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Kerala Budget 2026 Highlights: Salary Revision, Assured Pension & Free Trauma Care Announced

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Thiruvananthapuram: Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal presented the final full budget of the second Pinarayi Vijayan government in the Legislative Assembly today. Despite facing financial constraints, the budget places a strong emphasis on social welfare, infrastructure development, and relief for government employees.

Here are the major highlights and announcements from the Kerala Budget 2026:

1. Major Relief for Government Employees & Pensioners

The budget addresses several long-standing demands of state government employees.

  • Salary Revision: A new Pay Revision Commission has been appointed. The commission is directed to submit its report within three months.
  • DA Arrears: Pending Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) arrears will be cleared. One installment will be paid with February’s salary, and the remaining installments will be disbursed with the March salary.
  • Assured Pension Scheme: The contributory pension system will be replaced by a new ‘Assured Pension’ scheme starting in April. This scheme guarantees a pension equivalent to 50% of the last drawn basic salary.
  • Medisep 2.0: The health insurance scheme for employees, Medisep, will be relaunched with enhanced benefits starting February 1st. A similar model will be introduced for pensioners and cooperative sector employees.
  • HBA Revival: The House Building Advance (HBA) scheme for employees will be revived.

2. Infrastructure: K-Rail Stance & New High-Speed Corridor

  • K-Rail (SilverLine): Finance Minister Balagopal clarified that the government has not abandoned the K-Rail project. He stated the government is not adamant about the name or specific technology but insists that a north-south high-speed rail corridor is essential for the state.
  • RRTS Project: In parallel, the budget proposed a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) connecting Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur. An amount of ₹100 Crore has been allocated for preliminary works to connect city metros.
  • Vizhinjam Port: ₹1000 Crore will be invested through KINFRA for land acquisition and infrastructure development at Vizhinjam.

3. Health & Social Welfare

  • Free Trauma Care: The government announced free treatment for accident victims for the first 48 hours (extendable up to 5 days) in government and selected private hospitals. ₹15 Crore has been allocated for this.
  • New Health Insurance: A new health insurance scheme will be introduced for families not covered under the Karunya scheme, with an allocation of ₹50 Crore.
  • Menopause Clinics: ₹3 Crore has been allocated to start Menopause Clinics in all District Hospitals.

4. Honorarium & Wage Hikes

  • Asha & Anganwadi Workers: A hike of ₹1000 has been announced for the honorarium of Asha workers, Anganwadi workers, Pre-primary teachers, and Literacy Preraks.
  • Anganwadi Helpers: A hike of ₹500.
  • School Cooks: Daily wages for school cooking staff increased by ₹25.
  • Journalists & Caregivers: Journalist pension hiked to ₹13,000. The monthly allowance for caregivers of bedridden patients has been increased from ₹600 to ₹1000.

5. Education & Students

  • Nutrition: Milk and eggs will now be provided to Anganwadi children on all working days (₹80.90 Crore allocated).
  • Uniforms: ₹150 Crore allocated for free uniforms for government school students.
  • Scholarships: ₹130.78 Crore allocated for OBC educational scholarships.

6. Other Key Announcements

  • Nativity Card: To address concerns regarding SIR and CAA/NRC among minorities, the government will introduce a ‘Nativity Card’ through new legislation.
  • Life Mission: A massive allocation of ₹1497.27 Crore for the Life Mission housing project.
  • MLA Funds: MLAs can now propose projects worth up to ₹7 Crore.
  • Cinema: ₹7 Crore allocated specifically for women directors to produce feature films.
  • Green Mobility: A subsidy of ₹40,000 for auto-rickshaw drivers to purchase eco-friendly electric autos.

Political Context: In his budget speech, the Finance Minister strongly criticized the Central Government, accusing it of encroaching upon the financial rights of states and attempting to undermine federalism. He specifically noted that the Centre is slashing the state’s tax share and borrowing limits.

Mohanlal Stuns as a Cop in New Poster for ‘L366’; Returns to Classic Moustache Look

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mohanlal movie L366 poster

Kochi: The wait is finally over for fans of ‘Lalettan’ as the superstar unveiled his striking new look for his upcoming film, tentatively titled L366. Directed by Tharun Moorthy, the newly released poster features Mohanlal back in a police uniform, channeling the intensity of his iconic cop roles from the past.

What has caught the internet’s attention is Mohanlal’s return to his classic style. After sporting a thick beard for several years, the actor has opted for a clean-shaven look with his signature moustache for this character. The poster captures him in a quintessential police avatar, sparking nostalgia and excitement among moviegoers.

Mohanlal officially joined the sets on January 23, sharing pictures of the clapboard and the crew on social media. “Starting this journey with gratitude as I join the sets of L366,” he wrote. Produced by Ashiq Usman, the film is touted to be a cop action-comedy. This project marks the second collaboration between Mohanlal and director Tharun Moorthy.

Reports suggest that Meera Jasmine may join the cast as the female lead, though an official confirmation is awaited. With the release of this poster, expectations for the film have skyrocketed.

Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil Granted Bail in Third Rape Case; Set for Release

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Pathanamthitta: The Pathanamthitta District Sessions Court has granted bail to Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in the third rape case registered against him. The court allowed the bail application subject to strict conditions.

This verdict is a crucial turning point for the MLA, who has been in remand for over two weeks following his arrest on January 11. With bail now secured in this third case, he is expected to be released from jail.

Case Background & Legal Proceedings The third case was registered based on a complaint filed by a Non-Resident Keralite (NRK) woman. Rahul Mamkootathil approached the Sessions Court seeking relief after the Thiruvalla Magistrate Court had previously denied his bail application.

Defense Arguments During the hearing, the defense counsel argued that the case was fabricated and asserted that the relationship with the complainant was consensual. To substantiate these claims, the defense presented digital evidence to the court, including:

  • WhatsApp chat logs
  • Voice clips

The court’s decision to grant bail paves the way for the MLA’s release from custody.

BREAKING: Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Killed in Plane Crash

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Baramati: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has reportedly died after his plane crashed while attempting to land in Baramati on Wednesday morning.

The tragic incident occurred around 8:45 AM when the private chartered aircraft, flying from Mumbai to Baramati, crashed near the airport. According to national media reports, all persons on board, including the Deputy Chief Minister, lost their lives in the accident.

Preliminary information suggests that the aircraft developed a technical snag and was attempting an emergency landing when it crashed and burst into flames.

Visuals from the site show the wreckage of the plane completely burnt, with thick smoke rising from the scene. Fire engines and police teams have reached the spot and are conducting rescue operations. Ajit Pawar was traveling to Baramati to attend public meetings related to the upcoming elections.

Official confirmation and further details regarding the accident are awaited.

India and EU Sign Historic Free Trade Agreement; PM Modi Calls It the ‘Mother of All Deals’

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New Delhi: In a landmark move for the global economy, India and the European Union (EU) have officially signed a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the historic development on Tuesday, January 27, describing the pact as the “mother of all deals.”

Speaking virtually at the Indian Energy Week, the Prime Minister informed the nation that the agreement was finalized on Monday. He emphasized that this partnership unites two of the world’s most significant economies, together accounting for 25% of the global GDP and one-third of global trade.

Key Highlights of the Agreement:

  • Boost for Manufacturing & Services: PM Modi highlighted that the FTA would significantly bolster domestic manufacturing and drive growth in India’s services sector. He extended congratulations to professionals in the textiles, gems and jewelry, leather, and footwear industries, who are expected to be the primary beneficiaries.
  • Cheaper European Cars: According to reports, India is expected to slash import tariffs on European cars. Duties that currently stand as high as 110% could be reduced to approximately 40%, marking one of the most significant openings of the Indian auto market in decades.
  • Global Competitiveness: Experts suggest the deal will allow Indian exporters in the garment and leather sectors to compete more effectively with countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam. While the EU imports $125 billion worth of textiles annually, India currently holds only a 5-6% share—a figure expected to rise sharply under the new FTA.
  • Strengthening Global Supply Chains: The Prime Minister noted that this agreement complements India’s existing trade deals with Britain and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), further solidifying India’s position as a reliable global trade partner and investment hub.

“This free trade agreement will strengthen confidence in India for every business and every investor in the world,” PM Modi stated, adding that the deal opens immense opportunities for 140 crore Indians and millions of Europeans.

The announcement follows high-level meetings at Hyderabad House in New Delhi between Prime Minister Modi, European Council President António Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The deal is seen as a strategic masterstroke that will reshape trade dynamics between Asia and Europe for years to come.

Deepak Suicide Case: Court Denies Bail to Shimjitha; Accused to Remain in Remand

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KOZHIKODE: The Kunnamangalam First Class Magistrate Court has rejected the bail application of Shimjitha Mustafa, who was arrested on charges of abetment to suicide following the death of Kozhikode native Deepak. The court ruled that the accused must remain in judicial remand.

Police Report: The police submitted a report strongly opposing the bail plea, stating that the accused is a social media influencer and, if released, there is a high risk of her influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence.

  • Prosecution’s Stance: The prosecution argued that Shimjitha filmed and circulated the video with the malicious intent of conducting a public trial. They contended that the severe mental agony and public humiliation caused by the viral video directly led Deepak to take his own life.
  • Defense Argument: The defense counsel argued that Shimjitha had no prior acquaintance with Deepak and claimed that the charges of “abetment to suicide” would not legally hold in this context.

Valentine’s Week 2026 Full List: From Rose Day to Valentine’s Day, Here is the Complete Calendar

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Valentine’s Week 2026 Full List

The “Season of Love” is officially knocking on the door, and for 2026, Cupid has arranged a unique scheduling perk for romantics worldwide. If you are planning to celebrate with your special someone, you are in luck: Valentine’s Week 2026 is a “weekend-to-weekend” celebration.

This year, the festivities kick off on a Saturday (Rose Day) and culminate with the grand finale on a Saturday (Valentine’s Day). This rare alignment gives couples and best friends two full weekends to celebrate, making 2026 the perfect year for extended getaways, staycations, or relaxed date nights without the Monday-morning blues.

From gifting ideas to the significance of each day, here is your ultimate guide to the Valentine’s Week 2026 full list.

When is Valentine’s Day 2026?

Valentine’s Day 2026 falls on Saturday, February 14. Historically, the day commemorates St. Valentine, a Roman priest associated with courtly love. Today, it has evolved into a global occasion not just for couples, but for celebrating self-love and friendship (Galentine’s Day).

Valentine’s Week 2026 Calendar: The Complete Date Sheet Whether you are prepping for a proposal or just want to spoil your partner with chocolates, here is the day-by-day schedule you need to bookmark.

February 7 (Saturday): Rose Day

  • The Significance: The week begins with the offering of roses. Red symbolizes passion, yellow stands for friendship, and white signifies peace.
  • 2026 Tip: Since it falls on a Saturday, skip the quick flower hand-off. Plan a morning visit to a botanical garden or wake your partner up with a “bed of roses.”

February 8 (Sunday): Propose Day

  • The Significance: The designated day to confess your feelings or pop the big question.
  • 2026 Tip: Use the Sunday holiday to your advantage. Plan a sunset drive to a scenic viewpoint for a stress-free proposal. Already married? Write a letter “proposing” a new travel goal for the year.

February 9 (Monday): Chocolate Day

  • The Significance: A day to add sweetness to your bond.
  • 2026 Tip: Beat the Monday blues by hosting a mini chocolate-tasting session at home after work.

February 10 (Tuesday): Teddy Day

  • The Significance: Represents comfort, warmth, and the playful side of love.
  • 2026 Tip: Swap the generic teddy bear for a weighted plushie (great for anxiety) or a personalized toy that reminds them of a shared memory.

February 11 (Wednesday): Promise Day

  • The Significance: The most serious day of the week, dedicated to making long-term commitments.
  • 2026 Tip: Create a “time capsule” with written promises to each other, sealed to be opened on Valentine’s Day 2027.

February 12 (Thursday): Hug Day

  • The Significance: Physical touch releases oxytocin, the bonding hormone.
  • 2026 Tip: Adhere to the “20-Second Hug” rule. Science suggests a hug lasting 20 seconds maximizes trust and reduces stress.

February 13 (Friday): Kiss Day

  • The Significance: Celebrating intimacy and passion just before the big day.
  • 2026 Tip: It’s Friday night! Kick off the weekend with a romantic dinner. (Note: February 13 is also widely celebrated as Galentine’s Day for female friendships).

February 14 (Saturday): Valentine’s Day

  • The Significance: The grand celebration of love.
  • 2026 Tip: With the luxury of a Saturday, plan an experience rather than just a gift. Try a couple’s pottery workshop, a hike, or a private chef dinner at home to avoid the restaurant rush.

After the Romance: Anti-Valentine’s Week 2026 For those who are single, healing from heartbreak, or just enjoy the humor of it, the week doesn’t end on the 14th. Here is the schedule for the “Anti-Valentine’s” days:

  • Feb 15: Slap Day
  • Feb 16: Kick Day
  • Feb 17: Perfume Day
  • Feb 18: Flirt Day
  • Feb 19: Confession Day
  • Feb 20: Missing Day
  • Feb 21: Breakup Day

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Valentine’s 2026

Q: Which day is Rose Day in 2026? A: Rose Day 2026 falls on Saturday, February 7.

Q: Is Valentine’s Day 2026 on a weekend? A: Yes! In a rare delight, Valentine’s Day 2026 falls on a Saturday, making it perfect for weekend getaways.

2026 Renault Duster Returns to India: Strong Hybrid, 800L Boot Space, and Panoramic Sunroof Confirmed

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2026 Renault Duster

The “King of SUVs” is making a grand comeback. After a long hiatus, details regarding the 2026 Renault Duster for the Indian market have finally been revealed, and it promises to be a game-changer. With a segment-first strong hybrid engine, massive storage capacity, and premium features like a panoramic sunroof, the new Duster is set to reclaim its territory.

Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming SUV. Price Announcement and details

1. Power & Performance: The Strong Hybrid Advantage

The biggest talking point of the 2026 Duster is its powertrain. Renault has introduced the E-Tech 160 Strong Hybrid system, designed to offer a proper EV-first urban driving experience.

  • Engine: 1.8L GDI dedicated hybrid engine.
  • Battery & Motor: Paired with a 1.4 kWh battery and dual electric motors.
  • Transmission: An advanced 8-speed DHT (Dual Hybrid Transmission).
  • Efficiency: The system is capable of performing 80% of city driving in EV mode, offering incredible fuel efficiency with petrol backup.

Other Engine Options: For those who prefer traditional power, two other turbo options are available:

  • Turbo TCe 160: A performance-oriented 1.6L engine delivering 163 PS Power and 280 Nm Torque, mated to a 6-speed wet-clutch DCT.
  • Turbo TCe 100: A city-friendly 1.0L engine producing 100 PS Power and 160 Nm Torque with a 6-speed manual transmission.

2. Massive Space & Practicality

The new Duster is built for utility. It offers a massive 800-liter boot space (loaded up to the roof), making it perfect for long family trips. For added convenience, it also features an electric tailgate, allowing for easy loading and unloading of luggage.

3. Design & Features

The 2026 Duster retains its rugged DNA but gets a modern tech overhaul:

  • Panoramic Sunroof: A highly requested feature for Indian buyers.
  • Lighting: Futuristic connected front and rear LED lamps.
  • Off-Road Ready: A high ground clearance of 212mm, ensuring it can tackle bad roads with ease.
  • Safety: Built on a robust platform designed to achieve a 5-Star Safety Rating.

4. India Launch Timeline & Delivery

If you are planning to bring this SUV home, mark these dates on your calendar:

  • Price Announcement: Mid-March 2026.
  • Deliveries (1.6L Turbo Variants): Starting Mid-April 2026.
  • Deliveries (1.8L Hybrid Variants): Starting Diwali 2026.

With its combination of rugged capability and modern hybrid technology, the Renault Duster 2026 is poised to disrupt the SUV market once again.

renault duster 2026 exterior interior photos
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renault duster 2026 interior photos
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2026 Renault Duster photo
2026 Renault Duster
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Luxury Car Price Drop:Which Models Benefit from New EU Trade Agreement?

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Based on the India-EU FTA details, the most significant price drops will be seen in Completely Built Unit (CBU) imports—cars that are fully manufactured in Europe and shipped to India. Locally assembled cars (like the Mercedes C-Class or BMW 3 Series) won’t see much change.

Here are the specific models expected to see the biggest price reductions:

1. Land Rover

  • Defender: Although Land Rover is a British brand, the Defender is manufactured in Slovakia (an EU member country). Currently, it attracts high duties, so a drop to 40% duty would significantly reduce its price.

2. Porsche (The Biggest Beneficiary) Since Porsche imports almost its entire portfolio as CBUs, the whole brand becomes more accessible.

  • Macan: The entry-level SUV could become much more competitive against locally assembled rivals.
  • Cayenne & Panamera: Expect substantial price corrections.
  • 911: The iconic sports car will see a massive drop in effective on-road prices.

3. Mercedes-Benz While they assemble many cars in Pune, their “Dream Cars” and high-performance collection are imports:

  • Maybach Series: The imported Maybach S-Class and GLS 600.
  • AMG Models: The legendary G-Wagon (G63 AMG), AMG GT, and other high-performance variants.

4. BMW Similar to Mercedes, the volume drivers are made in Chennai, but the halo cars are imports:

  • M Series: The M2, M3, M4, and M5 competition cars.
  • Z4 Roadster & XM: These niche models will become cheaper.

5. Audi

  • Q8 & RS Q8: Audi’s flagship SUV is a CBU import and will benefit greatly.
  • RS Models: The RS5 and RS e-tron GT (though the electric RS e-tron GT falls under the EV exclusion, the petrol RS5 will benefit).

6. Italian Supercars

  • Ferrari, Lamborghini, & Maserati: These brands exclusively import their vehicles from Italy. The duty cut from ~110% to 40% could slash crores off the on-road prices of models like the Lamborghini Urus or Ferrari 296 GTB.

⚠️ Important Note on EVs: Popular European electric cars like the Porsche Taycan, Audi Q8 e-tron (Imported), or Mercedes EQS (Imported) will NOT get cheaper for the first 5 years, as the government is protecting domestic EV manufacturing.

European Cars Set to Become Cheaper in India as New Trade Deal Looms

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New Delhi – In a significant development for the Indian automotive market, European cars are poised to become considerably more affordable following the imminent announcement of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU).

After years of negotiations, the landmark deal—which could be announced as early as Tuesday, January 27—promises to slash import duties on qualifying vehicles, potentially reshaping the luxury and premium car segments in the country.

Major Cut in Import Duties Under the reported terms of the agreement, India will immediately reduce import tariffs on European-manufactured internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. Currently, fully built imported cars face customs duties ranging from 70% to 110%. The new deal will see these rates drop sharply to 40% for a limited quota of vehicles priced above €15,000 (approximately ₹16.28 lakh).

The relief doesn’t stop there; the agreement outlines a roadmap for further reductions, with duties expected to fall as low as 10% over the coming years.

EVs Excluded for Now Notably, the duty cuts come with a strategic exception for Electric Vehicles (EVs). To safeguard the interests of domestic EV manufacturers like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, import tariffs on European EVs will remain unchanged for the first five years of the agreement. Reductions in this sector will only be considered after this initial protectionist period expires.

Luxury and Performance Markets to Benefit The biggest beneficiaries of this policy shift will be European luxury and supercar manufacturers. While brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Volvo already assemble many of their high-volume models in India to avoid high tariffs, their fully imported lineup will see substantial price corrections.

Enthusiasts can expect price drops on:

  • Performance Models: BMW M series, Mercedes-AMG, and Audi RS lines.
  • Supercars: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Porsche models.
  • Niche Imports: Vehicles like the Land Rover Defender (imported from Slovakia) are also expected to see price reductions.

Mass-market European players like Volkswagen and Skoda could also leverage the deal to bring in more global models that were previously deemed too expensive for the price-sensitive Indian market.

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