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IAS Reshuffle in Kerala: S Harikishore Moves to Centre as Joint Secretary in Tourism Ministry

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IAS Reshuffle in Kerala: S Harikishore Moves to Centre as Joint Secretary in Tourism Ministry

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has initiated a significant administrative reshuffle following the central deputation of senior IAS officer S Harikishore (KL 2008). He has been appointed as the Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Tourism under the Central Staffing Scheme. A government order issued on September 26, 2025, confirmed his release from the state cadre and announced new charge arrangements for other key officials.

The appointment of S Harikishore was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. He has been relieved of his duties from the State Cadre effective from the afternoon of September 27, 2025, to take up the new assignment. The central deputation is for a period of five years or until further orders. Prior to this move, Harikishore served as the Secretary of the Information and Public Relations Department and held additional charges for the Programme Implementation Evaluation and Monitoring Department, NORKA Department, and External Co-operation, besides serving as Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Minister.

To fill the vacancies, the government has made the following arrangements:

  • Dr. Karthikeyan S IAS (KL 2011), on his return from Extra Ordinary Leave, has been posted as Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Minister. A new ex-cadre post has been created for a period of one year to facilitate this appointment. Dr. Karthikeyan will also hold the full additional charge of Special Secretary for the Information & Public Relations Department and the Programme Implementation, Evaluation and Monitoring Department.
  • Smt. Anupama T.V IAS (KL 2010), currently the Special Secretary of the Local Self Government Department, will hold the full additional charge of the NORKA Department in addition to her existing duties.

The changes were formalized through an order issued by M Anjana IAS, Additional Secretary to the Government, on behalf of the Governor of Kerala.

Shashi Tharoor’s Malayalam Wit Stuns Basil Joseph in Super League Kerala Promo

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Shashi Tharoor’s Malayalam Wit Stuns Basil Joseph in Super League Kerala Promo

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A new promotional video for ‘Super League Kerala,’ featuring Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor and director-actor Basil Joseph, is captivating audiences with its witty banter and unexpected linguistic twists. The video showcases Basil Joseph bravely attempting to hold his own against Tharoor’s renowned English eloquence, only for Tharoor to turn the tables with a surprising display of Malayalam proverb.

In the amusing promo, Shashi Tharoor, a patron of the Thiruvananthapuram Kombans team, delivers a punchline in Malayalam: “ഇടഞ്ഞ കൊമ്പന്റെ കൃഷ്ണമണിയിൽ തോട്ടി കയറ്റി കളിക്കല്ലേ..” (Don’t dare to drive the mahout’s hook into the pupil of a rogue tusker), leaving Basil Joseph visibly stunned. This clever use of a traditional Malayalam saying by Tharoor, known for his formidable English vocabulary, has become the highlight of the video .

The Super League Kerala football tournament is set to kick off with exciting matches. The Thiruvananthapuram Kombans will face the Kannur Warriors on October 5th at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.

The league’s inaugural match will see Basil Joseph’s Calicut FC taking on Prithviraj’s Forza Kochi FC at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode. The second match of the tournament will feature Malappuram FC battling Thrissur FC at Payyanad Stadium.

The promotional video, which cleverly blends football rivalry with cultural humor, is generating significant buzz as the Super League Kerala prepares for its highly anticipated season.

2 Dead, 22 Injured as Protests Against Pakistani Government Turn Violent in PoK

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2 Dead, 22 Injured as Protests Against Pakistani Government Turn Violent in PoK

2 Dead, 22 Injured as Protests Against Pakistani Government Turn Violent in PoK ISLAMABAD: At least two people were killed and 22 others injured in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), after massive protests against the Pakistani government turned violent on Monday. The demonstrations, led by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), were organized to demand fundamental rights and address long-standing grievances.

The situation escalated when armed members of the Muslim Conference, allegedly backed by the Pakistan Army and ISI, confronted the protestors. There are reports of the armed men firing on the protestors, and videos have surfaced showing the ensuing chaos.

The protests led to a complete shutdown of the region, with businesses closing and transport services coming to a halt. In response to the escalating situation, the Pakistani government has deployed thousands of soldiers in the area and has reportedly sent an additional 1,000 troops from Islamabad. Internet services in the region have also been suspended to curb mobilization.

The AAC has put forth a 38-point charter of demands to the government. A key demand is the abolition of 12 seats in the PoK Assembly that are reserved for Kashmiri refugees, which the protestors believe undermines local representation.

Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a leader of the AAC, has warned the Pakistani government that the current protests are just “Plan A,” and that the committee has more drastic measures planned if their demands are not met. “Either grant the rights or face the wrath of the people,” Mir stated, adding that the people’s patience is wearing thin.

This recent unrest follows an incident last week where the Pakistan Air Force bombed a village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing 30 civilians in an operation purportedly targeting terrorists. This has further fueled the anger and frustration among the people of PoK.

‘Kerala Will Always Stand with Palestine,’ Chief Minister Vijayan Tells Ambassador

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‘Kerala Will Always Stand with Palestine,’ Chief Minister Vijayan Tells Ambassador

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala will always stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan affirmed during a meeting with Palestinian Ambassador to India, Abdullah Abu Shawesh, on Monday. The ambassador called on the chief minister at his official chamber in the Legislative Assembly complex here.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Vijayan reiterated the state’s long-held position, advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people. “Kerala stands firmly for the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination,” Vijayan stated. He stressed that Israel, with the support of the United States, has consistently undermined international conventions to deny Palestine its democratic rights.

The chief minister emphasized the Left’s consistent stance that the United Nations and the international community must act urgently to establish a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with UN resolutions, to restore peace in West Asia.

Ambassador Shawesh briefed the chief minister on the ongoing challenges and the occupation faced by the Palestinian people. He expressed that Kerala’s support at this critical time is “reassuring and overwhelming” and of great significance. Shawesh added that Palestine hopes for more support from across the world and that people would “follow Kerala’s example”.

Following the meeting, Vijayan posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Reiterated Kerala’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people and our demand for an immediate end to the genocide in Gaza. Kerala will always stand firm for justice for the people of Palestine”. The ambassador is on a three-day visit to Kerala organized by the Kerala Media Academy.

Kerala Lottery Result Today: BHAGYATHARA BT-22 Winner of ₹1 Crore is Ticket BR 669175

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Kerala Lottery Result Today: BHAGYATHARA BT-22 Winner of ₹1 Crore is Ticket BR 669175

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Lotteries department has announced the results for the BHAGYATHARA BT-22 lottery draw today, September 29, 2025. The live draw was held at Gorky Bhavan, near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram, at 3:00 PM. The first prize of ₹1 crore was won by a lucky ticket holder from Punalur.

The top prize of ₹10,000,000 went to ticket number

BR 669175. The second prize of ₹3,000,000 was also secured by a ticket sold in Punalur, with the winning number being

BU 114884. The third prize of ₹500,000 went to ticket number

BV 239790, sold in Kottayam.

Participants can check the full list of winning numbers below. Winners are advised to verify their numbers with the results published in the Kerala Government Gazette and to surrender their winning tickets within 90 days to claim their prize.

The next BHAGYATHARA lottery draw is scheduled for October 6, 2025.

Here are the complete winning numbers for the BHAGYATHARA BT-22 draw:

First Prize: ₹10,000,000

BR 669175 (PUNALUR)

Consolation Prize: ₹5,000

BN 669175, BO 669175, BP 669175, BS 669175, BT 669175, BU 669175, BV 669175, BW 669175, BX 669175, BY 669175, BZ 669175

Second Prize: ₹3,000,000

BU 114884 (PUNALUR)

Third Prize: ₹500,000

BV 239790 (KOTTAYAM)

Fourth Prize: ₹5,000

1825, 2356, 3499, 3750, 3947, 4236, 4312, 4625, 4730, 5054, 5209, 5863, 6178, 6845, 8236, 8669, 8843, 9036, 9488

Fifth Prize: ₹2,000

1368, 3230, 3563, 8168, 8229, 8831

Sixth Prize: ₹1,000

0021, 0214, 0859, 1203, 1544, 1792, 1874, 2580, 2590, 3026, 3587, 5204, 5210, 5297, 5313, 5456, 5460, 5855, 6502, 7011, 7123, 7414, 7933, 8085, 8478

Seventh Prize: ₹500

0170, 0215, 0224, 0313, 0325, 0421, 0822, 1137, 1198, 1293, 1385, 1492, 1528, 1684, 1713, 1990, 2068, 2084, 2228, 2429, 2503, 2565, 2808, 2868, 2881, 3057, 3069, 3386, 3443, 3590, 3712, 3817, 3841, 4164, 4267, 4274, 4634, 4800, 4810, 4888, 4938, 5009, 5435, 5487, 5542, 5610, 5677, 5791, 5862, 5887, 6167, 6491, 6666, 6805, 6890, 7153, 7410, 7585, 7633, 7777, 7891, 8135, 8733, 8745, 8750, 8931, 9112, 9130, 9202, 9259, 9286, 9297, 9305, 9453, 9783, 9907

Eighth Prize: ₹200

0010, 0084, 0100, 0130, 0234, 0500, 0987, 1120, 1255, 1308, 1310, 1457, 1513, 1597, 1668, 1866, 2001, 2221, 2400, 2473, 2621, 2687, 2787, 2986, 3119, 3192, 3263, 3514, 3693, 3836, 3857, 3876, 4122, 4240, 4288, 4289, 4385, 4439, 4440, 4543, 4555, 4707, 4757, 4761, 4796, 4811, 4957, 4998, 5014, 5052, 5114, 5175, 5407, 5422, 5646, 5755, 5812, 5815, 5943, 6010, 6020, 6026, 6080, 6217, 6337, 6427, 6451, 6578, 6735, 6828, 7022, 7038, 7395, 7582, 7711, 7726, 8181, 8266, 8431, 8443, 8605, 8647, 8716, 8746, 8751, 8788, 8849, 9156, 9203, 9270, 9659, 9763, 9880, 9909

Ninth Prize: ₹100

0068, 0125, 0136, 0159, 0168, 0239, 0289, 0347, 0530, 0584, 0599, 0624, 0634, 0662, 0691, 0720, 0810, 0827, 0847, 0896, 0939, 1021, 1093, 1207, 1356, 1369, 1394, 1405, 1501, 1521, 1708, 1806, 1847, 2160, 2175, 2193, 2258, 2341, 2354, 2441, 2444, 2723, 2756, 2759, 2819, 2927, 3004, 3080, 3242, 3287, 3336, 3365, 3376, 3380, 3412, 3525, 3539, 3683, 3696, 3810, 3967, 3980, 4010, 4091, 4117, 4142, 4171, 4243, 4321, 4402, 4449, 4461, 4544, 4551, 4591, 4623, 4626, 4729, 4795, 4802, 4816, 4838, 4867, 4887, 4962, 5182, 5190, 5296, 5311, 5343, 5443, 5468, 5508, 5557, 5712, 5761, 5790, 5849, 5923, 6012, 6156, 6204, 6236, 6245, 6260, 6312, 6581, 6665, 6670, 6841, 7000, 7004, 7034, 7055, 7116, 7170, 7208, 7387, 7399, 7402, 7484, 7950, 8001, 8026, 8057, 8179, 8304, 8329, 8353, 8420, 8629, 8668, 8753, 8827, 8940, 8966, 9024, 9034, 9132, 9195, 9386, 9554, 9755, 9773

Earth on a Diet: Our Planet Loses 60,000 Tonnes Annually, Scientists Explain

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Earth on a Diet: Our Planet Loses 60,000 Tonnes Annually, Scientists Explain

NEW DELHI: In a cosmic balancing act, scientists have revealed that Earth is slowly losing weight, shedding up to 60,000 tonnes of mass each year. However, this planetary weight loss is so minuscule compared to Earth’s total mass that it has virtually no impact on our world.

The primary reason for this decline is “atmospheric escape,” where tens of thousands of tonnes of light gases, primarily hydrogen and helium, leak from the upper atmosphere into space annually. In the upper atmosphere, some gas molecules, accelerated by energy from the sun, reach speeds exceeding Earth’s escape velocity of 11 kilometers per second, allowing them to break free from our planet’s gravitational pull.

Hydrogen is often created when ultraviolet light breaks apart water molecules, while helium is constantly produced by the radioactive decay of elements deep within the Earth.

This loss is partially counteracted by a steady influx of cosmic material. Earth gains approximately 41,000 to 50,000 tonnes of mass each year, mostly in the form of meteorites and space dust that are captured by its gravity. When the gains and losses are tallied, the net result is an annual loss of up to 60,000 tonnes.

While this figure sounds enormous, it’s a drop in the ocean for a planet with a mass of nearly six sextillion tonnes. The annual loss is equivalent to the mass of about 360 people—a number surpassed by global population growth in under three minutes. Over the 4.5 billion years since Earth formed, this process has only reduced its total mass by about four parts per billion.

Human activity also contributes a tiny fraction to this weight loss. About 65 tonnes of mass are lost each year from spacecraft sent on missions from which they never return. Orbiting satellites, however, do not count towards this loss as they eventually fall back to Earth.

Azim Premji Scholarship 2025 Offers ₹30,000 Yearly for Girls’ Higher Education; Apply Now

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Azim Premji Scholarship 2025 Offers ₹30,000 Yearly for Girls’ Higher Education; Apply Now

NEW DELHI: The Azim Premji Foundation is inviting applications for its 2025 scholarship program, aimed at preventing female students from economically weaker backgrounds from dropping out of higher education due to financial constraints. The scholarship provides an annual grant of ₹30,000 to eligible students, with the application deadline for the first round set for tomorrow, September 30, 2025.

This initiative seeks to empower young women who, despite performing well academically, are often forced to abandon their studies after completing the 12th grade. The scholarship funds can be used by the students to cover a range of educational expenses, including tuition fees, books, hostel accommodation, and other related costs, for the entire duration of their degree or diploma course.

The application window for the second round of the scholarship will open on January 10, 2026, and will close on January 31, 2026.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the Azim Premji Scholarship 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be a female student.
  • Must have completed their 10th and 12th-grade education from a government school or college.
  • Must have enrolled for the first time in a degree or diploma course during the 2025-26 academic session at a government or recognized private college/university.

The program is open to students from 18 states and union territories, including Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible candidates must apply online through the official Azim Premji Foundation website before the deadline.

  1. Visit the official website: azimpremjifoundation.org
  2. Click on the “Azim Premji Scholarship 2025” link on the homepage.
  3. Register on the portal and log in with your credentials.
  4. Fill out the application form with all the required information.
  5. Upload the necessary documents, including a passport-size photo, Aadhaar card, bank details, 10th and 12th mark sheets, and proof of college admission.
  6. Submit the form and print a copy for future reference.

Gold Price Shatters Records, Breaches ₹85,000 Per Sovereign in Kerala

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Gold Price Shatters Records, Breaches ₹85,000 Per Sovereign in Kerala

KOCHI: Gold prices in Kerala have surged to an unprecedented high, crossing the historic milestone of ₹85,000 per sovereign (8 grams) for the first time in history. The relentless rally, which is causing significant concern for consumers ahead of the festive and wedding seasons, is driven by a record-breaking spike in international gold prices, a weakening US dollar, and falling bond yields.

On Monday, the price for one sovereign of gold skyrocketed by ₹680 to reach a new all-time high of ₹85,360, eclipsing the previous record of ₹84,840 set on September 23. The price per gram also saw a steep hike of ₹85, touching ₹10,670. The surge reflects a dramatic doubling of the precious metal’s value in just two years, as prices hovered around the ₹40,000 per sovereign mark in early 2023.

The domestic price surge is a direct consequence of gold’s stellar performance in the international market. Spot gold prices shattered previous records, crossing the psychological barrier of $3,800 an ounce to trade at $3,806.36. This new peak is fueled by strong market speculation that the U.S. Federal Reserve will implement further interest rate cuts to manage inflation.

Lower interest rates typically reduce the appeal of fixed-income assets like government bonds, prompting investors to flock to gold as a “safe-haven” asset. This shift was evident as the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield dipped from 4.177% to 4.16%, and the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) fell from 98.16 to 97.94. A weaker dollar makes gold cheaper for holders of other currencies, further boosting its demand.

The cascading effect of these global factors has made gold jewellery significantly more expensive in India. With a conservative making charge of 5% and 3% GST, the effective cost of a single sovereign of gold jewellery in Kerala is now over ₹92,300. For ornaments with a 10% making charge, the price is approaching ₹97,000. Analysts warn that if the current international trend continues, prices could see another hike and potentially cross the ₹86,000 mark soon.

BCCI Announces ₹21 Crore Bonanza for Unbeaten Team India After Asia Cup Triumph

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BCCI Announces ₹21 Crore Bonanza for Unbeaten Team India After Asia Cup Triumph

NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a staggering ₹21 crore cash prize for the victorious Indian team and its support staff, celebrating their dominant and unbeaten run in the recently concluded Asia Cup.

The announcement came shortly after India secured the continental championship by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by five wickets in a thrilling final in Dubai on Sunday. The reward honors the team’s flawless performance throughout the tournament, where they remained undefeated across all seven of their matches.

“It was (an) extraordinary victory and therefore as a part of celebrations, BCCI has announced a cash award of Rs 21 crore in favour of the players and the support staff who are part of the Indian team in the Asia Cup,” BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed to the Press Trust of India.

While the board has not yet provided a detailed breakdown of how the prize money will be distributed among the players and staff, Saikia emphasized the significance of the achievement. “We are extremely proud of our cricketers and the support staff for their superb performance in Dubai,” he added.

The BCCI also took to social media to celebrate the win, highlighting India’s clean sweep against Pakistan in the tournament. “Three blows. 0 response. Asia Cup Champions. Message delivered. (Rs) 21 crores prize money for the team and support staff,” the board posted on its official accounts.

Board Vice President Rajeev Shukla also praised the team’s composure and skill. “The undefeated champions of ASIA. Congratulations Team India on a dominating win and 3-0 against Pak. Marvellous display by Tilak Verma and @imkuldeep18. A great show under pressure,” Shukla posted on social media, singling out key performers.

Last-Gasp Header: Alex Freeman Scores in Stoppage Time to Earn Orlando City 1-1 Draw at FC Cincinnati

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Last-Gasp Header: Alex Freeman Scores in Stoppage Time to Earn Orlando City 1-1 Draw at FC Cincinnati

CINCINNATI, Ohio – A dramatic stoppage-time header from defender Alex Freeman rescued a crucial road point for Orlando City SC (14-7-10, 52 points), securing a 1-1 draw against FC Cincinnati (18-9-5, 59 points) on Sunday night at TQL Stadium.

In a hard-fought battle that saw a combined 42 shots, both teams were held scoreless until the 73rd minute when Cincinnati’s Kévin Denkey broke the deadlock. Denkey finished a swift counter-attack, burying a low shot past Orlando goalkeeper Pedro Gallese to give the home side a late lead.

Just as it seemed Cincinnati would claim all three points, Orlando City staged a late rally. In the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time, second-half substitute Tyrese Spicer delivered a perfect cross into the box, and Freeman rose highest to head the ball home for his sixth goal of the season, stunning the home crowd.

The result marks the second consecutive match in which the Lions have scored in added time to alter the outcome. Having already clinched their sixth straight MLS Cup Playoffs berth earlier in the weekend, the draw keeps Orlando in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings.

“The reaction from the players is outstanding,” said Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja. “Once more, the boys showed a character that has been established in this team and this club. So, we fought and we get this result that could have been better and also could have been worse in a difficult match.”

FC Cincinnati remains second in the Eastern Conference, four points behind the Philadelphia Union in the Supporters’ Shield race.

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