Kerala has reported 71 cases and 19 deaths due to Amoebic Meningoencephalitis in 2025. Ever since its first clinical diagnosis in 1965 in Australia, the disease has caused huge concern across countries. In this episode of News Brake, Onmanorama talks to leading epidemiologist Dr Anish TS on causes behind the spike and way ahead for Kerala.

 

Kerala has reported 71 cases and 19 deaths due to Amoebic Meningoencephalitis in 2025. Ever since its first clinical diagnosis in 1965 in Australia, the disease has caused huge concern across countries. In this episode of News Brake, Onmanorama talks to leading epidemiologist Dr Anish TS on causes behind the spike and way ahead for Kerala.
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Killer Amoeba claims 19 lives, What's Kerala doing about it? | Ep 173

From Kathmandu to Cairo, Hong Kong to Santiago — when young people take to the streets, regimes tremble. In this episode of News Brake, Onmanorama traces some of the most powerful youth uprisings of the 21st century, from Nepal’s Gen Z revolt in 2025 to the Arab Spring, the Aragalaya in Sri Lanka, and beyond.

From Kathmandu to Cairo, Hong Kong to Santiago &mdash; when young people take to the streets, regimes tremble. In this episode of News Brake, Onmanorama traces some of the most powerful youth uprisings of the 21st century, from Nepal&rsquo;s Gen Z revolt in 2025 to the Arab Spring, the Aragalaya in Sri Lanka, and beyond.

From Nepal to Tunisia: Youth uprisings that shook regimes | Ep 172

Kerala’s coasts have a rich fishing heritage, but today the sector runs largely on migrant labour. Nearly 58% of the workforce now comes from states like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Odisha, while younger Malayalis are turning away from the seas. In this episode, Dr Shyam S Salim, Principal Scientist at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), explains why locals are quitting fishing, what draws migrants in, and how this shift is reshaping Kerala’s economy and culture.

Kerala&rsquo;s coasts have a rich fishing heritage, but today the sector runs largely on migrant labour. Nearly 58% of the workforce now comes from states like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Odisha, while younger Malayalis are turning away from the seas. In this episode, Dr Shyam S Salim, Principal Scientist at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), explains why locals are quitting fishing, what draws migrants in, and how this shift is reshaping Kerala&rsquo;s economy and culture.

Why Malayalis are leaving the seas & migrants stepping in | Ep 171

The death of Peerumade MLA Vazhoor Jose and the sex scandal involving Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil have sparked talk of bypolls in Kerala. The law says none are needed if less than a year remains in the Assembly’s term, but past rulings show it isn’t that simple. Host Aswin J Kumar explores if Kerala will face another bypoll before 2026.

The death of Peerumade MLA Vazhoor Jose and the sex scandal involving Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil have sparked talk of bypolls in Kerala. The law says none are needed if less than a year remains in the Assembly&rsquo;s term, but past rulings show it isn&rsquo;t that simple. Host Aswin J Kumar explores if Kerala will face another bypoll before 2026.

A death and a sex scandal: Will one-year rule prevent bypoll in Kerala? | Ep 170

Eight years after GST, India is preparing its biggest tax reform yet — fewer slabs, cheaper goods for households, but a steep levy on luxury and sin items. What does this mean for Kerala, a state that depends heavily on GST revenues and has long complained of losing out on IGST settlements? Banking and finance expert S Adikesavan joins News Brake to discuss GST 2.0. 

Eight years after GST, India is preparing its biggest tax reform yet &mdash; fewer slabs, cheaper goods for households, but a steep levy on luxury and sin items. What does this mean for Kerala, a state that depends heavily on GST revenues and has long complained of losing out on IGST settlements? Banking and finance expert S Adikesavan joins News Brake to discuss GST 2.0.&nbsp;

GST 2.0: Who pays the price, and what it means for Kerala | Ep 169

In this News Brake episode, Onmanorama unpacks Rahul Gandhi’s explosive allegations of voter list manipulation in Karnataka’s Mahadevapura and the Election Commission’s fierce rebuttal. From duplicate entries to fake addresses, and the political heat ahead of Bihar’s elections, we break down the facts, the spin, and what’s at stake for India’s democracy.

In this News Brake episode, Onmanorama unpacks Rahul Gandhi&rsquo;s explosive allegations of voter list manipulation in Karnataka&rsquo;s Mahadevapura and the Election Commission&rsquo;s fierce rebuttal. From duplicate entries to fake addresses, and the political heat ahead of Bihar&rsquo;s elections, we break down the facts, the spin, and what&rsquo;s at stake for India&rsquo;s democracy.

Rahul Gandhi, the Election Commission and the Voter Chori row | Ep 168

When thieves start targeting coconut oil, you know something’s cooking in Kerala’s kitchens and markets. Prices for this “liquid gold” had soared to record highs, squeezing households, caterers, and traders alike. But just before Onam, the bubble burst. In this episode of News Brake, we crack open the story of how demand and supply side factors reshaped Kerala’s coconut economy — and what it means for the state’s most beloved ingredient. Joining the conversation are Thalath Mahmood, President of the Cochin Merchants Association, and Shahul Hameed, State Secretary of the All Kerala Caterers’ Association, who share their insights.

When thieves start targeting coconut oil, you know something&rsquo;s cooking in Kerala&rsquo;s kitchens and markets. Prices for this &ldquo;liquid gold&rdquo; had soared to record highs, squeezing households, caterers, and traders alike. But just before Onam, the bubble burst.&nbsp;In this episode of News Brake, we crack open the story of how demand and supply side factors reshaped Kerala&rsquo;s coconut economy &mdash; and what it means for the state&rsquo;s most beloved ingredient.&nbsp;Joining the conversation are Thalath Mahmood, President of the Cochin Merchants Association, and Shahul Hameed, State Secretary of the All Kerala Caterers&rsquo; Association, who share their insights.

From price boom to dip: Cracking Kerala's coconut conundrum | Ep 167

A year ago, a massive landslide ripped through Wayanad’s Mundakkai and Chooralmala, killing over 300 people and destroying entire communities. In this episode of News Brake, Haritha Benjamin is joined by Lead Producer George Poikayil to revisit ground zero. What happened to the ₹200 crore rehabilitation plan? Why are survivors still waiting for homes, schools, and hospitals? And is Kerala any better prepared for the next disaster?

A year ago, a massive landslide ripped through Wayanad&rsquo;s Mundakkai and Chooralmala, killing over 300 people and destroying entire communities. In this episode of News Brake, Haritha Benjamin is joined by Lead Producer George Poikayil to revisit ground zero. What happened to the ₹200 crore rehabilitation plan? Why are survivors still waiting for homes, schools, and hospitals? And is Kerala any better prepared for the next disaster?

From the ruins: Revisiting Wayanad one year on | Ep 166

From the coir mills of Alappuzha to the Chief Minister’s office at 82, V S Achuthanandan’s life was a saga of defiance, discipline, and relentless public service. In this special episode of News Brake, Haritha Benjamin traces the journey of Kerala’s most iconic Marxist—his firebrand politics, party feuds, people's battles, and personal code that made him a living legend.

From the coir mills of Alappuzha to the Chief Minister&rsquo;s office at 82, V S Achuthanandan&rsquo;s life was a saga of defiance, discipline, and relentless public service. In this special episode of News Brake, Haritha Benjamin traces the journey of Kerala&rsquo;s most iconic Marxist&mdash;his firebrand politics, party feuds, people's battles, and personal code that made him a living legend.

VS Achuthanandan: The story of people's comrade

VS Achuthanandan: The story of people's comrade | Ep 165

Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, sentenced to death in Yemen, was hours away from execution. Now, her hanging has been postponed, giving her a narrow but vital lifeline. In this episode of News Brake, Haritha Benjamin breaks down Nimisha’s story and speaks to Advocate Subhash Chandran K R, her counsel.

Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, sentenced to death in Yemen, was hours away from execution. Now, her hanging has been postponed, giving her a narrow but vital lifeline. In this episode of News Brake, Haritha Benjamin breaks down Nimisha&rsquo;s story and speaks to Advocate Subhash Chandran K R, her counsel.

Nimisha Priya’s Execution Postponed: The Story So Far and What’s Next?

Nimisha Priya’s execution postponed: The story so far & what’s next? | Ep 164

Onmanorama's award-winning podcast 'News Brake-An Explainer Podcast' hosted by Haritha Benjamin gives you an in-depth analysis of the current news topics in a clutter free manner. Follow us to understand news beyond the headlines.

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