Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina is facing trial for alleged crimes against humanity. Charges are related to the violent crackdown during the 2024 student protests, where she and two top officials are accused of orchestrating state violence. Prosecutors presented video evidence and encrypted communications suggesting that Hasina directly ordered security forces and political affiliates to carry out attacks. She resigned and fled the country in August after 15 years in power. The case involves 81 witnesses.
May Ration Distribution Extended to June 4
Due to heavy monsoon damage across the state, the Food Department has extended the May ration distribution until June 4. The department denied media reports of a distribution crisis, stating that all transport contractors have been fully paid and the process is functioning normally. As of now, 90% of food grains required for June have already been delivered to ration shops. Instructions have been issued to safely store food in preparation for possible flooding due to continued rain.
So far, 92.12% of AAY cardholders and 87% of PPH cardholders have received their May ration entitlements.
Opportunity to Convert White and Blue Ration Cards to Pink Cards
Eligible households holding general category ration cards (White or Blue) that are not listed under the exclusion criteria can now apply to convert their cards to the PPH (Priority Household) category — Pink Ration Cards. Applications can be submitted online from June 2 to June 15 through Akshaya centers or via the Citizen Login Portal: ecitizen.civilsupplieskerala.gov.in.
Kamal Haasan Refuses to Apologize Over Kannada Language Remark
Chennai: Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam leader Kamal Haasan has refused to apologize over his remark concerning the Kannada language during the audio launch of his upcoming Tamil film Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam. Kamal stated that he would only apologize if he had made a mistake, which he insists he did not. His comment that the Kannada language originated from Tamil drew backlash from BJP leaders and Kannada language organizations, who accused him of insulting the Kannada language. Kamal emphasized his genuine love for all South Indian languages and his belief in democracy, law, and justice.
Actor Unni Mukundan Files Complaint Alleging Conspiracy in Assault Case
Kochi: Actor Unni Mukundan has filed a complaint with the DGP and ADGP alleging a conspiracy in a case accusing him of assaulting his former manager. The complaint comes ahead of a court hearing on his anticipatory bail application scheduled for Saturday. Meanwhile, the complainant, Vipin Kumar, has stated that the assault caused him distress and dismissed Unni’s conspiracy claim as baseless. Vipin also expressed satisfaction with the ongoing police investigation. The assault allegedly followed a social media post by Vipin praising actor Tovino Thomas’s film “Narivetta,” which reportedly angered Unni Mukundan. The case may see more serious charges added against the actor.
Man Arrested for Supplying Indian SIM Cards to Pakistani Spy
New Delhi: A man from Rajasthan has been arrested for allegedly supplying Indian mobile SIM cards to Pakistani intelligence officers for espionage activities in India. The accused, 34-year-old Qasim, was detained by Delhi Police. Investigations revealed that he had visited Pakistan in 2024 and 2025, staying for nearly 90 days, during which he is suspected to have met with ISI operatives. Intelligence reports from September 2024 indicated that Pakistani agents were misusing Indian SIM cards to leak information related to the Indian Army and government institutions. Qasim was arrested on the morning of May 30 in the Deeg district of Rajasthan and is currently being questioned by police.
NEET Exam to Be Held in a Single Shift: Supreme Court Directive
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has directed that the NEET exam should be conducted in a single shift to ensure fairness. The court noted that conducting the exam in two different shifts is one-sided and raises concerns of bias. The directive came while hearing a petition challenging the National Board of Examinations’ decision to hold the exam in two shifts. The court has asked the board to hold the NEET exam scheduled for June 15 in a single shift to enhance transparency. Currently, both NEET UG and PG exams are conducted in two shifts.
M. Swaraj Announced as LDF Candidate for Nilambur By-election
Thiruvananthapuram: M. Swaraj, a member of the CPM State Secretariat, will contest as the LDF candidate in the Nilambur by-election. He will compete under the party symbol. The CPM decided to field its own candidate after discussions with several independent candidates. It is reported that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan played a key role in this decision. The candidate announcement was made by CPM State Secretary M.V. Govindan during a press conference held at the AKG Centre.
Kerala Monsoon 2025 Live Updates: Early Onset Brings Heavy Rains, Red Alerts, and Rising Concerns
Kerala Monsoon 2025 Live Updates: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that the southwest monsoon arrived in Kerala on May 24, 2025, marking the earliest onset since 2009, when it arrived on May 23. This early arrival, eight days ahead of the usual June 1 onset, has triggered intense rainfall across the state, prompting widespread alerts and raising concerns about potential accidents, including flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding. Below are live updates on the monsoon’s impact, weather alerts, and reported incidents across Kerala.
Note: This is a live update, and information may evolve as new reports emerge. For the latest weather alerts, visit mausam.imd.gov.in
Heavy Rain Alert: Holiday Declared for Educational Institutions in Six Kerala Districts
Thiruvananthapuram, May 29, 2025 — Due to persistent heavy rainfall and weather warnings, a holiday has been declared for all educational institutions in six Kerala districts—Kannur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Idukki, Kasaragod, and Thrissur—on Friday, May 30, 2025. The decision was made by district collectors to prioritize the safety of students and staff amid forecasts of intense rain and strong winds.
Affected Institutions
The holiday applies to:
- Anganwadis
- Professional colleges
- CBSE and ICSE schools
- Nurseries and tuition centers
- Art, sports, and religious study centers
- Madrasas and training institutes
Note: Pre-scheduled examinations and interviews will proceed as planned, with no changes to their schedules.
District-Specific Announcements
Kottayam
District Collector John V. Samuel has declared a holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, anganwadis, tuition centers, and vacation classes, due to ongoing heavy rainfall. Scheduled exams remain unaffected.
Thrissur
As a precautionary measure, District Collector Arjun Pandian has announced a holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, Kendriya Vidyalayas, CBSE/ICSE schools, anganwadis, and tuition centers. Exams and interviews will proceed as scheduled.
Idukki
Due to heavy rain and strong winds, a holiday has been declared for all educational institutions, including madrasas, tuition centers, and professional colleges.
Ernakulam
With an orange alert in place, District Collector NSK Umesh has declared a holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges and anganwadis, on May 30.
Kannur
A red alert prompted the District Collector to declare a holiday for all educational institutions, anganwadis, madrasas, tuition centers, and special classes due to persistent heavy rainfall.
Kasaragod
A holiday has been declared for all educational institutions in the district due to adverse weather conditions.
Advisory
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines, and stay updated on weather alerts as the state braces for continued heavy rainfall.
