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Turf Safety First: Why Neymar Declined to Play Against Palmeiras Tonight

South India Pulse
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Turf Safety First: Why Neymar Declined to Play Against Palmeiras Tonight

SAO PAULO — Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr will sit out Santos FC’s key showdown against Palmeiras tonight despite completing full 90 minutes and bagging an assist in the previous match against Mirassol.

Although head coach Cuca included the 34-year-old in the squad, internal reports confirm that Neymar declined to feature at Nubank Parque. The primary reason for his decision is the stadium’s artificial grass surface, which the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker strongly believes increases the risk of severe injuries.

Long-Standing Stance on Artificial Grass
​Neymar’s opposition to synthetic turf is far from new. Having suffered multiple career-threatening ankle injuries, the forward has consistently voiced his disdain for non-natural grass. Since returning to Brazilian football in 2025, Neymar has appeared on artificial surfaces just once.
​When questioned about his availability earlier this week, Neymar was hesitant, emphasizing his caution:
​”Are you already thinking about that? Calm down, there’s a game on Sunday. I don’t know [if I’ll play on synthetic turf].”

Despite efforts from Santos’ coaching staff to reassure and persuade him, Neymar prioritized long-term fitness and opted out of tonight’s fixture.

P.H. Kurian IAS Passes Away: Remembering the Bureaucrat Whose Historic ‘Signature’ Saved Millions of Cancer Patients

South India Pulse
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P.H. Kurian IAS Passes Away: Remembering the Bureaucrat Whose Historic ‘Signature’ Saved Millions of Cancer Patients

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former Kerala Additional Chief Secretary and Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks, P.H. Kurian (67), passed away on Wednesday. A native of Pampady in Kottayam, Kurian was the first IAS officer to lead India’s Intellectual Property Administration, leaving behind an indelible mark on affordable healthcare and patent jurisprudence in India.

During his tenure as the Controller General of Patents between 2009 and 2012, Kurian authored a historic decision that redefined access to life-saving medicines in the developing world. On March 12, 2012, he issued India’s first-ever Compulsory Licence under Section 84 of the Indian Patents Act.
​German pharmaceutical giant Bayer was marketing its patented kidney and liver cancer drug, Nexavar (Sorafenib), at an exorbitant cost of nearly ₹2.8 lakh ($5,700 approx.) per month. This pricing placed the critical drug far out of reach for the vast majority of Indian patients.

Exercising executive courage and statutory provisions, Kurian granted a compulsory licence to generic manufacturer Natco Pharma to produce and distribute the drug. This single order slashed the price of the cancer treatment by over 97%, bringing it down from ₹2.8 lakh to just ₹8,880 per month.

​Though Bayer challenged the order extensively, both the Bombay High Court and ultimately the Supreme Court of India upheld P.H. Kurian’s ruling. The judgment set a global precedent, demonstrating how sovereign IP law can be invoked to prioritize public health over monopolistic pricing.
​Prominent leaders, legal experts, and civil society have expressed deep grief over his demise, celebrating him as a fearless administrator who put human lives above commercial interests.

A Visionary Bureaucrat Passes Away: VD Satheesan Condoles the Demise of P.H. Kurian IAS

South India Pulse
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A Visionary Bureaucrat Passes Away: VD Satheesan Condoles the Demise of P.H. Kurian IAS

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan expressed deep condolences on the passing of former Additional Chief Secretary P.H. Kurian IAS, remembering him as an outstanding administrator who demonstrated how public power should be used for the welfare of the common man.

Born into an ordinary farming family in Kottayam, Kurian completed his master’s degree in Chemistry and was pursuing scientific research at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, before joining the Civil Services. A 1986-batch officer, he initially served in the Orissa cadre before taking up key administrative roles in Kerala as Sub-Collector in Palakkad and Pala, and later as District Collector in Kottayam and Idukki.

V.D. Satheesan highlighted Kurian’s pivotal role during the Oommen Chandy government, where he drove major developmental strides while heading the IT, Industry, and Revenue departments. As IT Secretary, he laid the foundation for key technological shifts and infrastructure advancements in Kerala. Furthermore, his decisive interventions as the India’s Controller General of Patents significantly brought down the cost of crucial cancer medicines.

Kurian’s administrative skills were on full display during the catastrophic 2018 Kerala floods, where as Revenue and Disaster Management Secretary, he spearheaded and coordinated the state’s massive relief and rescue operations. He was also entrusted with identifying land at Cheruvally Estate for the proposed Sabarimala Greenfield Airport.
​”Even while occupying top administrative positions, he maintained warm personal relationships. His passing is an irreparable loss to Kerala,” Satheesan said, extending his heartfelt sympathies to the grieving family, friends, and colleagues.

Nepal Flash Floods: NORKA Roots Launches Emergency Helpdesk for Keralites; Indian Embassy Issues Helplines

South India Pulse
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Nepal Flash Floods: NORKA Roots Launches Emergency Helpdesk for Keralites; Indian Embassy Issues Helplines

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following severe flash floods in Nepal, NORKA Roots has launched an emergency helpdesk to provide immediate assistance, guidance, and information to Keralites affected by the disaster. The desk was established under the directives of Chief Minister V.D Satheesan, confirmed Rajesh Madhavan, Chief Executive Officer of NORKA Roots.

Keralites stranded in Nepal or their family members seeking information can reach out to the NORKA Global Contact Centre for 24/7 support.

NORKA Contact Information:
​Toll-Free Number (Within India): 1800 425 3939
​Missed Call Service (From Abroad): +91-8802012345
​To streamline on-ground coordination and aid efforts, the NRK Development Officer based at Delhi Kerala House has been officially assigned to oversee operations.

​Indian Embassy Deploys Emergency Lines
The Embassy of India in Kathmandu stated that it is in continuous communication with the Nepal government to ensure the swift and safe evacuation of stranded Indian citizens. The Embassy has set up dedicated helpline numbers to coordinate rescue and relief operations for affected Indians.
​Indian Embassy Emergency Helplines: +977 985 131 6807, +977 970 910 7500

Himalayan Horror: Earthquake Triggers Massive Flash Flood on Nepal-Tibet Border; 291 Foreign Tourists Among Hundreds Missing

South India Pulse
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Himalayan Horror: Earthquake Triggers Massive Flash Flood on Nepal-Tibet Border; 291 Foreign Tourists Among Hundreds Missing

KATHMANDU / NEW DELHI — A catastrophic flash flood along the Nepal-Tibet border has triggered widespread destruction, leaving scores dead and hundreds unaccounted for. According to initial reports by BBC News and the Nepal Tourism Board, at least 384 people are officially listed as missing, including 291 foreign tourists and 93 Nepalese nationals.

Among the missing foreign nationals, 105 are identified as Indian citizens, alongside 37 non-resident Indians (NRIs), 12 visitors from the UK, and tourists from the US, Australia, South Africa, and Malaysia.

Earthquake and Avalanche Trigger Catastrophe
​The disaster struck early Wednesday morning in Nepal’s northern Rasuwa district. Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal informed parliament that a magnitude earthquake hit the region around 8:37 AM local time, triggering a massive avalanche in the high Himalayas. The sudden surge of ice, rock, and melted snow rushed into the Bhote Koshi River—which originates in Tibet before flowing into Nepal—causing instant flash floods downstream.

Across the border in Tibet’s Gyirong County, Chinese state media reported “major casualties” and extensive damage at the Gyirong Port land border crossing, with local power grids and telecom networks completely severed.

Widespread Destruction and Infrastructure Loss
​Dramatic footage from affected districts like Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading shows torrents of muddy water destroying concrete bridges, sweeping away multi-story buildings, submerged vehicles, and wiping out local hydropower stations along the Trishuli river system.

Public infrastructure, customs checkpoints, and key trade corridors between Nepal and China have come to a total standstill.

Massive Rescue Operations Underway
​The Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and local security agencies have deployed over 15 helicopters to rescue stranded survivors and transport critically injured victims to medical facilities in Kathmandu.
​Authorities in downstream areas—including the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh along the Gandak river basin—have been put on high alert as floodwaters continue to flow southwards.

Sweet Crisis: Why India is Importing Sugar for the First Time in Nearly a Decade

South India Pulse
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Sweet Crisis: Why India is Importing Sugar for the First Time in Nearly a Decade

In a rare economic shift, India—the world’s largest sugar consumer and second-largest producer—has opened its ports to duty-free raw sugar imports for the first time in nearly ten years. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) announced a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) allowing 1 million metric tonnes (10 lakh tonnes) of raw sugar to enter the country duty-free through October 31.

The policy intervention comes after retail and wholesale sugar prices surged sharply in domestic markets, raising red flags ahead of the high-demand festival period running from Ganesh Chaturthi to Diwali.
​Key Drivers Behind the Import Shift
​Unfavorable Monsoon & Production Drop
Heavy rains and waterlogging across core sugarcane belts in Maharashtra and Karnataka damaged ratoon crops and lowered overall sucrose recovery rates. Domestic sugar output fell to approximately 296 lakh tonnes for the 2025-2026 season—the lowest level since 2019-20.
​The Ethanol Diversion Challenge
India’s ambitious bio-fuel goal to reach 20% ethanol blending in petrol diverted nearly 3.4 to 3.5 million tonnes of sugar-equivalent feedstock into ethanol production, tightening the surplus cushion available for direct human consumption.
​Depleted Opening Stock
Prior export quotas granted earlier in the season, combined with lower crushing output, drew down projected opening stocks for the upcoming crop year to 35–40 lakh tonnes, compared to 50 lakh tonnes a year prior.
​Ex-Mill & Retail Inflation
Factory-gate prices jumped to ₹5,400–₹5,500 per quintal from ₹3,900 a year earlier, pushing retail rates in parts of North and West India above ₹55–₹60 per kilogram.

Market Reaction & Next Steps
​Global commodity benchmarks responded instantly to news of India entering the buyer pool, with raw and white sugar futures rising around 4% on international exchanges. Meanwhile, the Indian government has clamped down on speculative hoarding by capping inventory limits for industrial bulk users (confectioners, beverage producers, and food processors using over 10 tonnes monthly) to 15 days of stock.

​Industry bodies emphasize that the zero-duty raw sugar imports serve as a precautionary buffer to stabilize domestic supply chains and control retail inflation through the peak festival months.

Tragedy in Islamabad: 14 Newborns Killed as Fire Engulfs Maternity Ward at PIMS Hospital

South India Pulse
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Tragedy in Islamabad: 14 Newborns Killed as Fire Engulfs Maternity Ward at PIMS Hospital

ISLAMABAD: A devastating fire erupted at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), the capital city’s premier state-run health facility, resulting in the tragic deaths of 14 newborn infants on Wednesday morning.

The blaze broke out around 7:00 AM local time on the third floor of the hospital’s Mother and Child Health (MCH) ward, specifically engulfing the neonatal intensive care unit and gynaecology department.

AC Compressor Explosion Suspected
​Preliminary investigations and rescue officials indicate that the fire was likely triggered by a sudden explosion in an air-conditioner compressor within the nursery. Official sources confirmed that 16 newborns were inside the incubators when the fire broke out. Rescuers were able to save only one child alive, while 14 infants tragically lost their lives due to severe burns and smoke inhalation.

​Safety Lapses Alleged
​Six fire tenders and four ambulances rushed to the spot to extinguish the blaze and carry out cooling operations. However, grieving parents and eyewitnesses alleged critical safety lapses, claiming that hospital staff were absent from the room when the fire started and that fire-fighting equipment at the venue was non-functional.

Government Orders Inquiry
​Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief over the horrific incident, calling the loss of infant lives an “irreparable loss.” Prime Minister Sharif ordered an immediate investigation to pinpoint responsibility and identify structural failures. A high-level fact-finding committee, led by the Additional Deputy Commissioner General, has been tasked with submitting a comprehensive report within 24 hours.

​”Does an MLA Wash His Own Car?”: Fire Brigade Washing BJP MLA’s Innova Triggers Major Row in MP

South India Pulse
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​”Does an MLA Wash His Own Car?”: Fire Brigade Washing BJP MLA’s Innova Triggers Major Row in MP

SINGRAULI (MADHYA PRADESH): A political controversy has erupted in Madhya Pradesh after a video surfaced online showing a municipal fire brigade vehicle being used to wash the private Toyota Innova of BJP MLA Ramniwas Shah outside his official residence in Singrauli district.

The footage, which went viral on social media, shows municipal corporation personnel using a high-pressure hosepipe connected to the fire engine to spray water over the MLA’s vehicle.

​Opposition Attacks BJP Over Misuse of Emergency Services
​The opposition Congress launched a sharp attack on the ruling party, accusing it of blatantly misusing emergency public resources for personal vanity.
​Leader of Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, Umang Singhar, lashed out at the BJP legislator:
​”When emergency situations arise, fire brigade vehicles fail to reach the homes of ordinary citizens in time to douse fires. But here in Singrauli, the BJP MLA has turned a fire brigade engine into his private car washing centre.”
​Singhar questioned the accountability of government officials and demanded a strict probe into the incident.

MLA Defends Himself, Shifts Blame to Driver and Officials
​When confronted over the video, Singrauli MLA Ramniwas Shah dismissed the allegations, claiming he was unaware of the event as he was away attending public programs.
​”People should understand one thing—does an MLA wash his own vehicle?” Shah remarked when asked about the visuals.
​Shah stated that he had returned from Bhopal and went to attend official functions, merely instructing his driver to bring the vehicle quickly. “I was not present at my residence at the time, so how would I know what happened? Ask the driver what transpired,” he said.
​He further suggested that the fire tender might have been deployed by the Municipal Corporation to address a local water supply issue at officials’ quarters rather than specifically to wash his car.

Meanwhile, Singrauli Municipal Corporation Commissioner Savita Pradhan stated that she was unaware of the incident and that the matter is being looked into.

Yash’s ‘Toxic’ Built on a Massive Budget: Geetu Mohandas & Star Cast Remuneration Revealed!

South India Pulse
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Yash’s ‘Toxic’ Built on a Massive Budget: Geetu Mohandas & Star Cast Remuneration Revealed!

Kochi : Following the global phenomenon of the KGF franchise, superstar Yash is returning with his highly anticipated pan-Indian action-drama, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Geetu Mohandas, the film has generated massive buzz surrounding its scale, cast, and jaw-dropping budget.

The Movie Budget:
According to trade analysts and industry sources, Toxic is mounted on a staggering budget of ₹500 Crore, making it one of the most expensive ventures in Indian cinema history. The film is jointly produced by KVN Productions and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations.

Star Cast Remuneration:
​Yash: The Rocking Star is taking home a flat remuneration of ₹50 Crore alongside a massive 60% profit-sharing deal. With non-theatrical and theatrical revenues factored in, his total earnings from the film could touch ₹150 Crore.
​Kiara Advani: Playing a pivotal leading role, Kiara has reportedly hiked her fee to ₹15 Crore for the project.
​Nayanthara: The ‘Lady Superstar’ is charging between ₹12 Crore and ₹18 Crore for her fierce character avatar in the film.
​Other Cast Members: Rukmini Vasanth is earning around ₹3 – 5 Crore, while Huma Qureshi and Tara Sutaria are reportedly charging ₹2 – 3 Crore each.

Geetu Mohandas’s Director Fee:
Moving from indie art-house cinema like Liar’s Dice and Moothon straight into a massive ₹500 Crore commercial vehicle, director Geetu Mohandas has commanded a record-breaking pay package. Reports indicate she is receiving around ₹15 Crore to ₹20 Crore, putting her among the highest-paid female directors in Indian cinema.

Yash’s ‘Toxic’ Hits Screens with Massive Opening; Early Reviews Highlight Stunning Mass Entry

South India Pulse
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Yash’s ‘Toxic’ Hits Screens with Massive Opening; Early Reviews Highlight Stunning Mass Entry

Bengaluru : The long four-year wait for Rocking Star Yash’s return to the big screen post the record-shattering KGF: Chapter 2 has finally ended. Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Geetu Mohandas, released worldwide today in Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil.

Grand Audience Reception & Ticket Frenzy
​Early morning shows across major circuits registered massive turnouts, with superfans storming theaters wearing customized Toxic merchandise and holding massive banners. According to ticketing platform updates, the movie witnessed unprecedented demand, selling over 52,000 tickets per hour during peak morning hours.
​Pre-release hype had already positioned the ₹500-crore budget gangster drama as a global heavyweight. Prior to release, Toxic achieved an advance booking collection crossing ₹70 crore worldwide, including ₹43.64 crore domestic pre-sales and significant international bookings across 400+ screens in the UK and key markets in North America.

First Reactions: Massy Yash vs. Screenplay Debates
​Initial audience reactions on social media have singled out Yash’s mass entry sequence and screen presence for extraordinary praise. Viewers described his introduction as one of the most stylish and impactful hero entry scenes in Indian cinema history.
​However, critical reception regarding the film’s overall narrative remains divided. While the psychological depth, high-octane action, and grand production values have won appreciation, some early reviews pointed out pacing issues and criticized aspects of the screenplay.

Early Box Office Performance
​As per initial data from box office tracker Sacnilk, Toxic has already minted an estimated net collection of ₹23.54 crore in India within the early hours of Day 1, with figures set to jump significantly with evening and night shows.
​The film also stars an impressive ensemble cast, including Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, and Sudev Nair.

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