Thiruvananthapuram: Intelligence report that Maoist activity is strong in Kerala.  Maoists are reportedly operating in Wayanad and Kannur districts.  This has been stated in the report submitted to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.  The report points out that more than fifty Maoists are camped in the forest.

 Maoist members including those from Jharkhand are reported to be in the forest areas of Kerala.  They provide training.  The Center is also monitoring the reports of state intelligence.  The Chief Minister has sought a report from the Chief Secretary on the incident.  It is reported that an urgent meeting will be held in this regard.

 The Central Intelligence Agency had warned that Maoist activities would intensify in the state in 2021.  After this, the state intelligence was monitoring.  A report by state intelligence said that strengthening Maoist activity would create more problems.  The intelligence report points out that if more national and state leaders go to work concentrated in Wayanad and Kannur districts when the Lok Sabha elections are about to be held, there should be more assurance including their security and there should be a change in the security arrangements.

Thiruvananthapuram: Department of Education has increased the age limit of higher secondary guest teachers to 56.  The education department issued an order increasing the age limit from 40 to 56.  Earlier, the age limit for teachers in general category in higher secondary schools was 40 years.

 There was also a report by the Director of Public Education that at present there is a situation where there is no teacher to teach as guest teachers within the age limit as per the special rule are not available.  The order also states that the age has been revised so that the studies of higher secondary students are not disrupted.

 There was a widespread complaint that the regional deputy directors were rejecting the appointment orders of guest teachers who were over 40 years of age.  The age limit was 43 years for OBC and 45 years for SC and ST categories.

 Moreover, complaints were raised from teachers and candidates that after obtaining all the qualifications including BE, they are able to teach for a very short period of time.  Considering these complaints, the Public Education Department re-fixed the age limit of guest teachers. 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rain with thunder and lightning is likely in the state for the next four days.  The Central Meteorological Department has informed that people should be cautious as there is a possibility of strong winds that can blow up to 40 km per hour.

 There is also a warning that Tulavarsha is likely to reach over South India in the next 48 hours.  Low pressure is gaining strength in the Arabian Sea.  A low pressure has also formed over the Bay of Bengal and there is a possibility of rain and thundershowers for the next five days.

 Low pressure is located over the Southeast Arabian Sea and Southwest Arabian Sea.  The Central Meteorological Department said that it is likely to move west-northwestward in the next few hours and become a strong depression and then intensify again by October 21 and become an extreme depression over Southwest Arabian Sea and Central West Arabian Sea.

Kochi: High Court says no decorations including flowers on Sabarimala pilgrimage vehicles.  The court directed that decorating the vehicle is a violation of the Motor Vehicle Rules and action should be taken against the vehicles with such decorations and a fine should be levied.

 The High Court has also directed the Motor Vehicle Department to take action against the vehicles coming at the government board.  The Sabarimala Mandal-Makaravilak Pilgrimage is to be started next month.