for Idukki, Palakkad, and Malappuram districts.
- School Sports Meet: The 67th School Sports Meet was inaugurated by Minister K.N. Balagopal at Thiruvananthapuram University Stadium. Competitions begin this morning.
- ICC Women’s World Cup: South Africa crushed Pakistan by 150 runs in the ICC Women’s World Cup Cricket Round Robin League match.
Detailed News
President Droupadi Murmu’s Sabarimala Visit
President Droupadi Murmu will visit Sabarimala for darshan today. She will arrive by helicopter at the Pathanamthitta Pramadam Indoor Stadium and proceed to Pamba by road. After the Kettunira ritual at the Pamba Ganapathi Temple, the President will travel to Sannidhanam in a special 4-wheel drive Gorkha Emergency vehicle. Extensive security arrangements have been made, with restrictions imposed on pilgrims at Pamba and Sannidhanam from morning to evening.
The President will arrive at Nilakkal at 10:20 AM, received by Minister V.N. Vasavan, and reach Sannidhanam by 11:50 AM. After the noon Pooja darshan, she will rest at the Sannidhanam Guest House before returning to Thiruvananthapuram by helicopter at 3 PM.
During her four-day visit, President Murmu arrived in Thiruvananthapuram yesterday evening. Tomorrow, she will unveil the bust of former President K.R. Narayanan at Raj Bhavan, participate in the Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi Centenary function at Sivagiri, and attend the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of St. Thomas College, Pala. On Friday, she will attend the centenary program at St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam, before returning to Delhi. Traffic restrictions are in place in Thiruvananthapuram, and security has been strengthened in Sabarimala, Pamba, and Nilakkal.
BJP Delegation Meets President
A delegation led by BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar met President Droupadi Murmu at Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram. The delegation, including senior leaders Kummanam Rajasekharan, V. Muraleedharan, K. Surendran, S. Suresh, and R. Sreelekha, discussed public concerns, including the gold theft at Sabarimala.
GST Savings Festival Benefits
As part of the GST Savings Festival announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, tax reforms have reduced GST on man-made fibers from 18% to 5%, man-made yarns from 12% to 5%, and ready-made garments and footwear priced up to ₹2,500 from 12% to 5%. These reductions alleviate the tax burden on manufacturers, making products more affordable for consumers.
UDAN Scheme Milestone
The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that the UDAN regional connectivity scheme has operated over 3,23,000 flights in nine years, serving more than 1.5 crore passengers. Civil Aviation Secretary Sameer Kumar Sinha shared these details at a New Delhi event marking the scheme’s 9th anniversary.
Guruvayur – Madurai Express Stop
The Guruvayur – Madurai Express will now stop at Kollam Perinad station. Union Minister of State George Kurian will flag off the train in a morning ceremony.
Physiotherapy Units Inauguration
Minister Veena George will dedicate 46 physiotherapy units in AYUSH hospitals to the nation this evening at the District Homoeopathy Hospital, East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram. The units will operate in 25 Indian Systems of Medicine hospitals and 21 Homoeopathy hospitals.
Mann Ki Baat Broadcast
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ will air on Akashavani stations on October 26 at 11 AM. Ideas and opinions can be submitted until October 24 for the 127th edition.
Heavy Rain Alert
The Central Meteorological Department has forecast very heavy rain for five days starting today. A red alert is issued for Idukki, Palakkad, and Malappuram districts, with holidays declared for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, Anganwadis, Madrasas, and tuition centers. Pre-scheduled exams and interviews will proceed as planned. An orange alert is issued for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, and Wayanad, with strong rain expected elsewhere. Lightning and winds of 30-40 km/h are possible, and fishermen are warned to avoid the sea off Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep coasts until Friday.
School Sports Meet
The 67th School Sports Meet, inaugurated by Minister K.N. Balagopal at Thiruvananthapuram University Stadium, begins competitions today across 41 sports events at 12 venues. Inclusive category events include Boxball, Football, Athletics, Handball, and Badminton, while the General category features Taekwondo, Kabaddi, Kho Kho, Judo, Basketball, Hockey, Volleyball, Cricket, Shooting, and Aquatics.
ICC Women’s World Cup Update
South Africa defeated Pakistan by 150 runs in a rain-shortened 40-over ICC Women’s World Cup match in Colombo, eliminating Pakistan. South Africa leads the table with 10 points. Australia will face England today in Indore at 3 PM.
Sports Initiatives
Minister V. Abdurahiman announced a special curriculum for sports schools and the construction of an international-standard football stadium with a 30,000 capacity at KILA headquarters in Taliparamba, starting by December. He also inaugurated a football turf, ground, and gymnasium court at K.P.R. Gopalan Memorial Govt. Higher Secondary School, Kalliasseri, Kannur.
South Asian Athletics Championship
The 4th South Asian Athletics Championship begins Friday in Ranchi, Jharkhand, at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium until October 26. Preparations for the SAF Games are complete.
Health and Infrastructure Developments
Minister Veena George inaugurated the Family Health Centre at Kodiyeri, Thalassery, and the Manjeswaram Block Family Health Centre online, emphasizing accessible health insurance. Minister M.B. Rajesh inaugurated the Koyilandy Municipality Shopping Complex, built for ₹21 crore, and the Purameri Grama Panchayat office, noting 71,658 building permits issued via K-Smart last year. Minister Dr. R. Bindu handed over land acquisition documents for the Government Polytechnic at Perambra, Kozhikode, to be built on 4.5 acres.
Fishermen Support
Minister Saji Cherian extended kerosene benefits for fishermen affected by the Vizhinjam port breakwater construction until December 31, with ₹34.18 crore sanctioned.