Monday, September 21, 2026
All
Home Blog Page 81

BJP’s Applause Over PM SHRI Puts Kerala CPM in a Bind, Undermining ‘Left Alternative’ Narrative

South India Pulse
-
0
BJP’s Applause Over PM SHRI Puts Kerala CPM in a Bind, Undermining ‘Left Alternative’ Narrative

Thiruvananthapuram: The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala, spearheaded by the CPI(M), finds itself in an awkward spot as the BJP and the Central government shower it with praise for implementing the PM SHRI scheme. This sudden commendation is causing embarrassment for the Left, which has consistently positioned itself as the national torchbearer of anti-BJP politics. The ‘certificate of excellence’ comes just as the Opposition frequently reiterates allegations of an underlying CPI(M)-BJP nexus.

Central Ministry’s ‘Warning’ Disguised as Praise

The flow of appreciation began after the state signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre. The Union Ministry of Education hailed the move as a “milestone” for Kerala’s education sector.

While the State government attempts to claim that the PM SHRI scheme can be treated separately from the contentious National Education Policy (NEP), the Central Ministry’s note suggests otherwise. The Ministry explicitly stated that the scheme “will pave the way for schools in Kerala to transform their education system following the footsteps of the National Education Policy.” This note was also shared by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, further cornering the CPI(M).

Conflicting Student Protests and Support

The praise has been bipartisan within the BJP camp, with leaders from State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar to Union Ministers Suresh Gopi and George Kurian publicly congratulating the LDF government.

The situation was further dramatized at the Education Minister V. Sivankutty’s office. While the ABVP, the BJP’s student wing, met the Minister to personally convey their congratulations, the AISF, the student wing of the CPI’s national ally, was simultaneously marching in protest towards the same office.

The CPI had earlier warned its senior partner, the CPI(M), about the political dangers of accepting praise from the BJP over the scheme, fearing it would dilute the Left’s anti-BJP stance.

Balachandra Menon Marks 50 Years in Cinema, Tracing Journey from Journalism to National Award

South India Pulse
-
0
Balachandra Menon Marks 50 Years in Cinema, Tracing Journey from Journalism to National Award

Thiruvananthapuram: Balachandra Menon, the versatile personality who excelled in Malayalam cinema as an actor, director, scriptwriter, and producer, is celebrating a significant milestone: 50 years since his entry into film journalism—the field that opened the door to the world of cinema for him.

Menon began his career in 1975 as the Madras (now Chennai) correspondent for the popular magazine ‘Cinema.’ This followed his graduation from University College and securing a rank in the Journalism course at the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club. His very first published piece was an interview with the prominent actress of the time, Rani Chandra. During his tenure as a journalist, he quickly built strong relationships with major film personalities, including Prem Nazir and Madhu.

National Award Winner

Menon’s directorial debut, Uthrada Rathri, was released in 1978. A true auteur, he later won the National Film Award for Best Actor in 1997 for Samantharangal, a film he scripted, directed, and starred in.

A polymath of the industry, Menon has showcased his talent in story, screenplay, dialogue, direction, lyric writing, music, production, and distribution, in addition to acting. He is also credited with introducing several leading actresses to Malayalam cinema, including Karthika, Shobhana, Parvathy, Annie, and Nandini. To date, he has directed and scripted around forty films and acted in approximately one hundred.

Messi No-Show Plunges Kochi Stadium Renovation into Uncertainty, ISL Season Under Cloud

South India Pulse
-
0
Messi No-Show Plunges Kochi Stadium Renovation into Uncertainty, ISL Season Under Cloud

Kochi: The planned extensive renovation of the Kaloor International Stadium in Kochi has been cast into serious doubt following the confirmed cancellation of the Argentina national football team’s visit to Kerala in November.

The renovation drive, which commenced in anticipation of Lionel Messi and his team’s arrival, included major works such as ripping up the entire external parking area and laying down metal, upgrading floodlights, and replacing seats. With the official announcement that the team will not be coming, there is now a high probability that these works will be halted.

This has raised concerns as the new Indian Super League (ISL) season is set to kick off soon. The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) will now have to address the potential consequences if the crucial renovation work is left unfinished.

Sponsor’s Intentions Raise Questions

Meanwhile, the GCDA Chairman, K. Chandran Pillai, confirmed that the sponsor involved in the stadium upgrade had requested rights to the venue even after the proposed Argentina match.

The sponsor’s claims included immediately completing VVIP galleries, lighting, stadium strengthening, and external repairs, with the intention of using the venue for other international matches post-Argentina’s visit. There were also indications that the sponsor had approached the government seeking continued rights over the stadium.

Pillai, however, clarified that the GCDA had only given the stadium for a single match and that there was no other contract. He stressed that even though the match was cancelled, the renovation work would continue, and the GCDA remains the sole owner of the stadium.

Corruption Scandal Rocks Rajasthan: Officer’s Wife Allegedly Earns ₹37.54 Lakh ‘No-Work’ Salary

South India Pulse
-
0
Corruption Scandal Rocks Rajasthan: Officer’s Wife Allegedly Earns ₹37.54 Lakh ‘No-Work’ Salary

A major corruption scandal has surfaced in Rajasthan, leading to an inquiry against a senior government officer whose wife allegedly received over ₹37.54 lakh in “salary” from two private firms without ever reporting for work. The payments are suspected to be kickbacks for securing government tenders.

​The officer, Pradyuman Dixit, a joint director in the Department of Information Technology at RajComp Info Services, is under scrutiny by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). His wife, Poonam Dixit, was falsely shown as an employee of two companies—OrionPro Solutions and Treegen Software Limited—that had successfully won government contracts.

​According to the ACB investigation, which began following an order from the Rajasthan High Court, the money was transferred to Ms. Dixit’s personal bank accounts between January 2019 and September 2020. The total payment amounted to ₹37,54,405, all disguised as salary or, in one instance from Treegen Software Limited, as payment for ‘freelancing.’

​The core allegation is that Mr. Dixit directed the companies to employ his wife and provide her a monthly salary in return for ensuring they won the coveted government tenders. Crucially, the probe revealed that Poonam Dixit never once visited the offices of the two firms during the entire period of payment. Furthermore, it is alleged that Pradyuman Dixit himself approved his wife’s fake attendance reports to facilitate the continuous fraudulent payments.

​The entire matter came to light after a complainant filed a petition in the Rajasthan High Court. The ongoing preliminary inquiry by the ACB is focused on establishing the full extent of the alleged malfeasance and the quid pro quo arrangement between the government official and the private contractors.

SIBI MALAYIL REVEALS: How Mohanlal’s Secret ‘Summer in Bethlehem’ Cameo Sent Audiences Into a Frenzy!

South India Pulse
-
0
SIBI MALAYIL REVEALS: How Mohanlal’s Secret ‘Summer in Bethlehem’ Cameo Sent Audiences Into a Frenzy!

Kochi : The 1998 superhit film Summer in Bethlehem, directed by Sibi Malayil and starring Suresh Gopi, Jayaram, and Manju Warrier in the lead roles, is an enduring classic of Malayalam cinema. The story follows the fun-filled life of Dennis (Suresh Gopi) and his friend Ravishankar (Jayaram), along with their helper Monayi (Kalabhavan Mani), whose lives are disrupted (and eventually transformed) by the arrival of Ravishankar’s relatives for a holiday at the Bethlehem Estates.

​One of the most talked-about elements of the film remains the guest appearance by Mohanlal as Niranjan, a role that received massive applause and elevated the film to another level, despite his limited screen time.

​The Search for Niranjan

​Director Sibi Malayil recently shared the intriguing story behind securing the superstar for the crucial cameo. The film features Manju Warrier’s character, Abhirami, with a mysterious past, and the suspense revolves around the person she wishes to meet.

​”There were many discussions about who that person should be,” Sibi Malayil recalled. “We even considered names like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. It was then that I discussed with [screenwriter] Renjith why we shouldn’t approach Mohanlal.”

​At that time, Mohanlal was in Bangalore for a nature cure treatment. “Following the producer’s suggestion, Renjith and I went to meet Lal and narrated the story. He liked it,” the director stated. Mohanlal also had a beard at the time, and he agreed to the suggestion to retain it for the character, a look that perfectly fit the role of Niranjan.

​The Ultimate Secret and Audience Reaction

​Crucially, the team managed to keep Mohanlal’s presence in the film a complete secret. “There was absolutely no hint given to anyone that Mohanlal was in the film. But when the audience saw Lal on screen, the theatre erupted!” Sibi Malayil reminisced. “That immediately heightened the excitement for the film.”

​Mohanlal’s portrayal of Niranjan is widely regarded as one of the finest cameo roles in Malayalam film history, a masterstroke of casting and secrecy that paid off spectacularly at the box office.

‘Messi’ Mission & Rajya Sabha Dream – The Political Payoff Behind Reporter TV’s Pro-Govt Stance?

South India Pulse
-
0
‘Messi’ Mission & Rajya Sabha Dream – The Political Payoff Behind Reporter TV’s Pro-Govt Stance?

Kozhikode : A startling new narrative is emerging in Kerala’s political circles, suggesting a quid pro quo between the State government and the management of Reporter Channel, specifically its owner, Anto Augustine, who is an accused in the infamous Muttil tree-felling case.

​The Malayalam news channel is reportedly outshining the ruling party’s own channel, Kairali TV, in vigorously promoting the government’s stance with regular ‘justification capsules’. This unwavering support is being linked to the slow pace of the ongoing investigation into the criminal cases against Augustine and his brothers.

​⚽ The Messi Connection: A Government Endorsement

​Adding a sensational layer to the story is Augustine’s role as the sponsor and driving force behind a purported mega-plan to bring football legend Lionel Messi to Kerala.

​Despite doubts from the Chief Minister himself regarding the feasibility of the ‘Messi in Kerala’ project, Reporter’s owner, Anto Augustine, remains confident. The Chief Minister is said to be “fully satisfied” with Augustine’s performance in following the opposition closely and crafting news that aids the government, particularly during the 2024 Parliament and subsequent by-elections. This satisfaction, sources suggest, is why the high-profile task of the Messi event was entrusted to Augustine, despite his status as an accused in serious criminal cases.

​🌳 Muttil Probe ‘Slowdown’

​The core of the alleged deal lies in the government’s perceived inaction on the cases against Augustine. The government has reportedly been slow-walking the prosecution of Augustine and his brothers in the Muttil tree-felling case and other criminal matters since December 2023.

​Out of over ten charge sheets yet to be filed in the tree-felling case, the government’s deliberate delay is seen as a gesture of appreciation (upakara smarana).

​🏛️ Rajya Sabha Ambition

​Sources close to the administration reveal an even bigger reward in the pipeline: a plan by the Chief Minister to send Anto Augustine to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament).

​The opportunity is anticipated to arise in 2027, when three seats from Kerala are set to become vacant. The terms of sitting CPM members John Brittas and Dr. V. Sivadas, and Muslim League leader P.V. Abdul Wahab, will expire on April 20, 2027.

​It is understood that the Chief Minister intends to nominate the Christian face, Anto Augustine, for the seat currently held by John Brittas. This move would cement the CM’s singular authority within the CPM, proving once again that only his decisions prevail, reminiscent of the 2022 Rajya Sabha selection where A. A. Rahim was chosen over a senior leader.

​It might not be long before Anto Augustine’s voice resonates not just at Reporter TV’s editors’ meets, but also in the hallowed halls of the Indian Parliament.

Kurnool Bus Inferno: ‘Fake License’ Driver Arrested as Drunk Biker’s Collision Killed 20

South India Pulse
-
0
Kurnool Bus Inferno: ‘Fake License’ Driver Arrested as Drunk Biker’s Collision Killed 20

​Hyderabad/Kurnool — The devastating double-decker bus fire in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, which claimed the lives of 20 passengers, has exposed shocking lapses in road safety and licensing procedures in India. Police have arrested the bus driver, Miriyala Lakshmaiah, as investigators revealed he obtained a heavy vehicle license using a fake Class 10 academic certificate.

​The tragedy, which occurred late Friday near Chinna Tekuru, was triggered by an initial road crash involving a motorcycle. According to police reports, two men on the bike were intoxicated when they skidded off the road and hit a divider. Shortly after the crash, the luxury bus, driven by Lakshmaiah, ran over the bike, dragging it for several meters. The friction caused the bike’s fuel tank to explode, immediately engulfing the bus in a massive blaze. Nineteen passengers were burnt alive, while one of the injured men from the bike crash also succumbed to his injuries, bringing the total death toll to 20.

​Koya Praveen, Kurnool range’s Deputy Inspector General of Police, confirmed that forensic evidence showed the two men on the bike were drunk.

​The arrest of Lakshmaiah has brought to light systemic failures. Despite having only studied up to Class 5, he bypassed the mandatory minimum education requirement (Class 8) for transport vehicle drivers using a forged certificate.

​In a strong reaction to the tragedy, a senior Hyderabad police official labeled drunk drivers as “terrorists” and called the incident a “preventable massacre.” Authorities are now vowing to intensify crackdowns on drunk driving and scrutinize the licensing process to prevent such catastrophic incidents of negligence.

Nithya Menen’s ‘Poetic’ National Award Win: Accepted Honour with ‘Cow Dung in Fingernails’

South India Pulse
-
0
Nithya Menen’s ‘Poetic’ National Award Win: Accepted Honour with ‘Cow Dung in Fingernails’

Chennai: National Award-winning actress Nithya Menen has given fans a candid glimpse into the realities of acting, sharing a ‘poetic’ and unforgettable anecdote from the day she received the country’s highest cinematic honour.

​The actress took to social media to share captivating behind-the-scenes (BTS) photos from her recently released rural drama, ‘Idli Kadai,’ marking a year since the shoot began. The pictures showcase Menen in character, one in particular featuring a tender moment as she gently touches a calf.

​The biggest revelation, however, came as she reflected on the contrast between her on-set reality and the glittering National Award ceremony. Menen revealed that she went straight from the ‘Idli Kadai’ set—where she had just completed a scene involving manual labour—to the prestigious event.

​”I went straight from this to the National Award ceremony—with dirt in my fingernails :),” Menen wrote. “having picked up cow dung with my hands just the previous day for a scene. I found the whole thing very poetic.”

​The actress, who won the National Award for Best Actress for her performance in the coming-of-age romantic comedy ‘Thiruchitrambalam,’ shared her astonishment with friends, telling them, “I went and received the Award from the president with cow dung in my fingernails.” She expressed that the juxtaposition of the raw, earthy experience of the village shoot and the formal, revered award ceremony was deeply compelling for her.

​’Idli Kadai’ is a heartfelt rural drama that sees Nithya Menen reuniting with her ‘Thiruchitrambalam’ co-star Dhanush, who also directed the film. Following its theatrical run, the film is set to make its digital debut, streaming on Netflix from October 29. The newly shared BTS moments and the star’s memorable award story are delighting fans, further highlighting her dedication to her craft and authentic acting experiences.

The Slow Death of ODI Cricket: Why Tendulkar’s Run Record May Be Unbreakable

South India Pulse
-
0
The Slow Death of ODI Cricket: Why Tendulkar’s Run Record May Be Unbreakable

New Delhi: The one-day international (ODI) format, a half-century-old staple of cricket, is moving closer to its natural end due to the overwhelming global popularity of the shorter T20 format. This decline suggests that certain towering batting records, particularly those set by Indian legends, may forever remain unchallenged.

​Sachin’s Himalayan Tally

​At the pinnacle is Sachin Tendulkar’s mammoth career aggregate: 18,426 runs from 463 matches (452 innings). This colossal figure, achieved over a 23-year career, is now virtually untouchable.

​In second place stands Virat Kohli with 14,255 runs from 305 matches (293 innings). While Kohli’s phenomenal early career form offered a genuine hope that the Master Blaster’s record might be broken, the drastic reduction in the number of ODI matches played globally over the past six to seven years has made that possibility increasingly remote.

​Kohli’s Unmatched Consistency and ‘Chase Master’ Status

​Despite the massive gap in overall runs, a deep dive into the statistics highlights Kohli’s extraordinary efficiency.

  • ​Among the 98 players in ODI history with over 5,000 runs, Virat Kohli holds the highest career batting average at 57.71.
  • ​This consistency is underscored when compared to Tendulkar’s own respectable ODI average of 44.83.
  • ​Only six players globally with over 3,000 ODI runs boast an average over 50.00, with Kohli and M.S. Dhoni being the only Indians on that elite list (Pakistan’s Babar Azam is close with an average of 54.23).

​Kohli’s true mastery shines in the run chase. An astounding 8,138 of his total 14,255 runs—more than 57%—have come when batting second. This chase-master brilliance is reflected in his average when chasing, which soars to 64.58. Furthermore, 28 of his 51 centuries and 42 of his 75 half-centuries have been scored during successful run pursuits.

Anupama Parameswaran: ‘Premam’ Trolls Made Me Hesitate to Act; Celebrating ‘Bison’ Success as My Victory

South India Pulse
-
0
Anupama Parameswaran: ‘Premam’ Trolls Made Me Hesitate to Act; Celebrating ‘Bison’ Success as My Victory

CHENNAI: Popular actress Anupama Parameswaran has opened up about the emotional turmoil she faced at the start of her career, revealing that the severe trolling she endured after her blockbuster debut, Premam, nearly caused her to abandon acting entirely.

​Speaking at a recent press event for her latest film, Bison, the actress shared a candid account of her decade-long journey in cinema. “The trolls at the beginning of my film career hurt me deeply emotionally. It wasn’t easy to deal with,” she confessed.

​The actress, who rose to fame with the 2015 Malayalam hit, admitted that the criticism—specifically doubts cast on her acting abilities in Malayalam cinema—led to a period of intense self-doubt. “Because of those criticisms, I doubted myself and hesitated to act in films for a few days,” she revealed.

​However, Anupama made a conscious decision to overcome the negativity, dedicating herself to her craft and capitalizing on every opportunity that followed. This resilience has seen her establish a strong foothold across South Indian cinema, starring in prominent Tamil films like Dhanush’s Kodi and becoming a leading face in Telugu cinema as well.

​The actress is now celebrating a major milestone with the success of her upcoming film, Bison, where she stars opposite Dhruv Vikram. She expressed immense pride in her journey, looking back at the determination required to establish herself in multiple languages—Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu—simultaneously.

​Offering a message of hope, Anupama aimed to inspire young actors grappling with online abuse. “Criticism on social media can sometimes be heartbreaking. But it cannot stop us. With faith and hard work, we can turn any wound into victory,” she stated confidently, emphasizing that her triumph over early career hardships now serves as an inspiration for the next generation.

1...808182...124Page 81 of 124