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​”A Precious Treasure”: Ramesh Chennithala Welcomes His Second Grandson

South India Pulse
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​”A Precious Treasure”: Ramesh Chennithala Welcomes His Second Grandson

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior leader Ramesh Chennithala is beaming with joy as he announced the arrival of his second grandson. Taking to social media, the veteran politician shared that his elder son, Dr. Rohit, and daughter-in-law, Sreeja, have been blessed with a newborn baby boy.

The newborn is the younger brother of Chennithala’s elder grandson, Rohan. Expressing his happiness, Chennithala reflected on how rare and valuable such personal milestones are amidst the daily rush of public life. He added that by God’s grace, both the mother and the newborn are healthy and doing well.

Ramesh Chennithala’s Facebook Note:
“Today is an exceptionally joyous day for my family. My elder son, Dr. Rohit, has been blessed with another son. Rohan now has a younger brother. Amidst a busy public life, moments of happiness like these are received as rare treasures. By God’s grace, the newborn baby and my daughter-in-law Sreeja are doing well.”

Following the announcement, warm congratulations and blessings poured in from fellow political leaders, party workers, and well-wishers across social media platforms.

Who Owns Inter Miami?

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Who Owns Inter Miami?

Miami : ​While global football icon Sir David Beckham is the public face and co-owner of Inter Miami CF, the principal and managing owner of the club is American billionaire businessman Jorge Mas.

Key Details of Inter Miami’s Ownership:
​Managing Owner: Jorge Mas (Chairman of MasTec) controls day-to-day operations and serves as the primary managing owner.

Majority Owners: Jorge Mas and José Mas became the majority owners in 2021 after buying out former partners Marcelo Claure and Masayoshi Son.

Co-Owner & President: David Beckham holds a key ownership stake and serves as the club’s President of Soccer Operations, leveraging his fame and MLS expansion clause to launch the franchise.

Under Jorge Mas’ leadership alongside Beckham, Inter Miami transformed into one of the most valuable franchises in Major League Soccer, notably signing legendary stars like Lionel Messi.

Blockbuster Move Under Scrutiny: Inter Miami Faces MLS Investigation Over Casemiro Signing

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Blockbuster Move Under Scrutiny: Inter Miami Faces MLS Investigation Over Casemiro Signing

MIAMI, FL — Inter Miami CF announced the blockbuster signing of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro as a free agent on Wednesday. However, what should have been a purely celebratory moment for the reigning MLS Cup champions was immediately overshadowed by Major League Soccer launching an official tampering investigation into the acquisition.

The 34-year-old former Real Madrid and Manchester United powerhouse signed a contract running through the 2027 MLS Sprint Season, with an extension option through June 2029. The move reunites Casemiro with top stars like Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Rodrigo De Paul.

What Triggered the MLS Investigation?
​The controversy stems from the league’s complex roster rules regarding Discovery Priority Rights:
​Discovery Rights: Under MLS rules, clubs maintain lists of up to five international players whom they hold exclusive priority to negotiate with.
​LA Galaxy’s Claim: The LA Galaxy held Casemiro’s discovery rights.
​Alleged Violation: The league is investigating whether Inter Miami engaged in unauthorized direct negotiations (tampering) with Casemiro or his agents prior to officially acquiring his discovery rights from the Galaxy.

Official MLS Statement:
“Major League Soccer is reviewing a tampering allegation against Inter Miami CF. The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete. While Inter Miami CF and the LA Galaxy have reached a settlement for the Discovery Priority to sign Casemiro, the terms will be released upon conclusion of the tampering investigation.”

Ownership & Player Reactions
​Despite the surrounding legal cloud, Inter Miami leadership expressed delight over securing the elite midfielder:
​David Beckham (Co-Owner): “He is a winner who has achieved so much in the game, and after such an incredible career with Real Madrid and Manchester United, I’m delighted that he’s decided to make Miami his next home.”
​Jorge Mas (Managing Owner): “Casemiro’s arrival reflects the vision and ambition that define Inter Miami. We never settle.”
​Casemiro: “What motivates me the most is winning and continuing to grow. The project the Club presented to me means a lot.”

From Street Protests to Union Cabinet: How a 1997 Paper Leak Protest Shaped Dharmendra Pradhan’s Political Journey

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From Street Protests to Union Cabinet: How a 1997 Paper Leak Protest Shaped Dharmendra Pradhan’s Political Journey

NEW DELHI — As Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan faces intense pressure and resignation demands from Opposition parties over recent examination paper leak controversies, history presents a striking parallel. Nearly three decades ago, long before entering the Union Cabinet, Pradhan was a fiery student leader who hit the streets of Bhubaneswar to protest the exact same issue: a question paper leak.

​The 1997 Secretariat Demonstration
​In 1997, Odisha was governed by a Congress-led administration under Chief Minister Janaki Ballabh Patnaik. Following reports of an alleged question paper leak in the state, around 1,500 students rallied outside the Odisha State Secretariat in Bhubaneswar. Leading the charge was 28-year-old Dharmendra Pradhan, who was then serving as the National Secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

According to accounts from his former university colleagues, what began as a peaceful demonstration quickly escalated when police cracked down on the protesting students. Pradhan was severely beaten during the lathi charge, suffering multiple bone fractures.
​Prashant Rout, a junior colleague of Pradhan at Utkal University and currently a college principal, recalled that campus politics in Odisha during that era was intensely volatile. “We were terrified. Pradhan was badly beaten up and suffered fractures. He is alive today out of sheer luck,” Rout noted, recalling how Pradhan faced repeated political attacks during his student movement days.

Roots in Student Activism
​Pradhan’s political entry began at the age of 18 when he joined the ABVP, the student wing affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). While pursuing his Master’s degree in Anthropology at Utkal University, he quickly rose through the ranks, serving two terms as ABVP National Secretary between 1994 and 1997 before formally transitioning into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

His years in student politics laid a strong groundwork for his organizational career within the BJP. Over the decades, Pradhan played a key role in expanding the party’s grassroots base in Odisha, a strategy that ultimately contributed to the BJP forming its first-ever government in the state in 2024.

Full Circle Moment Amid NEET Controversy
​The 1997 incident has resurfaced in political discourse as Pradhan finds himself at the epicenter of the NEET-UG examination controversy. With Opposition leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, demanding his resignation before parliamentary discussions proceed, the contrast remains stark: the leader who once took police blows to protest paper leaks is now tasked with resolving national examination integrity as Education Minister.

​”NEET Must Be Scrapped Completely”: CM C. Joseph Vijay Backs Protests, Calls for Structural Educational Reforms

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​”NEET Must Be Scrapped Completely”: CM C. Joseph Vijay Backs Protests, Calls for Structural Educational Reforms

and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader C. Joseph Vijay has reiterated his party’s uncompromising stance demanding the total abolition of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).

Extending his full support to opposition demonstrations across the country, CM Vijay condemned the detention of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other leaders in New Delhi during anti-NEET paper leak protests, labeling the action by the Union government as “undemocratic”.

Key Takeaways from TVK & CM Vijay’s Position:
​Complete Abolition: Vijay emphasized that patching paper leak issues or managing exam controversies is insufficient; the complete abolition of NEET is the only lasting solution to protect student futures.

State Control Over Education: TVK urged the Union government to transfer education back to the State List from the Concurrent List.
​Interim “Special Concurrent List”: If legal or constitutional hurdles delay the transfer, TVK proposed establishing a “Special Concurrent List” as an interim arrangement to grant state governments full authority over medical and general admissions.

No False Promises: Vijay asserted that his party will not make fraudulent or deceptive promises for political mileage, emphasizing a realistic constitutional roadmap to empower states.

Why Lionel Messi Didn’t Travel With Argentina Squad After Heartbreaking World Cup Final Loss To Spain

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Why Lionel Messi Didn’t Travel With Argentina Squad After Heartbreaking World Cup Final Loss To Spain

EZEIZA, ARGENTINA — Following a dramatic FIFA World Cup 2026 final loss to Spain in extra time, the Argentine national football team received a hero’s welcome upon their return home. Thousands of fans gathered near the Ezeiza airport wearing blue-and-white jerseys and waving flags to greet coach Lionel Scaloni and the squad. However, fans quickly noticed the absence of skipper Lionel Messi from the official team flight.

According to reports, Messi was among a few delegation members who chose not to return on the official team plane. Having spent weeks in the US during the tournament, Messi opted to remain behind temporarily to focus on physical and mental recovery, as well as prepare for his upcoming commitments with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Shortly after the main team arrived in Ezeiza, Messi traveled to Argentina separately via a private jet to spend time with his family before rejoining Inter Miami for the ongoing MLS season later in July or early August.

​Accenture Revamps Salary Hikes: Splits Increments 50:50 Between Base Pay and Lump Sum to Benefit More Employees

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​Accenture Revamps Salary Hikes: Splits Increments 50:50 Between Base Pay and Lump Sum to Benefit More Employees

NEW DELHI — Global IT services giant Accenture has restructured its compensation approach for the June cycle, expanding salary increments to cover a larger section of its workforce. Under the revised strategy, total salary increases will be split equally between a permanent base pay increase and a one-time lump-sum payout.

The move comes after a period of muted “stay-at-level” pay raises last year and aims to strike a balance between providing immediate financial rewards to employees and maintaining fiscal discipline amid challenging macroeconomic conditions.

Key Highlights of the New Compensation Model
​50:50 Equal Split: Under the revised structure, an employee’s assigned percentage hike is divided equally into base pay and a lump sum. For example, a 3% total increment will translate into a 1.5% increase in base salary and a 1.5% one-time lump-sum payment.
​Broader Coverage: By utilizing lump-sum payouts alongside basic pay increases, Accenture can extend financial rewards to a wider pool of employees without creating a long-term compounding burden on its fixed payroll.
​Promotions Exempted: The 50:50 split model does not apply to employees receiving promotions. Promotional hikes will continue to be delivered entirely as permanent base pay increases.
​Bonus Impact & Benefits: The lump-sum payout is designed as an extra payout for the June cycle and will not replace standard bonuses awarded during the December cycle. Furthermore, both base pay increases and lump-sum earnings will be included in the employee’s eligible earnings pool for calculating FY26 bonuses.

Deductions: Lump-sum payments remain subject to standard percentage deductions for participating employees in programs such as the Voluntary Equity Investment Program (VEIP) and the Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP).

Strategic Rationale
​An internal memo reviewed by PTI highlighted that employees value immediate cash rewards. This hybrid structure gives staff quick liquidity while allowing Accenture to maintain flexibility and control over long-term fixed salary costs in a volatile global tech spending environment.

Tragedy in Black Sea: 4 Indian Sailors Killed, 1 Critical in Missile Attack on Ship at Ukraine’s Odesa Port

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Tragedy in Black Sea: 4 Indian Sailors Killed, 1 Critical in Missile Attack on Ship at Ukraine’s Odesa Port

NEW DELHI / ODESA — In a major tragedy in the Black Sea, four Indian nationals lost their lives and another remains in critical condition after a commercial cargo ship was struck by cruise missiles while departing the Ukrainian port of Odesa on the evening of July 19.

The vessel, MV Golden Leo, was carrying corn and had a total crew of 17 members from India and Syria, along with a maritime pilot. According to Ukrainian naval authorities, the Guinea-Bissau-flagged ship was hit by three Russian cruise missiles, triggering a massive fire on board.

Heavy Loss of Civilian Lives
​A search and rescue operation conducted overnight by Ukraine’s seaports authority recovered the bodies of nine crew members and one maritime pilot. Eight crew members were safely rescued. Out of the five Indian nationals aboard, four succumbed to their injuries, while the fifth is battling for life in critical condition.
​The vessel is owned by Mumbai-based Ocean Grace Shipping Ltd.

India Condemns Attack on Commercial Vessel
​India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong condemnation following the incident, stressing that targeting commercial shipping and endangering civilian lives violates freedom of navigation and international trade principles.
​”Our Mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and is making every effort to extend all possible assistance to those affected,” the MEA stated, expressing deep condolences to the bereaved families.

Escalation in Black Sea Conflict
​The strike marks the deadliest attack on commercial shipping in the Black Sea in recent weeks. Regional authorities in Odesa reported an escalation in missile strikes across the area, while cross-border counterattacks between Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to heighten risks for civilian mariners operating along critical maritime trade corridors.

A Tale of Two Leadership Styles: Pinarayi Hiked Rubber Price by ₹50 in 10 Years; V.D. Satheesan Raises it to ₹250 in 2 Months!

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A Tale of Two Leadership Styles: Pinarayi Hiked Rubber Price by ₹50 in 10 Years; V.D. Satheesan Raises it to ₹250 in 2 Months!

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Standing firmly with the distressed rubber farmers of the state, the newly formed UDF government has officially issued a financial order increasing the minimum support price (MSP) for rubber from ₹200 to ₹250 per kilogram. This swift decision within just two months of assuming power marks a significant milestone for the ruling front.

The historical trajectory of the rubber subsidy scheme highlights contrasting political approaches. It was the Oommen Chandy-led UDF government that first introduced and distributed a support price of ₹150 for rubber back in 2015 to shield farmers from market crashes. Subsequently, the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government, which ruled for a continuous decade, managed to increase the price by a mere ₹50—a decision implemented only in the final six months of their tenure.

​Key Highlights of the Order:
​Revised Support Price: ₹250 per kg
​Time Taken by UDF: Under 60 days of governance
​Previous LDF Hike: ₹50 across 10 years

​In stark contrast, the UDF government took the oath of office on May 18, 2026, and by July, the Finance Department cleared the ₹50 hike, pushing the effective floor price to ₹250. UDF leadership pointed out that this rapid policy implementation underscores the alliance’s genuine pro-farmer stance compared to the prolonged inaction of the previous regime. The swift move has brought much-needed relief to lakhs of rubber cultivators across the state.

Promise Kept: Kerala Govt Issues Order Hiking Rubber Support Price to ₹250/kg

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Promise Kept: Kerala Govt Issues Order Hiking Rubber Support Price to ₹250/kg

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major boost to the state’s agricultural sector, the Kerala Finance Department has officially issued an order increasing the minimum support price (MSP) for natural rubber to ₹250 per kilogram. The enhancement has been implemented under the state’s flagship Rubber Production Incentive Scheme (RPIS).

This fulfills a key poll promise made by the United Democratic Front (UDF) coalition. Chief Minister and Finance Minister V.D. Satheesan had earlier announced the price revision—raising it from the existing ₹200 per kg to ₹250 per kg—during the presentation of the UDF government’s maiden revised budget. As per the official notification, the new support price will be applicable to all rubber procurement bills dated from July 3, 2026, onwards.

Small-scale rubber growers and various Rubber Producer Societies (RPS) had been continuously demanding an upward revision due to escalating production and labor costs. The decision has been widely welcomed by the farming community as a morale booster that ensures a stable financial floor, encouraging growers to revive untapped plantations and maintain production even if global market prices experience future volatility.

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