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Sanju Smashes Record-Breaking 89 in T20 World Cup Final

South India Pulse
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Sanju Smashes Record-Breaking 89 in T20 World Cup Final

AHMEDABAD – In a night that will be etched in cricketing folklore, Sanju Samson turned the Narendra Modi Stadium into his personal playground. During the high-stakes T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand, the Indian batting powerhouse delivered a masterclass in power-hitting, rewriting the record books and propelling India toward a historic title.

​The Highest Score in Final History

​Samson played a blistering knock of 89 runs off just 46 deliveries. His innings was a calculated demolition of the Kiwi bowling attack, featuring 5 boundaries and 8 towering sixes.

​With this feat, Samson now holds the record for the highest individual score in a T20 World Cup final. He surpassed the previous joint record of 85 runs held by West Indies’ Marlon Samuels (2016) and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson (2021).

​Joining the Elite Club

​Beyond the total runs, Samson’s consistency throughout the knockout stages has placed him among the legends of the game. By scoring half-centuries in both the semi-final and the final, he became only the third player in history to achieve this rare “Big Game” double.

​Players with 50+ Scores in T20 WC Semi-Final & Final:

  • ​Shahid Afridi (2009)
  • ​Virat Kohli (2014)
  • ​Sanju Samson (2026)

​The Triple-Fifty Streak

​The records didn’t stop there. By crossing the 50-run mark for the third consecutive match in this tournament, Samson has joined an elite bracket that includes the likes of Virat Kohli and Babar Azam.

​As the Ahmedabad crowd roared “Sanju, Sanju,” the Kerala-born wicketkeeper-batsman proved that he is no longer just a “talent” for the future, but a cornerstone of India’s world-dominating cricket era.

Kerala Bank Appointment Standoff: 409 PSC-Recommended Candidates Left in Limbo for Seven Months

South India Pulse
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Kerala Bank Appointment Standoff: 409 PSC-Recommended Candidates Left in Limbo for Seven Months

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The dreams of 409 job seekers in Kerala are currently fading on the streets, as a prolonged standoff over appointments at the Kerala Bank continues to stir public outrage. Despite receiving official appointment recommendations from the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) seven months ago, these candidates are yet to receive their posting orders.
The Allegation: Protecting Temporary Staff

At the heart of the controversy is a stinging accusation against the Minister for Co-operation, V.N. Vasavan. Candidates allege that the minister is deliberately stalling their appointments to protect temporary employees who are reportedly aligned with the ruling party.

“We have knocked on every door, including the minister’s, but all we receive are empty promises,” one candidate noted. The fear among aspirants is that if the PSC-recommended candidates are appointed, the current temporary staff would be forced to step down—a scenario the administration is allegedly working to avoid.
A Contradictory Move

Adding fuel to the fire, the government issued an order this February extending the tenure of existing temporary staff by another six months. While the order includes a caveat that the extension remains valid “until the PSC-recommended candidates are appointed,” critics argue that the minister—who holds the power to facilitate these appointments—is instead choosing to prioritize the temporary workforce, effectively challenging the legitimacy of the PSC process.
A Timeline of Frustration

The candidates’ journey has been one of high hopes met with bureaucratic hurdles:
Date/Period Event
April 2024 Notification issued for Kerala Bank Clerk/Cashier posts.
October 2024 Objective-type examination conducted.
June 2025 A comprehensive rank list containing 1,800 candidates is published.
July 30, 2025 First phase: 409 candidates receive official advice memos.

“All Shall Be Set Right” — But When?

Candidates have described the minister’s recurring assurance that “everything will be set right” as a cruel irony, reminiscent of a classic Malayalam movie trope where hollow promises are made to pacify the desperate.

As these young professionals continue to endure economic uncertainty and the physical toll of protesting outside government offices, the silence from the corridors of power is deafening. The situation has ignited widespread social media discourse, with many questioning the credibility of the PSC system when the final link—the appointment letter—is held hostage by political interests.

CPIM IN SHOCK: Veena George’s Husband Demands She Drop Out of Election Race! Fear of Defeat or Family Crisis?

South India Pulse
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CPIM IN SHOCK: Veena George’s Husband Demands She Drop Out of Election Race! Fear of Defeat or Family Crisis?

Pathanamthitta : In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Kerala political circuit, George Joseph, the husband of Health Minister Veena George, has formally requested the CPI(M) leadership not to field her as a candidate in the upcoming Assembly elections.

​The request was brought before the Pathanamthitta District Secretariat meeting. While the official reason cited by George Joseph is “family matters,” political corridors are buzzing with speculation. Critics and opposition supporters are quick to suggest that this move stems from a realization that the sitting MLA might face a tough battle or a potential defeat in her constituency.

​Key Highlights of the Report:

​The “Calculated Move” Rumor: There is heavy speculation that the husband’s intervention is a strategic exit to avoid a political blow, especially given the current political climate and local anti-incumbency sentiments.

​The Formal Request: George Joseph approached the party leadership, including state and district-level leaders, asking that Veena be exempted from the candidate list.

​Party Response: State Secretariat member and Central Committee leader Thomas Isaac has reportedly briefed the state leadership on this development. Since Veena George is an invitee to the State Committee, the final decision rests with the state-level body.

​Political History: Veena George first contested from Aranmula in 2016 and won. She repeated her victory in 2021. However, she faced a setback in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Pathanamthitta.

​The “Calculated Move” Rumor: There is heavy speculation that the husband’s intervention is a strategic exit to avoid a political blow, especially given the current political climate and local anti-incumbency sentiments.

Eden’s New King: Sanju Samson’s 97 Outclasses Windies to Secure India’s Semifinal Ticket

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Eden’s New King: Sanju Samson’s 97 Outclasses Windies to Secure India’s Semifinal Ticket

KOLKATA: In a high-stakes encounter where defeat meant an early flight home, Sanju Samson rose to the occasion, delivering a masterclass in controlled aggression to guide India into the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Under the iconic lights of Eden Gardens, Samson’s unbeaten 97 off just 50 deliveries ensured India chased down a formidable target against West Indies in their final Super 8 fixture.

​The moment of victory was as emotional as the innings itself. After piercing the field for a boundary off Romario Shepherd to seal the win, Samson dropped to his knees, removed his helmet, and looked toward the heavens—a poignant image of a player who has often faced scrutiny finally silencing his critics on the grandest stage.

​A Knock of Pure Resilience

​Chasing a challenging total, India found themselves in precarious positions as wickets tumbled at the other end. However, Samson, promoted to open the innings, anchored the chase with surgical precision. While he narrowly missed out on a well-deserved century by three runs, the value of his 97* was far greater than any personal milestone.

​”I have waited for this day since the moment I started dreaming of playing for my country,” an emotional Samson said during the post-match presentation. “There were times I doubted myself, wondering if I could truly belong at this level, but I kept the faith. Today feels like the world to me.”

​Learning from the Greats

​Samson credited his maturity to the years spent observing legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Despite not being a permanent fixture in the XI over the last decade, the Kerala-born batter emphasized that he spent his time in the dugout as a student of the game.

​”I might have played only 50-60 games, but I’ve observed over a hundred from the sidelines. Watching how Virat and Rohit finish games and adapt to pressure taught me how to handle today’s situation. When wickets were falling, I knew I had to build a partnership and play the ball on its merit rather than forcing the issue,” Samson added.

​India Marches to the Semi-Finals

​With this victory, India officially secures their berth in the semi-finals, knocking out the West Indies in a “do-or-die” scenario. The BCCI lauded the effort on social media, calling it a “knock for the ages.”

​As the tournament moves into the knockout phase, Samson’s emergence as a reliable “Chase Master” provides the Indian team management with a massive boost. If this performance at Eden Gardens is any indication, the “Sanju Samson era” in Indian cricket may have finally arrived in its full glory.

End of an Era: Iran State TV Confirms Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei Killed in US-Israeli Strikes

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End of an Era: Iran State TV Confirms Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei Killed in US-Israeli Strikes

TEHRAN / WASHINGTON — In a seismic shift for Middle Eastern politics, Iranian state television confirmed early Sunday that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed. The announcement follows a massive joint military operation by the United States and Israel that targeted several high-profile military and governmental sites across Iran.

​The official confirmation from Tehran came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media to announce the death of the 86-year-old leader. In a statement, Trump described the strike as a “precision operation” and claimed it offers the Iranian people their “greatest chance” to reclaim their sovereignty from decades of clerical rule.

​The Strike and Its Toll

The aerial bombardment, which began on Saturday, reportedly targeted Khamenei’s compound in downtown Tehran. Satellite imagery confirmed heavy damage to the site. Iranian media reports indicate that the Supreme Leader was not the only casualty; his daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter were also reportedly killed in the strikes, along with high-ranking officials including Iran’s Defence Minister and top IRGC commanders.

​While initial reports from some Iranian agencies like Tasnim and Mehr suggested the Leader remained “firm in commanding the field,” the state broadcaster eventually pivoted to announce 40 days of national mourning and seven days of public holidays.

​Regional Escalation

The assassination has immediately triggered a regional firestorm. Iran responded to the initial waves of the attack by launching a barrage of drones and missiles toward Israel and U.S. military bases in the Middle East. Reports also emerged of strikes hitting international transit hubs, including Dubai International Airport, as the conflict threatened to engulf neighboring Gulf states.

​A Leadership Vacuum

Having led the Islamic Republic since 1989, Khamenei was the ultimate authority on all matters of state, from nuclear policy to foreign intervention. His death creates an unprecedented leadership vacuum in Tehran. While the CIA had previously assessed that the IRGC might attempt a swift transition to a hardline successor, the scale of the strikes—which eliminated several potential “Plan B” leaders—has left the path forward uncertain.

​Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the operation, stating there were “many signs” the “tyrant” was gone, and urged the Iranian public to move toward a future free of the current regime.

​As the world watches the fallout, the Strait of Hormuz has reportedly been closed to merchant shipping, sending shockwaves through global energy markets. The Pentagon has stated that “major combat operations” will continue as long as necessary to eliminate “imminent threats.”

​GLOBAL ALARM: Middle East Teeters on Total War as US-Israel-Iran Tensions Explode in 2026

South India Pulse
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​GLOBAL ALARM: Middle East Teeters on Total War as US-Israel-Iran Tensions Explode in 2026

TEHRAN/TEL AVIV/WASHINGTON – The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East has entered its most volatile chapter in decades. As of February 28, 2026, the long-simmering “shadow war” between Israel and Iran has transitioned into a direct, high-intensity conflict, drawing the United States into a military engagement that threatens to reshape the global order.

​The Spark of 2026

​The current escalation follows a series of unprecedented military exchanges that began earlier this year. Following the collapse of previous diplomatic channels and a surge in advanced nuclear enrichment activities reported by international monitors, Israel launched a series of “surgical strikes” aimed at neutralizing Tehran’s underground facilities.

​In retaliation, Iran launched a massive drone and ballistic missile offensive, bypassing traditional proxy warfare and striking directly at Israeli urban centers. The involvement of the United States became inevitable following a drone attack on a major US naval asset in the Persian Gulf, which Washington attributed directly to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

​Current Military Situation

​Reports from the ground indicate that the conflict has expanded across multiple fronts:

  • ​The Northern Front: Hezbollah has intensified its rocket fire from Southern Lebanon, forcing the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to commit significant ground troops to a buffer zone operation.
  • ​The Gulf Theater: The US Navy’s Fifth Fleet has moved into a “high-readiness” posture, engaging in several skirmishes to keep the Strait of Hormuz open—a vital artery for 20% of the world’s oil supply.
  • ​Cyber Warfare: Beyond the kinetic battlefield, a massive “silent war” is being waged. Major infrastructure in all three nations, including power grids and financial institutions, has faced sophisticated cyberattacks, leading to localized blackouts in Tehran and Tel Aviv.

​The US Position: A Reluctant Participant?

​Presidential statements from the White House emphasize a “defensive posture,” yet the deployment of two additional Carrier Strike Groups to the Eastern Mediterranean suggests a readiness for a prolonged campaign. Critics in Washington are divided, with some calling for a total “regime-change” strategy, while others warn of a “forever war” that could drain American resources and focus away from the Indo-Pacific.

​Global Economic Fallout

​The world economy is already feeling the tremors. Crude oil prices have surged past $140 per barrel, sparking fears of a global recession. Stock markets in New York, London, and Tokyo have seen sharp declines as investors flee to “safe-haven” assets like gold.

​Humanitarian Concerns

​The United Nations has issued an urgent plea for a ceasefire, citing a burgeoning humanitarian crisis. With civilian airports closed across the Levant and Western Asia, tens of thousands of foreign nationals are stranded, and displacement within Lebanon and Israel is reaching critical levels.

​What Lies Ahead?

​Analysts suggest that the next 72 hours are crucial. If diplomatic backchannels—reportedly mediated by Oman and Qatar—fail to produce a de-escalation agreement, the world may witness the first full-scale regional war of the mid-21st century.

Heart-Wrenching Tragedy: Son Performs CPR in Moving Loader as Father Dies After Ambulance Fails to Arrive

South India Pulse
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Heart-Wrenching Tragedy: Son Performs CPR in Moving Loader as Father Dies After Ambulance Fails to Arrive

Bhopal : A deeply distressing incident has emerged from Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district, highlighting the critical failures in emergency medical services. A 65-year-old man, Jagdish Vishwakarma, tragically passed away while being rushed to a hospital in a loader vehicle after an ambulance reportedly failed to arrive in time.
A Desperate Battle for Life

The ordeal began near Barkonha village under the jurisdiction of the Rajnagar police station. Jagdish Vishwakarma, a resident of Talgaon, was traveling to Chhatarpur with his son, Santosh, when he began suffering from severe chest pain and breathing difficulties—symptoms indicative of a cardiac emergency.

In a frantic attempt to save his father, Santosh reportedly placed calls for an ambulance. However, when no assistance arrived, and his father’s condition worsened rapidly, Santosh was forced to arrange a makeshift transport—a loader vehicle—to rush him to the nearest medical facility.
A Final, Heart-Breaking Attempt

As the loader navigated through traffic, a harrowing video captured the desperate measures taken by the son. In a last-ditch attempt to revive his father, Santosh was seen administering CPR to Jagdish inside the moving vehicle. Despite his persistent, grief-stricken efforts, his father remained unresponsive.

Upon reaching the district hospital, doctors immediately examined Jagdish but declared him dead on arrival. While initial assessments point to a heart attack, medical staff noted that the exact cause would require a postmortem; however, the family, overwhelmed by their loss, chose not to proceed with the procedure.

Jagdish Vishwakarma leaves behind a grieving family, including four daughters and his son, Santosh, who was the only one present during his father’s final moments

Controversy Over Rs 59 Lakh Tourism Fund to Reporter TV; Opposition Alleges ‘Quid Pro Quo’

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Controversy Over Rs 59 Lakh Tourism Fund to Reporter TV; Opposition Alleges ‘Quid Pro Quo’

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A significant political and administrative controversy has erupted in Kerala following reports that the state Tourism Department sanctioned a grant of Rs 59 lakh to the news channel Reporter TV.

The development has triggered allegations from opposition parties and social media critics, who claim the massive funding is a “reward” for the channel’s editorial stance, which is frequently perceived as supportive of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the ruling LDF government.

The Timeline of the fund proposal was processed with unusual speed, raising eyebrows within the Secretariat regarding administrative efficiency. According to the documents circulating:

February 3: Reporter TV submitted a formal proposal to the Director of Tourism, seeking Rs 50 lakh for a 15-day campaign promoting Kerala Tourism.

February 18: The Tourism Director forwarded the proposal to Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas with a recommendation for approval.

February 20: Within just two days of receiving the recommendation, Minister Riyas reportedly approved the request. An official order was subsequently issued for a total of Rs 59 lakh, which includes the base amount of Rs 50 lakh plus 18% GST (Rs 9 lakh).

Allegations of ‘Unholy Nexus’

Critics have pointed to the backdrop of the state’s current economic strain, questioning the justification of spending such a large sum of public money on a 15-day campaign. Opposition leaders have alleged that this funding is a direct “payback” for the channel’s consistent efforts to defend the government against criticism.

The controversy is further fueled by the association of the channel’s management—specifically Anto Augustine—with high-profile legal cases, including the Muttil tree-felling case. Critics on social media have characterized the transaction as evidence of an “unholy nexus” between the government and the channel’s ownership.

While the Tourism Department has yet to issue a formal rebuttal addressing the specific timeline and the quantum of the grant, the issue has added to the mounting scrutiny surrounding the channel, which is also currently facing legal challenges regarding its broadcasting license and operations.

Intelligence Report: Veena George Controversy Backfires on Kerala Government

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Intelligence Report: Veena George Controversy Backfires on Kerala Government

Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant setback for the Kerala state government, a report from the State Intelligence Department has indicated that the recent controversies surrounding Health Minister Veena George have backfired. The report, submitted to the Chief Minister, specifically points to the Minister’s decision to seek treatment at a government hospital following protests by the Kerala Students Union (KSU) as a move that failed to garner public sympathy.

​According to the intelligence findings, the “Veena drama” did not achieve its intended effect. The report highlights two primary reasons for the negative public sentiment:

  • ​Failure to Prove Physical Assault: The government and party were unable to provide visual evidence to the public showing the Minister being physically attacked during the KSU protest.
  • ​Perception of Special Treatment: At a time when there is general public dissatisfaction regarding the state of government hospitals, the perceived “special consideration” and VIP treatment given to the Minister for what was described as minor injuries created a negative narrative.

​The report suggests that the widespread campaign regarding the Minister receiving exclusive care—while ordinary citizens struggle for basic facilities—has damaged the government’s reputation. Instead of positioning the Minister as a victim of political violence, the optics of her hospital stay under the guise of the protest have been viewed critically by the general populace.

The King Returns: Neymar Nets Brilliant Brace as Santos Edge Vasco da Gama

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The King Returns: Neymar Nets Brilliant Brace as Santos Edge Vasco da Gama

SANTOS, BRAZIL – The magic is back. After a grueling recovery period and a wave of skepticism from critics, Neymar Jr. reminded the world why he remains Brazil’s golden boy. In a high-stakes Brasileirão Round 4 clash, the superstar forward struck twice to lead Santos to a 2-1 victory over Vasco da Gama, marking his triumphant return to goal-scoring form in 2026.

Silencing the Critics

​Having undergone surgery earlier this year, Neymar’s path back to the pitch has been under intense scrutiny. After finding the net for the first time this season, the forward didn’t hold back during his post-match interview with SporTV.

​”Last week, they labeled me the worst player in the world,” Neymar said. “Today, I scored two goals—that’s what matters. Football is like this; one day you’re the villain, and the next, people are demanding you play in the World Cup.”

​World Cup Ambitions & Vinícius-Style Flair

​The opening goal came in the 25th minute, sending the Vila Belmiro stadium into a frenzy. Neymar celebrated with a choreographed dance—a clear nod to his international teammate Vinícius Júnior—signaling a rejuvenated spirit.

​This performance comes at a crucial time. Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has previously stated that a fit and firing Neymar is a lock for the national squad. If today was any indication, the “No. 10” is well on his way to reclaiming his spot for the upcoming global tournament.

​Old Rivalries Resurface: The Mendes Feud

​The match wasn’t without its tensions. The atmosphere turned electric when Neymar clashed with Vasco defender Thiago Mendes. The history between the two is dark; it was a tackle from Mendes in 2020 (during Neymar’s PSG tenure) that sidelined the star with a serious ankle injury.

​The friction was visible on the pitch, with Neymar later accusing Mendes of intimidation. “He always tries to cause trouble,” Neymar claimed. “He injured me back at PSG, and even today, he was trying to threaten me.”

​Despite the off-ball drama, the night belonged to Neymar, whose masterclass puts Santos back on the winning track and reignites “Ney-mania” across Brazil.

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