BUENOS AIRES: The long-standing suspense surrounding Lionel Messi’s participation in the upcoming global showpiece has officially ended. Argentina’s national team coach, Lionel Scaloni, unveiled his definitive 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday, confirming that the 38-year-old talismanic forward will captain the reigning world champions in what will be a historic, record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance.
The Messi Factor and Injury Update ​While Messi’s appearance had been widely anticipated since he lifted the famous golden trophy in Qatar four years ago, he had held back from officially confirming his availability. The announcement brings massive relief to millions of fans globally, especially after recent hamstring muscle fatigue concerns sidelined him during his stint with Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami. However, coach Scaloni completely downplayed the severity of the injury, reinforcing that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is fully prepared to lead the line.
​Shocker Omissions and New Faces ​While the core remains intact—with Scaloni retaining 17 members from the historic 2022 Qatar winning squad—there are several jaw-dropping omissions. Roma’s seasoned forward Paulo Dybala, Chelsea’s electrifying winger Alejandro Garnacho, and Real Madrid’s highly-rated 18-year-old prodigy Franco Mastantuono have all shockingly missed the final cut. Additionally, Aston Villa’s in-form midfielder Emiliano Buendia failed to make the roster.
On the flip side, Tottenham Hotspur center-back Cristian Romero successfully returns to the defense after recovering from a late-season knee injury. Scaloni has also integrated youth into the side, calling up 21-year-olds Nicolas Paz and Valentin Barco, alongside Palmeiras forward Jose Manuel Lopez.
​The Road Ahead ​Argentina is placed in Group G alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. The La Albiceleste will begin their title defense on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City. Before kicking off the main tournament, they will play two warm-up international friendlies in the United States against Honduras (June 6) and Iceland (June 9).
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The widespread media reports claiming that the social security and welfare fund pensions for the month of May 2026 have been halted are completely baseless. Official government records confirm that the Finance Department had already sanctioned the funds and issued the distribution order on May 19, 2026 (G.O.(Rt)No.4457/2026/FIN).
Key Highlights of the Government Order: ​Order Date: May 19, 2026. ​Commencement of Distribution: The Kerala Social Security Pension Limited was directed to initiate the pension distribution processes starting from May 25, 2026. ​Authorized By: Issued by order of the Governor, signed by K.R. Jyothilal, Additional Chief Secretary.
What is the Actual Ground Reality? ​The distribution mechanism is functioning exactly as it has in previous months, following the standard operating procedures of the Finance Department: ​Bank Account Transfers: Beneficiaries who receive their pension directly through bank accounts have already had their amounts credited successfully.
Direct-to-Home Pension (via Co-operative Societies): The Finance Department has already released and allotted the necessary funds to the Co-operative Joint Registrars across all 14 districts to facilitate door-step delivery.
Reason for the Slight Delay: The door-to-door distribution through certain co-operative societies has faced a minor lag solely due to consecutive public holidays. Reports indicate that some LDF-backed co-operative banks are yet to finish the distribution process at the ground level.
Therefore, the narrative being pushed by certain news channels and dailies claiming a systemic stoppage of the welfare pension is entirely contrary to the facts. Beneficiaries are advised not to fall prey to politically motivated misinformation.
BENGALURU: Drawing the curtains on months of intense political negotiation, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah officially submitted his resignation on Thursday. Accompanied by his deputy and designated successor, DK Shivakumar, the veteran leader handed over his resignation letter to the Special Secretary to the Governor at the Raj Bhavan, as Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot was out of station.
The dramatic announcement first unfolded during a crucial breakfast meeting hosted by Siddaramaiah at his official residence in Bengaluru, where traditional Kannada delicacies like masala dosa and idli were served alongside hefty political realities. Addressing his cabinet colleagues and senior party leaders, Siddaramaiah confirmed that the Congress high command had officially requested a transition of power, and he had graciously accepted the decision.
Following the breakfast meet, emotional yet unifying scenes emerged as the Karnataka Congress released pictures of the two heavyweights with the caption, “Unity is our strength!” Shivakumar was seen seeking the blessings of the outgoing Chief Minister, signalling a smooth transition rather than a bitter fallout.
The political shift is viewed as the culmination of a long-standing, backroom power-sharing agreement struck after the Congress party’s resounding victory in the 2023 Assembly elections. Insiders reveal that the Congress high command—including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra—had been holding marathon meetings in Delhi over the past 48 hours to orchestrate a “soft exit” formula. Under this arrangement, Siddaramaiah has reportedly been offered a prominent national role, potentially involving a Rajya Sabha seat and the leadership of the party’s backward classes committee, while his son, Yathindra, may be accommodated with a state cabinet berth.
Supporters of DK Shivakumar have already broken into celebrations across Bengaluru, distributing sweets and chanting slogans. A Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting is expected to be scheduled shortly to officially elect Shivakumar as the new Chief Minister, ushering in a new chapter for Karnataka.
KOZHIKODE: In a deeply emotional homecoming, Kozhikode native Machilakathu Abdul Rahim, who spent nearly two decades in a Saudi Arabian prison under the shadow of a death sentence, returned to Kerala on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Arriving at the Calicut International Airport from Riyadh in the early hours, Rahim was greeted by hundreds of emotional family members, friends, and well-wishers who had gathered at the airport and his residence in Kodampuzha, Feroke.
The Tragic Accident in 2006 Abdul Rahim traveled to Saudi Arabia in 2006 at the age of 26 to work as a house driver. Part of his duties involved caretaking for his employer’s 15-year-old son, Anas Al-Shahri, who was paralyzed below the neck and heavily dependent on a medical support device for breathing.
The tragedy occurred during a car journey when the teenager reportedly became aggressive. In a frantic attempt to calm him down, Rahim’s hand accidentally struck the life-support apparatus attached to the boy’s neck, dislodging it. The teenager suffered immediate breathing complications and passed away. Although it was an unintentional mishap, the Saudi judiciary found him guilty and sentenced him to death.
The Power of Collective Humanity: Over ₹34 Crore Raised Rahim’s fate took a historic turn when the global Malayali community orchestrated one of the largest crowdfunding campaigns ever witnessed. Within days, individuals, expatriates, and socio-political organizations united to raise a staggering ₹34 crore (15 million Saudi Riyals) demanded as “blood money” (Diyah) by the victim’s family. Upon receiving the amount, the family accepted the settlement, leading the Saudi court to revoke the death penalty.
Completion of Term Under the Public Rights Act While the private right to execution was waived through the blood money settlement, Rahim still had to serve time under Saudi Arabia’s Public Rights Act for trying to cover up the incident initially. The Riyadh Criminal Court handed him a 20-year prison sentence.
According to the Arabic calendar, his 20-year sentence officially concluded on May 19. Following the signing of the release order and completion of exit visa procedures by Saudi authorities under special priority, Rahim boarded his flight back to India.
Now 46, Rahim broke into tears as he embraced his aging mother, Fathima. “I express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped and prayed for me. Kerala has given me a second lease on life,” Rahim said with folded hands, bringing a definitive and triumphant end to a two-decade-long battle for survival.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following a massive synchronized crackdown by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at multiple locations linked to former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family, political circles in Kerala are buzzing with speculations regarding the potential arrest of his daughter, T. Veena. Reports suggest that the veteran CPI(M) leader is under intense distress over an impending arrest of his daughter by central investigators.
According to reliable sources, back-channel strategies are being deployed to prevent Veena from being taken into ED custody, with speculations rife that plans are afoot to relocate her to a secure, undisclosed destination.
In a bid to mount a formidable legal defense, Pinarayi Vijayan is reportedly in active communication with top-tier legal experts in the country. Sources indicate that Vijayan has reached out directly to eminent Supreme Court advocate and veteran politician Kapil Sibal to seek urgent legal counsel and explore preemptive remedies to counter the ED’s aggressive moves.
The tension escalated after the ED on Wednesday raided around 10 locations, including Pinarayi Vijayan’s rented residence at Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram, his ancestral home in Kannur, and the residence of his son-in-law and PWD Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas. The investigative sweep came directly on the heels of a major setback from the Kerala High Court, which dismissed petitions seeking to quash the ED’s Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) probe into the multi-crore transactions between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and Veena’s now-defunct IT firm, Exalogic Solutions. With the political climate heating up, the upcoming days remain highly critical for the CPI(M) top brass.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan extended his warm greetings to the people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Adha (Bakrid), highlighting the festival’s core values of sacrifice and devotion.
​In a heartfelt message shared on his official Facebook page, the Chief Minister emphasized that Bakrid carries a profound message of selflessness, which should be reflected in everyone’s day-to-day lives.
​”The essence and values of the messages delivered by Bali Perunnal must be radiated in our daily lives. May the spiritual light of these celebrations lead our entire society toward humanity,” the Chief Minister stated.
He further noted that festivals should act as a source of strength, helping people navigate through the various hardships and challenges of life without wavering. Wishing prosperity and unity to all, he concluded his message with warm Bakrid greetings to the global community.
New Chandigarh: In a jaw-dropping display of absolute batting carnage, 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi took the world by storm during the IPL 2026 Eliminator match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The teenage prodigy hammered a sensational 97 runs off just 29 balls, striking at an unbelievable rate of over 334, leaving fans and cricket legends completely awestruck.
Sooryavanshi’s record-breaking knock included 5 boundaries and a staggering 12 monstrous sixes. His explosive innings propelled Rajasthan Royals to a massive total of 243/8, eventually securing a commanding 47-run victory over SRH.
Sachin Tendulkar Full of Praise Following the historic masterclass, Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to praise the youngster’s phenomenal technique. ​”Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s bat swing has been outstanding. What’s even more remarkable is how beautifully he clears his front foot to create room for balls aimed at his legs. This freedom allows him to play the way he does. That innings was nothing short of spectacular!” Tendulkar wrote.
​Breaking Chris Gayle’s Records The “Boss Baby” of cricket shattered a flurry of records during his 8-over stay at the crease. He officially overtook West Indian legend Chris Gayle for the most sixes smashed in a debut full IPL season, taking his tally to 65 sixes. Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh celebrated the feat on X, tweeting, “Boss baby breaks world boss’s record! Unbelievable, this kid is great to watch.” ​Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif also joined the chorus, calling Sooryavanshi a “miracle and a future star.”
A Night of Endless Records At just 15 years old, Sooryavanshi accomplished milestones that seasoned veterans dream of: ​Powerplay Master: He smashed 8 sixes in the powerplay alone, surpassing Sanath Jayasuriya’s 2008 record. He also amassed 490 powerplay runs this season, breaking David Warner’s 2016 record (467 runs).
Joint-Fastest Playoff Fifty: He brought up his half-century in just 16 balls, tying Suresh Raina’s record for the fastest fifty in an IPL knockout match.
Unprecedented T20 Season: He became the first player in T20 history to score over 600 runs in a single tournament while maintaining a strike rate of 200-plus. So far, he has accumulated 680 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 242.85.
With this breathtaking victory, Rajasthan Royals move ahead with immense confidence, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi establishes himself as the brightest rising star in world cricket.
Rio de Janeiro: In a development that has sent ripples of anxiety through football fans worldwide, Brazilian superstar Neymar missed coach Carlo Ancelotti’s very first training session with the national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While the rest of the Selecao squad took to the pitch under the guidance of the Italian tactician, Neymar was instead sent to a private clinic.
According to team officials, the forward’s absence from the main group is part of a planned roadmap to complete his ongoing fitness recovery process rather than a sudden setback. Ancelotti, who recently finalized his 26-man World Cup squad, has been very transparent about Neymar’s status, emphasizing that the Santos star was selected purely based on his progressive fitness and technical weight, rather than sentimentality.
Before his inclusion, Ancelotti and the Brazil hierarchy reportedly held clear discussions with Neymar, detailing that he will not have an automatic starting role or the captaincy, and must earn his place on merit. While the team management downplays the incident, describing the private clinic visit as a routine measure to fine-tune his physical condition, the external media pressure is already mounting on whether the 34-year-old can withstand the extreme high-intensity demands of Ancelotti’s tactical system. Brazil is scheduled to kick off its World Cup campaign on June 13 against Morocco in New Jersey, leaving Neymar a race against time to reach 100% match fitness.
The Indian literary landscape is witnessing an unprecedented phenomenon as a book authored by a sitting state leader breaches national sales records. Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s latest literary work, Adam Nee Evideyakunnu (Adam, Where Are You?), has officially broken into the prestigious Nielsen BookScan India Top Sellers list.
Published by the prominent publishing house DC Books, this compilation of the Chief Minister’s extensive discourses on Christian philosophy and teachings has achieved an extraordinary milestone, exhausting six consecutive editions within just 17 days of hitting the shelves.
The meteoric rise of the publication has sent waves through both political and literary circles. According to prominent publisher Ravi DC, the book’s rapid-fire success is complemented by its stellar digital performance, currently commanding the No. 8 spot among the most-sold books across Amazon India. This marks the first time in modern Indian publishing history that a book authored by a Kerala Chief Minister has attained national bestseller status within weeks of its release.
From Public Speeches to Literary Triumph: The Genesis of the Book
A Unique Compendium of Philosophy
Adam Nee Evideyakunnu is structured into 32 comprehensive chapters, meticulously curated and edited by veteran journalist Roy Mathew, who currently serves as the Media Secretary to the Chief Minister. The book features a profound, authoritative forward written by Dr. Cyriac Thomas, the former Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University.
The core text traces its origins back to Satheesan’s tenure as the Leader of the Opposition, a period during which he was frequently invited to address major ecumenical conferences and theological conventions across various Christian denominations. Far from standard political rhetoric, these speeches offered deep, analytical, and spiritual insights into biblical texts, drawing immense admiration from scholars and laypersons alike.
Metric
Achievement Details
Release Date
May 6, 2026
Performance Windows
6 Editions in 17 Days
Amazon India Rank
8 Overall in Top Bestsellers
Industry Benchmark
Featured on Nielsen BookScan India
Driven by Lifelong Scriptural Study
In a candid introductory note titled “Why This Book,” Chief Minister Satheesan shares his deeply personal relationship with the Bible. Having been raised and educated in culturally diverse environments with strong Christian influences, reading scriptural text became an indispensable part of his formative years and daily routine.
“Though I remain a devout, practicing Hindu, exploring the deep philosophical frameworks of other religions has been a lifelong pursuit. Reading at least one chapter of the Holy Bible every single day has been a long-standing discipline. The teachings of Jesus Christ, his perspectives on social justice, and his vision for a transformative world order have profoundly shaped my public worldview,” Satheesan notes in the preface.
The Viral Orations That Captivated Millions
Overcoming Hesitation at the Kumbanad Convention
A pivotal moment highlighted in the memoir is the Chief Minister’s invitation to speak at the historic Kumbanad Convention of the India Pentecostal Church of God (IPC)—an honor extended to him shortly after he took charge as Leader of the Opposition. Satheesan recalls the deep anxiety and humility he felt when tasked with delivering a scriptural address on January 18, 2023, before a massive gathering of thousands of believers.
The central theme of the convention that year was “Thy Kingdom Come.” Satheesan’s precise, unhesitating articulation of Christ’s vision of the Kingdom of God—rooted in equity, peace, and spiritual truth—was widely hailed as a masterpiece of theological understanding by a secular leader.
The Speech That Inspired the Title
Following the impact of the Kumbanad address, Satheesan was invited to speak at over 250 ecclesiastical gatherings. Notable among these was his address at Tiruvalla celebrating the 111th birth anniversary of Abraham Mar Thoma Metropolitan, the 17th Metropolitan of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church.
However, it was his address in Changanassery during a civic reception for the newly appointed Cardinal, Archbishop Mar George Jacob Koovakad, that truly redefined his literary identity. Titled “Adam Nee Evideyakunnu,” the speech analyzed human responsibility, morality, and divine searching. The video of the address went viral across Christian devotional networks and mainstream social platforms, ultimately lending its powerful name to this record-breaking volume.
Balancing Secular Leadership and Devout Faith
The book underlines a refreshing political ethos for 2026: a public servant balancing personal conviction with an inclusive respect for all faiths. Reflecting on his life’s challenges, Satheesan asserts that the teachings of Christ have given him the resilience to face political storms without retreating. He quotes a guiding spiritual maxim that anchors him: “Be hopeful, for He who promised you is faithful.”
In his illuminating foreword, Dr. Cyriac Thomas provides an intimate, objective analysis of the Chief Minister’s personality:
“Satheesan is, and has always been, a steadfast believer. Yet, he never uses faith as an ornament or an exhibitionist tool for political leverage. While he maintains deep, mutual respect for spiritual heads and religious acharyas, he has consciously kept a dignified distance from community power-brokers. His ultimate political lodestar remains Mahatma Gandhi—making Gandhian thought both his greatest strength and his moral anchor.”
As Adam Nee Evideyakunnu continues its historic run on Amazon and retail bookstores nationwide, it sets a brand-new benchmark for political literature in India, proving that deep philosophical substance can triumph in an era dominated by superficial digital content.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Veteran journalist and political commentator A. J. Philip has shared a deeply insightful and reflective commentary on Facebook regarding the newly published book ‘Adam Nee Evide Aakunnu?’ (Adam, Where Are You?), authored by senior political leader V. D. Satheesan. Published by DC Books and meticulously edited by Roy Mathew, the volume compiles 32 profound speeches delivered by Satheesan across various Christian conventions and ecclesiastical gatherings, starting with his historic address at the Kumbanad Convention of the Indian Pentecostal Church of God on January 19, 2023.
The Spoken Word and the Art of Spontaneity ​A. J. Philip opens his commentary with an illuminating anecdote shared by former Kerala Chief Secretary V. P. Joy regarding the late writer Omchery N.N. Pillai’s award-winning autobiography, Aakasmikam. Joy had noted that the book’s exceptional readability stemmed from it being dictated rather than written. Philip uses this to draw a broader parallel about language, noting that writing often invites structural ornamentation and vanity. Dictation, however, retains the “warmth of breath” and a rare spontaneity.
He recalls witnessing a similar effortless eloquence in the legendary O.V. Vijayan—who, when physically incapacitated by illness, dictated an entire short story to journalist Roy Mathew in one seamless flow without requiring a single edit—and in Swami Ranganathananda, whose unscripted English speeches flowed effortlessly like a calm river. According to Philip, V. D. Satheesan’s speeches possess this exact same rare, unvarnished, and conversational power where thought and language merge seamlessly.
​A Politician’s Deep Communion with Scripture ​While politicians routinely quote scriptures for short-term rhetorical or electoral gains, Philip observes that Satheesan’s engagement with the Bible is of a completely different, deeply spiritual order. It is an intimate, lifelong companionship. Philip references a recollection by Manoj Menon (Mathrubhumi), an alumnus of Sacred Heart College, Thevara, who noted that during inter-collegiate elocution competitions, other contestants only competed for the second prize, as the first was always guaranteed for Satheesan.
​“Satheesan speaks not as a politician paying ceremonial tribute but as a believer reflecting on vocation and service.” — A. J. Philip
The veteran journalist points out that Satheesan’s daily routine includes reading at least one chapter of the Bible, finding sustenance in it during personal and political crises. Remarkably, Satheesan does not limit himself to the comforting narratives of the New Testament; he navigates the complex prophetic traditions, the Exodus, and the accounts of Moses in the Old Testament with phenomenal ease.
Prayer as a Relationship, Not a Bargain ​Analyzing the title discourse taken from Genesis—where God seeks out a hiding humanity asking, “Adam, where are you?”—Philip highlights Satheesan’s beautiful theological definition of prayer. In the book, prayer is described not as a transactional negotiation with the divine for rewards, but as an intimate process of discerning what God desires one to become. Philip beautifully anchors this theme by bringing in the history of Joseph M. Scriven’s 1855 hymn What a Friend We Have in Jesus, and Major Daniel Webster Whittle’s There Shall Be Showers of Blessing, illustrating a shared human yearning for inner renewal.
Rescuing St. Thomas and Honoring Church Legends ​The review lauds Satheesan for rescuing Thomas the Apostle from the simplistic caricature of “Doubting Thomas,” portraying him instead as a disciple of courageous, questioning, yet ultimately surrendering faith.
Furthermore, the book contains historically significant portraits of towering church leaders: ​Abraham Mar Thoma: Evoking his immense courage in inviting social reformer C.V. Kunhiraman to the Maramon Convention, which catalysed social reforms like the Temple Entry Proclamation, and his brave resistance against the autocratic Diwan C. P. Ramaswami Iyer.
​Juhanon Mar Thoma: Highlighting his legendary resilience against the Emergency, his direct letters to Indira Gandhi against censorship, and his sheer magnanimity in offering lifts to his legal critic K.N. Daniel.
​Modern Icons: Heartfelt tributes to the unparalleled empathy of Oommen Chandy, the educational vision of Orthodox Bishop Thomas Mar Dionysius, and the humanitarian legacy of Stan Swamy.
Concluding Thoughts: A Universal Framework of Faith ​A. J. Philip concludes that the true success of Adam Nee Evide Aakunnu? lies in its structural rejection of denominational triumphalism or sectarian frameworks. Echoing the anxieties of missionary E. Stanley Jones, who lamented that Christians often promote their denominations more than Christ himself, Satheesan’s speeches intentionally steer the reader back to Christ-centred living. It stands out as an exceptional literary and spiritual work that bridges ancient scripture with modern existential anxieties, making it a rewarding read for believers and secular readers alike.
