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Tribal Leader C.K. Janu Eyes UDF Entry; Priyanka Gandhi’s Interest Paves the Way

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Tribal Leader C.K. Janu Eyes UDF Entry; Priyanka Gandhi’s Interest Paves the Way

Kozhikode : In a significant political development in Kerala, prominent tribal leader C.K. Janu has formally submitted a letter expressing her willingness for her party to join the United Democratic Front (UDF). This move comes barely two months after Janu-led Janathipathya Rashtriya Party (JRP) quit the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition.

Janu recently held discussions with Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan in Aluva. Sources indicate that Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi has a special interest in facilitating Janu’s entry into the front. The Congress is reportedly keen on forming an alliance with a tribal party, viewing it as a move that could yield national-level benefits for the party.

The JRP first became a constituent of the NDA in 2016, with Janu contesting the Sultan Bathery assembly seat in the 2016 elections. The party left the front in 2018, only to return in 2021. Their most recent exit from the NDA coalition was on August 30, 2025. Janu is now preparing to align with the UDF ahead of the upcoming Panchayat elections.

Janu’s potential inclusion was discussed at the UDF meeting held on the 9th of this month. Bringing in a tribal leader from the Wayanad constituency, which is represented by Priyanka Gandhi, is seen as a strategic step that will significantly aid in building the Congress’s image at the national level. With Priyanka Gandhi’s interest now public, Janu’s entry into the UDF is widely expected to be expedited

Sabarimala Gold Foil Scam: Ex-Devaswom Chief Named in FIR, Crisis Hits Kerala’s Ruling Front

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Sabarimala Gold Foil Scam: Ex-Devaswom Chief Named in FIR, Crisis Hits Kerala’s Ruling Front

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The ruling government and front are reeling after the Sabarimala gold foil scam case took a dramatic turn, with the former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president being named as an accused in the First Information Report (FIR). This development has completely undermined the initial defence of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) and the government, which had consistently maintained that the lapse was solely at the official level.

The crisis deepened when the High Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) registered the FIR based on the Devaswom Vigilance report. The list of accused now includes former TDB President A. Padmakumar, contradicting the narrative that sought to shift the blame entirely onto lower-level officials. This new twist provides significant ammunition to the Opposition, particularly the Congress, which has been vigorously protesting the alleged corruption.

Initially, the narrative, even in the media, suggested a conspiracy among officials during that period, making it relatively easy for the CPM and the government to counter the Opposition’s attacks, including those raised in the Assembly. However, the official Devaswom Vigilance report and the subsequent High Court-directed FIR have turned the tables. Now, major constituents of the Left Democratic Front (LDF), including the CPM and CPI, are facing a significant political predicament.

While the government, the minister, and the CPM leadership have repeatedly promised strict action against those responsible, the need for immediate, decisive steps has become critical, especially with elections approaching. The LDF is now compelled to contain the scandal quickly, likely through strong organizational action, to prevent it from becoming a major Opposition election tool. The internal consensus is that to counter the Opposition’s intensified campaign, action against the accused is inevitable.

The Devaswom Vigilance’s finding—that the gold foil could not have been removed without the board’s knowledge—is central to the CPM’s current dilemma. It is widely expected that the party will move quickly to take organizational action against Padmakumar to save face.

Padmakumar, who has been a source of party discomfort since the last state conference, was appointed TDB President in November 2017 while serving as a CPM District Secretariat member. The period of the alleged removal of the gold foil—handed over to Unnikrishnan Potti—falls under his tenure. While Padmakumar claims he only ordered the gold plating and not the removal, he remains under a cloud of suspicion.

The CPM recognizes that defending Padmakumar is unsustainable, given his prior controversial tenure during the Sabarimala women’s entry issue. His inclusion in this scam’s FIR will likely amplify attacks on the party, making swift organizational action necessary to mitigate the political damage before the upcoming polls. The party is considering a carefully planned move, consulting Padmakumar, to ensure the action doesn’t backfire politically in the district.

Kerala Tragedy: Fireman, Two Civilians Die as Well Collapses During Rescue Attempt in Kollam

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Kerala Tragedy: Fireman, Two Civilians Die as Well Collapses During Rescue Attempt in Kollam

Kollam, Kerala: A valiant rescue effort turned into a tragic disaster in Mundupara, Kottarakkara, Kollam, resulting in the death of three individuals, including a dedicated fireman, after a well collapsed early Sunday morning.

​The incident occurred as rescue personnel attempted to save a woman who had reportedly jumped into the well. The deceased have been identified as Sony S. Kumar (38), a fireman stationed at the Kottarakkara Fire Station and a native of Attingal; Archana (33), the woman who jumped into the well; and her male friend, Sivakrishnan (23), who resided with her.

​According to reports, the disaster struck during the rescue operation for Archana. While Fireman Sony S. Kumar was attempting to pull the woman out of the well, the surrounding wall collapsed, crashing down on him. Sivakrishnan, who was standing at the edge of the well assisting the operation, also tragically fell in as the structure gave way.

​The local Fire Force and rescue teams faced a challenging four-hour operation before they could recover the bodies of the three victims.

NDA Seat Share Sealed: BJP, JDU Get 101 Each; Chirag Paswan Secures 29 in Bihar Polls

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NDA Seat Share Sealed: BJP, JDU Get 101 Each; Chirag Paswan Secures 29 in Bihar Polls

New Delhi: Ending weeks of intense speculation and prolonged negotiations, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has finally announced its formal seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming 243-member Bihar Assembly elections.

​The key takeaway from the deal, which was posted on X by Union Minister and BJP’s Bihar in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan, is the absolute parity achieved between the alliance’s two major constituents: the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) or JDU. Both parties will contest 101 seats each.

​The most significant hurdle in the negotiations, Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) or LJP(RV), successfully secured a substantial allotment of 29 seats. Paswan had been playing hardball, initially demanding a higher number based on his party’s performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, where they achieved a 100 per cent strike rate. The successful resolution with LJP(RV) involved the BJP and JDU making adjustments to their earlier proposed figures.

​In addition to the three main parties, the remaining seats were allocated to the NDA’s smaller regional allies. Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha and former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM) will contest 6 seats each.

​The final agreement signals a strong display of unity within the ruling alliance as they head into the crucial state polls, aiming to counter the opposition’s challenge.

Mega-YouTuber & Teen Son Arrested in Bengal Rape Case: Allegedly Blackmailed 15-Year-Old for Sexual Assault

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Mega-YouTuber & Teen Son Arrested in Bengal Rape Case: Allegedly Blackmailed 15-Year-Old for Sexual Assault

​KOLKATA: A popular West Bengal-based YouTuber, boasting a following of over 4 million subscribers, has been arrested along with his teenage son on charges of allegedly raping a 15-year-old schoolgirl in the state’s North 24 Parganas district. The shocking case centers on a scheme where the minor was allegedly lured with promises of appearing in comedy and dance videos before being blackmailed and repeatedly assaulted.

​The 48-year-old accused, identified as Arabindu Mondal, was apprehended by police in Haroa on Sunday. Investigators confirmed that Mondal, who operates two popular YouTube channels, and his son approached the Class 9 student several months ago with the offer to feature her in short videos and reels.

​Sources familiar with the investigation revealed that after luring the girl to various shoot locations, the father-son duo allegedly secretly filmed and photographed her while she was changing clothes. The pair then reportedly used the explicit footage to blackmail the survivor into silence following repeated instances of sexual assault. In one disturbing detail, a police officer noted that Mondal’s son allegedly placed vermillion on the victim’s hair, attempting to suggest marriage before sexually assaulting her.

​The survivor’s family, who reportedly knew and trusted Mondal, remained unaware of the ordeal until the girl confided in them. An FIR was promptly registered at the Haroa police station under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

​Following the arrests, a court remanded Arabindu Mondal to five days of police custody, while his son was sent to a juvenile offenders’ home. Authorities have also seized phones, cameras, and other digital devices belonging to Mondal, who is now facing serious charges that have sent shockwaves through the local community and the regional social media landscape. The survivor’s father is reportedly an officer attached to the Kolkata Police.

Trump Reasserts Tariff Leverage Solved India-Pakistan Conflict, Declares Gaza Truce His Eighth Global ‘Win’

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Trump Reasserts Tariff Leverage Solved India-Pakistan Conflict, Declares Gaza Truce His Eighth Global ‘Win’

WASHINGTON D.C.—President Donald Trump has once again stirred global discussion by claiming responsibility for resolving multiple international conflicts, including the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan and the newly brokered truce in Gaza. The President asserted that the Gaza agreement, marking a temporary pause in hostilities and a hostage release deal, is the “eighth war” he has successfully ended.

​Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to a Middle East trip, where he is scheduled to co-chair a Gaza peace summit, Trump doubled down on a prior controversial claim regarding the 2025 India-Pakistan ceasefire following ‘Operation Sindoor.’

​”I settled a few of the wars just based on tariffs,” Trump stated. “For example, between India and Pakistan, I said, if you guys want to fight a war and you have nuclear weapons, I am going to put big tariffs on you both, like 100 per cent, 150 per cent, and 200 per cent. I had that thing settled in 24 hours.”

​The President also touched upon the Nobel Peace Prize, noting he “did not do this for the Nobel” but for “saving lives.”

​However, Trump’s claims regarding the India-Pakistan conflict face consistent rejection from New Delhi. India’s Ministry of External Affairs maintains that the ceasefire, announced on May 10, 2025, was reached through direct, bilateral dialogue between the two countries’ Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs), without any third-party mediation or the use of US tariffs as leverage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has repeatedly affirmed that trade negotiations with the US were entirely separate from the military decision to pause hostilities.

​Despite the firm denials from the Indian side, Trump’s comments underscore his continued narrative of being a singular force in global conflict resolution as he heads to the Middle East to mark the Gaza ceasefire.

What’s a ‘Normal’ Sex Drive for Single Women? 12 Candid Answers

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What’s a ‘Normal’ Sex Drive for Single Women? 12 Candid Answers

From a lack of comprehensive sex education to the societal taboo around openly discussing sex, it’s easy to feel like you’re navigating your desires in the dark. This often leads to one burning question: “Is my sex life normal?” We become preoccupied with numbers—how often we’re having sex, our “body count,” and whether a dry spell means we’ll “forget how” (spoiler: you won’t).

While prioritizing pleasure and connection (quality over quantity) is always the goal, curiosity about frequency is valid. A dip in your usual sexual activity can sometimes signal underlying issues, like a new medication affecting your libido, mental health challenges, or simply the realities of a tough dating scene. Hearing from others can be reassuring and normalizing.

So, how often are single women really having sex? Research suggests a wide range, with a 2021 study finding that 36% of single people have sex 1-3 times per month. But stats don’t tell the whole story. We asked 12 single women to share the real-life details behind their sexual frequency, their last encounter, and most importantly, how they feel about it.

12 Single Women on Their Sexual Frequency

1. “I’ve had a string of bad dates lately.” “I probably have sex less than once a month, though I currently haven’t had sex since April. I tend to meet people on dating apps, but I’ve had a string of bad dates lately, so nothing’s come of those. The sex was great with someone I dated for a month! But if I sleep with someone I’ve just met from an app, the sex usually isn’t good.” —Grace*, 28

2. “I have a hard time dating multiple people at once.” “I had sex with a friend from January to March, then went on two first dates. Two weeks ago I met someone at a bar and we’ve had sex since. [We have a] good connection, but I’m not sure where it will go. I have a hard time dating multiple people at the same time. I know I should but I can’t.” —izdontzknowz, 26

3. “I have periods of no sex, and then regular sex.” “I’m a pretty regular dating app user, but I’m fussy. This means I go through periods of no sex and then periods of regular sex, rather than having lots of casual sex consistently. When I’m seeing someone, I probably have sex once or twice a week, and when I’m single, it can be up to three or four months before I have sex again.” —Naomi*, 24

4. “It’s been really hard.” “In the last two years, I’ve been on five dates total, with three people. No sex. I have Hinge and Raya. It’s been really hard!” —LauraBranigan, 33

5. “I need to actually like the person.” “[It’s been] two years for me [since I last had sex]. I’m not into casual hookups. Sometimes I miss sex. I know I could get it if I wanted, but I need to actually like the person. I also feel that sex has often been disappointing in the past, as in the man was mostly just focused on his own pleasure.” — via Reddit

6. “I have a couple of people I sleep with fairly regularly.” “I probably have sex a couple of times a month. I have a couple of people I met through apps who I sleep with when we both have time. With those people, the sex is always great. I last had sex two weeks ago with a guy I met on Feeld last year. This is kinda perfect for me because we know what we like and we get on well, but there’s no expectation.” —Felicity*, 30

7. “Each year, my sex life slows down.” “I’ve been single for four years and each year my dating and sex life slows down. Last year, I went over a year without sex because I was being ultra picky. This year, I moved cities so I figured I’d rip the Band-Aid off with a quick fling… well I ended up with chlamydia, so guess who is retiring back into celibacy?” —aelizabeth3300, 24

8. “Living at home impacts my sex life a lot.” “I’ve been unintentionally celibate for about six months now. I’m not really a casual sex person—I catch feelings way too easily. I also live at home with my family, so that impacts my sex and dating life a lot. Maybe if I didn’t, I would have sex more often and more casually.” —Zoe*, 26

9. “I had sex with two people I considered having potential.” “I’ve had about 10 dates with new people in the last few months. Of those, I had sex with two people I considered as having potential for a long-term relationship.” —thatjaybirdtho, 31

10. “Far better than the sex I had in a relationship!” “On average, I have sex once to twice a month. I usually meet the men I have sex with on dating apps. Generally the sex is pretty good, and I’ve really been enjoying more sexual experiences as a result of being single. It’s far better than the sex I had in a relationship!” —Hannah*, 28

11. “When I do have sex, it’s usually not great.” “I probably have sex once or twice a month. Unfortunately, when I do have sex, it’s usually not great. It’s worse with complete strangers, as you don’t know what the other person enjoys. I last had sex about a month ago. It was a really bad experience though, and it put me off searching for a hookup for quite a few weeks.” —Kellie*, 25

12. “I have a few FWBs I see regularly.” “I like going on at least one date a week, and sex is usually included. I have a few FWBs [friends with benefits] I see regularly, too, so that ups the frequency. I’m newly-ish single and I like going out a bunch so that might be why.” —abbyabby91, 32

RTI Act Turns 20: Prasanth IAS Hails The Law That Transformed Indian Governance

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RTI Act Turns 20: Prasanth IAS Hails The Law That Transformed Indian Governance

Thiruvananthapuram: The Right to Information (RTI) Act, enacted on 13th October, twenty years ago, is being hailed by former civil servants and transparency advocates as a quiet yet profound revolution that has fundamentally altered the landscape of Indian governance.

​In a powerful tribute posted on Facebook, Prasanth IAS, an officer who has witnessed the workings of the system from within, reflected on the law’s two-decade journey, emphasizing its transformative impact on the nation’s democratic health.

​”The Right to Information Act transformed governance forever — turning secrecy into scrutiny, and hierarchy into accountability,” Prasanth wrote. “It gave ordinary citizens an extraordinary power: the right to question, to seek, and to know. RTI taught us that democracy does not end with voting — it begins with asking.”

​Prasanth, whose latest book, “System Out Complete,” is a dedication to the Act, stressed that the law’s success is measured less by bureaucratic compliance and more by citizen awakening. Over the past two decades, RTI has done more than just expose corruption and inefficiency; it has served as a ‘classroom’ for the nation. “Each file opened under RTI has been a classroom, revealing how decisions are made, funds are moved, and systems are shaped,” he explained.

​Challenging the notion that the law is a burden or a threat to the administration, Prasanth described RTI as the “conscience” of the system. He highlighted the fundamental belief that underpins the Act: that information is not merely a right, but a “sacred responsibility.”

​The officer concluded his post with a call to reaffirm the commitment to transparency on this significant anniversary. “May we renew our faith in the idea that a file opened to light is a nation moving towards justice,” he stated. The sentiments underscore a broad consensus among policy experts that the RTI Act remains one of the most vital tools for public accountability and good governance in India.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi Offers to Resign, Citing Income Drop; Recommends C. Sadanandan Master

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Union Minister Suresh Gopi Offers to Resign, Citing Income Drop; Recommends C. Sadanandan Master

Kannur — Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Tourism, actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi, created a flutter in political circles on Sunday after expressing his desire to step down from his ministerial position. Citing a significant drop in income due to the demands of public office, Gopi also took the unusual step of recommending a replacement from within the party: veteran BJP leader C. Sadanandan Master.

​Addressing party workers in an event also attended by Sadanandan Master, Gopi said his brief stint as a Union Minister had severely impacted his primary source of income—his film career.

​”I am saying here with sincerity that Sadanandan Master should be made a (Union) minister after removing me. I believe that it will become a new chapter in the political history of Kerala,” Gopi stated. The actor-politician, who was nominated as a Rajya Sabha MP in 2016, noted that he never sought the ministerial role and that the party may have appointed him in recognition of the mandate following his Lok Sabha poll performance.

​Gopi, who is the sole BJP MP from Kerala, added that he prays that Sadanandan Master’s newly established MP office in Kannur will soon be upgraded to a Ministerial office.

​The recommended replacement, C. Sadanandan Master, is a senior BJP leader from Kannur district with a history of political struggle. He is a survivor of political violence, having lost both his legs during an alleged attack by CPI(M) workers in 1994. Master was recently nominated to the Rajya Sabha, which Gopi hailed as a significant political breakthrough for the party in northern Kannur.

​The unexpected resignation offer has sparked intense speculation about the dynamics within the Kerala unit of the BJP and the broader challenges faced by professionals transitioning into full-time ministerial roles.

CBI Chargesheet Details Alleged Quid Pro Quo: Anil Ambani and Yes Bank’s Rana Kapoor Accused of ₹2,800 Crore Fraud

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CBI Chargesheet Details Alleged Quid Pro Quo: Anil Ambani and Yes Bank’s Rana Kapoor Accused of ₹2,800 Crore Fraud

Mumbai: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has detailed an alleged criminal conspiracy and quid pro quo arrangement between Anil Ambani’s Reliance ADA Group and former Yes Bank chief Rana Kapoor, resulting in a loss of nearly ₹2,800 crore to the bank. A chargesheet filed in a Mumbai court last month claims that in exchange for Yes Bank’s massive investments into his financially weak companies, Ambani facilitated loans and investments for firms owned by Kapoor’s family.

The CBI has also implicated Anil Ambani’s son, Jai Anmol Ambani, alleging he was directly involved in key investment decisions at a group mutual fund that were part of the elaborate scheme to divert public money.

The investigation stems from two criminal complaints filed by Yes Bank’s Chief Vigilance Officer in 2022. The chargesheet names Anil Ambani, Rana Kapoor, his wife Bindu Kapoor, daughters Radha and Roshni Kapoor, and several companies from both groups.

How the Alleged Scheme Unfolded

According to the CBI’s findings, the conspiracy began in 2017 when Yes Bank, under Rana Kapoor’s leadership, invested a staggering ₹5,010 crore in Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd (RCFL) and Reliance Home Finance Ltd (RHFL). This massive infusion of funds was allegedly approved by Kapoor despite CARE Ratings placing the ADA Group under a “credit watch” due to its weak financial health. The CBI alleges these funds were then diverted through multiple shell companies, constituting a misuse of public money.

In return for this financial lifeline, the CBI claims the ADA Group extended loans and investments on favorable terms to companies controlled by Rana Kapoor’s family. This alleged corrupt arrangement led to a wrongful loss of ₹2,796.77 crore for Yes Bank, while directly benefiting the ADA Group and the Kapoor family’s entities.

Mutual Fund Route and Jai Anmol Ambani’s Role

The chargesheet also highlights the role of Reliance Nippon Mutual Fund (RNMF), a subsidiary of Reliance Capital. The agency claims RNMF invested ₹1,160 crore in debentures of Morgan Credits Pvt Ltd, a Kapoor family firm, during 2017-18. Furthermore, RNMF allegedly bought ADA Group debentures worth ₹249.80 crore from Yes Bank and invested another ₹1,750 crore in Yes Bank’s high-risk AT1 bonds.

The CBI alleges that Jai Anmol Ambani directly influenced these investment decisions at RNMF. Since market regulations prohibit mutual funds from investing in their own group companies via private placements, this complex arrangement was allegedly devised by Ambani and Kapoor to bypass the rules and illegally channel public funds from the mutual fund back into the financially struggling ADA Group companies.

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