Today News Headlines for School Assembly, February 25, 2026: Kerala to be renamed as ‘Keralam’, Govt to run HPV vaccination drive

In a significant cultural move, the Indian state of Kerala will officially be renamed as 'Keralam,' following the approval by the state government. This change aims to honor the region's linguistic heritage and reflect the native Malayalam pronunciation. The decision has been met with widespread support from local communities who see it as a step towards preserving their cultural identity. The official transition is expected to take place by the end of the year, allowing time for updates in administrative documents and public signage. Simultaneously, the government has announced a comprehensive nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive. This initiative seeks to curb the prevalence of HPV-related diseases, particularly cervical cancer, which remains a significant health concern. The campaign will target school-aged children, with the aim of achieving a high vaccination rate to ensure long-term public health benefits. Health officials emphasize the importance of early vaccination and have called on parents and schools to participate actively. Amid these developments, there is a growing focus on mental health awareness across the nation. Reports indicate an increase in mental health issues among various age groups, prompting authorities to prioritize mental health services and education. Efforts are underway to integrate mental health support into school curriculums, ensuring students have access to necessary resources. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address mental well-being, reflecting a shift towards more holistic approaches in the education and health sectors.

— Authored by Next24 Live