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Kerala recorded 25 Shigella infections in the first eight days of November, including nine cases in Malappuram, prompting health surveillance. By News National Editorial Team Kerala has reported 25 confirmed Shigella infections during the first eight days of November, prompting health authorities to strengthen surveillance and public-health precautions across affected districts. Malappuram recorded the highest number, with nine confirmed cases. Kozhikode reported six, Palakkad three, Thrissur and Kollam two each, while Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki and Ernakulam reported one case each, according to a report published by Kerala Kaumudi on November 9. All nine patients reported in Malappuram were from Elamkulam panchayat. Two children were among those receiving treatment. The latest cases followed an increase reported on Friday, November 6, when 13 infections were confirmed across the state. Seven of those cases were in Malappuram, five in Kozhikode and one in Thalavoor in Kollam district. Health authorities have also been monitoring a suspected food-poisoning incident in Meppayur, Kozhikode, where more than 100 students were taken to hospital. Medical examinations reportedly found Shigella symptoms in 20 students. Shigella is a bacterial infection that can spread through contaminated food and water and through person-to-person transmission when hygiene and sanitation practices are inadequate. Symptoms can include diarrhoea, fever, stomach pain, vomiting and, in some cases, blood or mucus in the stool. Contaminated drinking water, unsafe food handling and inadequate sanitation can contribute to outbreaks. Health officials have urged people to use safe drinking water, wash their hands thoroughly and ensure that food is prepared and stored hygienically. People experiencing severe diarrhoea, fever or signs of dehydration should seek medical attention promptly, particularly when young children are affected. The November increase follows earlier infections reported in the state. Kerala Kaumudi reported that 583 cases and eight deaths had been recorded during the year up to the time of its report. These figures underline the importance of early detection, public awareness and coordinated action by local health departments. The current case count is based on reported confirmed infections and may change as testing and surveillance continue. Sources Kerala Kaumudi, 9 November 2026: Kerala reports 25 Shigella cases in eight days Times Kerala, 9 November 2026: Malappuram Shigella cases and health alert

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Tiruchy's shopping streets saw heavy Deepavali crowds, but traders reported modest sales amid rising competition and changing shopping patterns. By News National Editorial Team Tiruchy's major shopping streets witnessed heavy crowds ahead of Deepavali, but traders said the increase in customer footfall did not translate into the level of sales they had expected. Popular commercial areas such as NSB Road, Singarathope, Big Bazaar Street and Thillai Nagar attracted shoppers on Saturday, November 7, the day before the festival. Customers visited shops and roadside stalls to purchase clothes, jewellery, firecrackers and other festive essentials. Despite brief spells of rain, the last-minute shopping activity remained strong. The movement of pedestrians and vehicles also caused congestion on several commercial stretches. However, traders told The New Indian Express that overall business remained modest compared with the levels seen before 2020. Some retailers said customers were buying fewer items, even when shops were crowded. Street vendors said business had been affected earlier in the week by disputes over shops operating in designated non-vending zones and the removal of certain stalls. The final-day rush brought some relief, but did not fully compensate for the earlier slowdown. Established retailers also reported changes in customer behaviour. Some said shoppers from nearby districts were increasingly choosing neighbourhood shops instead of travelling to traditional shopping centres in Tiruchy. The growth of retail outlets in areas such as Kattur and Karumandapam has given consumers more local shopping options. This may be reducing the need to travel to central commercial streets, particularly when customers want to avoid traffic and crowded markets. Retailers also pointed to increased competition and changing spending patterns. Wholesale business reportedly performed better than some retail segments, while firecracker sellers said higher prices had made buyers more selective. The market situation suggests that high footfall alone is not a reliable measure of retail performance. The number of visitors, average spending per customer, local competition and household purchasing power all influence festive sales. The report also highlights the challenges facing traditional shopping districts as neighbourhood retail centres expand. Traders may need to adapt through improved customer services, competitive pricing and better access to commercial areas. For Tiruchy's businesses, the festival rush offered some improvement, but traders said it was not enough to restore sales to earlier levels. Sources The New Indian Express, 8 November 2026: Deepavali footfall and modest business in Tiruchy The Hindu, 6 November 2026, report reproduced by Bharat Pulse: Tiruchi textile showrooms report weak seasonal sales

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CEE Kerala published the NEET UG 2026 special stray vacancy allotment. Selected MBBS and BDS candidates must join by 2 p.m. on November 12. By News National Editorial Team The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, has published the special stray vacancy allotment for MBBS and BDS admissions under the 2026 NEET UG counselling process. The official CEE notification page lists the special stray vacancy allotment as published on November 8. Candidates who received seats in this round must complete the admission process within the prescribed period. According to the admission instructions, allotted candidates are required to pay the applicable fee and report to their allotted colleges between November 9 and November 12. The final deadline is 2 p.m. on November 12, 2026. The special stray vacancy round is intended to fill MBBS and BDS seats that remained vacant after the earlier counselling rounds. It gives eligible candidates another opportunity to secure admission, subject to the applicable counselling rules and seat availability. Candidates should log in to the official CEE Kerala portal using their application details to check their allotment status and download the allotment memo. The memo contains important admission information, including the allotted institution and payment instructions. Students who receive an allotment should carefully check the reporting requirements and documents listed in the official instructions. They should also confirm the fee payable and complete the admission formalities before the deadline. Failure to join within the stipulated time may result in the loss of the allotted seat. Candidates should not rely solely on third-party summaries or social media posts for admission instructions. The CEE notification page also lists other updates related to professional degree admissions, including notifications for medical and allied courses. The special stray vacancy allotment is particularly important for candidates still seeking MBBS or BDS seats after the regular counselling rounds. However, the availability of a seat depends on the official vacancy position, eligibility rules and the candidate's allotment. Official admission portal: CEE Kerala – KEAM 2026 notifications and allotment updates Additional reporting The Hindu's education coverage via Jagran Josh, 9 November 2026: Kerala NEET UG special stray vacancy admission deadline PW Live, 9 November 2026: Allotment memo and reporting instructi

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Police recovered the final two bodies at Shiradi Ghat, completing the search for seven victims in the Bengaluru family murder investigation. By News National Editorial Team Karnataka Police have recovered all seven bodies connected to the murder investigation involving a family in Bengaluru, after finding the final two victims in the Shiradi Ghat forest area on Monday, November 9. The case involves a cab driver identified by police as S. Indushekhar, also known as Sekar, who is accused of killing seven members of his wife's family following domestic disputes. The investigation began after a missing-person complaint was registered on November 3. According to a Press Trust of India report published by ThePrint, the final two bodies were identified as Shankar and his wife Nalini. Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) B. S. Nemagoud confirmed that the recovery brought the total number of bodies found to seven. Police said the accused allegedly disclosed the locations where the bodies had been disposed of during questioning. Search teams subsequently conducted operations across several locations in Karnataka and neighbouring Tamil Nadu. The earlier recoveries included the body of seven-year-old Puneeth near Nandi Hills, the bodies of the accused's wife Sunitha and her mother Roopavathi in the Yercaud forest area of Tamil Nadu, and the bodies of Shivakumar and his wife Divya near Chamundi Hills in Mysuru district. The latest recoveries at Shiradi Ghat completed the search for the seven victims. Police teams, forensic personnel and local authorities were involved in the operations. Investigators suspect that the killings took place over a period of approximately 15 to 20 days. Police are examining the circumstances of each death, the locations where the bodies were found and the evidence collected during the investigation. Post-mortem examinations and other forensic procedures are important to establish the identities and causes of death. The investigation is continuing, and the allegations against the accused remain subject to judicial proceedings. The case has involved police operations across multiple districts and two states, making coordination between investigating teams particularly important. Sources ThePrint/PTI, 9 November 2026: Police recover final two bodies in Karnataka family murder case Public TV English, 9 November 2026: Final two bodies recovered at Shiradi Ghat The News Minute, 9 November 2026: Background to the Bengaluru family murder investigation

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TARBELA T-5 PROJECT: COST SOARS FROM RS82 BILLION TO RS317 BILLION AS WORK HALTS AFTER WATER IN

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BREAKING NEWS | TARBELA DAM, PAKISTAN A sudden water inflow incident occurred at the Tarbela 5t.

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COP31 opens in Antalya, Türkiye, with climate finance, food security, energy transition and global climate resilience among key priorities. By News National Editorial Team Antalya, November 10, 2026: The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP31, has opened in Antalya, Türkiye, bringing governments, scientists, environmental organisations and business representatives together to discuss the global response to climate change. The conference runs from November 9 to November 20 and comes at a critical time for international climate policy. Discussions are expected to focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving climate resilience, strengthening financial support for vulnerable countries and accelerating the transition towards cleaner energy. Climate change remains a major international challenge The opening of COP31 coincides with a new World Meteorological Organization assessment highlighting continued warming across the planet. In its State of the Climate Update for COP31, released on November 9, the WMO reported that the average global surface temperature from January to September 2026 was approximately 1.47°C above the 1850–1900 average. The organisation also said that 2026 is expected to be one of the four warmest years on record. The report highlights record global mean sea levels and continuing increases in ocean heat. These developments are important because warming oceans, rising sea levels and extreme weather can affect coastal communities, agriculture, infrastructure and public health. El Niño increases climate risks The WMO also warned that the developing El Niño could increase climate-related risks. El Niño is a natural climate pattern involving changes in Pacific Ocean temperatures and atmospheric circulation. Its effects vary by region, but it can influence rainfall, temperatures and extreme-weather patterns. The WMO said the developing event could increase risks of extreme heat, drought and heavy rainfall into 2027. These are risk assessments rather than precise predictions for every country. Energy transition and transportation November 10 is dedicated to energy and transport in COP31's thematic programme. The discussions are expected to address clean electricity, renewable energy, transport systems, energy security and infrastructure investment. Countries face different challenges in reducing emissions while maintaining affordable and reliable energy supplies. Developing economies also need investment in electricity networks, storage systems and cleaner transportation. World Leaders Summit The Antalya Leaders' Summit is scheduled for November 11–12. According to the UNFCCC, the summit will bring heads of state and government together for the high-level segment of the climate conference. Its central theme is a sustainable, resilient and equitable future. The discussions will provide an opportunity for national leaders to explain their climate commitments and priorities. Why COP31 matters Climate negotiations have consequences beyond environmental policy. They influence energy investment, international finance, food production, infrastructure development and public-health planning. For countries facing floods, droughts, extreme heat and coastal risks, the availability of financial and technical support is particularly important. The central question for COP31 is whether international commitments can translate into measurable action. News National will follow official announcements and independently assess major commitments as the conference progresses. Sources: UNFCCC: https://unfccc.int/cop31/high-level World Meteorological Organization: https://public.wmo.int/resources/publication-series/state-of-climate-update-cop/state-of-climate-update-cop31 COP31 official programme: https://cop31.tr/news-detail/thematic-days-announced-2026

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US-mediated Russia–Ukraine negotiations are scheduled for November 10–11 in Abu Dhabi, focusing on security guarantees and ending the war. By News National Editorial Team Abu Dhabi, November 10, 2026: Representatives from the United States, Russia and Ukraine are expected to meet in Abu Dhabi on November 10–11 for another round of diplomatic discussions aimed at finding a possible path towards ending the war in Ukraine. The planned negotiations come amid continuing military tensions and international efforts to establish a framework for a possible settlement. According to a Reuters report published on November 2, a senior US official said the discussions would cover post-war security agreements, de-escalation, humanitarian measures and broader efforts to end the conflict. The proposed meeting represents another attempt to bring the opposing sides into a diplomatic process after earlier rounds of US-mediated discussions. Security guarantees at the centre of negotiations One of the most difficult questions is how Ukraine could be protected against future military aggression if a ceasefire or peace agreement is reached. Ukraine has repeatedly sought strong international security guarantees. These arrangements could involve commitments from partner countries, monitoring mechanisms and other measures intended to discourage renewed attacks. However, the exact nature of any guarantees remains a matter of negotiation. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on November 9 that the discussions would address principles that could eventually be approved as part of a comprehensive settlement. He also indicated that security issues involving Russia, Ukraine and Europe would be central to the negotiations. The United States' role The United States is playing a central diplomatic role in bringing the parties together. Reuters previously reported that US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were expected to participate in the Abu Dhabi discussions. Washington has also been consulting European governments about Ukraine's future security framework and economic reconstruction. The involvement of European countries matters because any long-term settlement could have significant implications for European security, defence policy and regional stability. Major obstacles remain Despite renewed diplomatic engagement, significant disagreements remain. Territorial questions, military withdrawals, security guarantees, sanctions and the future relationship between Ukraine and Western countries could complicate any agreement. A meeting does not automatically mean that a ceasefire or peace agreement is close. Both sides would need to reach agreement on difficult political and security questions. What should the world expect? The immediate significance of the Abu Dhabi meeting will be whether the parties can agree on practical principles for continued negotiations. Possible progress could include arrangements for further discussions, humanitarian measures or agreement on particular security issues. However, a comprehensive peace settlement would require substantially more work. The international community will be watching the negotiations closely because their outcome could influence European security, international relations and global economic confidence. Sources: Reuters: https://theprint.in/world/us-to-hold-trilateral-talks-with-ukraine-russia-in-abu-dhabi-next-week-us-official-says/3088763/ Anadolu Agency: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/russia-ukraine-war/lavrov-says-abu-dhabi-talks-to-discuss-principles-to-be-approved-at-conclusion-of-ukraine-peace-negotiations/4117390

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Kerala Water Authority is preparing another phase of pipeline relocation linked to the Thiruvananthapuram–Kanyakumari railway doubling project. By News National Editorial Team Work linked to the proposed doubling of the railway line between Thiruvananthapuram and Kanyakumari is moving through another preparatory stage, with the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) expected to begin a further phase of water-pipeline relocation in December. The fifth phase of pipeline shifting between Nemom and Killipalam is expected to start in the first week of December, according to a report published by The Economic Times Infrastructure on November 9. The work involves relocating approximately one kilometre of existing water pipeline to accommodate the railway infrastructure project. A KWA engineer told the publication that preparations were nearing completion and that the contract process was expected to move forward after the tender stage. The pipeline relocation is an important supporting activity because existing water-supply infrastructure must be moved or protected before railway construction can proceed safely in affected sections. The wider Thiruvananthapuram–Kanyakumari doubling project is intended to increase rail capacity and improve operations along the southern railway corridor. The work requires coordination between railway authorities, state agencies and utility providers. Kerala's railway development programme includes several other projects. The Railway Ministry has also listed the Angamali–Sabarimala new line, Ernakulam–Kumbalam doubling and other track-capacity works among projects being taken up in the state. In September, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Kerala MPs that projects worth approximately ₹20,000 crore were under implementation in the state. The projects include new lines, doubling works and road overbridges and underbridges. However, progress on large railway projects depends on several stages, including land acquisition, tendering, relocation of utilities, construction and statutory clearances. The pipeline work is one part of the wider process and does not mean that the railway doubling project is complete. The proposed improvements are expected to support passenger and freight movement over time. Their benefits will depend on the completion of the required infrastructure and the commissioning of the relevant railway sections. Sources The Economic Times Infrastructure, 9 November 2026: KWA pipeline relocation for railway doubling project The New Indian Express, 21 September 2026: Railway projects under implementation in Kerala Press Information Bureau, 8 June 2026: Mararikulam–Alappuzha railway doubling approval

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Kerala Police plans public horse-riding classes in Thiruvananthapuram under Operation Toofan Car, beginning with two pilot batches. By News National Editorial Team Kerala Police is preparing to open horse-riding training to members of the public through its mounted police unit in Thiruvananthapuram as part of an initiative aimed at engaging young people in constructive activities and keeping them away from drugs. The programme will be introduced under the police anti-drug initiative, Operation Toofan Care. The Home Department has approved a proposal submitted by Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner Arul B. Krishna, according to reports published on November 9. The mounted police unit currently has 18 horses procured and trained by the Indian Army. These horses have traditionally been used for training police personnel. Under the proposed public programme, the initial phase will operate as a pilot project. The first two batches are expected to include approximately 10 to 20 participants each, with a training duration of 20 days. Initially, the programme will be offered to relatives and acquaintances of police personnel. Officials will evaluate the pilot before deciding how to open admissions to the wider public. The training will involve the mounted police unit and its trained horses. Police officials said participants would be charged a fee, although the amount had not been finalised at the time of the announcement. The intention is to keep the fee lower than that charged by commercial equestrian clubs. The initiative is designed to offer young people an opportunity to learn a new skill while participating in a structured physical activity. Horse riding can require discipline, concentration, balance and regular practice. The programme also aims to improve interaction between the police and the public by making an existing police facility available for a wider community purpose. However, the pilot has not yet become a general public admission programme. Interested participants should wait for official announcements regarding eligibility, registration, fees, safety requirements and the start date. If the trial is successful, the department may consider expanding the programme to include more participants. The initiative offers a different approach to youth engagement within the state's broader anti-drug efforts, using sport and skill development as alternatives to harmful activities. Sources The Indian Express, 9 November 2026: Kerala Police horse-riding training under anti-drug campaign ThePrint/PTI, 9 November 2026: Police mounted unit to offer public training

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Karnataka has approved recruitment of 1,000 doctors, with temporary outsourced appointments permitted while the direct recruitment process proceeds. By News National Editorial Team The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the recruitment of 1,000 doctors to strengthen the state's public healthcare system, Health Minister U. T. Khader said on November 8. The announcement is part of the government's effort to address staffing gaps in government hospitals and primary healthcare facilities. The minister said that direct recruitment of 250 doctors had already been completed. Until the larger recruitment process is finalised, the government has permitted the appointment of doctors and other healthcare personnel on an outsourced basis, depending on the requirements of individual districts. The minister said staff members at Primary Health Centres must remain present and perform their assigned duties. The government has also indicated that district-level requirements will be considered while arranging temporary staffing support. Alongside recruitment, the minister discussed other healthcare needs. He said steps were being taken to address medicine shortages within two months and to purchase 350 new ambulances. The additional doctors are expected to support government medical services, particularly in facilities where vacancies affect patient access and the workload of existing staff. However, Cabinet approval does not mean that all 1,000 posts have already been filled. The next stages will involve the applicable recruitment process, including notification of vacancies, eligibility requirements, selection and appointments. Candidates interested in government medical positions should wait for official recruitment notifications and verify details through the relevant Karnataka government departments. The announcement does not, by itself, provide application dates, post-wise distribution or eligibility criteria. The planned recruitment could contribute to improving healthcare access if appointments are completed and doctors are deployed according to local needs. Adequate staffing, medicine availability, ambulance services and reliable attendance at public health facilities will all be important to the programme's effectiveness. Sources Hindustan Times/ANI, 9 November 2026: Karnataka Cabinet approves recruitment of 1,000 doctors EdexLive, 9 November 2026: Doctor recruitment and healthcare measures

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Kerala is planning a Time Bank that converts volunteer hours spent helping senior citizens into digital credits for future assistance. By News National Editorial Team Kerala is preparing a statewide Time Bank initiative designed to encourage community volunteering and provide practical assistance to senior citizens. Under the proposed system, volunteers will earn digital credits for the time they spend helping older people, which they may later use when they need support themselves. The proposal has been developed by the state's Department of Senior Citizens. The concept was first introduced in Elikulam panchayat in Kottayam district under the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC). According to a report published by The New Indian Express on November 9, the department plans to digitally record the hours contributed by registered volunteers and convert them into time credits. The idea is based on mutual assistance rather than direct payment. For example, a volunteer who spends an hour accompanying an elderly person to a hospital or helping them use a smartphone could receive a corresponding credit. Those credits could later be redeemed for assistance or transferred to family members, subject to the final rules. The proposed activities include companionship visits, helping senior citizens access digital services such as UPI payments and video calls, reading clubs, indoor games, storytelling and recreational programmes. The department is also considering ways to make the credits useful to younger volunteers before they need to redeem them for elderly care. Options under discussion include academic incentives and travel-related benefits. The proposed digital platform would manage volunteer registration, record service hours and maintain credit balances. Organisations such as the National Service Scheme, National Cadet Corps, Student Police Cadets, Scouts and Guides, Kudumbashree and local youth clubs may help mobilise volunteers. The initiative is significant for Kerala because of its ageing population. The New Indian Express report cited projections that nearly one in four people in the state could be aged 60 or above by 2036. The department is considering a phased rollout, beginning with selected districts or local self-government institutions. Detailed operational guidelines are still to be formalised, so the statewide programme should be understood as a proposal rather than a fully implemented scheme. If introduced effectively, the Time Bank could help strengthen social connections, reduce isolation among older people and create a more organised system of community support. Sources The New Indian Express, 9 November 2026: Kerala's proposed Time Bank initiative Onmanorama, 2 November 2025: Elikulam Time Bank pilot and its operation

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