Main Headlines
- President Draupadi Murmu visits Sabarimala temple with stringent security measures.
- Union Minister George Kurian announces Rs. 20,000 crore development projects for Kerala’s railway sector.
- Minister KN Balagopal allocates an additional Rs. 250 crore for the Karunya Health Security Scheme.
- Heavy rainfall predicted in Kerala for the next five days, warns the Central Weather Department.
- ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup: Australia to face England in Indore this afternoon.
Detailed News
President’s Visit to Sabarimala
President Draupadi Murmu offered prayers at the Sabarimala temple, accompanied by robust security arrangements by central forces and state police. She arrived by helicopter at the Nerattupuram Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium ground in Pathanamthitta and was welcomed by Minister VN Vasavan. Tomorrow, the President will unveil a statue of former President KR Narayanan at Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, participate in the centenary celebrations of Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi in Sivagiri, and attend the Platinum Jubilee celebrations at St. Thomas College, Pala. On Friday, she will join the centenary event at St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam, before returning to Delhi.
Railway Development in Kerala
Union Minister George Kurian announced that development projects worth Rs. 20,000 crore, including railway station upgrades and track electrification, are being implemented in Kerala. Speaking at the inauguration of a stop for the Madurai-Guruvayur Express at Perinad, he flagged off the train. The train stops at Perinad at 11:18 AM for Guruvayur and 7:53 PM for Madurai. The event was attended by MP NK Premachandran and Thiruvananthapuram Railway Divisional Manager Divya Kanth Chandra.
India’s Global Forest Ranking
India has achieved the ninth position globally in forest cover, as per the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, announced in Bali. Previously ranked tenth, India’s progress stems from afforestation, conservation efforts, and socio-environmental initiatives, according to Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav.
Election Commission Meeting
The Election Commission will hold a two-day meeting starting this afternoon in Dwarka, New Delhi, to discuss the revision of voter lists nationwide. Chief Electoral Officers from all states and union territories will attend, along with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, Vineet Joshi, and senior officials.
Ladakh Talks Resume
The central government will resume talks with the Ladakh agitation committee in New Delhi today, the first discussion since last month’s Leh attack. Chaired by Union Minister Nityananda Rai, the high-level committee includes a delegation led by former MP and Leh Apex Body Chairman Thupstan Chhewang, along with senior Home Ministry officials.
Bihar Assembly Elections
The scrutiny of nomination papers for the second phase of the Bihar Assembly elections has been completed, with tomorrow being the last day for withdrawals.
Bravery Awards Announced
The central government has issued a notification for bravery awards for soldiers involved in operations like Operation Sindoor, recognizing personnel from the Army and Air Force.
Karunya Health Security Scheme
Minister KN Balagopal announced an additional Rs. 250 crore allocation for the Karunya Health Security Scheme. The second Pinarayi government has provided Rs. 4,618 crore to the scheme, ensuring free treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh annually for 41.99 lakh underprivileged families. The scheme is available at 197 government hospitals, four central government hospitals, and 364 private hospitals across Kerala.
PM Shree Scheme Opposition
CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam echoed CPIM General Secretary MA Baby’s stance against implementing the PM Shree scheme, alleging it promotes RSS policies. He stated that CPIM’s state secretary is unlikely to criticize CPI’s position, responding to media queries in Thiruvananthapuram.
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 stations. Suggestions and feedback can be shared until October 24 for its 127th edition.
Heavy Rainfall Alert
The Central Weather Department has forecasted heavy rainfall in Kerala for the next five days, issuing a red alert for Idukki, Palakkad, and Malappuram, and an orange alert for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, and Wayanad. Other districts are expected to experience strong rains, accompanied by lightning and winds of 30-40 kmph. Fishermen are advised to avoid venturing into the sea along the Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep coasts until Friday.
State School Sports Meet
The 67th Kerala State School Sports Meet is underway in Thiruvananthapuram, featuring events like hockey, cricket, football, swimming, shooting, kabaddi, judo, volleyball, and taekwondo. Thiruvananthapuram district leads with 520 points, followed by Kannur with 360 points.
ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup
In the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, Australia will face England in Indore this afternoon at 3 PM.
South Asian Athletics Championship
The fourth South Asian Athletics Championship will commence on Friday in Ranchi, Jharkhand, at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium, continuing until October 26. Preparations for the SAF Games are complete, according to the Sports and Youth Affairs Directorate.
Waynad Landslide Tragedy
A massive landslide in Wayanad wiped out the entire 11th ward of Meppadi Panchayat, Mundakkai, leaving it a memory. Reported by Arun Vincent from Wayanad.
Development Challenges in Kerala
Union Minister Suresh Gopi stated that delays in Kerala’s development are due to a lack of willpower among implementers, not the absence of laws. He was speaking at the inauguration of a friendly gathering at the Kottayam Pallikkathodu bus stand maidan.
New Physiotherapy Units
Minister Veena George will dedicate physiotherapy units in 46 Ayush hospitals in Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, including 25 hospitals under the Indian Medicine Department and 21 homoeopathy hospitals.
Sabarimala Gold Controversy
Opposition leader VD Satheesan claimed that the High Court’s recent remarks support their demand for the resignation of the Devaswom Minister and Board over the missing gold at Sabarimala. He noted that Unnikrishnan Potti, who handled the gold in 2019 with the Board’s permission, was recalled in 2025, urging a thorough investigation. Devaswom Board President PS Prashanth denied any involvement, stating no instructions were given to release the gold to Unnikrishnan Potti and that the Board will approach the court to correct the order’s error.
Keyword: Regional News
Meta Description: Latest regional news from All India Radio, Calicut, covering President Draupadi Murmu’s visit to Sabarimala, Kerala’s development projects, weather alerts, and more for October 22, 2025.