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LDF Crisis: CPI Ministers to Boycott Cabinet Meet Over PM Shri Scheme, Rejecting CM’s Reconciliation

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LDF Crisis: CPI Ministers to Boycott Cabinet Meet Over PM Shri Scheme, Rejecting CM’s Reconciliation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The rift within Kerala’s ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) has escalated sharply over the contentious PM Shri educational scheme. A reconciliation meeting between Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam failed to achieve a consensus, leading to a major political decision by the CPI.

​In a strong display of protest, CPI ministers have announced they will abstain from the Cabinet meeting scheduled for the day after tomorrow. This decision effectively rejects the attempts at compromise made by the Chief Minister and the CPI(M), the dominant partner in the coalition.

​The meeting between CM Vijayan and Binoy Viswam took place in Alappuzha. Following the unsuccessful talks, Mr. Viswam held further consultations with CPI ministers and state leaders, resulting in the crucial political decision to boycott the upcoming Cabinet session.

​The CPI state leadership has firmly stated that the current compromise proposal regarding the PM Shri scheme is unacceptable. The party has maintained staunch opposition to the Central Government’s educational initiative from the very beginning, viewing it as an ideological concern.

Nationwide Voter Roll Cleanup Begins: EC Launches ‘Special Intensive Revision’ in 12 States Including Kerala

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Nationwide Voter Roll Cleanup Begins: EC Launches ‘Special Intensive Revision’ in 12 States Including Kerala

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission (EC) of India has announced the schedule for the second phase of a nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with proceedings set to begin immediately in 12 states and Union Territories, including Kerala.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar confirmed the massive voter roll cleanup during a press conference in Delhi, stating that preparatory work in the 12 regions will commence tomorrow (October 28).

The SIR is a rare, comprehensive effort aimed at updating and purifying voter lists across the country, which the CEC noted hasn’t been done nationwide for over 21 years (the last major SIR was conducted between 2002 and 2004).

“As per law, electoral rolls have to be revised before every election or as per requirement,” CEC Kumar stated. He explained that due to frequent migration over the past two decades, many voters may be registered in multiple locations, necessitating the intensive revision.

List of Indicative (not Exhaustive) Documents

  1. Any Identity card/Pension Payment Order issued to regular employee/pensioner of any Central Govt./State Govt./PSU.
  2. Any Identity Card/Certificate/Document issued in India by Government/local authorities/Banks/Post Office/LIC/PSUs prior to 01.07.1987.
  3. Birth Certificate issued by the competent authority.
  4. Passport
  5. Matriculation/Educational certificate issued by recognised Boards/universities
  6. Permanent Residence certificate issued by competent State authority
  7. Forest Right Certificate
  8. OBC/SC/ST or any caste certificate issued by the Competent authority
  9. National Register of Citizens (wherever it exists)
  10. Family Register, prepared by State/Local authorities.
  11. Any land/house allotment certificate by Government
  12. For Aadhaar, Commission’s directions issued vide letter No. 23/2025-ERS/Vol.Il dated 09.09.2025 shall apply.

Phase 1 Success and Political Outreach

The announcement follows the successful completion of the first phase of SIR in Bihar during June and July, culminating in the publication of the final roll on September 30. The EC highlighted the rigorous process, noting that there were “zero appeals” filed against any wrongful deletions in Bihar.

The EC also confirmed that state Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) will hold detailed discussions with political parties to explain the SIR process. Furthermore, training will be provided to Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and the booth-level agents nominated by political parties. Applications for the revision can be submitted both physically and online.

Kerala’s Inclusion and Local Election Context

Kerala’s inclusion in the current phase comes despite earlier suggestions from political parties within the state to postpone the SIR until after the upcoming local body elections. The Commission had previously indicated that this suggestion was under consideration, but the announcement confirms the revision will proceed as scheduled.

CEC Kumar addressed the broader political context, noting that opposition parties have “been raising issues relating to the quality of voter rolls” and that the SIR is a necessary measure to ensure accurate lists for future elections. The second phase will proceed swiftly, with the revision in other states beginning after the conclusion of the Bihar Assembly elections next month.

‘Jamtara 2’ Actor Sachin Chandwade Dies at 25

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‘Jamtara 2’ Actor Sachin Chandwade Dies at 25

TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains references to self-harm and mental health crisis. Reader discretion is advised.

JALGAON/PUNE: Actor Sachin Chandwade, known for his appearance in the popular web series ‘Jamtara 2’, has passed away at the age of 25. His sudden death on the night of October 23-24, 2025, has left his fans and the entertainment industry in profound shock.

The young actor was found hanging at his home in Jalgaon on October 23, according to a report by Maharashtra Times. Family members immediately rushed him to a nearby hospital. However, his condition worsened, and he was later transferred to a hospital in Dhule, where doctors declared him deceased around 1:30 am on October 24.

Balancing Dreams and Reality

Sachin Chandwade hailed from Jalgaon’s Parola district and was a bright, multifaceted talent. He was deeply passionate about acting from a young age and successfully balanced a demanding professional career with his artistic aspirations. He worked full-time as a software engineer at Pune IT Park while actively pursuing roles in film and television.

His breakout role in the critically acclaimed series ‘Jamtara: Season 2’ brought him significant recognition and helped open new doors in his acting journey.

New Film on the Horizon

Just five days before his tragic passing, Sachin had shared the motion poster for his upcoming Marathi film, ‘Asurvan’. Directed by Sachin Ramchandra Ambat and co-starring Pooja Moily and Anuj Thakare, the film was slated for release later this year. The actor had a key role in the project and had openly expressed his excitement about the release on social media.

Apart from acting, the young star was also an active member of a Dhol Tasha squad, often sharing pictures of himself playing the traditional dhol during cultural festivals like Ganeshotsav and Gudi Padwa.

Need Help? Seek Support Immediately

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, or mental illness, please reach out for professional help immediately. You are not alone.

  • India: KIRAN Helpline: 1800-599-0019 (24×7)
  • USA: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • UK: Samaritans: 116 123
  • International: Find a crisis center in your country by visiting the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) or Befrienders Worldwide.

Cyclone Montha Forms in Bay of Bengal; Set to Intensify to Severe Cyclonic Storm Before Hitting Andhra Pradesh Coast

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Cyclone Montha Forms in Bay of Bengal; Set to Intensify to Severe Cyclonic Storm Before Hitting Andhra Pradesh Coast

NEW DELHI: A tropical cyclone named ‘Montha’ has formed over the Bay of Bengal, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced. The deep depression over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal has intensified into Cyclonic Storm ‘Montha’.

The cyclone is expected to move in a north-west direction and is very likely to further intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm by the morning of October 28. The IMD predicts that Cyclone Montha will make landfall near Kakinada between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam on the Andhra Pradesh coast by the evening or night of October 28, crossing the coast as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of up to 110 kmph.

Parallel Low-Pressure System in the Arabian Sea

Simultaneously, a separate weather system, a Deep Depression, continues to persist over the east-central Arabian Sea. This system is forecast to move in a north-easterly direction across the east-central Arabian Sea over the next 48 hours.

Rain Forecast Across South India

The influence of these systems is expected to bring widespread rain across South India:

  • Kerala: Light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunder, is likely over the next five days. Isolated very heavy rainfall is possible on Monday, with isolated heavy rainfall expected on October 27 and 28.
  • Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal: Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely. Isolated heavy rainfall is also forecast for October 28.
  • Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Telangana, and Odisha have also been issued rain warnings by the IMD.

“Not Done”: Kamala Harris Signals Potential Second White House Run in 2028

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“Not Done”: Kamala Harris Signals Potential Second White House Run in 2028

WASHINGTON D.C.—Former Vice-President Kamala Harris has offered her clearest public indication yet that she is seriously considering a second bid for the U.S. presidency in 2028. In a recent interview with the BBC, Harris, who was defeated by Donald Trump in the 2024 election, stated she was “not done” with politics and that running for the White House again was “possibly” on the cards.

Harris’s comments push back against the widespread political perception that her career at the national level is over. Despite betting markets currently assigning her a mere 2% chance for the 2028 Democratic nomination, the former Vice-President framed her potential run as part of a renewed effort to break down barriers. “I am confident there will be a woman in the White House in the future. It could possibly be me,” she told interviewer Laura Kuenssberg.

A New Chapter After 2024 Defeat

The declaration follows months of strategic moves after her 2024 defeat, which saw a narrow popular vote loss (75 million to Trump’s 77 million) but a devastating Electoral College defeat (312-226), including the loss of all seven key battleground states.

Since the 2024 loss, Harris had largely retreated from the public eye, only resurfacing to promote her memoir, 107 Days, which chronicles her abbreviated campaign following President Biden’s decision to step down. Her latest remarks—”I have lived my entire career as a life of service, and it’s in my bones”—suggest she believes she remains a relevant force in U.S. politics.

This latest move comes after her July decision to skip a California gubernatorial race to keep her presidential path clear, and an October 17th interview where she vowed to oppose Trump’s second term while focusing on the 2026 midterms.

Democratic Anxieties and Contender Reaction

While Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), a potential 2028 contender, called Harris an “incredibly strong” candidate and predicted a crowded field of “a dozen, if not more” challengers, Harris’s declaration has already ignited anxieties among some Democrats. Concerns center on her perceived electability, the need for generational renewal, and the party’s overall strategy for confronting the current Trump Presidency.

Some party members worry the public focus on Harris’s 2028 aspirations could distract resources from the more immediate and crucial goal of retaking Congress from the Republican Party in the 2026 midterms. Governors Gavin Newsom (CA), Josh Shapiro (PA), and Andy Beshear (KY)—all potential 2028 candidates themselves—have offered no official reaction, though Newsom continues to position himself as a primary antagonist to Trump.

The White House, meanwhile, wasted no time in mocking the former Vice-President. A Trump spokesperson stated, “When Kamala Harris lost the election in a landslide, she should’ve taken the hint—the American people don’t care about her absurd lies.” MAGA influencers online quickly chortled at the prospect of her running, calling it a boon for Republicans.

Kerala Financial Crisis Ignores: KIIFB Splashes ₹25 Crore on ‘Delayed’ Silver Jubilee Amidst CEO’s Legal Tussle

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Kerala Financial Crisis Ignores: KIIFB Splashes ₹25 Crore on ‘Delayed’ Silver Jubilee Amidst CEO’s Legal Tussle

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) is drawing sharp criticism for its decision to host a lavish ₹25 crore silver jubilee celebration in Thiruvananthapuram on November 3 and 4, even as the state grapples with a severe financial crisis. Critics argue the massive expenditure is a flagrant example of wasteful spending, especially given the board’s recent legal hurdles.

​The total budget allocated for the celebration is a staggering ₹25 crore. The bulk of this amount, nearly ₹10 crore, is earmarked for media advertisements alone. An additional ₹7.5 crore has been set aside for entertainment and other expenses, including a musical concert by popular playback singer Rimi Tomy.

​Celebrating ‘Youth’: The Delayed 25th Anniversary

​KIIFB was established on November 11, 1999. By natural progression, its 25th anniversary should be celebrated in November 2024. However, the current event is scheduled after the board has already completed 26 years of existence.

​”The KIIFB celebration is akin to someone claiming to be younger as they get older. The celebration of the ’25th year’ after completing 26 years has drawn sharp criticism,” noted observers.

​Legal Troubles and Postponement

​The event was originally scheduled for early 2025 but was postponed following the announcement of a CBI investigation against KIIFB CEO, K.M. Abraham.

​The High Court had ordered the CBI to register a case against Abraham based on a petition filed by human rights activist Jomon Puthenpurackal regarding disproportionate assets. However, the Supreme Court later stayed the order, accepting Abraham’s argument that a case could not be registered without prior prosecution sanction.

​With the legal complications temporarily subsided, K.M. Abraham reportedly re-examined the file for the silver jubilee celebration. State Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal is expected to officially announce the event soon. The move, however, has intensified the debate over fiscal discipline and priority spending in the state.

Shreyas Iyer Rushed to ICU with Internal Bleeding After Freak Fielding Injury

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Shreyas Iyer Rushed to ICU with Internal Bleeding After Freak Fielding Injury

India’s ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Sydney hospital after suffering internal bleeding resulting from a rib cage injury sustained during the third match against Australia. Sources close to the development have described the injury as having the potential to be “fatal” had the BCCI medical team not acted with such speed.

The worrying incident occurred on Saturday during Iyer’s brilliant backward-running catch to dismiss Alex Carey. While completing the spectacular grab, Iyer appeared to hurt his left rib cage. Though he initially walked off the field, his condition deteriorated sharply in the dressing room.

A source privy to the situation confirmed the seriousness of the injury, stating, “Shreyas has been in ICU for the past couple of days. After the reports came in, internal bleeding was detected, and he had to be admitted immediately.”

The BCCI medical team’s quick response was critical after the 31-year-old’s vital parameters began to fluctuate. “The team doctor and physio didn’t take any chances and took him to the hospital immediately. Things are stable now, but it could have been fatal. He’s a tough lad and should be fine soon,” the source added.

Iyer is currently under strict observation to prevent the spread of infection due to the bleeding and is expected to remain in the ICU for anywhere between two to seven days, depending on his recovery.

The new development means the initial estimate of a three-week lay-off is now likely to be extended. “Since there has been internal bleeding, he will certainly need more time to recover, and at this point, it’s difficult to put a definite timeline on his return to competitive cricket,” the source explained.

The middle-order batsman is not part of India’s upcoming T20 squad and is expected to remain in the Sydney hospital for at least a week before being cleared to travel back to India.

Sabarimala Gold Scandal: ‘Amateur’ TDB Management Must Be Replaced by TTD-Style Professional ‘SABARI’ Body, Says Prasanth IAS

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Sabarimala Gold Scandal: ‘Amateur’ TDB Management Must Be Replaced by TTD-Style Professional ‘SABARI’ Body, Says Prasanth IAS

​THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the wake of the raging controversy and alleged irregularities surrounding the gold plates at the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, IAS officer Prasanth Nair has strongly advocated for the introduction of a professional administrative system, modelled on the lines of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) and Vaishno Devi shrine.

​Nair contends that the inherent administrative weaknesses of the current Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) management are the root cause of serious lapses like the gold theft scandal. He has proposed the immediate formation of a specialised body named ‘SABARI’ (Sabarimala Amenities and Biodiversity Area Regional Authority) to handle the complex affairs of the temple.

​Missing Gold and Mounting Legal Trouble

​The current controversy stems from a reported discrepancy of approximately 4.54 kg of gold following the replating of the idol in 2019.

  • ​The High Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) has made arrests, and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has joined the probe.
  • ​The TDB has been named as the eighth accused, with former 2019 TDB members and staff also being charged and suspended.
  • ​Prasanth Nair points out that the court interventions have unearthed evidence of an alleged deep-rooted antiquities trade mafia and groups exploiting the temple for years under the guise of devotion.

​A System Failure: The ‘Amateur’ Administration

​Nair highlights that an enterprise managing crores in revenue and millions of pilgrims is currently run by what he terms an ‘amateur improvisation’ system. Sabarimala, which experiences a seasonal ‘tidal surge’ of pilgrims, is treated merely as one of the 1,248 temples under the three-member TDB body.

  • ​The TDB structure, heavily dependent on political nominations, lacks full-time experts in crucial areas like finance, audit, crowd management, ecology, and digital systems.
  • ​He emphasizes that temporary, seasonal solutions can no longer sustain a national pilgrimage centre of this scale.

​The Solution: The SABARI Authority

​To overcome the administrative crisis, Nair insists on a shift to a professional approach, with permanent executive stewardship mirroring the successful TTD model, which is led by a senior IAS Executive Officer.

​Key Proposals for ‘SABARI’:

  • ​Full-Time Leadership: SABARI would be headed by a full-time IAS Chief Executive with a fixed tenure.
  • ​Expert Board: The board would include independent professionals in public finance, audit, civil engineering, public health, disaster/crowd management, and ecology.
  • ​Clear Mandate: SABARI would handle the administrative, financial, and safety aspects, while the ritualistic and devotional matters would remain with the Tantris and traditional custodians.

​Nair concludes that starting with the missing gold must end with finding confidence in the administration. Only the creation of a professional body like SABARI can provide the ‘grown-up governance’ that this major national shrine deserves.

KIIFB’s Silver Jubilee Controversy: Kerala Infrastructure Body, Aged 26, Plans 25th-Year Bash Amidst Spending Concerns

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KIIFB’s Silver Jubilee Controversy: Kerala Infrastructure Body, Aged 26, Plans 25th-Year Bash Amidst Spending Concerns

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: How does an organisation celebrate its 25th year when it has already completed 26 years of existence? This peculiar situation applies to the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), the state’s primary infrastructure funding body, which is now moving ahead with its Silver Jubilee celebrations despite crossing the 25-year mark last year.

​KIIFB was founded on November 11, 1999, which means its Silver Jubilee should have been celebrated in November 2024. A plan for a grand celebration in early 2025 was initially mooted but was shelved following a major legal setback: the Kerala High Court had ordered a CBI probe against K.M. Abraham, the Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and KIIFB’s CEO, in a disproportionate assets case.

​The CBI registered the case under the Prevention of Corruption Act based on a petition filed by human rights activist Jomon Puthenpurackal. The High Court, citing the petitioner’s statement, the Vigilance preliminary inquiry report, and other documents, had directed the CBI to register a case and investigate.

​However, Abraham successfully appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that an FIR could not be registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act without prior prosecution sanction. The Supreme Court subsequently stayed the High Court’s order, providing a temporary reprieve to the bureaucrat and KIIFB.

​With the legal situation stabilised, K.M. Abraham has reportedly dusted off the file for the long-delayed Silver Jubilee celebrations. Kerala Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal is expected to announce the details of the KIIFB Silver Jubilee programmes shortly.

​The move has drawn sharp criticism from political and economic observers, who argue that the state, already reeling from fiscal constraints, is now set to witness another high-profile instance of extravagance, with crores of rupees being spent on an anniversary celebration—one year later than due. The celebration of the ’25th year’ at the age of 26 is being cited as a prime example of the state government’s spending spree and fiscal imprudence.

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