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South Western Railway Extends Bengaluru & Hubballi Special Trains for Onam

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South Western Railway Extends Bengaluru & Hubballi Special Trains for Onam

In a major relief for thousands of interstate commuters planning travel between Karnataka and Kerala for the upcoming Onam festival season, South Western Railway (SWR) has announced the extension of several special train services. The extension covers critical routes connecting Hubballi and Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) Bengaluru with Kollam Junction and Thiruvananthapuram North (Kochuveli).

According to an official notification released by SWR, all extended special services will continue to operate with their existing schedules, commercial stoppages, and coach compositions, running four additional trips each throughout September 2026.

Train No. & DescriptionDay of ServiceExtended Period (From – To)Additional Trips
07313 Hubballi – Kollam SpecialSunday06.09.2026 to 27.09.20264 Trips
07314 Kollam – Hubballi SpecialMonday07.09.2026 to 28.09.20264 Trips
06523 SMVT Bengaluru – Thiruvananthapuram North SpecialMonday07.09.2026 to 28.09.20264 Trips
06524 Thiruvananthapuram North – SMVT Bengaluru SpecialTuesday08.09.2026 to 29.09.20264 Trips
06547 SMVT Bengaluru – Thiruvananthapuram North SpecialWednesday02.09.2026 to 23.09.20264 Trips
06548 Thiruvananthapuram North – SMVT Bengaluru SpecialThursday03.09.2026 to 24.09.20264 Trips
06555 SMVT Bengaluru – Thiruvananthapuram North SpecialFriday04.09.2026 to 25.09.20264 Trips
06556 Thiruvananthapuram North – SMVT Bengaluru SpecialSunday06.09.2026 to 27.09.20264 Trips

Advance Reservation Schedule and Booking Guidelines

Southern Railway confirmed that advance ticket bookings for all extended train services will officially commence at 11:00 AM on August 6, 2026.

Commuters can secure tickets across computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters at railway stations or digitally via the official IRCTC website and mobile application. Given the high demand for travel between Bengaluru and Kerala during the Onam season, railway authorities have urged passengers to book early to avoid last-minute waiting lists.

Route Profiles and Key Stoppages

These special services serve as vital transit links connecting major IT and industrial hubs in Karnataka with key commercial centers in Kerala:

  • Hubballi – Kollam Sector (07313 / 07314): Traverses major stations including Davangere, Arsikere, SMVT Bengaluru, Erode, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam Town, and Kottayam.
  • SMVT Bengaluru – Thiruvananthapuram North Sector (06523/06524, 06547/06548, 06555/06556): Provides high-frequency connectivity covering Bangarapet, Salem, Erode, Coimbatore, Palakkad, Ernakulam, and Alappuzha/Kottayam corridors.

The decision to maintain existing coach compositions—combining AC, Sleeper, and General Unreserved coaches—ensures affordable options for all passenger categories during the high-demand festival rush.

UGC Cracks Down on EdTech Platforms and Red-Flags 32 Fake Universities

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UGC Cracks Down on EdTech Platforms and Red-Flags 32 Fake Universities

In a decisive push to safeguard students from predatory educational practices, the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC) have initiated strict regulatory enforcement against EdTech companies offering fraudulent online degrees.

Presenting a written statement in the Rajya Sabha on August 5, 2026, Minister of State for Education Dr. Sukanta Majumdar disclosed that several EdTech entities have been aggressively advertising online degrees and diplomas in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) modes via mainstream news, television, and social media channels. These promotions often claim alliances with UGC-recognized Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs).

The regulatory authority made it explicitly clear that franchise arrangements between EdTech platforms and universities are strictly prohibited under current statutory frameworks. Consequently, any degree or diploma earned through such commercial arrangements remains completely unapproved and legally invalid for employment or higher education.

Category / DomainUGC Administrative Finding / StatusAction / Directive Issued
EdTech Degree FranchiseesProhibited: No private franchisee model is approved for ODL/Online degrees.Legal notices issued to defaulting companies and HEIs.
Identified Fake Universities32 Institutions Red-Flagged as of February 2026.Names published on official UGC registry; FIRs requested.
Regulatory Monitoring UnitAnti-Mal-Practice Cell (AMPC) active since May 30, 1996.Investigates unauthorized degree-granting bodies.
Verification PortalUGC Distance Education Bureau (DEB) official website.Students urged to check course entitlement prior to enrollment.

Unveiling the 32 Fake Universities and AMPC Monitoring Framework

Beyond commercial EdTech platforms, the central government addressed the persistent menace of unaccredited, self-styled educational bodies. According to the latest comprehensive assessment published by the UGC in February 2026, exactly 32 institutions across India have been formally classified as fake universities.

The investigation procedure follows a structured statutory protocol:

  1. Show-Cause Notices: Upon receiving complaints regarding an unauthorized institution awarding degrees, the UGC dispatches a formal query requesting legal explanation.
  2. Evaluation & Blacklisting: If the entity fails to submit a satisfactory legal justification, its name is immediately added to the public register of fake universities on the UGC portal (ugc.gov.in).
  3. AMPC Oversight: The statutory enforcement is managed by the Anti-Mal-Practice Cell (AMPC), established on May 30, 1996. The cell focuses specifically on curbing bodies functioning in direct violation of the UGC Act, 1956.

Directives Issued to States: Police Action and Legal Closures

To enforce accountability on the ground, the Ministry of Education has escalated the matter to State Governments and Union Territory administrations. Because education falls on the Concurrent List, local law enforcement plays a pivotal role in shuttering illegal operations.

The central government has formally requested Chief Secretaries across all states to initiate criminal proceedings and file First Information Reports (FIRs) against entities misrepresenting themselves as universities or selling fraudulent academic credentials. State authorities have also been instructed to identify and report any previously undetected unaccredited institutions to the UGC.

Advisory for Students: How to Verify Degree Legitimacy

The Ministry of Education strongly advises prospective students, parents, and working professionals to exercise strict due diligence before enrolling in any online degree or distance learning program.

  • Check DEB Approvals: Always check the status of specific online or distance programs on the official UGC Distance Education Bureau (DEB) portal prior to paying admission fees.
  • Avoid Franchise Deals: Remember that EdTech platforms can only act as technology providers; they cannot grant degrees directly or run white-label degree courses on behalf of universities.
  • Consult the Blacklist: Cross-reference the institution’s name with the UGC’s updated public registry of fake universities.

Kerala High Court Orders Vigilance Probe into Sabarimala Milma Ghee Scams

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Kerala High Court Orders Vigilance Probe into Sabarimala Milma Ghee Scams

In a significant development concerning temple administration and public funds, the Kerala High Court has ordered a full-scale criminal investigation into alleged irregularities and financial misappropriation in the supply of Milma ghee to the Lord Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala.

Hearing suo motu proceedings initiated on the basis of a report submitted by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner, a Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar observed that the findings of a preliminary enquiry were “extremely grave” and demanded a meticulous, coordinated probe by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB).

Procurement AspectE-Tender Lowest Bidder (L1)Approved Milma ContractDiscrepancy / Implication
Quoted Rate₹369 per litre₹510 per litreAdditional cost of ₹141 per litre
Estimated Quantity1.65 Lakh Litres1.65 Lakh LitresPotential ₹2.27 Crore loss to TDB
Quality ClaimsStandard Quality“Superior quality” (Unproven)Lacks scientific/empirical backing
Actual Receipt RecordVerified Audit1,61,535 Litres ClaimedConcerns over missing/unverified stock

Bypassing Tenders: Unsubstantiated Quality Claims Cost TDB ₹2.27 Crore

The court’s decision stems from a preliminary enquiry by the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). According to official records, the TDB had originally floated competitive e-tenders for supplying ghee for temple rituals and the preparation of Aravana Payasam. The lowest qualified bidder (L1) quoted ₹369 per litre.

However, the Devaswom Board subsequently scrapped the transparent e-tender process. Instead, it awarded the contract to the Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (Milma) at a significantly higher rate of ₹510 per litre for 1.65 lakh litres.

This decision was justified internally by claims that Milma’s higher quality ghee would reduce the required volume for Aravana production. The Division Bench noted with concern that these assertions were made without any empirical evidence or scientific study. Furthermore, the Devaswom Commissioner had explicitly opposed the proposal, questioning both the unproven quality claims and the inflated procurement expense. The court highlighted that sticking with the lowest valid tender would have saved the TDB approximately ₹2.27 crore.

Third-Party Procurement and Transport Accounting Gaps

The preliminary report raised further red flags regarding the authenticity, testing, and actual physical delivery of the consignment to the hilltop shrine:

  • Unverified Quantities: While Milma claimed to have delivered 1,61,535 litres, auditors raised doubts over whether the full quantity reached the Sannidhanam.
  • Outsourced Sourcing: Records revealed that after receiving the TDB supply order, Milma purchased nearly 24,970 kg of ghee from Sonai Co-operative Dairy in Pune, Maharashtra. Milma’s defense that this was intended to cover Onam seasonal demand was deemed unconvincing in the preliminary report.
  • Absence of Strict Testing: Quality checks upon arrival at Sabarimala were either inadequate or relied heavily on third-party supplier certificates rather than direct batch sampling.

The High Court also pointed to prior directions regulating the collection of leftover ghee from Neyyabhishekam rituals, questioning why massive additional quantities were bought at premium rates when substantial stock was already available on-site.

SIT Formed Under SP M.J. Sojan; One Month Deadline Set

To ensure an uncompromising investigation, the High Court directed the VACB Director to form a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by M.J. Sojan, IPS, Superintendent of Police, VACB Special Cell, Ernakulam. SP Sojan is currently heading another investigation into criminal misappropriation regarding Adiya Sishtam Ghee at Sabarimala.

The court clarified that prior government sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act is not required for this investigation given the nature of the allegations involving public trust and statutory funds. The SIT has been instructed to examine all transportation logs, accounting statements, and testing records, with a mandatory progress report to be submitted to the court within one month. The court also restricted the team from releasing investigation updates to the media, scheduling the next hearing for August 17, 2026.

Onam Gift: Early August Salary & Pension for Central Govt Employees in Kerala

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Onam Gift: Early August Salary & Pension for Central Govt Employees in Kerala

Ministry of Finance Orders Early Salary Relief for Onam

In a major festive relief for central workforce and retirees in Kerala, the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, has officially sanctioned the advance disbursement of salaries, wages, and pensions for the month of August 2026. The decision, issued via an official Office Memorandum (F. No. 03002(2)/1/2020/TA-II/(e-3001)/358) dated August 3, 2026, by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA), aims to assist households ahead of the upcoming Onam festival season.

Under the approved guidelines, all Central Government offices operating across Kerala—including Defence, Posts, and Telecommunications—will draw and disburse monthly pay early on August 24, 2026 (Monday), well before the customary end-of-month schedule.

Scope of Coverage: Employees, Workers, and Pensioners

The early pay order applies broadly across multiple central cadre categories serving or residing in Kerala:

  • Regular Central Employees: Includes all administrative, clerical, defence personnel, postal staff, and telecommunication workers posted in the state.
  • Industrial Employees: Wages for industrial workers under Central Government establishments in Kerala will similarly be released on August 24.
  • Pensioners and Family Pensioners: All Central Government pensioners will receive their August 2026 pension through designated bank branches and Pay & Accounts Offices (PAOs) on the same accelerated timeline.

Technical Accounting and Payroll Adjustments

The Ministry of Finance explicitly clarified that payments released on August 24, 2026, will be categorized as advance payments.

“The salary/wages/pension so disbursed is to be treated as advance payments and will be subject to adjustment after the full month’s salary/wages/pension of each employee/pensioner is determined. The adjustment, if any, will be made without exception from the salary/wages/pension of the month of August 2026,” states the official notification signed by Sanchita Shukla, Joint Controller General of Accounts (ARPR).

Directives to Banks and Central Ministries

To ensure smooth and error-free execution across all commercial channels, the Controller General of Accounts has instructed all Union Ministries and Departments to immediately communicate these orders to their respective offices across Kerala.

Additionally, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been requested to notify all paying bank branches across Kerala to ensure pension portals and direct bank transfers (DBT) align smoothly with the August 24 deadline. The advance credit will provide substantial financial flexibility for families preparing for Onam celebrations, shopping, and travel.

India Prepares for Historic Gaganyaan Spaceflight and Space Station Launch

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India Prepares for Historic Gaganyaan Spaceflight and Space Station Launch

India Accelerates Human Spaceflight Capabilities

In a comprehensive update presented to Parliament, Union Minister of State for Space Dr. Jitendra Singh confirmed that ISRO has completed key developmental and ground-validation testing for the ambitious Gaganyaan mission. The program aims to establish India’s capability for human spaceflights to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), paving the way for sustained deep-space exploration.

The minister disclosed that the first uncrewed experimental mission—designed to validate complex technologies and featuring the AI-enabled Vyommitra half-humanoid—is targeted for launch in Q4 2026. Following this, two additional uncrewed missions and India’s maiden crewed spaceflight are slated for completion by 2027.

Milestone / SubsystemCurrent Status & Target Timeline
Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3)All propulsion stages and structures ground-tested & qualified.
Orbital & Crew Escape SystemsECLSS engineering model realized; 5 CES motor types static tested.
Test Vehicle & Drop MissionsTV-D1, IADT-01, and IADT-02 completed; TV-D2 in progress.
First Uncrewed Flight (Vyommitra)Targeted for Q4 2026.
First Indian Crewed MissionTargeted for 2027.
Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)First module (BAS-01) in progress; fully operational by 2035.

Key Technical Milestones and Infrastructure Realization

ISRO has successfully qualified several mission-critical hardware and ground infrastructure elements. Ground propulsion stages for the Human Rated LVM3 (HLVM3) are fully validated. In addition, propulsion systems for the Crew Module and Service Module have been flight-tested, alongside an engineering model of the Environmental Control & Life Support System (ECLSS).

Critical ground facilities are operational, including the Orbital Module Preparation Facility, Gaganyaan Control Centre, and specialized astronaut training facilities. Flight operations and communication networks, bolstered by IDRSS-1 feeder stations, are now configured for continuous tracking.

Funding Expansion and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station

Expanding on human spaceflight ambitions, the Government of India expanded the Gaganyaan scope, approving a total budgetary allocation of ₹20,193 Crore across 8 planned missions. A significant portion of this extended framework includes the indigenous development and deployment of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).

The space station will consist of five interconnected modules, with overall system engineering and subsystem design already underway for the first unit, BAS-01. Full operationalization of the space laboratory is targeted for 2035.

Strategic International Collaborations

To ensure crew safety, ground communication, and astronaut training, ISRO has established key international partnerships:

  • European Space Agency (ESA): Providing cross-support for ground network and tracking operations.
  • Australian Space Agency (ASA): Collaborating on Crew and Crew Module oceanic recovery operations.
  • French National Space Agency (CNES): Training ISRO Flight Surgeons and ground support teams.
  • Roscosmos (Russia): Facilitating generic spaceflight training for the first batch of Gaganyatris (astronauts) and delivering essential hardware such as flight suits, viewports, and custom crew seats.

Bangladeshi Nationals Posing as Migrants Arrested in Aluva Crackdown

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Bangladeshi Nationals Posing as Migrants Arrested in Aluva Crackdown

In a major law enforcement operation targeting undocumented foreign nationals, the Aluva Police arrested two Bangladeshi citizens who had been illegally residing in Kerala. The suspects, identified as Shakil Khan (34) and Roni Sheikh (30), were taken into custody from a rented accommodation in the Pulinchode area of Aluva.

According to senior police officials, the duo managed to evade detection for months by masquerading as migrant laborers from neighboring Indian states. The operation was executed following intelligence inputs, culminating in a swift raid that exposed their concealed citizenship status and fake identity claims.

Suspect NameAgeNative OriginPrevious Indian ResidenceDuration in Kerala
Roni Sheikh30BangladeshMurshidabad, West Bengal (15 yrs)9 Months
Shakil Khan34BangladeshWest Bengal (10 yrs)4 Months

Uncovering the Long-Term Infiltration Network

Detailed interrogation revealed that both individuals had entered India through illegal border channels years prior, establishing long-term residence in West Bengal before migrating down south.

  • Roni Sheikh had been living in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal for nearly 15 years before moving to Kerala nine months ago.
  • Shakil Khan crossed into West Bengal a decade ago and arrived in Kerala approximately four months back.

By assimilating into the vast migrant labor workforce in Ernakulam district—often referred to as Kerala’s commercial and industrial hub—the suspects managed to secure temporary employment and rental housing without attracting initial suspicion. However, sustained vigilance and targeted background checks by local law enforcement brought their activities under scrutiny.

Key Evidence and Investigating Officers

During intensive questioning and subsequent searches of their residence in Pulinchode, investigating officers recovered authentic Bangladeshi national identification cards and documents, cementing the case against them.

The high-profile investigation is being spearheaded by a specialized police team comprising:

  • Sub-Inspector Josi M. Johnson
  • Sub-Inspector Ranjith Mathew
  • Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) P.J. Varghese

Cases have been registered under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, which carries strict penalties for unauthorized entry, forged documentation, and illegal stay within Indian territory. Authorities are now investigating potential backward links, including organized human trafficking syndicates and agents who facilitate illegal border crossings and forged identity papers.

Growing Security Operations Across Kerala

The arrests in Aluva highlight an ongoing, state-wide drive by Kerala Police and intelligence agencies to verify the credentials of foreign nationals living across industrial corridors. Towns like Aluva, Perumbavoor, and Kothamangalam host large populations of inter-state workers, making them primary focal points for routine identity verification drives.

State law enforcement has repeatedly urged property owners, labor contractors, and industrial unit managers to mandate thorough identity checks and register tenant information with local police stations to prevent similar security lapses. Further legal proceedings and deportation protocols through federal border agencies will follow as the investigation progresses.

DA Hike Soon for Kerala Government Employees, Says Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan; Pending Benefits to Be Restored in Phases

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DA Hike Soon for Kerala Government Employees, Says Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan; Pending Benefits to Be Restored in Phases

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has announced that the state government is actively considering a fresh Dearness Allowance (DA) hike for government employees while reaffirming its commitment to restoring all pending employee benefits in a phased manner despite the state’s financial challenges.

Inaugurating the 61st Annual Conference of the Kerala Finance Secretariat Association, the Chief Minister said that employees would receive the DA increase due after the present government assumed office, subject to the state’s financial position.

Satheesan sharply criticised the previous administration’s financial management, alleging that poor planning and unrealistic fiscal policies had pushed Kerala into a severe financial crisis. According to him, the current government has inherited liabilities of more than ₹35,000 crore, including over ₹21,000 crore in pending DA arrears and nearly ₹14,000 crore in Dearness Relief (DR) arrears.

Despite these liabilities, he asserted that the government has no intention of reducing employee benefits. Instead, all eligible arrears would be released in phases after financial assessments.

The Chief Minister also announced that the Medisep health insurance scheme would be restructured to address its shortcomings and provide better benefits to employees and pensioners.

He assured government staff that politically motivated transfers and harassment would not be tolerated under the present administration, promising protection for employees who had allegedly faced such treatment in the past.

Speaking on the state’s economy, Satheesan said that increasing taxes alone would not generate higher revenues. Referring to fuel tax hikes, he claimed that higher taxes had resulted in lower sales and reduced revenue collections. He stressed the need to curb unnecessary expenditure, improve financial discipline, and eliminate wastage in government spending.

The Chief Minister also outlined the government’s long-term development vision, including transforming Kerala into a major “Port City” by integrating Vizhinjam Port, other international ports, 18 minor ports and the state’s 600-kilometre coastline. He further announced plans to develop aviation hubs around Kerala’s four international airports and promote MSMEs to create large-scale employment opportunities.

Satheesan concluded by urging Secretariat employees and the government machinery to work together as one team to overcome the state’s financial crisis and accelerate Kerala’s development.

The conference was attended by several ministers, elected representatives and leaders of various government employees’ organisations.

Meta Apologizes to India Over Deepfakes as Government Threatens Safe Harbor

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Meta Apologizes to India Over Deepfakes as Government Threatens Safe Harbor

In a major legal and regulatory reckoning for Big Tech in New Delhi, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and senior company executives have formally expressed deep regret and issued an apology to the Indian government following widespread content moderation failures, including the proliferation of deepfakes and child safety violations across Facebook and Instagram.

The apology emerged during high-stakes consultations between senior Meta representatives, officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology.

Deepfakes and Algorithm Push Trigger High-Level Crackdown

The federal scrutiny intensified after algorithmic glitches and content moderation lapses led to harmful content—ranging from AI-generated deepfake videos to child sexual abuse material (CSAM)—circulating unchecked on Meta’s flagship platforms.

During the closed-door proceedings, government officials confronted Meta over its automated recommendation systems. Officials noted that because Meta’s algorithms actively curate, prioritize, and amplify specific content to users rather than acting as a neutral pass-through pipeline, the platform is directly accountable for the spread of malicious media.

The tension escalated recently following a controversial moderation error in which a selfie video posted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding national exam paper leak enforcement was mistakenly taken down by Facebook’s automated filters, drawing sharp rebukes from lawmakers.

Section 79 Safe Harbor Shield in Jeopardy

At the core of the government’s stern warning is Section 79 of India’s Information Technology (IT) Act. Section 79 provides intermediaries—such as search engines, social media networks, and internet service providers—with “Safe Harbor” protection, shielding them from legal liability for user-generated content published on their platforms.

However, the Indian government made its stance clear: safe harbor is a privilege tied to strict compliance, not an absolute right.

ParameterStandard Intermediary StatusMeta’s Current Algorithmic Model
RoleNeutral hosting platformActive content curation & amplification
Section 79 ProtectionFully protected under Safe HarborThreat of total immunity revocation
Content AccountabilityZero liability for third-party postsDirectly liable for boosted/pushed media

Government sources confirmed that Communications and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw delivered a firm ultimatum to the social media giant: fix moderation gaps, ensure zero tolerance for deepfakes, or face the complete revocation of Section 79 legal immunity, exposing the company and its executives to direct prosecution under Indian criminal law.

Meta Admits Moderation Regrets and Pledges Overhaul

Admitting to severe systemic lapses, Meta representatives acknowledged that paid promotions had previously been exploited by malicious actors to amplify unauthorized content. Meta assured the parliamentary committee and MeitY that stringent measures are being deployed to re-align their automated filters with local legal mandates.

“Meta acknowledged the gaps in content monitoring and expressed deep regret over the failures in handling harmful material on Facebook and Instagram,” noted senior sources aware of the development.

As India prepares tighter legal frameworks for generative AI and digital safety, Meta’s loss of legal immunity could set a monumental global precedent for how tech platforms are held accountable in emerging markets.

People Also Ask

Why did Meta apologize to the Indian government?

Meta apologized following severe content moderation failures on Facebook and Instagram, specifically involving deepfake videos, child safety concerns, and the erroneous removal of high-profile political content.

What is ‘Safe Harbor’ under Section 79 of the IT Act?

Safe Harbor under Section 79 of India’s IT Act gives social media platforms legal immunity from prosecution over third-party content posted by users, provided the platform remains a neutral intermediary and complies with regulatory takedown orders.

Can Meta lose its legal immunity in India?

Yes. The Indian government warned Meta that because its algorithms actively promote and curate content rather than remaining neutral, it can be stripped of Section 79 protections, rendering the company liable for platform content.

Neymar Magic Off the Bench: Brazil Star Sets Up Winner as Santos Edge Remo 1-0

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Neymar Magic Off the Bench: Brazil Star Sets Up Winner as Santos Edge Remo 1-0

SANTOS, BRAZIL — Neymar Jr proved to be the game-changer once again, coming off the bench at half-time to deliver a crucial assist that propelled Santos FC to a 1-0 victory over Clube do Remo in the 2026 Copa do Brasil Round of 16.

After a tense, goalless first half where Remo defender Marllon was sent off in the 28th minute following a VAR review, Santos manager injected Neymar into the match to unlock the home side’s defensive block.
​The breakthrough arrived in the 74th minute. Neymar picked up possession in the attacking third, dribbled past his marker, and threaded a precise pass into the penalty area for forward Rony, who calmly slotted the ball into the net.

Despite playing only 45 minutes, Neymar registered 3 key passes, created 1 big chance, and completed 34 of his 37 passes (92% accuracy), earning a match-rating of 7.1. Santos held on to secure the victory and advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Red Sea Terror: India-Flagged Ship Sinks After Projectile Attack Off Yemen; 13 Indian Sailors Rescued

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Red Sea Terror: India-Flagged Ship Sinks After Projectile Attack Off Yemen; 13 Indian Sailors Rescued

NEW DELHI / SANAA — An Indian-flagged cargo vessel overturned and sank in the Red Sea off Yemen’s western coast after being hit by a projectile on Tuesday. All 14 crew members on board—comprising 13 Indian seafarers and one Yemeni national—were successfully rescued in a swift joint operation by Yemeni forces.

Dramatic Attack Near Hodeidah
​The mechanised sailing vessel, identified as MSV Faize Noore Oliya, was struck approximately 13 nautical miles south of the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeidah. The impact of the projectile caused the vessel to capsize and sink into the Red Sea.

Following the strike, units from the Yemeni Coast Guard and naval forces under the Yemeni National Resistance Force (Guards of the Republic) launched a rescue mission. All 14 survivors were brought to safety at the Port of Mokha, where they received immediate medical attention.

India Strongly Condemns “Unprovoked” Attack
​Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, confirmed the safety of the crew and strongly condemned the attack.
​”India strongly condemns this unprovoked attack on the defenseless mechanised sailing vessel. The safety of our people is our supreme priority & I am relieved to inform that ALL 14 seafarers (including 13 Indians) have been safely rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and brought to the Port of Mokha,” Sonowal stated on X.
​Sonowal added that he has directed the Director General Maritime Administration (DGMA) to coordinate closely with international and local agencies to safeguard Indian maritime workers in the volatile region.

Diplomatic Outreach & Growing Maritime Concerns
​The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is proactively coordinating with Yemeni authorities to arrange the safe return and welfare of the rescued sailors.
​India reiterated its deep concern over the escalating targeting of merchant vessels in the region, calling for an immediate end to attacks on commercial shipping to ensure unhindered navigation through international waters in compliance with international law.

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