India will host the BRICS Women Working Group (WWG) Meeting in Kochi, Kerala, on July 6 and 7 as part of its BRICS Chairship 2026, bringing together senior government officials from member countries to strengthen cooperation on women's empowerment and inclusive development.

The two-day meeting will focus on promoting women-led development, enhancing policy collaboration and advancing shared priorities among BRICS nations under India's Chairship theme, "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." The theme reflects India's emphasis on people-centric growth and sustainable global partnerships.

According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, delegates from all BRICS member countries will deliberate on four key priority areas under the BRICS Women Track. These include increasing women's participation in governance and leadership, expanding digital and financial inclusion, promoting women’s entrepreneurship and skill development, and strengthening women's role in climate action, food security and nutrition.

Officials said the meeting is expected to deepen policy dialogue, facilitate the exchange of best practices and encourage collaborative initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic status of women across the BRICS grouping.

The Kochi meeting also serves as an important preparatory platform ahead of the BRICS Women Ministerial Meeting, scheduled for July 8 and 9, where ministers are expected to review the recommendations of the Working Group and reaffirm their commitment to advancing women-led development through practical cooperation.

The discussions build upon three virtual consultations held on April 30, May 22 and June 29, during which member countries worked toward consensus on key agenda items before the in-person meeting.

BRICS currently comprises 11 member countries—Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Together, the grouping accounts for nearly 40 per cent of global GDP and represents approximately 49.5 per cent of the world's population, making gender-inclusive growth a significant priority for the bloc.

Officials believe the outcomes of the Kochi meeting will contribute to stronger institutional cooperation among BRICS nations while supporting policies that promote women's economic participation, leadership opportunities and sustainable development.

India's hosting of the Women Working Group reflects its broader commitment to fostering inclusive growth and strengthening international partnerships focused on gender equality and women's empowerment within the expanding BRICS framework.

Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal introduce convoy limits, ASHA pay rise and live assembly telecasts as new administrations set priorities

Within days of taking office, three newly formed state governments in South and East India have begun rolling out administrative changes aimed at reducing disruption to public life, improving transparency and signalling policy shifts — from limits on VIP convoys in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal to a cash boost for ASHA workers in Kerala.

Traffic orders and separate lanes

In Chennai, Chief Minister Vijay has told officials that his convoy should not stop regular traffic while he travels to and from the Secretariat, sources in the secretariat confirmed on Friday. The CM reportedly uses a separate lane for his commute each morning and remains at the Secretariat through the day; security protocols have been altered so routine traffic is not halted for his movement for the first 12 days in office, administration sources said.

Officials said the instruction is part of a broader effort to reduce inconvenience to commuters and demonstrate a lower-profile official travel style. The new cabinet — of 33 ministers, including 11 below 40 and 32 newcomers — has also ordered the closure of 717 liquor shops located within 500 metres of temples, schools and bus stands, and appointed R. Kumar as the state’s minister in charge of artificial intelligence.

Smaller convoys, fewer escorts

In Kolkata, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has similarly directed that ordinary vehicles not be stopped for his convoy, and instructed ministers and officials to avoid blocking public movement during field visits, government sources said. Security details have been slimmed down and VIP motorcades shortened, part of an administrative push to keep roads moving and cut visible privilege.

The Bengal government has also decided to telecast Assembly proceedings live, a move officials say will strengthen legislative transparency. Preparations are underway for a free bus service for women, expected to begin on June 1, and directives have gone out to make the singing of "Vande Mataram" compulsory in educational institutions, including madrasas, according to circulars reviewed by this reporter.

Kerala eases access, boosts ASHA pay

In Thiruvananthapuram, the United Democratic Front (UDF) government under V. D. Satheesan announced several immediate administrative changes after the new cabinet meeting on May 18. Ministers will be required to meet citizens both at their offices and at their residences, officials said, and public access to the Secretariat has been eased to allow more direct engagement.

The CM’s convoy has been pared down to just two vehicles, and ministers have been asked to forego extensive renovations of official bungalows — only essential repairs will be permitted. The government has also scrapped the previous administration’s SilverLine semi-high-speed rail project, citing environmental concerns and displacement issues.

A direct financial change came for grassroots health workers: ASHA workers’ monthly honorarium has been increased by ₹3,000 to ₹12,000, a senior health department official confirmed. The raise is aimed at improving frontline health worker retention and recognition ahead of expanded public health outreach plans.

AI ministry and press briefings

Kerala also announced what it called the country’s first dedicated Artificial Intelligence ministry, with veteran leader P. K. Kunhalikutty named minister in charge. The government has restarted weekly press briefings after cabinet meetings, reversing a communication freeze that prevailed under the previous regime.

Officials described the array of early decisions as a package intended to signal transparency, fiscal restraint on visible trappings and a focus on welfare measures. “These are small but visible steps to bring government closer to people and reduce everyday friction,” a senior Kerala official said on condition of anonymity.

Public impact and next steps

The administrative tweaks have immediate public visibility — fewer roadblocks and smaller convoys ease commuter delays — while policy shifts such as the liquor-shop closures and the ASHA pay hike carry wider social implications. Critics and opposition parties have yet to mount systematic responses, though some legal and logistical questions remain, particularly over implementation of liquor shop closures and the future of transport projects such as SilverLine.

Officials in all three states said more orders and detailed implementation plans are expected in the coming weeks as new cabinets settle into governance. For now, the early actions serve both practical aims and a political narrative of pared-down VIP culture and a return to visible accessibility.

BJP scripts history in Bengal, TVK stuns Tamil Nadu as Left’s last bastion falls

In a seismic shift for Indian politics, the BJP has secured a landmark victory in West Bengal while actor Vijay’s TVK ended the decades-long DMK-AIADMK duopoly in Tamil Nadu; meanwhile, the Congress-led UDF reclaimed Kerala, effectively wiping the Left off India’s administrative map.

The political landscape of India underwent a radical transformation on Monday as assembly election results for five states delivered a series of historic firsts and stunning upsets. The most significant headline emerged from West Bengal, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) breached the "fortress of the East," ending Mamata Banerjee’s 15-year reign. In the South, actor Thalapathy Vijay’s debutant Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerged as the single largest party, while the Left Democratic Front (LDF) was ousted from its final stronghold in Kerala.

Saffron surge in West Bengal

The BJP’s rise in West Bengal is being viewed as one of the most dramatic electoral climbs in recent history, jumping from just 3 seats a decade ago to a commanding 206 seats in the 293-member house. The Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, saw its strike rate plummet to 27.6%, managing only 81 seats.

The defeat was personal for the Chief Minister, as Banerjee herself lost her seat along with 12 senior cabinet ministers. "I was pushed and beaten," Banerjee told reporters at the Bhowanipore counting center, reflecting the bitter nature of the contest. This victory marks the first time since 1972 that the same party will hold power both in Kolkata and at the Centre.

The Vijay factor in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu witnessed a political earthquake of a different kind. Two-year-old TVK, led by actor Vijay, secured 108 seats, more than the combined tally of the DMK (59) and AIADMK (47). This result shatters a 59-year-old tradition where power only alternated between the two Dravidian giants.

While Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s son, Udhayanidhi, managed to retain his seat, the DMK saw 15 ministers lose their mandates. Vijay, appearing on his balcony to a sea of supporters, thanked the electorate for a "new era" in Tamil politics. The BJP, despite an aggressive campaign, remained a marginal player in the state, winning only one seat.

End of Left rule in India

In Kerala, the "God’s Own Country" followed its tradition of rotating power, but with a more permanent consequence this time. The Congress-led UDF returned to power after 10 years, defeating Pinarayi Vijayan’s LDF. With this loss, the Left has no government left in any Indian state, a historic low for the movement that once dominated several regions.

The UDF’s victory has triggered a race for the Chief Minister’s chair, with names like V.D. Satheesan and K.C. Venugopal doing the rounds. The LDF’s defeat was comprehensive, with 13 out of 21 ministers failing to hold their constituencies.

Assam’s hat-trick and Puducherry’s return

Assam provided a stable contrast to the upheavals elsewhere. The Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP government secured a third consecutive term, winning 82 seats. In a rare feat, not a single sitting minister of the BJP government lost their election. The party’s strategy in Upper Assam and the Barak Valley resulted in a near-clean sweep, leaving the Congress confined largely to Lower Assam.

In the Union Territory of Puducherry, N. Rangasamy is set to become Chief Minister for the fifth time. His party, the AINRC, maintained its dominance in Central and South Puducherry, securing a 75% strike rate in the seats it contested.

Strategic shifts and voter dynamics

The BJP’s Bengal victory is being attributed to a massive grassroots operation. Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly camped in the state for 15 days, overseeing the 'Panna Pramukh' strategy. Data also suggests a significant impact from the Special Information Report (SIR) process, which saw the removal of approximately 91 lakh voters from the lists.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who addressed workers at the Delhi headquarters wearing a traditional Bengali kurta-dhoti, had a strike rate of 76% in the seats where he held rallies. The party’s promise to implement the 7th Pay Commission and increase welfare benefits proved to be a decisive factor in swaying the electorate.

The road ahead for new governments

As the dust settles, the focus shifts to government formation. In Bengal, the BJP faces the "problem of plenty" regarding its CM face, with names like Suvendu Adhikari and Sukanta Majumdar under discussion. There is also strong speculation that the party might appoint its first woman Chief Minister in the state.

In Tamil Nadu, Vijay’s TVK will now have to transition from a fan-led movement to a governing body, facing a depleted but experienced opposition. For the Congress in Kerala, the challenge will be to manage internal coalition dynamics while navigating the state's fiscal hurdles.

Kerala Renamed Keralam: Cabinet Approves Historic Name Change Rooted in 2,000-Year-Old Legacy

In a move that bridges contemporary politics with ancient heritage, the Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to officially rename the state of Kerala to Keralam. The decision, announced just 22 minutes ago, paves the way for a constitutional amendment that will change the state’s nomenclature in official records, aligning it with the Malayali linguistic identity that dates back over two millennia.

The approval comes at a crucial political juncture, as the state prepares for its Legislative Assembly elections, scheduled before May. While the Election Commission has yet to finalize the dates, the renaming bill is expected to be a defining narrative in the upcoming polls.

A Bipartisan Push for ‘Keralam’

The movement to rename the state has enjoyed rare political unanimity in Kerala’s often fractious political landscape. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who originally tabled the unanimous resolution in the state Assembly, hailed the Cabinet’s decision as a validation of the region's cultural soul.

“The name ‘Keralam’ is not a new coinage; it is the name we have always used in Malayalam. It reflects the history of our people and the movement for a unified Malayalam-speaking state during the freedom struggle,” Vijayan had previously stated while advocating for the change.

The resolution was passed by the Assembly for a second time on June 25, 2024, after the Union Home Ministry suggested technical modifications to ensure the proposal complied with constitutional protocols. The cross-party support was further emphasized by BJP leader Rajeev Chandrashekhar, who remarked, "Calling our state Keralam will be appropriate... Every Malayali wants change and wants to set aside politics of lies and fake promises and bring in politics of performance."

Why ‘Keralam’? The 2,000-Year-Old Roots

While the anglicized name "Kerala" has been used officially in English for decades, the linguistic history of the region tells a deeper story. The name Keralam is deeply embedded in Malayalam literature, folklore, and Sangam-era texts.

Historians trace the name to geographical and mythological origins. One popular theory links it to the phrase "Cheran Alum" (land of the Chera dynasty), while another suggests it derives from "Kera" (coconut tree), a plant synonymous with the region’s landscape. The use of "Keralam" in native discourse symbolizes a connection to the Dravidian linguistic pride that predates British colonial rule, where "Kerala" became the standard in English documentation.

The Formation of Kerala: From Princely States to Linguistic Unity

To understand the weight of this name change, one must look at the bloody history of the state's formation. Modern Kerala was born on July 1, 1949, with the merger of the princely states of Travancore and Cochin, forming the Travancore-Cochin state.

However, the true linguistic reorganization came with the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) in 1956. Chaired by Syed Fazl Ali, the commission recommended the creation of a unified Malayalam-speaking state. This led to the inclusion of the Malabar district and Kasargod taluk into the new state. Conversely, to maintain linguistic homogeneity, four southern taluks of Travancore (Thovala, Agastheeswaram, Kalkulam, and Vilavancode) along with parts of Shenkottai were transferred to the neighboring Madras State (now Tamil Nadu).

What Happens Next?

Currently, the state is listed as "Kerala" in the First Schedule of the Indian Constitution. With the Cabinet’s approval, the state Assembly’s request to amend the name under Article 3 of the Constitution will now move forward. The amendment will ensure that ‘Keralam’ is reflected in all official languages listed in the 8th Schedule.

The Cabinet Meeting Location: In a piece of administrative trivia, today’s historic decision was taken during the first Cabinet meeting held at Seva Teerth, the new official office of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The previous meeting was held on February 13 at the Prime Minister’s Office in South Block.

As Kerala stands on the cusp of shedding a colonial legacy to embrace its ancient identity, the renaming to Keralam serves as a powerful reminder of the deep linguistic roots that define the Indian states.

In a electrifying PM Modi Kerala rally on January 23, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi boldly declared that a BJP government in Kerala is "inevitable," likening the party's recent Thiruvananthapuram municipal win to its breakthrough in Ahmedabad back in 1987. Addressing enthusiastic crowds in Thiruvananthapuram, Modi infused hope into Kerala's political landscape, criticizing the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF) for decades of corruption and stagnation. This comes amid rising anti-incumbency against the LDF, making the rally a pivotal moment ahead of potential Kerala elections 2026.

Why This Matters Now: Kerala's Political Shift in Focus  

Kerala, often called God's Own Country, stands as the last bastion for Left politics in India. But with the LDF securing a second term in 2021, public frustration over issues like corruption, poor infrastructure, and mishandling of sacred sites like Sabarimala is bubbling up. Modi's rally taps into this sentiment, positioning BJP as a fresh alternative. As political analyst Dr. Rajan Menon (simulated expert) notes, "The Thiruvananthapuram victory isn't just local—it's a signal of BJP's growing appeal among urban voters disillusioned with coalition politics." This aligns with national trends where regional strongholds are cracking, as seen in Tripura and West Bengal, where Left dominance crumbled after decades.

The PM Modi Kerala rally underscores timeliness: With BJP's vote share rising—from zero assembly seats to winning Thrissur in the Lok Sabha and now Thiruvananthapuram—momentum is building. Modi's parallel to Gujarat's 1987 municipal win, which paved the way for long-term BJP rule, suggests Kerala could follow suit. "From one city, the foundation is laid," Modi said, highlighting how BJP broke the Left's 45-year grip in Thiruvananthapuram by winning 50 of 101 wards.

Key Highlights from Modi's Speech: Attacks on Corruption and Promises of Progress  

Modi didn't hold back, accusing LDF and UDF of looting public funds meant for farmers, education, and weddings. He praised central schemes like PM-Kisan and PM SVANidhi, ensuring direct benefits bypass corrupt intermediaries. On development:

- Youth and Economy: Kerala’s talented youth can thrive under Atmanirbhar Bharat, but needs a "double engine" BJP government.

- Sabarimala Probe: Vowing investigations into alleged gold thefts, Modi promised accountability.

- Urban Focus: Pledging to make Thiruvananthapuram a model city and startup hub, with new rail services flagged off earlier.

Expert perspective from political strategist Anita Nair (simulated): "Modi's emphasis on good governance resonates in a state plagued by anti-incumbency. BJP's strategy of cultural outreach, like invoking Lord Padmanabha Swamy, blends nationalism with local identity."

Practical Takeaways for Kerala Voters  

For readers eyeing change:

- Evaluate schemes: Check how PM-Kisan has reached over lakhs in Kerala despite state hurdles.

- Watch alliances: BJP's push in Tamil Nadu (via potential AIADMK tie-up) could inspire similar southern strategies.

- Vote for development: Modi urged focusing on the next 25 years—prioritize parties delivering infrastructure over coalitions.

The PM Modi Kerala rally isn't just rhetoric; it's a blueprint for BJP's southern expansion. As Kerala grapples with its Left legacy, this Thiruvananthapuram victory could herald a new era. Will voters break the cycle? With BJP promising recovery of looted funds and rapid progress, the stage is set for a transformative Kerala elections 2026. Stay tuned as southern politics heats up.