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Ancelotti Puts Neymar ‘On The List’ for 2026 World Cup, But Issues Six-Month Performance Warning

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Ancelotti Puts Neymar ‘On The List’ for 2026 World Cup, But Issues Six-Month Performance Warning

​RIO DE JANEIRO — Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that star forward Neymar is on the list of players being considered for the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, but he has warned the 33-year-old must prove his form and fitness over the next six months.

​Brazil secured their place in the tournament, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, by finishing fifth in the CONMEBOL qualifying standings.

​Neymar has been a major topic of discussion since Ancelotti took the reins in May. The Italian coach has yet to include the veteran attacker in any of his squads, largely due to a severe Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) rupture sustained against Uruguay in October 2023.

​Following his initial recovery, Neymar returned to his boyhood club, Santos, but his spell there has also been hampered by subsequent injuries.

​Ancelotti, however, remains keen on taking the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona man to the World Cup, stating he will be monitoring his progress closely before the next international break in March 2026.

​”Neymar is on the list of players who could be at the World Cup,” Ancelotti said ahead of Brazil’s final match of 2025 against Tunisia.

​”Neymar has recovered, but he needs to show performance. When the Brazilian league ends, he’ll have some vacation time, and then he must show his quality and physical condition again,” he elaborated.

​The Italian stressed that time is running out to cement a spot, offering a clear six-month window for the player to impress.

​”Now we have six months before the final list. We simply need to monitor him, as we do with the others, to see whether to make any changes to the final team,” he added.

​Ancelotti expressed confidence in the team’s trajectory, stating, “We are working to arrive at the World Cup in the best possible condition. We are on the right track. Until March, I can change the players, but I have full confidence that those who are selected will be ready for the event.”

Indian Navy’s New Anti-Submarine Vessel ‘Mahe’ Adopts Kerala’s Urumi Sword as Crest

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Indian Navy’s New Anti-Submarine Vessel ‘Mahe’ Adopts Kerala’s Urumi Sword as Crest

Kochi: The Indian Navy’s new anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft, MAHE, is set to be commissioned on November 24 at the Mumbai Naval Dockyard, and its official crest will feature the distinctive Urumi—the flexible, whip-like sword associated with the Kerala martial art of Kalarippayattu.

Named after the historic coastal town of Mahe in Kerala, the vessel is the first of eight anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts being constructed by Cochin Shipyard for the Navy.

Agile, Precise, and Lethal

The 78 metre-long vessel, with a displacement of 1,100 tonnes, is described by the Navy as a compact yet powerful ship embodying agility, precision, and endurance.

  • Mission: MAHE is designed to hunt submarines, conduct coastal patrols, and secure India’s vital maritime approaches, blending firepower, stealth, and mobility.
  • Motto: The ship’s motto, “Silent Hunters,” perfectly encapsulates the ethos of anti-submarine warfare, emphasizing stealth, vigilance, and unwavering resolve.
  • Design: The warship was designed and constructed according to the classification rules of Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and is the largest Indian Naval warship propelled by a diesel engine-waterjet combination. It is also designed for underwater surveillance, search and rescue, and low-intensity maritime operations.

The Symbolism of the Crest

The ship’s crest draws inspiration directly from Kerala’s cultural and martial legacy. It depicts an Urumi rising sharply from the sea waves.

“The Urumi signifies agility, precision, and lethal grace, reflecting the ship’s ability to operate swiftly and strike decisively in the littorals,” the Navy stated. The waves, meanwhile, represent India’s vast maritime domain and the Navy’s perpetual readiness to safeguard it. The crest marks the convergence of India’s rich cultural heritage and its modern technological prowess in maritime defense.

The commissioning of MAHE will usher in a new era of indigenous, shallow-water combatants—sleek, swift, and resolutely Indian.

TN Government Employees to Boycott SIR Work Starting Today

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TN Government Employees to Boycott SIR Work Starting Today

The delivery of key governmental and election-related tasks faces major disruption as the members of the Federation of Associations of Revenue Employees (FERA) of Tamil Nadu announce a complete boycott of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) work beginning today, Tuesday.

FERA, representing an estimated 70,000 personnel, including Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Supervisors, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), and various municipal, corporation, and education staff, stated the action is a protest against severe workplace issues.

According to office-bearers, the decision to halt the critical, poll-related SIR work stems from several long-standing grievances:

Excessive Workload and Deadline Pressure: Staff claim they are under immense pressure to complete the revision work with unrealistic deadlines.

Insufficient Manpower: A significant shortage of personnel is straining the existing workforce.

Inadequate Training and Funding: The necessary resources and proper training for executing the SIR effectively have not been provided.

The association criticized the implementation of SIR as being done “in haste and without planning.”

The boycott is compounded by the decision of JACTTO-GEO, the powerful umbrella organization of associations of government employees and teachers, to proceed with a one-day statewide strike on Tuesday. This strike aims to highlight several of its own long-pending demands.

The combined action means that a large majority of government offices across the state may not be operational, with over 12 lakh employees expected to participate in the strikes.

The delivery of key governmental and election-related tasks faces major disruption as the members of the Federation of Associations of Revenue Employees (FERA) of Tamil Nadu announce a complete boycott of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) work beginning today, Tuesday.

FERA, representing an estimated 70,000 personnel, including Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Supervisors, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), and various municipal, corporation, and education staff, stated the action is a protest against severe workplace issues.

According to office-bearers, the decision to halt the critical, poll-related SIR work stems from several long-standing grievances:

  • Excessive Workload and Deadline Pressure: Staff claim they are under immense pressure to complete the revision work with unrealistic deadlines.
  • Insufficient Manpower: A significant shortage of personnel is straining the existing workforce.
  • Inadequate Training and Funding: The necessary resources and proper training for executing the SIR effectively have not been provided.

The association criticized the implementation of SIR as being done “in haste and without planning.”

The boycott is compounded by the decision of JACTTO-GEO, the powerful umbrella organization of associations of government employees and teachers, to proceed with a one-day statewide strike on Tuesday. This strike aims to highlight several of its own long-pending demands.

The combined action means that a large majority of government offices across the state may not be operational, with over 12 lakh employees expected to participate in the strikes.

FERA has also called for immediate action from district collectors, demanding an end to late-night review meetings and the practice of conducting three daily video conferences in the name of reviews, which significantly adds to the staff’s already overburdened schedule.

FERA has also called for immediate action from district collectors, demanding an end to late-night review meetings and the practice of conducting three daily video conferences in the name of reviews, which significantly adds to the staff’s already overburdened schedule.

Divine Restoration Needed: Expert Panel Recommends Repair for Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple’s Damaged Main Idol

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Divine Restoration Needed: Expert Panel Recommends Repair for Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple’s Damaged Main Idol

A High Court-appointed expert committee has formally reported significant damage to the moolavigraham, the principal deity at the ancient Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The idol, which is uniquely crafted from an indigenous, concrete-like mixture known as ‘kadusharkarayogam’, is suffering from wear and tear primarily due to environmental factors and regular adorning practices.

Damages Detailed by the Panel

The damage is extensive and affects several crucial parts of the revered deity, which depicts Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha (the serpent). Key areas identified for repair include:

  • The right chin and foot finger of the main idol.
  • The reinforcement structure connecting the idol to the serpent Anantha.
  • Wear and tear on the lotus flower emerging from the idol’s navel, as well as the accompanying idol of Lord Brahma atop the flower.
  • Damage to the idol’s ‘alankarangal’ (decorations) such as the ‘tholvala’, ‘kaivala’, ‘poonool’, and earrings.
  • The use of nails to affix golden and silver robes has also been cited as a cause of physical damage.

The expert committee members include respected temple Thantris: Tharananellor Satheesan Namboodiripad, Kanippayyoor Krishnan Namboodiri, Pazhangaparambu Unnikrishnan Namboodiri, and Cheruvalli Easwaran Namboodiri.

Climate Change and Devotee Footfall Cited

According to Thantri Satheesan Namboodiripad, climatic changes are a major contributor to the deterioration. “A moderate climate is required for the idol to remain in good condition,” he explained. “Over the years, the temperature has risen. The tremendous increase in the number of devotees has made the sanctum more warmer in recent years.”

The kadusharkarayogam material is highly sensitive to moisture. Because of this, the customary abhishekam (ritualistic bath) is performed on a representative idol. However, the expert noted that the speedy decaying of Tulsi leaves used in daily worship is causing the idol to become wet, which, in turn, affects its texture. “Years ago, the flowers would remain dry until the next morning. But these days they start decomposing soon, maybe due to the climatic changes,” Satheesan added.

The Rare Art of Kadusharkarayogam

The idol’s unique composition, Kadusharkara, is a concrete-like mixture prepared from approximately 48 materials, including small conch shells, herbs, and sand. Idols made from this mixture are prized for their stunning finish compared to those made of metal or stone. Only about fifteen temples in Kerala possess such idols.

The upcoming repair work, which will be entrusted to master craftsmen, is expected to be both expensive and time-consuming. The Thantri stated that sourcing the exact, high-quality materials for preparing the mixture will be a significant challenge, as specific soil qualities have to be procured from distant locations. The preparation involves rigorous processing phases, including grinding and baking the soil in herbal concoctions.

Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death for ‘Crimes Against Humanity’ in 2024 Crackdown

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Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death for ‘Crimes Against Humanity’ in 2024 Crackdown

In a landmark decision, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity related to the deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising that led to the fall of her government in 2024.

​The court found Hasina, who was tried in absentia, guilty on three counts, including incitement, ordering to kill, and failing to prevent atrocities during the mass movement, often referred to as the “July Uprising.” The verdict was pronounced by the three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Mohd Golam Mortuza Majumder, in a courtroom packed with observers.

​Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam described Hasina as the “mastermind and principal architect” of the atrocities. The tribunal noted that instead of addressing student demands, Hasina allegedly undermined the movement and ordered the “elimination of protesting students,” directing law enforcement agencies to use drones, helicopters, and lethal weapons. A UN rights office report estimates that up to 1,400 people were killed between July 15 and August 15 during the sweeping security operation.

​Co-Accused Convicted, One Pardoned

​The tribunal also delivered a guilty verdict against Hasina’s former Home Minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, on similar charges. However, former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who initially faced trial, was pardoned after he “sought an apology from the tribunal and the people of the country” and made a full disclosure related to his involvement.

​Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 4, 2024, amid intensifying unrest and is currently living in exile in India. The court noted that her abscondence, along with Kamal’s, was suggestive of their guilt. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has since sought her extradition from India.

​The verdict follows months of trial and comes amid heightened security across Bangladesh, with streets in the capital largely deserted ahead of the judgement amid fears of violence.

‘SIR is a Death Trap’: Secretariat Action Council Protests BLO Suicide with Symbolic Hanging March

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‘SIR is a Death Trap’: Secretariat Action Council Protests BLO Suicide with Symbolic Hanging March

Thiruvananthapuram: In a powerful display of solidarity with a Booth Level Officer (BLO) who died by suicide due to job stress, the Secretariat Action Council marched to the Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office, staging a symbolic hanging protest.

​Braving heavy rain, the demonstrators held placards asking poignant questions like, “SIR is a death trap, how many more lives do you need to open your eyes, Election Commission?”, “Will I be next?”, “Is my fate to be an SIR martyr?”, and “Is the Election Commission an executioner?”.

​The protest featured five participants symbolically positioned in nooses, representing BLOs suffering under the pressure.

​Convenor of the march, M. S. Ershad, inaugurated the protest. He stated that what is currently happening in Kerala is not SIR (Special Intensive Revision) but SDR (Staff Death Revision). He warned that if the situation continues, the Special Intensive Revision will become the Staff Death Revision by December 4th, highlighting the extreme mental pressure faced by the employees.

​Impossible Targets and Harassment

​Irshad heavily criticized the election officials for imposing “impossible targets” on BLOs, such as distributing 3,000 forms for enumeration within a mere 48 hours. He alleged that while employees are subjected to unbearable harassment, the Election Commission not only fails to show sympathy but instead watches, enjoys, and perpetrates further torture, becoming “sadists.”

Kerala Chief Secretary Faces Historic Suspension Threat Over DA Complaint; CM Seeks Legal Counsel

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Kerala Chief Secretary Faces Historic Suspension Threat Over DA Complaint; CM Seeks Legal Counsel

Thiruvananthapuram: The Chief Secretary of Kerala is reportedly facing the prospect of suspension, a move unprecedented in the state’s administrative history. The development comes after a complaint was filed under Rule 7, concerning an alleged Disproportionate Assets (DA) case.

​Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has initiated steps to seek legal advice on the matter, specifically regarding the action to be taken on the Rule 7 complaint against the top bureaucrat. Sources indicate the Chief Minister’s office is treating the case with extreme seriousness due to the gravity of the allegations and the official’s high rank.

​The Chief Secretary’s potential suspension marks a historic first in Kerala’s administrative annals, underscoring the government’s commitment to address serious allegations even against its most senior officials. The move has sent ripples through the state bureaucracy and political circles. A final decision is expected after the Chief Minister receives and reviews the legal opinion.

Rule 7 Complaint Filed Against IAS Officer Dr. Jayathilak Over Disproportionate Assets and Serious Conduct Violations

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Rule 7 Complaint Filed Against IAS Officer Dr. Jayathilak Over Disproportionate Assets and Serious Conduct Violations

Thiruvananthapuram: A Rule 7 complaint has been formally submitted to the Kerala Chief Minister against IAS officer Dr. A. Jayathilak, citing evidence of disproportionate assets, undisclosed business dealings, and serious violations of All India Service Conduct Rules.

Prasanth IAS revealed the filing of the Rule 7 complaint via a Facebook post, stating that it includes “precise evidence and documents,” detailing assets and transactions not previously shared on social media.

​Allegations of Financial Misconduct and Cover-ups

​The core of the complaint revolves around discrepancies found between Dr. Jayathilak’s official Immovable Property Returns (IPRs) and registered deeds, lease agreements, and society records.

​”Serious lapses, such as concealing income, falsely reporting ownership of assets, hiding commercial interests, receiving money through various benami agreements from bar and real estate traders, and submitting false information to the government, are evident upon examining the documents,” the post detailed.

​The complaint points to financial transactions during Dr. Jayathilak’s tenure in the Revenue and Excise departments, specifically naming dealings with bar and real estate business operators. It references an earlier detailed complaint submitted to the Vigilance Department by RTI activist Anil Bose Kanjirappally on November 6, 2025, which reportedly spells out each transaction.

​Key Conduct Rule Violations Cited

​The complaint highlights violations across several sections of the AIS (Conduct) Rules, 1968, including:

  • ​Rule 3: Breaches of integrity, devotion to duty, failure to avoid Conflict of Interest, and misuse of official position.
  • ​Rule 13: Engaging in trade or employment without prior sanction, failing to report business interests, accepting gifts/money from persons having dealings with the government, and accepting remuneration without government approval.
  • ​Rule 16(3) & 16(4): Violations related to property dealings, failure to notify/seek permission for transactions, not reporting rental income, and submitting an incomplete or untruthful Annual Property Return.

​Call for Immediate Suspension

​Prasanth IAS used his own past suspension—ordered within three days of a social media post on November 8, 2024, without a formal complaint—to argue for immediate action against Dr. Jayathilak.

​”If the Constitution’s Article 14 (Equality before law) is to hold true, and if the law is the same for all, a double standard cannot exist,” he wrote, stressing that Dr. Jayathilak’s alleged violations carry a higher “intensity.”

​Given that the officer in question reportedly handles the General Administration Department (GAD), the complainant suggested Dr. Jayathilak might be reluctant to initiate his own suspension. Legal experts, according to the post, anticipate a suspension order at any moment, asserting that upholding the law requires the Disciplinary Authority to act decisively against such serious misconduct.

Mbappé Humbly Brushes Aside 400-Goal Milestone: “Need Another 400” to Match Legends

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Mbappé Humbly Brushes Aside 400-Goal Milestone: “Need Another 400” to Match Legends

​PARIS, France — French football sensation Kylian Mbappé has achieved a monumental feat, scoring his 400th career goal in November 2025. However, in a stark reminder of the unprecedented heights set by his contemporaries, the 26-year-old superstar quickly downplayed the milestone, acknowledging that it only underscores the chasm that remains between him and the game’s all-time greats, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

​Speaking after reaching the landmark, Mbappé remarked with characteristic candour that 400 goals “doesn’t impress people” in the current era of football.

​”When you look at Cristiano and Leo, who both have more than 900 goals, 400 doesn’t even get you into the conversation,” Mbappé stated. “I need another 400 to even start thinking about that level. They have set an extraordinary standard that makes even a milestone like this feel like just the first step.”

​The humble assessment highlights the insane longevity and productivity of Ronaldo and Messi, both of whom have sailed past the 900-goal mark and continue to extend the record books.

A Race Against Time: Mbappé’s Blazing Pace

​While Mbappé may feel he still has a long way to go, the statistics reveal that the forward reached the 400-goal mark at a younger age than both legends, underscoring his phenomenal pace and goal-scoring efficiency in the modern game.

Mbappé’s achievement at just 26 years old is a testament to his decade-long dominance on the pitch, requiring significantly fewer matches than Ronaldo and only a slight increase in games compared to Messi.

​The statement from the French forward not only shows his respect for the established kings of football but also sets a new, almost unimaginable goal for his own career trajectory: to double his already remarkable tally. For the watching world, the chase to 900+ goals has officially begun.

Prasanth IAS Reveals ‘Political-Media-Bureaucrat’ Mafia, Blasts Sharada Muraleedharan Over Suspension

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Prasanth IAS Reveals ‘Political-Media-Bureaucrat’ Mafia, Blasts Sharada Muraleedharan Over Suspension

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, November 16, 2025 — Suspended Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Prasanth IAS has unleashed a scathing public critique, alleging the existence of a powerful ‘Political-Media-Bureaucrat’ (PMB) Mafia in Kerala that relies on secrecy to shield its corrupt operations and target dissenting officials.

​In a detailed Facebook post titled “The Idols Are Breaking – ‘Oh Yeah!’” (വിഗ്രഹങ്ങൾ ഉടയുമ്പോൾ – “ഓ യാ!”), the officer directly accused former Chief Secretary Sharada Muraleedharan, IAS (Retd.), of engaging in a severe conflict of interest to protect a media editor, Manoj K. Das (Chief Editor of Mathrubhumi Daily and former Asianet News Editor), resulting in his recent suspension.

​The Origin: A Sticker and a False Case

​Prasanth IAS claims his troubles began when he refused to comply with the PMB Mafia. As an act of alleged retaliation, a case (Crime No. 1574/2021) was registered against him under IPC Section 509 over a WhatsApp sticker. The complaint claimed the sticker, sent to a woman journalist, was obscene.

​The officer details that a thorough police investigation found the sticker was a 36-second clip from the 1984 film ‘Oru Sumangaliyude Katha’, showing actress Seema reacting in pain after being slapped by actor Sukumaran.

​”The final report very clearly wrote… The emotion of actress Seema in that scene is one of pain, turning away after being struck on the face by the hero. That emotion cannot be called obscene,” the post states.

​The police report, filed before the Judicial First Class Magistrate in Ernakulam (Case No. 214/2022), concluded the allegation was a “mistake of fact,” leading to the termination of the case and vindicating the officer.

​The ‘Inside Game’ and The Accusation

​Following his clearance, Prasanth IAS filed a criminal defamation case (CC 62/23) against Manoj K. Das and his team for spreading false news and character assassination. This is where the officer claims the ‘Inside Game’ began.

​In August 2022, Sharada Muraleedharan, then Additional Chief Secretary, was appointed as the Preliminary Inquiry Officer (PIO) for the sticker issue under All India Services rules. The officer notes the file remained dormant for nearly a year until his defamation case against Manoj K. Das started to heat up, with the first hearing scheduled for August 9, 2023.

​The post highlights a critical, two-day timeline:

  • ​August 7, 2023: Asianet News (under Manoj K. Das) broadcasts and uploads a promotional, positive feature on Sharada Muraleedharan and her family, described by Prasanth as a “PR material.”
  • ​August 8, 2023: The very next day, Sharada Muraleedharan “suddenly woke up” and held the first preliminary inquiry hearing. The first person she called and listened to was Manoj K. Das, the editor who had telecast the PR video and was the accused in the officer’s defamation case.

​Prasanth IAS claims intense pressure was immediately put on him to withdraw his defamation case. When he refused, he alleges Sharada Muraleedharan personally questioned his motives during a hearing on September 18, 2023, asking: “Why are you pursuing the case against my friend? Why are you still going ahead with the defamation case?”

​Suspension and Conflicting Reports

​The situation escalated dramatically on November 8, 2024. Prasanth IAS was suspended by Sharada Muraleedharan after he published a detailed Facebook post exposing alleged criminal conspiracy and fake news involving Manoj K. Das and Mathrubhumi.

​On the same day (November 8, 2024), Sharada Muraleedharan, with “evident haste,” signed and submitted the long-pending preliminary inquiry report on the sticker issue.

​”That report is even funnier,” the officer writes. “Sharada Muraleedharan had the audacity to write falsely again, in favor of Manoj K. Das, on a matter that was factually incorrect and was already closed by the police investigation and accepted by the court.”

​The officer concludes that Sharada Muraleedharan’s actions were motivated by a Conflict of Interest, citing Manoj K. Das’s long-standing role in building her media image across various publications and the employment of her family member at the Mathrubhumi Literature Festival (under Das’s current purview).

​Prasanth IAS summarizes the alleged PMB Mafia playbook:

  1. ​Create a false public perception using the media.
  2. ​Attempt to trap the target using false police cases.
  3. ​If the court rejects the case, move the fight inside the system.
  4. ​Use “spineless officials” to execute what cannot be done legally.

​The officer vowed not to withdraw the criminal defamation case, stating that the system requires public transparency to correct itself. The post ends with “… To be continued.”

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