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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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