KERALA

The price of gold in Kerala today (Aug 21) is Rs 6,710 per gram for 22 karat gold and Rs 7,320 per gram for 24 karat gold (also called 999 gold).
 

A 30-year-old woman, Athira, from Ernakulam, died by suicide due to harassment from online loan sharks. She had borrowed Rs 6500 and was threatened with the release of her nude photos when she could not pay more. 

Tasmeed Tamsum, a 13-year-old girl from Assam, went missing from Kazhakkoottam, Thiruvananthapuram, after an argument with her sisters. A search operation is underway, and police have obtained a photo suggesting she may be in Kanyakumari.

Kerala Lottery Result Fifty Fifty FF-107: The Kerala State Lotteries Department officials conduct the lottery draw at Gorky Bhavan in the state capital Thiruvananthapuram, at 3 pm. The first prize winner will be awarded Rs 1 crore, while the second prize amounts to Rs 10 lakh, and there is also a consolation prize of Rs 8000.

Severe weather in Kerala caused widespread damage, with strong winds toppling trees and disrupting train services in Kochi. Two trains, the Paluruvi Express and Ernad Express, were halted due to a fallen tree on the tracks. 

Bharat Bandh: The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has urged all business organisations to keep markets closed during the day-long protest. However, it is not clear if markets will remain shut or not.

A 13-year-old girl, Tasmeeth, went missing from Kazhakkoottam, Kerala. After a search operation, a passenger reported seeing her on a train to Kanyakumari, and shared a photo of the girl, which was confirmed by her father to be Tasmeeth.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi told the media that he has not had the time to study the 233-page Hema Commission report on issues faced by women in Malayalam cinema. The report, released on August 19, addresses women's safety and welfare in the industry, following the 2017 attack on a prominent actress.

During a Bharat Bandh, which is a countrywide strike or shutdown, you should take particular steps to protect yourself and prevent hassles. Here are seven things to avoid on the day of Bharat Bandh.

Sonia Thilakan, daughter of late actor Thilakan, has alleged harassment by a prominent Malayalam actor, who invited her to his room. She knew him since childhood and will reveal his name later. She also criticizes 'AMMA' for expelling her father for speaking out against the organization's "infestation", mirroring her own experience.

At a Malappuram police conference, MLA PV Anwar publicly chastised SP S Sasidharan for his late arrival, prompting the SP to leave the stage without giving his scheduled speech. Anwar's criticism highlighted the unprofessional behavior of some IPS officers, which he believes tarnishes the reputation of the entire police force

The Justice Hema Committee report, made public after years of wait, exposes the dark side of the Malayalam film industry.  The report reveals a female actor's traumatic experience of working with her sexual assaulter and facing criticism from the director. 

Director Vinayan has warned against downplaying the Hema Committee report, which exposed exploitation of women in Malayalam cinema. He said the report will weaken perpetrators and urged action to address the issues.

The Hema Committee report exposed shocking sex scandals in the Malayalam film industry, however, the government has failed to take action, sparking criticism from opposition leaders and activists. Despite the report's recommendations for comprehensive reforms, the government has taken no concrete steps to address the issues faced by women in the industry.

The Bharat Bandh is aimed at challenging this decision and demanding its reversal. The protest is expected to be supported by various social and political organizations who view the ruling as unjust.