In the last 24 hours, Kerala reported two COVID-19-related deaths involving a 74-year-old woman and a 79-year-old man. The number of active cases in the state has risen to 1,679. Across India, COVID-19 cases continue to increase, with over 5,364 active cases currently reported. In response to the rising trend, the central government has advised all states to remain prepared.
Kerala Reports Two COVID-19 Deaths; Active Cases Rise Nationwide
Thennila Balakrishna Pillai Passes Away
Thiruvananthapuram: Former KPCC President and senior Congress leader Thennila Balakrishna Pillai (95) passed away at his residence in Thiruvananthapuram. He was undergoing treatment for age-related ailments.
A native of Shooranad in Kollam district, Thennila Balakrishna Pillai served as a Rajya Sabha MP three times, a Member of the Legislative Assembly twice, and KPCC President twice. Known for his exemplary cooperative spirit, gentle demeanor, and reserved nature, he led a political life free of blemish. He was widely regarded as a Congress leader who transcended factional politics.
Shine Tom Chacko Accident; Actor Shine Tom Chacko’s Father C.P. Chacko Dies in Tragic Car Accident Near Bengaluru
Salem: C.P. Chacko, father of Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko, tragically died in a car accident on the Salem-Bengaluru National Highway early this morning, June 6, 2025. The vehicle carrying Shine Tom and his family collided with a lorry near Bengaluru, resulting in fatal injuries to C.P. Chacko. Shine Tom sustained hand injuries in the crash.
The family, traveling from Thrissur to Bengaluru, included Shine Tom, his mother, brother, and an assistant. The accident occurred when their car hit the rear of a Karnataka-registered lorry. Authorities and locals rushed the injured to a hospital in Dharmapuri for treatment.
It is yet to be confirmed who was driving at the time of the collision. The family had departed Thrissur the previous night. C.P. Chacko was recently involved in a legal case concerning his son, Shine Tom, which had drawn public attention.
This tragic incident has shocked fans of the actor, known for his roles in Malayalam cinema. Further details on the accident are awaited as police investigations continue.
Trump Bans Entry of Citizens from 12 Countries
Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a travel ban on citizens from 12 countries, citing national security concerns. The affected countries are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The ban will take effect from Monday.
In addition to this, partial restrictions have been placed on citizens from seven other countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
‘Manjummel Boys’ Producers Summoned by Police in Fraud Case
Kochi: The producers of the Malayalam film Manjummel Boys have been issued notices by the police in connection with a financial fraud case. Soubin Shahir, Babu Shahir, and Shawn Antony have been directed to appear before the investigation team within two weeks.
The case, based on a complaint filed by Siraj Valiyaveettil from Aroor, alleges that the producers promised him 40% of the film’s profits and collected money based on inflated production costs. Siraj claimed they collected ₹7 crore by stating that the film’s budget was ₹22 crore.
However, the police report states that the actual production cost was only ₹18.65 crore, and the producers did not spend any of their own money. Despite the film being a superhit, no share of the profits has been returned to the complainant.
The producers argue that Siraj failed to provide the promised funds on time, causing shooting delays and financial losses, which is why the remaining amount was not repaid.
Bengaluru Tragedy: Karnataka High Court Takes Suo Motu Case
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has taken a suo motu case regarding the tragic incident that occurred during an IPL victory celebration in Bengaluru. The event at Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday evening led to a stampede that claimed the lives of 11 people and injured many others.
Though the stadium has a capacity of 35,000, nearly 300,000 people gathered at the venue. Once the gates were opened, the crowd became unmanageable, leading to chaos and fatalities, including women and children.
The DGP’s report stated that there was no failure on the part of the police and that the event was conducted in defiance of police recommendations. The event was organized hastily by the Karnataka Cricket Association and the state government to honor the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team for their maiden IPL title win. The final match had taken place on Tuesday night in Ahmedabad.
The High Court is scheduled to hear the case on Thursday at 2:30 PM.
Ration Shops to Remain Closed for Two Days
Thiruvananthapuram: The distribution of May’s ration quota has been completed, which was extended until June 4 due to heavy rains. As is standard practice, ration shops will remain closed on the first day of the new month for inventory checks, which will fall on Thursday this time.
Since Bakrid has been shifted to June 7 (Saturday), that day will also be a holiday for ration shops. June 6 (Friday) will be a working day.
Food Minister G.R. Anil confirmed that the June quota of food grains has already been delivered to all ration shops. The department is fully prepared to face adverse weather conditions and has instructed officials to ensure the safe storage of food grains in anticipation of heavy rains and possible flooding.
COVID-19: Active Cases in India Cross 4,800; Kerala Has the Highest Count
New Delhi: COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise in India. In the past 24 hours, 564 new cases have been reported, pushing the number of active cases nationwide to 4,866.
Kerala has the highest number of active cases at 1,487, followed by Delhi (562), West Bengal (538), Maharashtra (526), Gujarat (508), Karnataka (436), and Tamil Nadu (213). In the last 24 hours, Kerala reported 114 new cases, while other significant numbers came from Delhi (105), West Bengal (106), Karnataka (112), Gujarat (47), and Maharashtra (16).
Seven COVID-related deaths were recorded during this time, including a 5-month-old baby in Delhi who had pre-existing conditions like pneumonia. Maharashtra reported 3 deaths, while Karnataka reported 2.
So far, 51 people have died from COVID-19 across the country in 2025.
Kerala Bakrid 2025: Holiday Declared Only on Saturday
Thiruvananthapuram: The state cabinet has decided that the government holiday for Bakrid (Eid al-Adha) will be observed only on Saturday. Though there was consideration to declare Friday as a holiday as well, the proposal was eventually rejected.
Due to a delay in the sighting of the moon, Bakrid was moved from June 6 (Friday) to June 7 (Saturday). The holiday initially declared for June 6 has now been shifted to June 7.
Public Holiday and Dry Day on Nilambur By-election Day
Thiruvananthapuram: A public holiday has been declared on June 19 in connection with the Nilambur legislative assembly by-election. All government offices and educational institutions within the constituency limits will remain closed on that day. Institutions under the Negotiable Instruments Act will also be granted a paid holiday.
The Chief Electoral Officer, Dr. Rathan U. Khelkar, announced that arrangements would be made by the Labour Commissioner to ensure paid leave for employees of private institutions governed by the Shops and Commercial Establishments Act.
Additionally, the government has declared a “dry day” in the Nilambur constituency starting from 48 hours before the polling — from June 17 onwards — until polling ends. Authorities have been instructed to take necessary precautions to prevent the storage or sale of alcohol during this period.
