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India vs South Africa: Gill, Suryakumar Form Under Scrutiny as Gambhir’s Men Suffer 51-Run T20I Defeat

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India vs South Africa: Gill, Suryakumar Form Under Scrutiny as Gambhir’s Men Suffer 51-Run T20I Defeat

MULLANPUR: India’s campaign against South Africa hit a significant roadblock on Thursday, suffering a comprehensive 51-run defeat in the second T20 International in Mullanpur. The humbling loss, which saw the five-match series leveled at 1-1, has triggered intense scrutiny over the poor form of key batsmen Shubman Gill and captain Suryakumar Yadav, placing head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management squarely in the spotlight.

​India’s bowling attack failed to maintain discipline, conceding a massive 213/4. South Africa’s innings was powered by a sensational 90 off 46 balls from opener Quinton de Kock, who punished a lack of control from the Indian seamers. A staggering thirteen full tosses were delivered by the hosts, a statistic that former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan highlighted on social media, questioning the team’s tactics.

​The chase quickly collapsed for the Men in Blue. Facing a demanding target of 214, the top order crumbled within the Powerplay. Shubman Gill’s struggles in the T20 format continued as he edged Lungi Ngidi on the very first ball he faced, departing for a duck. Captain Suryakumar Yadav followed soon after, nicking a Marco Jansen delivery to walk back for a mere five runs.

​Despite the early wreckage, young batter Tilak Varma offered a ray of hope, playing a fluent innings of 62 off 34 balls. However, with wickets tumbling around him—including a cheap dismissal for the promoted Axar Patel—the required rate proved too much. India were eventually bowled out for 162 in 19.1 overs.

​The inability of the star batsmen to fire, coupled with a worrying display of bowling indiscipline, has now prompted difficult questions for Gambhir and the coaching staff ahead of the third T20I in Dharamsala. The management will be under immense pressure to find quick answers regarding the poor outings of Gill and Yadav, and to tighten up a bowling unit that conceded 123 runs in the final 10 overs.

​’Is It Because He’s a Comrade?’: Actress Mala Parvathy Slams Alleged Slow Pace in P.T. Kunju Muhammed Molestation Probe

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​’Is It Because He’s a Comrade?’: Actress Mala Parvathy Slams Alleged Slow Pace in P.T. Kunju Muhammed Molestation Probe

KOCHI: Prominent actress Mala Parvathy has directed fierce criticism at the alleged deliberate delay in taking action against former CPI(M) MLA P.T. Kunju Muhammed in connection with a sexual molestation complaint.

​The actress took to her official Facebook page to question the slow pace of the investigation, openly suggesting that the accused’s political standing within the ruling Left Front was the cause.

​“Why is there no light yet? Because he is a Comrade and belongs to the Left Front… I strongly condemn this further,” Mala Parvathy wrote in a post featuring Kunju Muhammed’s photograph.

​The criticism comes amid reports of noticeable inaction following a sexual assault complaint filed by a female director against the veteran politician.

​According to sources, even after the survivor submitted her complaint directly to the Chief Minister’s office, the letter was only forwarded to the Director General of Police (DGP) after a delay of 13 days. Furthermore, despite the police recording the survivor’s statement, the former MLA has reportedly not yet been called in for questioning.

​The situation has sparked widespread condemnation regarding the state’s handling of complaints against powerful political figures. It is also noted that even the women leaders within the CPI(M) have refrained from publicly commenting on the issue, reinforcing the perception that the government is intentionally dragging its feet when a molestation complaint is filed against a high-profile party member.

Pinarayi Vijayan Dodges V.D. Satheesan’s Public Debate Challenge

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Pinarayi Vijayan Dodges V.D. Satheesan’s Public Debate Challenge

Thiruvananthapuram: The ongoing political tussle between Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan has escalated, with the Chief Minister reportedly backing away from a public debate after being challenged by the Opposition leader.

​The controversy began when CM Vijayan opened a new front by raising 13 specific questions to Satheesan concerning major development initiatives, including the Life Mission, K-Rail, and KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board). Political observers suggest this move was intended to shift focus away from other contentious issues, such as Sabarimala Gold Theft.

​In response, V.D. Satheesan not only provided point-by-point answers to all 13 questions but also issued a firm counter-challenge, inviting the Chief Minister to a public debate on the same issues.

​The Chief Minister has effectively dodged the invitation. Instead of accepting the challenge, Vijayan merely reiterated his original questions, claiming that Satheesan’s replies were “unclear.”

​Political whispers suggest that the CM’s refusal may be influenced by the previous experience of former Finance Minister Dr. Thomas Isaac, who was allegedly left embarrassed after engaging in a public debate with Satheesan on the lottery issue. The prevailing sentiment is that the Chief Minister is now attempting to sidestep the confrontation by repeating old queries rather than engaging in a direct, televised public exchange.

Kerala DA Arrears Surge: State Ranks No. 1 with 14% Debt to Employees

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Kerala DA Arrears Surge: State Ranks No. 1 with 14% Debt to Employees

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Dec 11, 2025 — The State of Kerala has cemented its position as the nationwide leader in Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears owed to government employees and teachers, with the total outstanding amount now confirmed to stand at a formidable 14%.

​The latest surge comes after the state government granted a 3% hike in DA to All India Civil Service (IAS) officers and Judicial officers, effective July 1, 2025, mirroring the announcement made by the Central government. However, this increment has not been passed on to the vast majority of state government employees, leading to a significant accumulation of debt.

​Prior to the July 2025 announcement, the accumulated arrears stood at 11%. The addition of the latest 3% installment has pushed the total DA arrears to 14%.

​The situation has created considerable confusion among service organizations. While opposition groups have cited a 13% arrear figure in their notices, sources close to the Finance Department confirm the actual accumulated percentage is higher. Ruling-party service organizations, meanwhile, have maintained silence on the matter.

​The full breakdown of the accumulated DA arrears is as follows:

  • ​July 2023: 3%
  • ​January 2024: 3%
  • ​July 2024: 3%
  • ​January 2025: 2%
  • ​July 2025: 3%

V.D. Satheesan Dares Pinarayi Vijayan to Open Public Debate on Life Mission, KIIFB, and Kerala Governance

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V.D. Satheesan Dares Pinarayi Vijayan to Open Public Debate on Life Mission, KIIFB, and Kerala Governance

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The political showdown in Kerala escalated today as Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan accepted the challenge posed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and, in turn, dared the CM to an open public debate on a range of critical political and development issues facing the state.

​Responding sharply to the ten questions raised by the Chief Minister, Satheesan declared, “I am ready for a public debate. The Chief Minister can decide the place and the date.” This move is seen as a strategic escalation, shifting the battleground from press conferences to a direct, face-to-face accountability check.

​Satheesan systematically addressed and rebutted the Chief Minister’s statements on key projects, before unleashing a volley of counter-questions focused on alleged financial mismanagement and political hypocrisy within the LDF government.

​Countering Development Claims

​Satheesan fiercely countered the CM’s claims regarding flagship projects:

  • ​Life Mission: Refuting the assertion that housing for the poor began only with the Life Mission, Satheesan cited Assembly figures showing that the previous Oommen Chandy government had constructed over 4.5 lakh houses. He accused the CM of distributing “capsules” of misinformation manufactured by the CPM’s cyber wings.
  • ​Vizhinjam Port: Satheesan challenged the CM, reminding him that he was the Party Secretary who once alleged the project was a cover for a ₹6,000 crore real estate deal. He also demanded that the CM apologize to Oommen Chandy after the Justice Ramachandran Nair Commission found no corruption in the project.
  • ​KIIFB & State Debt: While acknowledging KIIFB’s role, the Opposition Leader argued that it was merely a method to implement projects previously covered under the state budget. He highlighted that less than 20% of projects sanctioned through KIIFB were completed and criticized the use of high-interest Masala Bonds, calling the borrowing practices “financial mismanagement.”
  • ​K-Rail & Coastal Highway: Defending the protests against the K-Rail SilverLine project, Satheesan stated it was the legitimate resistance of a populace facing displacement. Regarding the Coastal Highway, he insisted the opposition was solely due to the lack of a published Detailed Project Report (DPR) and proper social and environmental impact assessments.

​Questioning Political Ethics

​The debate extended into the realm of political morality, with Satheesan adopting an aggressive tone.

​He scoffed at the CM’s moral high ground, pointing out that two “comrades” were currently in jail for gold theft from a prominent temple’s Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum). He taunted the CM’s “extraordinary callousness” (Tolkutty) for embracing jailed individuals while criticizing the Congress party.

​Most pointedly, Satheesan raised questions directly challenging the CM’s inner circle:

  • ​Political Secretary: He demanded to know the identity and past history of the Chief Minister’s Political Secretary, questioning who was truly controlling the Police Department from the CM’s office.

​The public challenge throws down the gauntlet for Chief Minister Vijayan, forcing him to either accept a direct televised debate or risk appearing dismissive of the core issues of governance and financial accountability raised by the Opposition. The political atmosphere in Kerala is now charged, anticipating the Chief Minister’s next move.

K.S. Sabarinadhan Sparks ‘Sabari Magic’ in Kawdiyar: Polling Surges 5%, UDF Confident of Massive Win

South India Pulse
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K.S. Sabarinadhan Sparks ‘Sabari Magic’ in Kawdiyar: Polling Surges 5%, UDF Confident of Massive Win

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kawdiyar ward election has seen a significant jump in voter participation, with the polling percentage surging by a striking 5% compared to the last election, a phenomenon attributed by the United Democratic Front (UDF) to the “Sabari Magic” of their candidate, K.S. Sabarinadhan.

​The UDF candidate’s arrival in the ward election fray for the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has reportedly ignited massive enthusiasm, especially among young voters. The polling percentage, which stood at 47% in the 2020 elections, has jumped to 52% this time.

​UDF central strategists are confidently evaluating this unexpected 5% rise in turnout as a strong indicator that K.S. Sabarinadhan is poised to secure a commanding majority. The increase is particularly significant given the ward’s history, where the UDF candidate scraped a victory by a mere one vote in the previous 2020 local body polls.

​Political observers believe the mobilization skills and popular appeal of a youthful leader like Sabarinadhan have effectively channeled voter sentiment, especially among the youth, translating directly into the higher polling figures. Analysts suggest that this elevated turnout is highly favourable to the UDF’s prospects, virtually assuring the retention of the Kawdiyar ward and cementing a significant victory margin for Sabarinadhan.

​’Praying’ to Keep the Chair: Why Kerala’s Reappointed IAS Veterans Fear a Change in Government ?

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​’Praying’ to Keep the Chair: Why Kerala’s Reappointed IAS Veterans Fear a Change in Government ?

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A section of senior retired IAS officers who have secured lucrative post-retirement appointments under the Pinarayi Vijayan government are reportedly gripped by anxiety, fearing instant removal if the ruling LDF coalition loses power to the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the upcoming elections.

​Sources within the civil service suggest that these re-employed veterans, many of whom hold multiple high-profile positions, are actively expressing hopes and even “praying” that the current administration gives next term, as they are certain a change in regime would lead to their immediate dismissal.

​The contention revolves around officers who have continued in government service well beyond their official retirement age, often enjoying both high salaries and pension benefits simultaneously. They are widely viewed as being within the Chief Minister’s circle of confidence, securing key positions that critics argue should go to serving or recently retired officers.

​Key Officers Under Scrutiny

​Two officers, in particular, have become the focal point of the controversy and internal resentment within the bureaucracy:

  • ​K. M. Abraham: At 67 years old, the veteran officer is currently shouldering three crucial roles: CEO of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, and Head of K-DISC (Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council). His tenure and multiple responsibilities have drawn significant internal criticism.
  • ​K. Jayakumar: The 73-year-old former bureaucrat is serving concurrently as the Director of the Institute of Management in Government (IMG) and the President of the Sabarimala Devaswom Board.

​The report notes that this prolonged clinging to power, which some compare to an addiction to the ‘chair,’ is causing considerable friction among active civil service personnel.

​The fear of a regime change is particularly acute for officers like K. M. Abraham, against whom several complaints have been raised in the past. It is widely speculated that if the UDF assumes power, Abraham’s positions would be among the first to be terminated, and he could potentially face new investigations into past issues.

​As the state government’s tenure approaches its conclusion, the political climate remains tense, and the future of these powerful, re-employed officials hangs precariously in the balance.

Actor Dileep Acquitted in Sensational Actress Attack Conspiracy Case; Six Co-Accused Convicted

South India Pulse
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Actor Dileep Acquitted in Sensational Actress Attack Conspiracy Case; Six Co-Accused Convicted

Kochi, December 8, 2025 — In a major development that brings an end to a high-profile, eight-year-long legal battle, the court today delivered its final verdict in the 2017 case concerning the attack on a prominent actress.

​Actor Dileep, who was named as the eighth accused and charged with conspiracy, was acquitted by the court. However, six other accused involved in the physical commission of the crime were found guilty and convicted.

​The special court in Kochi, while delivering the verdict, observed that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient, conclusive evidence to establish the charge of criminal conspiracy against Dileep. The actor had been arrested in July 2017, months after the incident, based on the allegation that he masterminded the attack. Following the acquittal, three other co-accused, including hotel businessman Sarath G Nair, were also relieved of the charges.

​The ruling marks a significant twist in the case that had gripped the state’s conscience since the incident occurred on the night of February 17, 2017, near Angamaly, Kochi. The victim was waylaid and allegedly filmed to create defamatory content.

​Six Accused Convicted

​While Dileep walked free, the court found six individuals directly involved in the crime to be guilty. The convicted individuals include the prime accused, Sunil N.S., alias ‘Pulsar Suni’.

​The six convicted accused are:

  1. ​Sunil N.S. (Pulsar Suni) – First Accused
  2. ​Martin Antony
  3. ​B Manikandan
  4. ​V P Vijeesh
  5. ​H Salim
  6. ​Pradeep

​The convicted individuals faced multiple serious charges including rape, conspiracy, insulting the modesty of a woman, wrongful confinement, destruction of evidence, and the taking and dissemination of obscene pictures. The court is expected to pronounce the quantum of sentence for the six convicted accused shortly.

23 Dead, 50 Injured in Goa Nightclub Fire: Safety Lapses Blamed in Deadly Arpora Blaze

South India Pulse
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23 Dead, 50 Injured in Goa Nightclub Fire: Safety Lapses Blamed in Deadly Arpora Blaze

​Arpora, Goa – A horrific fire ripped through a popular nightclub in Goa early Sunday morning, leaving 23 people dead and over 50 injured, in what state officials are calling a devastating failure of safety regulations.

​The blaze broke out at Birch By Romeo Lane in Arpora shortly after midnight. Initial investigations point to a cylinder blast as the probable trigger for the inferno, which quickly spread, trapping dozens inside the premises.

​Of the 23 casualties confirmed by authorities, three succumbed to severe burn injuries, while the overwhelming majority—20 victims—died from suffocation as thick smoke rapidly filled the enclosed structure, particularly the basement area where most staff members were working. The deceased include 20 men and three women, with officials confirming that most victims were local staff, alongside a few tourists.

​Emergency services, including police, fire brigades, and ambulances, rushed to the scene following calls received at 12:04 am and worked through the night to recover bodies and transport the injured to nearby hospitals.

​Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the site early Sunday and expressed profound grief, calling the incident an “extremely distressing tragedy” for the tourism state.

​”Primary information indicates that the nightclub had not followed fire safety norms,” CM Sawant stated. “The government will conduct a detailed inquiry into this incident. Those found responsible will face the most stringent action under the law,” he vowed, indicating that action will be taken against the club’s management and any officials who permitted operations without mandated fire safeguards.

​Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered condolences, calling the event “deeply saddening.” The Prime Minister’s Office announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF for the family of each deceased person and ₹50,000 for the injured.

​The tragedy has prompted immediate calls for a comprehensive safety audit of all nightlife establishments in the state, with local MLA Michael Lobo stressing the importance of ensuring the safety of both tourists and local workers across Goa’s party belt. Residents near the venue reported hearing a loud explosion followed by scenes of chaos as the structure burned. Goa Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar confirmed that the blaze has been brought under control and an investigation is underway to determine responsibility.

UDF’s Masterstroke: V.D. Satheesan’s Decisive Moves Cement Dominance in Kerala Local Body Polls

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UDF’s Masterstroke: V.D. Satheesan’s Decisive Moves Cement Dominance in Kerala Local Body Polls

Thiruvananthapuram: The United Democratic Front (UDF) is demonstrating a strong agenda-setting dominance in the upcoming Kerala Local Body Elections, successfully replicating a strategy that has proven decisive in recent electoral contests. Political observers suggest that Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan has emerged as the architect of this shift, ensuring the opposition dictates the narrative and keeps the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) constantly on the defensive.

​This calculated strategy has yielded tangible results. Since the 2021 Assembly elections, the UDF has emerged victorious in 25 out of 27 by-election battles, a clear indicator that their agenda-setting approach is resonating with the electorate.

​Sabarimala and Anti-Incumbency Fuel UDF Campaign

​The UDF’s winning blueprint hinges on two major issues: leveraging the strong anti-incumbency sentiment against the incumbent Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government and relentlessly pressing the Sabarimala Gold Smuggling scandal.

​V.D. Satheesan and his team have ensured the alleged gold heist at Sabarimala, which reportedly involves cadres from the CPI(M), remains the focal point of the political discourse. By consistently raising the issue, the UDF has effectively cornered the LDF, forcing them to divert energy towards damage control rather than campaigning on their own achievements.

​Satheesan Neutralizes LDF’s Counter-Attack

​The LDF attempted to turn the tide by weaponizing the ‘Mamkootam issue’—an internal controversy involving a Congress member—to distract voters from the corruption allegations. Recognizing the LDF’s history of utilizing ‘women-related’ issues politically, the ruling front hoped this controversy would provide a crucial lifeline.

​However, Satheesan’s decisive and proactive response successfully dismantled the LDF’s counter-strategy. Acting with foresight, the Opposition Leader swiftly suspended and subsequently expelled the Congress member, Mamkootam, from the party.

​This firm and timely action neutralized the LDF’s key weapon, stripping the ruling front of a major political talking point and leaving Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his colleagues effectively “fighting a war without ammunition” in the run-up to the polls.

​The successful control over the electoral agenda not only guarantees the UDF’s likely dominance in the local body elections but also strategically positions Satheesan and his team for the larger goal: attaining for state governance in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections.

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