Four cardinals from India, including two from Kerala, are eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave to elect the new Pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, as per the regulations. Anthony Poola, the Archbishop of Hyderabad; Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman; Cardinal Baselios Cleemis of the Syro-Malankara Church; and George Koovakkad, the newly appointed cardinal, are the four who can cast votes in the upcoming conclave.
His remarks came after the Kerala assembly on Tuesday passed the Kerala State Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Bill, 2025, which marks a break from the Communist Party of India Marxist-led government's long-standing opposition to the privatisation of education.
Kalamandalam Gopi, a renowned Kathakali artist known for his flawless portrayal of classical characters for nearly eight decades, has announced his retirement from the stage due to health concerns. The 87-year-old Padmashree awardee, considered a synonym of perfection in the classical dance drama in Kerala, said he is forced to retire due to age-related difficulties, particularly in his legs. He emphasized his commitment to delivering high-quality performances and his desire to avoid disappointing the audience. Gopi expressed gratitude to his masters for their guidance throughout his illustrious career.
'In today's political spectrum, it is the Bharatiya Janata Party that always says, nation first.'
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has declared a red alert in Palakkad district due to high levels of ultraviolet radiation. The UV index has been recorded at 11, with the highest levels occurring between 10 am and 3 pm. The KSDMA has advised the public to take safety precautions, including wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
'He was a tremendous artist of a very high order, gone too soon. He not only reshaped the visual language of Indian Cinema through his cinematography in Aravindan's films, Shaji sir gave us all a sense of direction through his mainstream work as a cameraman.'
The Delhi high court on Monday issued summons to Congress leader Shashi Tharoor in a defamation suit filed by Bharatiya Janata Party leader Rajeev Chandrashekhar.
A heated debate erupted in the Rajya Sabha over the ongoing strike by ASHA workers in Kerala, with Congress and CPI(M) MPs trading accusations over responsibility for addressing their demands for a higher honorarium and post-retirement benefits. Congress MP Jebi Mather alleged that both the Kerala government and the Union government had ignored the workers' pleas, while CPI(M) MP John Brittas countered by claiming Kerala provides the highest honorarium to ASHA workers. The debate also saw demands for an AIIMS in Kerala and a hike in MBBS seats, as well as concerns over maternal health, elderly care, and mental health in India.
This will be the maiden Test in Guwahati, which often hosts white-ball matches, and has also been hosting IPL matches for the last two seasons.
'The launch of Nila, our very first satellite was very emotional as well as nerve wracking. We tried to calm ourselves by cracking some poor jokes!'
A 23-year-old man, identified as Afan, has been arrested for allegedly killing six people, including his 13-year-old brother, in Kerala. Police suspect that Afan was under the influence of drugs and have found evidence of drug use. The murders took place across three houses in the Venjaramoodu area near the state capital. Afan's mother, who survived the attack, is hospitalized. The victims also include Afan's grandmother, a young woman said to be his lover, his paternal uncle, and his uncle's wife. Police are investigating the motive behind the murders.
Tharoor had earlier criticised India's stance when Russia attacked Ukraine and called for condemnation of the aggression.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has defended his praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his meeting with US President Donald Trump, stating that he spoke with India's interests in mind. Tharoor said that Modi's US visit had yielded some positive outcomes for the Indian people and noted that Modi being the fourth world leader to meet Trump after he took office underscored India's growing importance on the global stage. However, he also pointed out that the visit left some questions unanswered, such as why the issue of how illegal immigrants were returned to India was not addressed. Tharoor also criticized the tendency of political parties to oppose each other reflexively, saying that there has to be some give and take in a democracy.
A man from Kerala, Ani Thomas Gabriel, 47, was shot dead at the Jordan-Israel border on February 10, according to his relatives. Gabriel's family received an email from the Indian Embassy on March 1 confirming his death. Gabriel and a relative, Edison, were attempting to cross the border with the help of an agent. Edison was also shot but survived and has since returned home with injuries. Gabriel is survived by his wife, Christeena.
If as critics point out, the environmental impact assessment study was commissioned only after the auction process got underway with not all the stakeholders getting to know of it, then the government has already compromised the trust it could have enjoyed with Kerala's public including its coastal communities, points out Shyam G Menon.
'Reciprocal tariffs are not going to affect India except specific sectors and there are opportunities to capture.'
Tharoor's recent remarks on Kerala's industrial growth sparked controversy within the Congress state unit.
The Kerala Assembly passed a bill allowing for the establishment of private universities in the state. This marks a significant policy shift for the CPI(M)-led government, which had previously opposed privatization of education. The bill was passed by voice vote following discussions on Monday and Tuesday. The opposition raised concerns about the potential impact of private universities on public institutions and questioned the practicality of the requirements for starting a private university. However, the government defended the bill, stating it was a necessary step to improve higher education in Kerala and elevate public universities to global standards.
The Greenfield stadium has a capacity of 55,000 seats and the KCA said on Monday that 2,000 tickets for the opening T20I are still up for grabs.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has conceded that he was wrong in opposing India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, stating that the country's current position allows it to play a significant role in achieving lasting peace. Tharoor, who had initially criticized India's neutrality, now acknowledges that the policy has positioned India as a mediator, capable of engaging with both Russia and Ukraine.
Financial liabilities are suspected to be the motive behind the gruesome mass murder in Kerala's Venjaramoodu, where a man allegedly killed his grandmother, brother, girlfriend, paternal uncle and the latter's wife. The accused, Afan (23), had a debt of over Rs 65 lakh and his family was on the brink of suicide due to the financial burden. The police are investigating all angles, including a possible drug connection.
Shubman Gill flops as Karnataka bundle out Punjab for 55 to gain command on Day 1
The editorial, titled "Ahimsa Award for the Executioner?", criticized Congress leader Shashi Tharoor for praising the entrepreneurial growth of Kerala under the Left government. It argued that it was "suicidal" to weaken the party from within when the Congress was actively opposing the shortcomings of the LDF government. The editorial also criticized Tharoor's positive remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent US visit, calling it a mere gesture by two administrators to improve their image.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday asserted that the party's Kerala leaders 'stand as one' and were 'united' by the light of purpose ahead.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has condemned the manner in which Indians staying illegally in the US were deported, calling it an 'insult to India and the dignity of Indians'. He urged the Indian government to issue a message to the US, making it clear that it has no right to deport people in such an 'insulting manner'. Tharoor also pointed out that Colombia had previously refused to accept suspected immigrants of Colombian origin under similar circumstances, officially protesting when people were sent back in handcuffs. He demanded an explanation for the 'atrocious behavior' from the US government.
Sanju Samson will miss Kerala's Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh, beginning on January 23, as he has been included in India's squad for the five-match T20I series against England. Samson may also miss the final Group C match against Bihar if he is not released from India's squad.
Sanju Samson fractures index finger, out of action for five to six weeks
The Kerala unit of the Congress instantly gets a headache when Shashi Tharoor lets loose one of his observations showering flowers on enemy territory. With every such action triggering controversy within a nervous Congress party, some feel it is high time Tharoor showed a degree of solidarity with the ideals of his party, notes Shyam G Menon.
Afan, a 23-year-old man from Kerala, allegedly killed five people, including his brother, grandmother, paternal uncle, aunt, and his girlfriend, in a series of brutal hammer attacks. The victims were found with severe head injuries, indicating the severity of the assaults. The accused, who was reportedly a drug abuser, calmly walked to the police station after committing the murders, informing officers about the killings. Police are investigating the motive behind the horrific crime.
The Kerala High Court has criticized both the ruling front and the opposition in the state for holding public meetings that block public roads and footpaths. The court observed that the December 5 incident, where the CPI(M) held a conference outside the Vanchiyoor court complex in Thiruvananthapuram, was a "clear case of breach of trust" as the government holds the roads as a trustee of the people. The court has directed the police to submit a report by December 16 identifying those involved in the meeting, including those who attended and were seen on-stage in news reports. The court also pointed out that the stage for the meeting was constructed right on top of the pedestrian/zebra crossing, completely blocking the carriageway on one side of the road. This caused traffic snarls and inconvenienced pedestrians, including school children, infants, and elderly persons. The court said that provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other laws, like the Motor Vehicles Act, would be applicable to the incident.
'At the same time, this may encourage some youngsters in some parts of the country to pursue football.'
The Reserve Bank on Wednesday said 98.12 per cent of the Rs 2000 banknotes have been returned to the banking system, and only Rs 6,691 crore worth such notes are still with the public. On May 19, 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the withdrawal of Rs 2000 denomination banknotes from circulation.
Kerala advanced to their maiden Ranji Trophy final after clinching a dramatic two-run first-innings lead over Gujarat in the semi-finals on Friday.
In Kerala's society, known for its high material standard of living, plunging into a state of having nothing overnight can be terrible for one's social standing and sense of self-esteem. Rehabilitation entails piecing a community back together after a disturbance and while its aim is noble, the act of reassembling will bring alive disparities and inequalities, explains Shyam G Menon.
The proposed legislation on Emigration (Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024) seeks to replace the Emigration Act of 1983 with a view to facilitate the circular mobility of people intending to emigrate for overseas employment.
The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a petition filed by the Kerala government against the state high court verdict rejecting the pleas challenging the Centre's decision to lease out Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to Adani Enterprises Ltd.
Karnataka need to win with a bonus point win against table-toppers Haryana in their final league match to advance to the quarter-finals.
'Found a ponnada in the appropriate India colours to honour him with!'
Opposition leaders in India have expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of the deportation of Indian illegal immigrants from the United States during his recent visit. They criticized the manner in which the Indians were sent back, shackled and handcuffed on a military aircraft. The leaders also discussed the need for India to address the root causes of migration and the importance of national interest in diplomatic relations with the United States.
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