KERALA

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.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has appealed to banks to take extraordinary measures to support farmers in Wayanad who have been severely affected by landslides. With agricultural land rendered unusable and many farmers lost their homes, CM Vijayan emphasized that banks must provide relief to those who are unable to repay their loans, as the situation has become untenable.

The Justice Hema Committee report on the Malayalam film industry has been released to media personnel after years of suspense. The 233-page report, with some sensitive information redacted, was made available under the Right to Information Act. 

 Vishnu Babu, a 25-year-old sailor from Alappuzha, went missing on July 17 while working on a merchant ship. Despite filing complaints with Union and State authorities, his family has received no response or support.

The Justice Hema Committee's report on the film industry's issues will be released today (Aug 19), with some sensitive information redacted. The report will be available to media personnel who requested it under the Right to Information Act. 

Kerala Gramin Bank officials have assured EMI deducted from landslide victim Sijo Thomas' account, after Asianet News reported the issue. The bank had deducted Rs 15,000 from Sijo's account on Aug 14, despite him losing his income source due to the landslide. 

The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) organised a pork challenge fundraiser, which raised Rs 1.25 lakhs, but sparked controversy due to objections from Islamic leaders, who argued that many landslide victims in Wayanad are from the Muslim community and consider pork taboo. 

Kerala Minister K. Krishnankutty has denied unofficial power cuts, attributing restrictions to reduced central power allocations. Despite KSEB warnings of increased demand and shortage, the minister assured that there is no electricity crisis.

The world will see a rare blue supermoon this week, with stargazers getting a glimpse on Monday night into Tuesday morning. The moon will appear about a seventh bigger and brighter on Monday evening as a blue moon and super moon coincide.

In another incident, Gramin Bank has deducted funds from a landslide-affected individual's account in Vilangadu, citing loan repayment. Earlier, Minimol, a loanee from Gramin Bank's Chooralmala branch, had money withdrawn from her account after receiving emergency financial assistance from the government.

Kerala Lottery Results Win Win W-783: For lottery prizes worth up to 5,000 rupees, winners in Kerala have the convenience of collecting their winnings from any lottery shop in the state. The results will be declared at 3 pm. 
 

Madha Jayakumar, former Bank of Maharashtra manager, was apprehended in Telangana for stealing 26 kg of gold. Kerala police will bring him back to investigate the complex case involving fake gold and suspicious loan transactions.