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Election Gambit: Kerala Govt Moves to Merge Withheld DA Arrears with PF, Employees to Get Lakhs

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Election Gambit: Kerala Govt Moves to Merge Withheld DA Arrears with PF, Employees to Get Lakhs

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a significant policy reversal and a clear electoral strategy move, the Kerala government has decided to credit the long-withheld Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears of state government employees to their Provident Fund (PF) accounts. This move, spearheaded by Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal, will see lakhs of employees receive substantial arrears, potentially reversing the financial hardship and discontent caused by the earlier decision to deny retrospective DA payments.

​Since assuming the Finance portfolio in 2021, Balagopal had sanctioned four installments of DA but had broken with tradition by withholding the arrears, a practice that previously involved merging the accrued amount into the employee’s PF. The denial had resulted in losses running into lakhs of rupees for many employees, generating widespread resentment.

​With elections drawing closer, the government has now decided to merge the pending DA arrears into the PF accounts. This strategic shift is widely seen as an attempt by the Finance Minister to shed the reputation of being the minister who denied DA arrears.

​The financial relief is substantial across various levels:

  • ​Additional Secretary: Approximately ₹6 lakh in arrears.
  • ​Joint Secretary: Approximately ₹5.50 lakh.
  • ​Deputy Secretary: Approximately ₹5.25 lakh.
  • ​Under Secretary: Approximately ₹5 lakh.
  • ​Section Officer/Senior Superintendent: Approximately ₹4 lakh.
  • ​Assistants: ₹2.50 lakh to ₹3.50 lakh.
  • ​Clerk/Junior Superintendent/Head Clerk: ₹2 lakh to ₹3.50 lakh.
  • ​Teachers (Pre-Primary to Higher Secondary): Ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
  • ​Drivers: Approximately ₹2 lakh.
  • ​Office Assistants: Approximately ₹1.75 lakh.

​While the arrears will be credited immediately to the PF, the withdrawal will be permitted only in the subsequent government’s tenure, with orders expected to stipulate withdrawal over the financial years 2026-27 and 2027-28.

​Notably, personal staff of ministers and officials will receive their arrears in cash. The underlying election strategy is clear: to mitigate the deep-seated disapproval among government staff ahead of the polls and secure their goodwill through a massive financial injection.

Kedarnath Yatra Revolution: Adani’s ₹4,081 Cr Ropeway to Cut 9-Hour Trek to Just 36 Minutes

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Kedarnath Yatra Revolution: Adani’s ₹4,081 Cr Ropeway to Cut 9-Hour Trek to Just 36 Minutes

MUMBAI: Adani Enterprises has announced it will build a transformative ₹4,081 crore ropeway project connecting Sonprayag with the sacred Kedarnath Dham, one of India’s most challenging pilgrimage sites.

This 12.9 km ropeway is set to revolutionize the Kedarnath Yatra. Once operational, it will slash the current journey time from a gruelling 9-hour uphill trek to a comfortable 36-minute ride.

The project, developed under the central government’s ‘Parvatmala Pariyojana’ (National Ropeways Development Programme), will be built by Adani Enterprises’ Roads, Metro, Rail & Water (RMRW) division.

The ropeway is designed for high capacity, capable of carrying 1,800 passengers per hour in each direction. It is expected to serve nearly 20 lakh pilgrims annually, dramatically improving accessibility to the holy shrine.

Developed on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), the project has a construction timeline of six years. Following its completion, Adani Enterprises will operate and maintain the ropeway for a 29-year concession period.

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani described the project as “a bridge between devotion and modern infrastructure,” highlighting that the ropeway demonstrates how “faith and development can move together.”

‘My Phone is Always On’: Agarkar Hits Back at Shami Amid Fitness Row Over Australia Snub

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‘My Phone is Always On’: Agarkar Hits Back at Shami Amid Fitness Row Over Australia Snub

The controversy surrounding Mohammed Shami’s exclusion from India’s white-ball squads for the upcoming Australia series is intensifying, with BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar publicly responding to the veteran pacer’s recent comments.

India is scheduled to play three ODIs, starting October 19 in Perth, followed by five T20Is against Australia.

The selection committee faced criticism for picking young pacer Harshit Rana over the 35-year-old Shami for the ODIs. Reports subsequently emerged that Shami was ignored due to fitness concerns. This was seemingly confirmed when Agarkar, after the squad announcement, stated he had “no update” on Shami’s fitness status.

Shami, who is currently playing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, quickly dismissed these concerns. He quipped that it was not his responsibility to update everyone about his fitness.

Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2025, Agarkar directly addressed Shami’s remark. “If he says that to me, I will probably answer that… I might give him a call but my phone is always on for most players,” Agarkar said, adding he has had “multiple chats” with Shami in recent months.

The chief selector was clear on the reason for the pacer’s exclusion. “He (Shami) has been an incredible performer for India… But even before England, we said if he was fit, he would have been on that plane. Unfortunately, he wasn’t.”

Agarkar reiterated that Shami would have been selected for the Australia series if he was deemed fully fit. He added that with the domestic season just starting, selectors will be closely monitoring Shami’s performance in the Ranji Trophy.

“If he is bowling well, why would you not want to have someone like a Shami?” Agarkar concluded.

Shami last played ODI cricket for India in the Champions Trophy earlier this year, where he finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker for the team with nine wickets. He also participated in the IPL and Duleep Trophy.

IndiGo Announces Direct Flights to Athens from Delhi and Mumbai, Fares Start at Rs 21,999

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IndiGo Announces Direct Flights to Athens from Delhi and Mumbai, Fares Start at Rs 21,999

NEW DELHI: IndiGo is set to launch historic direct flights to Athens, Greece, from both Mumbai and Delhi, beginning in January next year. This move will make IndiGo the only Indian carrier to offer non-stop connectivity to the European nation.

The new services will commence from Mumbai on January 23, 2025, followed by the Delhi route on January 24, 2025.

These routes will be operated three days a week using IndiGo’s first long-range narrow-body aircraft, the Airbus A321 XLR. This new aircraft enables the airline to operate non-stop flights to Southern Europe cost-efficiently. The A321 XLR features a two-class configuration with 12 IndiGoStretch (business-class) seats and 183 economy class seats.

“This momentous development marks the beginning of a new era for IndiGo’s long-range narrow-body operations,” said IndiGo CEO Pieters Elbers. “We are confident that these new routes will play a vital role in strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two ancient civilisations.”

Flight Timings and Fares

According to the IndiGo website, the inaugural flight from Mumbai on January 23 will depart at 9:50 am and arrive in Athens at 2:15 pm local time.

The flight from Delhi on January 24 will depart at 9:10 am and reach the Greek capital at 2:25 pm, with a total flight duration of 8 hours and 45 minutes.

Introductory economy fares for both routes start at Rs 21,999. Business class fares for the Delhi-Athens flight are listed as starting from Rs 49,999.

Kohli’s Record Chase: Can Virat Surpass Sachin’s Unique Century Record in Australia ODIs?

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Kohli’s Record Chase: Can Virat Surpass Sachin’s Unique Century Record in Australia ODIs?

SYDNEY: Veteran superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have hit the ground running in Australia, leading Team India’s first training session with rigour ahead of the much-anticipated ODI series starting this Sunday.

Both former captains, who last played for India in the Champions Trophy earlier this year, batted for nearly 30 minutes in the nets. With their international careers now focused solely on the 50-over format, all eyes are on their performance Down Under.

This series is especially crucial for Virat Kohli, who is on the verge of rewriting the record books and silencing his critics.

The Records in Kohli’s Sights

While Kohli has already surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most ODI centuries (51 vs. 49), he is currently tied with the “Master Blaster” on another unique feat: the most centuries in a single format of the game.

  • Most Centuries in a Single Format: Kohli holds 51 centuries in ODIs, while Tendulkar holds the record of 51 centuries in Test cricket. One more ton from Kohli in this series will take his ODI tally to 52, making him the only player in history to score 52 or more centuries in a single format.
  • Second-Highest ODI Run-Scorer: Kohli is also within striking distance of another milestone. With 14,181 ODI runs, he is the third-highest run-scorer of all time. He needs just 54 runs to overtake Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara (14,234 runs) and claim the second spot, behind only Sachin Tendulkar (18,426).
  • Australian Milestone: Having scored 802 runs in 18 matches in Australia, Kohli also has the opportunity to unlock another feat by crossing the 900 or 1,000-run mark on Australian soil during this series.

Final Tour for the Legends?

This series could well be the last time cricket fans see the two ODI greats, Kohli (36) and Rohit (38), tour Australia. With their futures beyond these three matches uncertain, both will be keen to make a significant impact.

India enters the series with an unbeaten streak in the ODI format this year, but the formidable Australian side will be a tough challenger on their home turf.

Southern Railway Announces Special Trains Between Chennai and Santragachi; Bookings Open Today

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Southern Railway Announces Special Trains Between Chennai and Santragachi; Bookings Open Today

CHENNAI: To accommodate the extra rush of passengers during the upcoming Diwali festival, Southern Railway has announced festival special express trains between Chennai Egmore and Santragachi (near Kolkata).

According to a press release from the Chief Public Relations Officer, advance reservations for these special services will open today, October 18, 2025, at 08:00 hrs.

Train Schedule Details:

  • Train No. 06109 (Chennai Egmore to Santragachi): This special will depart from Chennai Egmore at 00:15 hrs on Sunday, October 19, 2025. It is scheduled to reach Santragachi at 09:00 hrs on the following day (Monday). This will be a single service.
  • Train No. 06110 (Santragachi to Chennai Egmore): In the return direction, this special will leave Santragachi at 14:55 hrs on Monday, October 20, 2025. It will arrive at Chennai Egmore at 21:00 hrs on the next day (Tuesday). This will also be a single service.

Coach Composition and Stoppages

The trains will consist of 10 Sleeper Class coaches, 8 General Second Class coaches, and 2 Second Class coaches specially designed to be Divyangjan (differently-abled) friendly.

Key stops along the route include Gudur, Nellore, Ongole, Vijayawada, Rajamundry, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam Road, Palasa, Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Bhadrak, Balasore, and Kharagpur.

‘Athiradi’ Title Teaser: Vineeth Sreenivasan Turns Villain for Tovino Thomas and Basil Joseph in Mass Actioner

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‘Athiradi’ Title Teaser: Vineeth Sreenivasan Turns Villain for Tovino Thomas and Basil Joseph in Mass Actioner

The title teaser for the much-anticipated Malayalam film ‘Athiradi’ has been unveiled, promising a high-octane mass entertainer. The film’s biggest highlight is its stellar lead cast, bringing together Tovino Thomas, Basil Joseph, and Vineeth Sreenivasan for the first time, with Vineeth surprisingly taking on the antagonist role.

The film is produced by Basil Joseph under Basil Joseph Entertainments and Dr. Ananthu S under Dr. Ananthu Entertainments. ‘Athiradi’ also marks the directorial debut of Arun Anirudhan, who previously served as one of the screenwriters for the blockbuster ‘Minnal Murali’.

The project boasts a significant reunion of the ‘Minnal Murali’ crew, bringing Tovino Thomas, Basil Joseph, and writer Arun Anirudhan back together. Acclaimed director-cinematographer Sameer Thahir and Tovino Thomas are also serving as co-producers for the film.

The teaser, which introduces Vineeth Sreenivasan’s character first, shows both Tovino Thomas and Basil Joseph in “mass” avatars. A powerful dialogue from the teaser, “If one is wildfire, the other is a storm,” strongly suggests the film will be a thrilling action spectacle. The promo also makes it clear that the three actors portray characters from completely different walks of life.

Signaling a wide release, the ‘Athiradi’ title teaser has been launched simultaneously in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada.

Filming is scheduled to commence by the end of October. The screenplay is penned by Paulson Skaria and director Arun Anirudhan. The technical crew includes Vishnu Vijay for music, Samuel Henry as the cinematographer, and Chaman Chakko as the editor.

Mullaperiyar Dam Opens: 5,000 Cusecs Water Released, High Alert Issued for Periyar River Banks

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Mullaperiyar Dam Opens: 5,000 Cusecs Water Released, High Alert Issued for Periyar River Banks

Idukki, October 18, 2025 — The Idukki District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has issued a high-level caution notice following the controlled release of water from the Mullaperiyar dam early this morning. The move comes after the water level in the reservoir soared to 136.00 feet at 3:00 AM, driven by sustained heavy rainfall in the catchment area.

​According to a press release issued by the DDMA, a flow of 5,000 cusecs (cubic feet per second) of water is being channeled into the Periyar river basin, starting from 8:00 AM today, October 18, 2025.

​The water is being released toward the Moolamattom Powerhouse, which is expected to significantly increase the water flow downstream.

​Warning for Riverine Communities

​The primary concern is the potential for rising water levels along the banks of the Periyar River and its tributaries. This high water flow is expected to impact areas within the Idukki district and extend all the way up to parts of the Ernakulam district.

​The DDMA has urgently appealed to all residents living on the banks of the Periyar River and adjacent water bodies to exercise extreme caution and be prepared to move to safer locations if instructed.

​”People living in these areas are hereby informed to exercise extreme caution,” the notice stated.

​The District Collector and DDMA Chairperson confirmed that the district administration and disaster management personnel have activated all necessary precautionary measures to monitor the situation and respond swiftly to any emergencies. Authorities urge the public to cooperate fully with the instructions provided by the disaster response teams.

In Historic Reversal, Indian Air Force Instructors to Train UK’s RAF Fighter Pilots

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In Historic Reversal, Indian Air Force Instructors to Train UK’s RAF Fighter Pilots

LONDON: In a move that marks a significant and historic reversal of colonial-era dynamics, two elite flying instructors from the Indian Air Force (IAF) are set to train the next generation of fighter pilots for the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF).

The two IAF officers, both qualified flying instructors on the Hawk advanced jet trainer, will be based at No. 4 Flying Training School at RAF Valley in Anglesey, Wales, for a period of up to three years. They will be responsible for training RAF aircrew officers on the BAE Hawk TMk2, the aircraft used to prepare pilots for frontline jets like the Typhoon and F-35.

A senior RAF source confirmed the plan to TOI, stating the start date will not be before October 2026, as the instructors will first undergo up to a year of UK familiarisation and training. Under the agreement, the instructors’ salaries will be paid by India, while the UK Ministry of Defence will provide accommodation.

The landmark agreement was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Mumbai last week. An RAF source described the initiative as a “new approach” to building a stronger, more trusting relationship with the IAF, supporting wider UK military and political goals.

“The knowledge exchange that occurs from the interaction with international trainers allows for the exchange of tactics, techniques, and procedures,” the RAF source said, highlighting the strategic benefits of enhancing interoperability between the two nations.

The move also underscores India’s growing aerospace prowess. The World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft ranks the Indian Air Force as the third-strongest in the world, ahead of the UK, which is ranked eighth.

Is Andrew Still a Prince? A Guide to His Royal Titles After the Scandal

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Is Andrew Still a Prince? A Guide to His Royal Titles After the Scandal

LONDON – Prince Andrew has relinquished his most significant royal titles, including the Duke of York, in the face of the ever-widening Jeffrey Epstein scandal. But the move is a complex one, leaving many asking: What exactly has he lost, what does he keep, and is he still a prince?

The decision, made after what sources call intense pressure from King Charles, is an attempt by the monarchy to finally distance itself from the controversy that has plagued Prince Andrew for years. While he will no longer use his key titles in any official or public capacity, the legal reality is more nuanced. Here is a breakdown of his current status.

What He Has Lost

Prince Andrew has voluntarily given up the use of all his major titles and honours. This effectively removes him from public life and includes:

  • His Dukedom: He will no longer be known as the Duke of York, a prestigious title given to him by his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, on his wedding day.
  • Other Peerages: He also relinquishes his secondary titles of Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh.
  • Knighthoods: He has given up his role as a Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter (KG) and his Knighthood as a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO).

The practical result is a complete withdrawal from royal tradition. He will no longer attend the annual Garter Day service at Windsor Castle or join the family for their public Christmas Day walk at Sandringham.

What He Still Keeps

Despite losing his public-facing titles, Prince Andrew retains his birthright status and some constitutional roles, though they are inactive.

  • He is still a Prince: Andrew was born a prince as the son of the monarch, and this status can only be removed by the King issuing a formal decree known as a Letters Patent. This is not expected to happen.
  • Counsellor of State: He technically remains one of the seven Counsellors of State who can act on behalf of the monarch. However, the Palace has clarified this role is now “inactive,” and only “working members” of the Royal Family will be called upon.

The Legal Nuance

Crucially, his titles have been relinquished, not legally removed. To formally strip him of the Dukedom of York would require a specific Act of Parliament, a move considered by royal and government officials to be a messy and unnecessary use of parliamentary time. By having him “voluntarily” give them up, the Palace has achieved its goal without a formal political intervention.

Fallout for the Family

The decision also impacts his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who will no longer use the courtesy title “Duchess of York” and reverts to her maiden name. Their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, are unaffected and will retain their titles. Andrew and Sarah will also continue to reside at Royal Lodge in Windsor, as he holds a long-term private lease on the property.

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