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K-DISC Hiring Senior Programme Executive in Thiruvananthapuram; Salary Up to ₹50,000

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K-DISC Hiring Senior Programme Executive in Thiruvananthapuram; Salary Up to ₹50,000

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC), a think-tank of the Government of Kerala, has announced a vacancy for the post of Senior Programme Executive. Applications are being invited on behalf of K-DISC by the Centre for Management Development (CMD).

The position is for one vacancy on a contract basis, initially for a period up to March 2026, which may be extended based on project requirements and performance. The selected candidate will be deployed at the Project Management Unit to manage activities under the Young Innovators Programme of K-DISC, with an initial posting in Thiruvananthapuram.

The deadline for submitting applications via email is 5:00 PM on October 29, 2025.

Position Details

  • Post: Senior Programme Executive
  • Number of Vacancies: 01
  • Remuneration: ₹40,000 to ₹50,000 per month (to be fixed based on qualification and experience)
  • Upper Age Limit: 38 years (as on October 1, 2025)
  • Qualification: Postgraduate Degree in Management (MBA), Social Work (MSW), Science or Applied Science (MSc.), or Arts or Social Science (MA). Only full-time courses from reputed institutions will be considered.
  • Required Experience: A minimum of five years of experience in programme management, innovation, and social impact activities is required. Proficiency in MS Office/Google Workspace is mandatory, along with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit the filled-in application form (Annexure I from the notification), a detailed CV, and copies of all certificates proving qualification and experience via email to kdiscrecruitment2025.01@gmail.com.

Selection Process

Applications will be scrutinized, and eligible candidates will be shortlisted for the further selection process, which may include a Written Test, Proficiency Assessment, and/or an Interview. K-DISC/CMD reserves the right to shortlist a limited number of candidates for the final selection process.

K-DISC-Notification-4Download

Kerala Lottery Agents Reel as Finance Minister Balagopal Slashes Discounts to Offset GST Hike

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Kerala Lottery Agents Reel as Finance Minister Balagopal Slashes Discounts to Offset GST Hike

Thiruvananthapuram: The popular state-run lottery sector in Kerala is grappling with an unexpected financial crisis following recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) revisions. To mitigate the higher tax burden, State Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal has implemented sweeping cuts across prize pools, agent commissions, and distributor discounts, a move that has sparked concern among the thousands of agents who rely on the scheme.

​The Finance Minister confirmed that the government was compelled to recalibrate the financial structure of the lottery to absorb the increase in GST rates without destabilising the state’s key revenue stream. This readjustment primarily targets the three main cost components: the prize money itself, the agent’s commission (referred to as ‘agent price’), and the general discount structure.

​The restructuring involves specific cuts to agent remuneration. The overall agent discount has been reduced by a uniform one percentage point (1%). Furthermore, the financial cuts extend to the agent price linked to winning tickets. Agents will see a three percent (3%) reduction in the agent price for all winning amounts, excluding the ₹100 prize category. For the lowest common prize—the ₹100 winning ticket—the reduction in the agent price is even more significant, standing at five percent (5%).

​These measures, while designed to protect the state exchequer from the full force of the GST hike, translate directly into reduced earnings for lottery agents, who form a crucial part of the state’s economic landscape. The move is expected to put significant financial pressure on the sales network and stakeholders are now waiting to see the long-term Kerala Lottery GST Impact on ticket sales and agent viability.

Megastar Swag in the UK: Mammootty Arrives in London for ‘Patriot’ Shoot

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Megastar Swag in the UK: Mammootty Arrives in London for ‘Patriot’ Shoot

London: Malayalam superstar Mammootty, renowned for his timeless style and acting prowess, has landed in London to commence the crucial second schedule for his highly anticipated political thriller, ‘Patriot’. The veteran actor’s arrival at the London airport has already created a social media frenzy, with fans and media quick to note his effortless charm and ‘megastar swag.’

​The actor was spotted at the terminal in a sophisticated yet casual ensemble, pairing a grey sweatshirt over a white shirt with blue denim jeans. Exuding cool confidence, Mammootty paused to interact with a gathering of enthusiastic fans before being whisked away in his luxury vehicle, signaling the start of a major filming phase.

​’Patriot,’ directed by the acclaimed Mahesh Narayanan, is set against a high-stakes backdrop of power, surveillance, and state control. Following a productive schedule in Hyderabad, the London leg of the shooting is set to run from mid-October until mid-December, marking an important phase for the production.

​Adding to the massive anticipation, the film boasts an ensemble cast that reads like a who’s who of Malayalam cinema, including fellow icon Mohanlal, along with Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara, Revathy, Darshana Rajendran, and Zarin Shihab. The political thriller is currently slated for a grand theatrical release during the Vishu 2026 festival.

Kerala Mandates Green Crackers, Strict 8 PM – 10 PM Window for Diwali Celebrations

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Kerala Mandates Green Crackers, Strict 8 PM – 10 PM Window for Diwali Celebrations

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – In a significant move to control environmental pollution, the Kerala State Home Department has issued an order strictly mandating the sale and use of only ‘green crackers’ during upcoming celebrations, including Diwali. The directive is based on recommendations from the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and in line with orders passed by the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

The new rules impose a mandatory two-hour time limit for bursting firecrackers on Diwali. Citizens are permitted to use ‘green crackers’ only between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM.

Furthermore, the government order enforces a complete ban on bursting noise-making crackers within a 100-meter radius of designated ‘silent zones’. These restricted areas include hospitals, courts, educational institutions, and places of worship.

The directive, which aims to mitigate air and noise pollution, makes it clear that district magistrates and police chiefs will be responsible for ensuring the strict compliance of these regulations across the state.

Green crackers, developed by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), are formulated to significantly reduce particulate matter and harmful chemical emissions compared to conventional fireworks. The restriction is a part of broader efforts to maintain the state’s ambient air quality within acceptable limits during the festive season.

Kerala Sthree Sakthi SS-489 Lottery Result 14.10.2025 Announced: Ticket SX 649740 Wins ₹1 Crore Top Prize

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Kerala Sthree Sakthi SS-489 Lottery Result 14.10.2025 Announced: Ticket SX 649740 Wins ₹1 Crore Top Prize

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Lottery Department has announced the results for the Sthree Sakthi SS-489 lottery draw on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The lucky draw, held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram at 3 PM, revealed that the ticket holder with the number SX 649740 has won the coveted first prize of ₹1 crore.

The second prize of ₹30 lakh was secured by ticket number SP 476444, while the third prize of ₹5 lakh went to ticket number SO 949272. A consolation prize of ₹5,000 has also been awarded to tickets with the same number as the first prize winner but from different series.

Winners are advised to verify their numbers with the results published in the Kerala Government Gazette and surrender their tickets within 30 days.

Here is the complete list of winning numbers for all prize tiers:

1st Prize: ₹1 Crore

  • SX 649740 (KANHANGAD)

Consolation Prize: ₹5,000

  • SN 649740, SO 649740, SP 649740, SR 649740, SS 649740, ST 649740, SU 649740, SV 649740, SW 649740, SY 649740, SZ 649740

2nd Prize: ₹30 Lakhs

  • SP 476444 (KARUNAGAPALLY)

3rd Prize: ₹5 Lakhs

  • SO 949272 (KOLLAM)

4th Prize: ₹5,000

  • 0243, 1345, 1572, 1593, 2991, 3357, 3701, 4545, 5004, 6258, 6644, 6816, 7300, 7343, 7884, 7953, 8280, 8925, 9186

5th Prize: ₹2,000

  • 1264, 7006, 8276, 8800, 9247, 9666

6th Prize: ₹1,000

  • 0095, 0829, 0874, 1198, 2103, 2217, 2392, 3560, 4120, 4380, 4541, 5062, 5199, 5387, 5627, 6187, 6411, 6427, 7599, 7892, 7972, 8394, 8407, 8522, 8562

7th Prize: ₹500

  • 0038, 0109, 0472, 0560, 0856, 0884, 0942, 1175, 1196, 1551, 1565, 1600, 1604, 1809, 1946, 2097, 2191, 2193, 2243, 2443, 2969, 3088, 3237, 3561, 3568, 3576, 3676, 3776, 3798, 3880, 4089, 4100, 4101, 4154, 4211, 4243, 4244, 4265, 4493, 4832, 4857, 4938, 5029, 5526, 5667, 6069, 6182, 6298, 6359, 6393, 6418, 6461, 6543, 6666, 6715, 6763, 6877, 6950, 7025, 7092, 7430, 7621, 7812, 7993, 8093, 8097, 8204, 8216, 8343, 8639, 8773, 8986, 9307, 9430, 9735, 9855

8th Prize: ₹200

  • 0042, 0089, 0141, 0159, 0194, 0214, 0233, 0257, 0276, 0326, 0493, 0503, 0522, 0875, 1009, 1027, 1055, 1099, 1260, 1270, 1417, 1524, 1540, 1559, 1955, 1985, 2052, 2180, 2223, 2242, 2733, 2777, 2807, 2828, 2844, 2878, 3138, 3334, 3516, 3570, 4007, 4088, 4135, 4139, 4144, 4511, 4564, 4640, 5146, 5166, 5247, 5359, 5361, 5421, 5751, 5928, 6103, 6133, 6203, 6602, 6725, 6955, 7189, 7243, 7331, 7351, 7368, 7492, 7500, 7804, 7918, 8249, 8396, 8397, 8416, 8430, 8507, 8667, 8739, 8921, 9075, 9165, 9204, 9211, 9667, 9759, 9770, 9897, 9916, 9947

9th Prize: ₹100

  • 0048, 0333, 0344, 0510, 0576, 0604, 0616, 0640, 0649, 0716, 0719, 0792, 0794, 0810, 0819, 0876, 0992, 1131, 1242, 1249, 1282, 1377, 1443, 1473, 1522, 1542, 1685, 1708, 1720, 1780, 1791, 1863, 1902, 1964, 2056, 2116, 2156, 2221, 2299, 2345, 2360, 2396, 2557, 2600, 2689, 2723, 2775, 2786, 2834, 2854, 2866, 2943, 3105, 3167, 3207, 3397, 3418, 3470, 3499, 3571, 3623, 3691, 3719, 3818, 3820, 3847, 3895, 3932, 3947, 4162, 4178, 4202, 4246, 4341, 4379, 4406, 4509, 4517, 4521, 4528, 4561, 4605, 4775, 4784, 4790, 4810, 4823, 4850, 4867, 4894, 5210, 5238, 5256, 5258, 5263, 5285, 5300, 5515, 5575, 5633, 5646, 5655, 5733, 5847, 5871, 6113, 6148, 6150, 6178, 6209, 6578, 6626, 6654, 6713, 6737, 6860, 6953, 7081, 7089, 7232, 7265, 7281, 7285, 7317, 7394, 7561, 7637, 7680, 7784, 7868, 7872, 8025, 8211, 8255, 8284, 8421, 8503, 8581, 8641, 8646, 8826, 8848, 8856, 8983, 9068, 9107, 9286, 9547, 9647, 9886

MEDISEP: New Kerala Govt Employees Exempted from Phase 1 Premium, Eligible for Refunds

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MEDISEP: New Kerala Govt Employees Exempted from Phase 1 Premium, Eligible for Refunds

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has provided significant relief to its new employees regarding the MEDISEP health insurance scheme. In a circular dated October 9, 2025, the Finance Department has exempted employees who joined service or had their MEDISEP profiles verified after May 19, 2025, from paying the premium and arrears for the scheme’s first phase. Any amount already deducted from their salaries for this period will be refunded.

The clarification was necessary due to the extension of MEDISEP’s first phase, which officially ended on June 30, 2025. The scheme was temporarily extended until October 31, 2025, to avoid a break in coverage while procedures for the second phase were underway. During this extended period, it was not practical to transfer new employee data to the insurance company and issue them new MEDISEP cards. As a result, these employees were not officially included in the scheme’s benefits for this duration.

The circular, signed by Additional Secretary V. Ajayakumar, directs that these new employees will be formally included only in the second phase of MEDISEP. The government acknowledged that due to the processing of salaries for the extended months and “technical difficulties” in the SPARK software, premiums and arrears may have been inadvertently deducted from the salaries of these employees. In such cases, affected staff can submit an application to receive a full refund, following the prescribed guidelines.

The order also instructs all Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) to accurately update and verify the data of these employees to ensure their smooth inclusion in the upcoming second phase of the scheme.

India Solidifies WTC Standing After 2-0 Whitewash of West Indies

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India Solidifies WTC Standing After 2-0 Whitewash of West Indies

India secured a commanding 2-0 series whitewash over the West Indies, winning the second and final Test in Delhi by seven wickets. The victory marks a successful start for new captain Shubman Gill, delivering India’s first Test series win in over a year and their 10th consecutive series triumph against the Caribbean side.

The win has positively impacted India’s position in both the World Test Championship (WTC) points table and the ICC Test Rankings, which are two distinct measures of a team’s performance.

WTC Points Table and ICC Rankings Update

  • WTC Standings: India has strengthened its third position on the World Test Championship points table. With four wins, two losses, and one draw from their seven matches, India now has 52 points and a percentage of points (PCT) of 61.90. They remain behind Australia and Sri Lanka, who occupy the top two spots. The top two teams at the end of the cycle will compete in the WTC Final in 2027.
  • ICC Test Rankings: In the official ICC Test Rankings, India is currently ranked fourth with a rating of 108. They are behind Australia, South Africa, and England.

Looking Ahead: South Africa Series

India’s next red-ball challenge begins on November 14, when they host South Africa for a two-match series. This home series will be a crucial opportunity for India to improve their standing further. The last time South Africa toured India for a Test series, the hosts secured a dominant 3-0 victory.

This 2-0 victory against the West Indies is a significant morale booster, being India’s first series win since defeating Bangladesh in October 2024. Under Gill’s new leadership, the team will be looking to build on this momentum and return to consistent winning ways.

Crisis Overshadows Celebration: PM Modi’s Rally Postponed Amid Haryana IPS Officer Suicide Row

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Crisis Overshadows Celebration: PM Modi’s Rally Postponed Amid Haryana IPS Officer Suicide Row

CHANDIGARH: A major celebratory rally in Sonipat to mark one year of the Nayab Singh Saini government in Haryana, which was set to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been abruptly postponed. The decision comes amidst escalating tensions and protests surrounding the alleged suicide of senior IPS officer Y Puran Kumar.

The “Jan Vishwas-Jan Vikas” rally, scheduled for this Friday, has been put on hold as the controversy surrounding the IPS officer’s death deepens. The event was overshadowed by the deadlock between the state government and the officer’s family, led by his wife, IAS officer Amneet P Kumar.

Deadlock Over Suicide Allegations

IPS officer Y Puran Kumar’s death is currently mired in serious allegations of casteist harassment by senior officers, a claim vehemently put forth by his family. For over six days, the family has reportedly refused to give consent for the officer’s autopsy, demanding action against Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Kapur and other senior figures.

Top state government officials, including Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Rajesh Khullar, have met with the bereaved family in an attempt to resolve the matter, but the impasse remains. The growing support from opposition parties and Dalit pressure groups for Amneet P Kumar has further intensified the political pressure on the Nayab Singh Saini administration.

CM Saini Cuts Short Tour

In a clear indication of the crisis’s severity, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini cut short his pre-scheduled tour. After a meeting, Saini, who was initially heading to New Delhi and planning to attend an event in Nuh on Tuesday, returned to Chandigarh midway through his journey on Monday night.

A senior government official informed TOI that officers were notified to “put on hold” the preparations, including a briefing by central officers from SPG and other agencies for the Prime Minister’s high-profile visit, while they awaited final official confirmation. The unfolding tragedy and its political fallout have ultimately cast a pall over what was meant to be a showcase of the Saini government’s one-year achievements.

Gill’s Era Begins with a Bang: India Sweep West Indies 2-0 in First Series Under New Captain

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Gill’s Era Begins with a Bang: India Sweep West Indies 2-0 in First Series Under New Captain

New Delhi: India, under the new leadership of Shubman Gill, sealed a 2-0 series victory over the West Indies on Tuesday, October 14, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. KL Rahul anchored the successful run chase with a masterful half-century on a difficult pitch, guiding the hosts to a 7-wicket win and securing Shubman Gill’s first Test series win as the new captain.

On a challenging Delhi pitch where the ball turned and kept perilously low, Rahul stamped his authority with a calm half-century off 101 balls to see India through in the first session of Day 5. His patient innings stood in stark contrast to the dismissals of Sai Sudharsan and Captain Gill, who fell while attempting needless shots. It was fitting that Rahul hit the winning runs, finishing the match with a boundary just over an hour into the day’s play.

While the victory looks comprehensive on paper, it was a hard-fought win for an Indian side still finding its footing after being whitewashed at home by New Zealand less than a year ago. The match also raised some tactical questions about the new leadership, including a potentially premature declaration that forced Indian bowlers to toil for 200 overs in the Delhi heat.

New Batting Order Shines in Post-Rohit/Kohli Era

The series marked a successful start for India’s batting lineup in the post-Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli era in home Tests. Coming into the series with questions over its batting depth, the team saw strong performances from its new-look middle order. The likes of Sai Sudharsan, KL Rahul, and Dhruv Jurel gave a strong account of themselves, ensuring a swift transition. In a commanding batting display across the two matches, every batter in India’s top six, barring Sudharsan, scored a century.

West Indies’ Losing Streak Continues

Despite a spirited fight in the final two days of the second Test, the visitors were unable to pose a serious challenge to the hosts. The defeat marked an unwanted record for the West Indies: their 10th consecutive Test series loss against India, a streak stretching back to 2002. While they showed glimpses of resilience, the challenge for the Caribbean side remains to build consistency and sustain pressure over all five days of a Test match.

With the clean sweep, India now has seven wins from seven Tests in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, placing them third in the standings. India’s next red-ball assignment will be against defending WTC champions South Africa in November.

Gold and Silver Skyrocket to Record Highs Amid Global Jitters

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Gold and Silver Skyrocket to Record Highs Amid Global Jitters

New Delhi: Gold and silver prices surged to unprecedented all-time highs in domestic and international markets on Tuesday, as investors flocked to safe-haven assets amid escalating trade tensions between the US and China and growing expectations of interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), December gold futures skyrocketed by ₹2,301 to hit a new peak of ₹1,26,930 per 10 grams. Silver followed suit, with December futures soaring by ₹8,055, or 5.2 percent, to a record ₹1,62,700 per kilogram.

The rally is fueled by a perfect storm of economic and geopolitical uncertainty. “Gold prices climbed to a record high as renewed US-China trade tensions exacerbated broader uncertainty, bolstering safe-haven demand, while the prospects of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve lent support,” explained Manav Modi, an analyst at Motilal Oswal Financial Services.

The surge was mirrored in international markets, where Comex gold for December delivery touched an all-time high of $4,190.67 per ounce, marking a 60 percent increase year-to-date. Silver futures also hit a lifetime high of $52.49 per ounce, driven by what analysts call an “acute supply shortage in the global market.”

The latest jitters were sparked by China’s plans to expand export controls on rare-earth minerals, which prompted US President Donald Trump to threaten 100 percent tariffs on Chinese imports. The ongoing 13-day US federal government shutdown is also adding to economic concerns.

Investors are now keenly awaiting remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and key US economic data later this week, though officials have warned that data releases may be postponed if the government shutdown persists.

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