National

ASHA Workers Protest at Kerala Secretariat for Honorarium Increase

Published

1 year ago

March 18, 2025

For the past 36 days, thousands of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) have been protesting outside the government Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram, advocating for various demands. On Monday, in a show of determination to escalate their protest, they laid siege to the Secretariat, blocking the North Gate—its main entrance.

Organized by the Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association (KAHWA), the ASHA workers have been consistently seeking post-retirement benefits and an increase in their honorarium. In a coordinated effort, workers from multiple districts converged at the Secretariat, obstructing key roads and entrances. Faced with the blockade, police restricted access to the premises while protestors lay down on the road, demanding attention.

Security measures have been heightened, with hundreds of police officers deployed at the main gate to maintain order. LDF convenor TP Ramakrishnan commented on the protests, suggesting that the leaders involved might have ulterior motives and stating, “They should be protesting against the union government, not the state government.”

In a related development, the ASHA workers have announced plans for an indefinite hunger strike beginning on March 20, 2025, starting with three representatives who will begin their fast in front of the Secretariat this Thursday, according to KAHWA leaders.

In a noteworthy response, the state government issued an order on Monday that grants one of the workers’ requests by retracting ten guidelines that were previously necessary to receive their honorarium. While this decision has been welcomed as a victory, ASHA workers maintain that they will continue their strike until their honorarium is increased.

National

Jammu University Introduces Fuel-Saving Measures

Published

1 day ago

May 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

National : The University of Jammu has announced several fuel-saving measures following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation. Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai said the university has decided to conduct all PhD viva voce examinations online to reduce travel and save fuel.

The university will also prefer virtual speakers for national and international conferences. In another step, the Academic Council meeting planned in Poonch has been shifted to the Jammu University campus to avoid unnecessary travel.

Prof Rai said the measures will help save fuel, time and resources. He also encouraged university staff to use bicycles and carpool while travelling to the campus.

National

One Year On: Pahalgam Attack Still Haunts the Nation

Published

3 weeks ago

April 21, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: One year after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, the nation remembers the 26 people who lost their lives. The attack took place on April 22 at Baisaran, a popular tourist spot.

At first, reports said only five people were injured. Later, it became clear that it was one of the worst terror attacks in the region in decades. Terrorists came out of the forest and opened fire on tourists.

Survivors said the attackers separated men from women and children. They then shot the men at close range. Many victims were reportedly targeted after being asked about their religion.

A heartbreaking image of Himanshi Narwal sitting beside her husband’s body became a symbol of the tragedy. Her husband, a naval officer, was among those killed.

The group The Resistance front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. The case was investigated by the National Investigation Agency.

After months of tracking, security forces launched Operation Mahadev. On July 28, 2025, all three terrorists were killed after a long search operation.

The attack remains a painful memory and a reminder of the need for strong security.

National

Social Media Influencer-Turned Gangster Held Abroad

Published

1 month ago

April 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Rao Inderjeet Yadav has been arrested in Dubai. He is wanted in a murder case from Haryana.

He fled India in 2024 after a businessman was killed in Rohtak. Police had been searching for him since then. Officials said Dubai authorities have asked for documents. He is likely to be brought back to India soon.

Yadav faces more than 15 criminal cases. These include extortion, fraud, and illegal land deals. The Enforcement Directorate also investigated him for money laundering. Raids led to the seizure of cash, cars, and documents.

He also ran a music company called Gems Tunes. It produced regional songs.

Yadav had a large social media following. He often showed his rich lifestyle online. He has denied all charges. He claims he is being framed.

Police are now preparing for further action.