KERALA

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.

The Hema Committee report's exposé on the Malayalam film industry's dark side has prompted demands for government action. Film editor-director Beena Paul urges concrete steps to address the report's findings, noting its implications extend beyond Malayalam cinema.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticised the government's inaction on the Hema Committee report, stating that further legal action is necessary, while the minister claims no complaints have been filed. The industry itself must also take responsibility for reform.

The price of gold in Kerala today (Aug 20) is Rs 6,660 per gram for 22 karat gold and Rs 7,265 per gram for 24 karat gold (also called 999 gold).
 

CBI team probing Jesna missing case will visit Mundakkayam to investigate new lead after a former employee claims to have seen Jesna-like girl with her boyfriend at lodge days before her 2018 disappearance. 

Kerala Lottery Result Sthree Sakthi SS-429: 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 75 lakh, while the second prize amounts to Rs 10 lakh, and there is also a consolation prize of Rs 8000.
 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of heavy rainfall in several parts of Kerala on Tuesday, August 20. An orange alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Idukki districts, while a yellow alert is in place for Alappuzha, Thrissur, Kozhikode, and Kannur districts.

The Sabarimala temple authorities are set to dispose of spoiled aravana, a sacred offering, worth over Rs 6 crore, which was stored for over a year due to a court case alleging pesticide presence. The Devaswom Board has contracted a private company to scientifically dispose of the spoiled aravana by September.

Kerala police say no case can be filed based on Hema Committee report due to lack of specific details. Despite this, the report has sparked widespread discussion in the film industry, prompting the government to consider its recommendations.

The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert across several states, stating that there may be heavy rainfall on August 20. These states include West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, and Kerala, which are likely to experience heavy showers.

On August 20, an orange alert has been sounded in 4 districts (Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki) and yellow alert in 8 districts for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Strong winds and rough seas expected along Kerala, Lakshadweep, and Karnataka coasts. 

The State Level Bankers' Committee in Thiruvananthapuram has announced a one-year moratorium on loan repayments for those affected by the Wayanad landslides. Banks will review accounts of families who suffered fatalities and consider writing off loans. 

In its affidavit, the government stressed that the law aligns with the broader constitutional goals of gender justice and equality, asserting that it supports the fundamental rights of married Muslim women. The law aims to address gender discrimination and empower these women, ensuring their rights are upheld.