Kerela

Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal has expressed hope that the Union Budget will allocate more funds for social and infrastructure development as well as correct the Centre's fiscal policy in dealing with states. The Left leader, who is critical of the Union government's approach towards the states in terms of GST implementation and devolution of central funds, also said the "serious discrimination" showed towards Kerala should be stopped. In an interview to PTI, Balagopal said the Centre's approach has led to a financial crisis in the state that is affecting the overall development. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be announcing the Budget for 2023-24 on February 1, at a time when global uncertainties and headwinds are impacting the Indian economy. "As far as Kerala is concerned, there is a sharp fall in the percentage in our divisible pool. We have requested the Union government to correct it," the minister said. Ahead of the Union Budget, Balagopal alleged "ser

Sensing that if it does not intervene now, it might be a bit too late, the All India Congress Committee(AICC) asked the leaders to ensure that there is no more "free for all" in public domain

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday described veteran politician Sharad Yadav as a socialist icon of the country, and said the latter's demise was a great loss to Indian politics. Yadav died at a private hospital in Gurugram on Thursday. He was 75. "Sharad Yadav was an icon of socialist politics, who stood firm for democratic values. His passing is a great loss to Indian politics. Heartfelt condolences to his family and supporters," the Chief Minister tweeted.

The Kerala government has granted an additional Rs 200 crore for Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASAP), its integrated health protection scheme that is estimated to have benefited 64 lakh people in the southern state. With this additional allocation, the total amount granted for the flagship scheme in the present financial year has gone up to Rs 800 crore, state Finance Minister K N Balagopal said in a statement. He said KASAP is a comprehensive scheme which ensures the healthcare of 42 lakh families in Kerala and the State Health Agency under the Health Department, is implementing the programme. "The scheme has been launched by the state government with an objective of avoiding a situation where sudden heavy medical expenses push ordinary families into financial ruin," the minister said. Giving details of the healthcare scheme, he said an average of 180 patients per hour (3 patients per 1 minute) benefit from it. At present, 1,667 treatment packages are included as part of th

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said art is beyond any religion or caste and everyone should enjoy it without any discrimination or differences. Vijayan said this after inaugurating the 61st Kerala School Arts Festival, which is dubbed as Asia's biggest school-related cultural event. In his speech at the event, the Chief Minister said the festival should be a stage for enjoying and encouraging the diverse art forms in the state and the country, irrespective of their religious or caste background. "This festival is a stage for participants to show their talents and entertain each other and those present in the audience, irrespective of their religion or caste. Art is beyond any religion or caste. "Therefore, that is how the festival should be enjoyed and seen by everyone in order to ensure unity in the state. Then only, we can ensure that Kerala continues to be a centre of peace, happiness and secularism," Vijayan said. To the over 14,000 participants, the Chief .

The Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation, or Milma, on Thursday announced its decision to hike prices of milk by Rs 6 per litre which will come into effect from December 1.

Company founded by 4 IIT graduates will use money to expand its presence and for improving technology

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday extended his greetings to people on the birthday of Lord Krishna and said may the occasion inspire everyone to fight against all kinds of evil. Vijayan, in a Facebook post, said that devotees see Lord Krishna as a symbol of love and care and also against "adharmam." He further said that let the occasion of Sree Krishna Jayanti reinforce the message of spreading the light of love and happiness throughout the society. "May it be an inspiration to fight against all kinds of evil," he added.

Kerala Government informed the state High Court that no large survey stones are being used for demarcation in the ongoing Social Impact Assessment as part of the SilverLine rail project.

However, among BJP-ruled states, Gujarat was unlikely to follow suit and reduce VAT on petrol and diesel, said senior officials

On the vaccination front 100% (2.69 crore) have had one dose, of which 87% (2.33 crore) have taken both the doses

With 38,819 more people recovering since Friday, the total recoveries reached 61,52,076

The COVID-19 evaluation meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has instructed the schools to get ready by this month's end

Kerala logged 50,812 new infections and eight Covid-19-related deaths on Saturday, taking the infection count to 59,31,945 and the death toll to 53,191

Railway sources said the 42-wagon train which originated from Yerraguntla station in Andhra Pradesh derailed at Aluva Railway Station yard late Thursday night

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday congratulated the people of various states on the occasion of their respective Foundation Day.Kerala, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh are observing their Foundation Day today."Each state in India was formed on the foundation of democratic values which need to be protected at all costs. Best wishes to our brothers & sisters for their state formation days," the Congress leader said.Earlier, President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended greetings to the people on the formation day of their respective states.

Haryana was formed in 1966 while Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh in 2000.

A major fire broke out at a trash godown in nearby Cheruvannoor on Tuesday morning,police said. According to Fire & Rescue department sources, there are no casualties and attempts were on to bring the blaze under control. A gas cylinder godown, some car show rooms and residential houses besides Sarada Mutt are located near the area. A Fire and Rescue services department official said gas cylinders from the godown and vehicles from showrooms were shifted immediately soon after the fire was noticed. The fire is more or less under control, he said adding that more fire engines have been pressed into action.

In pics: Tamil Nadu on alert, NDRF teams deployed as Cyclone Burevi nears

Normal life was disrupted in Puducherry on Thursday as torrential downpour influenced by cyclone 'Burevi' pounded several parts of the union territory

In pictures: All you need to know about the deadly Kerala plane crash

The central government will make a payment of Rs 10 lakh to the kin of each deceased who lost their lives in the aircraft crash in Kozhikode, while Rs 200,000 will be given to the seriously injured