Category: NEWS

Trivandrum: The state government has granted greater academic and administrative autonomy to self-financing colleges in the higher education sector. New guidelines issued by the Higher Education Department ease the requirement for special government permission to start new courses and increase seats in existing courses. The reform aims to ensure enhanced self-governance of colleges and to simplify administrative procedures related to course management. According to the new directives, self-financing colleges across the state no longer need specific government approval to introduce new courses, offer additional courses under the self-financing category, or…

Kochi: The Kerala High Court has directed that adequate police protection be provided to journalist Aparna Kurup and her minor son, who have complained of facing death threats and severe cyber-attacks following a television discussion on remarks made by Kanthapuram A.P. Abubakker Musliyar relating to women’s rights. The court instructed the Ernakulam South Police Station House Officer to ensure the security of their lives as well as the apartment where they reside. Justice Murali Purushothaman issued this order on November 8. The High Court’s intervention came on a petition filed…

Pathanamthitta: To ensure the sanctity of the forest areas and the safety of pilgrims during the Sabarimala Mandal-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, stringent prohibitions have been imposed on the sale and consumption of alcohol and tobacco products. The restrictions will be in effect from November 15, 2026, to January 20, 2027. Authorities have taken these measures to prevent the use and illicit sale of intoxicating substances considering the large influx of devotees visiting Sabarimala during the pilgrimage. The ban is enforced mainly in pilgrimage centres and surrounding areas where devotees predominantly gather,…