Top Headlines
- Strict security measures implemented in Thiruvananthapuram and Sabarimala for President Droupadi Murmu’s visit.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi honors the bravery and sacrifice of police personnel on Police Commemoration Day.
- Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan assures no evictions in the name of development.
- Konkan route train non-monsoon timetable comes into effect.
- 67th State School Sports Meet to commence in Thiruvananthapuram.
Detailed News
President Droupadi Murmu’s Kerala Visit
President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Thiruvananthapuram for a four-day visit to Kerala. She was welcomed at the airport by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and other dignitaries. Stringent security arrangements have been put in place in the state capital and Sabarimala due to her visit. On October 22, the President will travel by helicopter to Nilakkal and proceed to Pamba by road. She will offer prayers at the Pamba Ganapati Temple and then head to Sannidhanam in a special vehicle, arriving by noon. After her Sabarimala visit, she will attend a dinner at Raj Bhavan. On October 23, she will unveil a bust of former President KR Narayanan at Raj Bhavan and inaugurate the centenary celebrations of Sree Narayana Guru’s Mahasamadhi at Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala. She will also participate in the platinum jubilee closing ceremony of St. Thomas College in Pala. Later, she will visit Kumarakom for a brief stay at a resort. On October 24, the President will attend the centenary celebrations of St. Teresa’s College in Ernakulam before returning to Delhi from Nedumbassery Airport.
Security and Restrictions at Sabarimala
In connection with the President’s visit, restrictions have been imposed at Sabarimala today and tomorrow. No virtual queue darshan will be allowed for devotees on October 22. Today, only 12,500 devotees are permitted for darshan, and they must descend from Sannidhanam by noon. Traffic restrictions are also in place in Thiruvananthapuram city.
Police Commemoration Day
On Police Commemoration Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the courage and dedication of police personnel, emphasizing their role in ensuring the safety of the nation and its people. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi, honored fallen officers and stressed that a strong police force, supported by public cooperation and respect for the law, is essential for societal peace and progress. He highlighted the police’s critical role in internal security, working alongside intelligence agencies.
GST Relief Boosts Vehicle Industry
The GST Bachat Utsav, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 22, has benefited various sections of society, particularly the vehicle manufacturing sector. GST rates for tractors below 1800 CC have been reduced to 5%, while those above 1800 CC and spare parts like tires and gears are now taxed at 18%. Buses, lorries, trucks, delivery vans, and components for cars and bikes also benefit from a reduced GST rate of 18%, down from 28%.
Arrest of Terror Suspects in Punjab
Punjab Police arrested two individuals linked to the ISI, a Pakistani intelligence agency, in Amritsar. A rocket launcher and a propelled grenade were recovered from them. Authorities stated that the suspects were planning a terrorist attack in Punjab.
Chief Minister on Development and Evictions
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the modernized ‘New Palayam Vegetable and Fruit Market’ in Kozhikode’s Kalluthankadavu, emphasizing that no one has been evicted in the name of development. Families previously residing in the area were rehabilitated in flats before construction began. The Chief Minister criticized the opposition for opposing development projects and ignoring visible progress. The multi-level market was inaugurated by Minister MB Rajesh, and the wholesale and open market by Minister PA Muhammad Riyas. In a separate event, the Chief Minister presented the PV Sami Memorial Award to K Madhavan.
Protests Against Market Relocation
A section of traders and workers protested the relocation of the vegetable market from Palayam to Kalluthankadavu in Kozhikode, demanding that the market remain at its original location.
Amrut Scheme Waste Treatment Plant
Under the Central Government’s Amrut Scheme, the Palakkad Municipality is set to inaugurate a toilet waste treatment plant on October 27. This is the first such plant implemented by local bodies in the district.
KPCC Meeting in Thiruvananthapuram
The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) will hold a meeting of its new office-bearers in Thiruvananthapuram on October 22. The agenda includes assigning responsibilities to new vice presidents, general secretaries, and the treasurer. The new Youth Congress president and working president will assume their roles on October 23.
Mann Ki Baat Broadcast
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio program, Mann Ki Baat, will be broadcast on October 26 at 11 AM on All India Radio. Suggestions and feedback for the program can be submitted until October 24. This will be the 127th edition of the program.
Konkan Route Train Timetable Update
The non-monsoon timetable for trains on the Konkan route has come into effect, affecting services like Mangala, Netravati, and Matsyagandha. However, trains from Kerala to Gujarat, Rajasthan, and other regions remain unaffected within the state. Train speeds have been increased from 110 km/h to 120 km/h. The revised timetable, effective until June 15, can be checked via the National Train Enquiry System app or website.
Heavy Rainfall Forecast
The India Meteorological Department has forecasted heavy rainfall in Kerala until October 24, issuing a yellow alert for all districts except Kannur and Kasaragod. Strong winds up to 55 km/h are expected along the Kerala-Karnataka-Lakshadweep coasts, and fishermen have been advised to avoid going to sea. Heavy rains in Kannur’s Cherupuzha caused significant damage, with water entering homes in Prapoyil and Thirumeni, and rivers and streams overflowing.
Rising Water Levels in Dams
Continuous heavy rainfall has increased water levels in Idukki’s dams, including Mullaperiyar. Seven dams in Idukki have been opened due to rising water levels caused by strong inflows.
67th State School Sports Meet
The 67th State School Sports Meet will begin in Thiruvananthapuram, inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the University Stadium. The event, modeled on the Olympics, will run until October 28, featuring a march-past and the lighting of the Olympic flame by footballer IM Vijayan and Minister V Sivankutty. Over 20,000 athletes will compete across 12 venues, including 35 students from the Gulf region, with 12 being girls. Around 1,000 officials and 2,000 volunteers will support the event. A large dining hall at Putharikandam Maidan will accommodate 2,500 people, managed by Mohanan Nampoothiri. Traffic restrictions are in place, and 142 buses have been arranged for athletes. The Chief Minister’s Gold Cup will be awarded to the district with the most points. Cricketer Sanju Samson is the brand ambassador, and actress Keerthi Suresh is the goodwill ambassador.
Police Commemoration Day Marathon
As part of the 66th Police Commemoration Day, a 6.6 km marathon was organized by Kannur City Police. Athul from Irinjalakuda Christ College won in the men’s category, and Sreenanda from Malabar Sports Academy won in the women’s category. Kannur Range DIG Yathish Chandra awarded cash prizes to the winners.
Women’s Cricket World Cup
In the ICC Women’s ODI Cricket World Cup, Pakistan will face South Africa in Colombo today at 3 PM.
Elephant Attacks in Kannur
Wild elephant attacks have intensified in Kannur’s Aralam Farm, causing significant damage to crops. An elephant from Karnataka’s Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary destroyed around 200 coconut trees in the farm’s first and second blocks. A couple narrowly escaped an elephant attack while collecting drinking water. Last week, an elephant caused traffic disruptions on the Koothupuzha bridge.
News Team
News Editor & Reader: VK Suresh
NRTs: Anilchandran, Praveen
DEO: CK Subodh