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Onam Week Celebrations Conclude Today with Grand Cultural Procession in Thiruvananthapuram; 69 Floats and 99 Art Forms to Dazzle the Capital

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Onam Week Celebrations Conclude Today with Grand Cultural Procession in Thiruvananthapuram; 69 Floats and 99 Art Forms to Dazzle the Capital

Thiruvananthapuram: The Onam Week celebrations organised by the Kerala Tourism Department will conclude today, August 30, with a spectacular cultural procession through the heart of Thiruvananthapuram.

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan will flag off the grand procession at 5 pm, marking the culmination of the celebrations. The colourful parade will begin near Lok Bhavan and proceed towards East Fort, showcasing Kerala’s cultural heritage alongside artistic traditions from several parts of India.
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, Cultural, Tourism and Cinema Minister P.C. Vishnunath, and Health and Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan are among the prominent personalities expected to participate.

69 Floats and 99 Art Forms
The grand finale procession will feature 69 floats representing various government departments and institutions, along with 99 different art forms.
Performances by local cultural groups and skating demonstrations will add further excitement to the event. The procession is expected to offer a vibrant visual experience for residents, visitors and tourists gathered along the route.

Cultural Traditions from Across India
Apart from Kerala’s traditional art forms, the procession will also feature cultural performances from several Indian states.
Artists and cultural groups representing Jammu and Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Bengal, Telangana and Maharashtra will participate in the celebrations.
The event is expected to showcase India’s cultural diversity and reinforce the spirit of unity through a spectacular display of music, dance and traditional art forms.

Special Viewing Pavilions
Special pavilions have been arranged for different categories of guests and spectators.
A pavilion for foreign tourists and VVIP guests has been arranged near the Central Library, while a VIP pavilion will be located near University College. A separate pavilion for judges has been set up in front of the Public Office.
Authorities have also made arrangements to manage the expected crowd and ensure that the floats and cultural performances remain accessible and enjoyable for the public.

Green Protocol and Grand Finale
This year’s concluding procession will be organised in an environmentally responsible manner with strict adherence to the Green Protocol.
Following the procession, the official closing ceremony of the Onam Week celebrations will be held at the Nishagandhi Auditorium.
The celebrations will conclude with a special musical performance by the popular Agam Band, led by singer Harish Sivaramakrishnan.

With dozens of colourful floats, nearly a hundred art forms and performances representing cultural traditions from across India, the grand procession is set to provide a spectacular finale to Kerala’s Onam Week celebrations in the state capital.

Messi Masterclass! Four Goals as Inter Miami Thrash CF Montréal 7-1

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Messi Masterclass! Four Goals as Inter Miami Thrash CF Montréal 7-1

Miami: Lionel Messi produced one of his finest performances of the 2026 MLS season, scoring an incredible four goals as Inter Miami demolished CF Montréal 7-1 in a spectacular league victory.

The Argentine superstar was the undisputed hero of the night, leading Inter Miami’s attacking display and helping the club end its recent winless run in emphatic fashion.

How Was Messi’s Performance?
Messi’s performance was simply sensational. The Inter Miami captain demonstrated his complete attacking ability, combining set-piece quality, exceptional dribbling and clinical finishing.

He scored from a free-kick situation and continued to torment the Montréal defence with his movement and finishing. Messi eventually completed an extraordinary four-goal performance, making it one of the standout individual displays of the MLS season.

Inter Miami Return to Winning Ways
The victory was particularly important for Inter Miami after a difficult recent run of results. The dominant 7-1 win ended the club’s five-match winless streak and provided a major boost heading into the upcoming MLS fixtures.

A Night to Remember for Messi
Messi once again proved why he remains one of football’s greatest match-winners. His four goals completely transformed the contest and gave Inter Miami a memorable victory in front of their home supporters.

With the MLS season entering a crucial phase, Inter Miami will hope Messi can maintain this sensational form and inspire the club to more victories.

Yash Starrer ‘Toxic’ Steady at Box Office: Crosses ₹250 Crore Worldwide Gross in 4 Days

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Yash Starrer ‘Toxic’ Steady at Box Office: Crosses ₹250 Crore Worldwide Gross in 4 Days

Kochi : Rocking Star Yash’s highly anticipated action drama, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, directed by Geetu Mohandas, continues its grand theatrical run across the globe. Released worldwide on August 26, 2026, the mega-budget action spectacle has stormed past the ₹250 crore mark in global box office gross within just four days of release.

Box Office Breakdown
​After securing an explosive ₹101.10 crore India net opening on Day 1, the film witnessed a dip on subsequent days. However, strong contributions from the Hindi and Kannada belts, coupled with steady overseas numbers, kept the registers ringing.
​India Net Collection: ₹190.45 Crore
​India Gross Collection: ₹227.50 Crore
​Overseas Gross Collection: ₹27.25 Crore ($3.2M+)
​Total Worldwide Gross: ₹254.75 Crore

Day-Wise Collection (India Net)
​Day 1 (Wednesday): ₹101.10 Cr
​Day 2 (Thursday): ₹37.65 Cr
​Day 3 (Friday): ₹27.20 Cr
​Day 4 (Saturday): ₹24.50 Cr

Key Performance Highlights
​Hindi Belt Dominance: The Hindi dubbed version has emerged as the strongest performer post-opening weekend, contributing over ₹15.5 crore net on Saturday alone.
​Star Power Driving Footfalls: Despite polarized audience reviews regarding its high-octane narrative and violent themes, the sheer massive fandom of Yash and dynamic ensemble cast (Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, and Tara Sutaria) has maintained heavy footfalls in multiplexes.

Bethlehem Kudumba Unit Crosses ₹171 Crore Worldwide; Nivin Pauly-Mamitha Baiju Film Set for Tamil and Telugu Release

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Bethlehem Kudumba Unit Crosses ₹171 Crore Worldwide; Nivin Pauly-Mamitha Baiju Film Set for Tamil and Telugu Release

Kochi : Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju’s Bethlehem Kudumba Unit is continuing its impressive run at the box office after receiving a strong response from audiences. The film, which was released in theatres on August 21, 2026, has emerged as one of the major performers of the Onam box-office season.
According to the latest available box-office tracking estimates, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit has grossed approximately ₹171.50 crore worldwide so far. The film has reportedly collected around ₹84 crore gross in India and approximately ₹87.50 crore from overseas markets, while its India net collection is estimated at around ₹72.05 crore.

The film has performed particularly well in Kerala, where strong audience support and the festive Onam season helped drive its box-office momentum. Reports had earlier indicated that the film was nearing the ₹50 crore gross mark in Kerala during its opening week.

Following the positive response to the Malayalam version, the makers are now preparing to expand the film’s reach beyond the Malayalam-speaking audience. The Tamil and Telugu dubbed versions of Bethlehem Kudumba Unit are scheduled to hit theatres on September 4, 2026.

The upcoming multilingual release could provide another major boost to the film’s overall box-office performance. With its strong run in Malayalam theatres and increasing interest among audiences outside Kerala, expectations are high for the Tamil and Telugu releases.

Powered by the popularity of Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju and supported by positive audience response, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit is strengthening its position as one of the biggest Malayalam box-office successes of the 2026 Onam season.

KPCC Political Affairs Committee Meeting Convened for September 3

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KPCC Political Affairs Committee Meeting Convened for September 3

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has officially convened a meeting of its high-level Political Affairs Committee (PAC) on September 3, 2026.

According to an official circular issued from the party headquarters at Indira Bhavan on Saturday, August 29, 2026, the meeting is scheduled to take place at 2:00 PM at Indira Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram.

​The notice, signed by Adv. Sunny Joseph on behalf of the party leadership, requests all committee members to adjust their schedules and ensure compulsory attendance. The agenda is expected to focus on key political developments, organizational strategy, and upcoming party programs across the state.

“Truth Cannot Be Edited Away”: VD Satheesan Slams Publishing Decision Over Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir

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“Truth Cannot Be Edited Away”: VD Satheesan Slams Publishing Decision Over Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir

Kochi : Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan has strongly criticised the decision reportedly taken by Penguin Random House India regarding the publication of Sonia Gandhi’s memoir, describing any attempt to compromise facts or edit the truth as deeply damaging to democracy.

In a strongly worded Instagram post, Satheesan said that a publishing institution that compromises its principles ultimately compromises democracy itself.
“A publishing house that compromises its spine compromises democracy itself,” Satheesan wrote.
Expressing concern over the publishing decision, the Kerala Chief Minister questioned why a global publisher that could release a book worldwide in its original form would allegedly feel the need to edit or censor facts specifically for its Indian edition.

Satheesan said the issue raises serious questions about freedom of expression, institutional independence and the ability of publishers to present facts without political pressure.
He launched a sharp attack on the Central Government, alleging that the atmosphere of intimidation and fear had resulted in what he described as “institutional cowardice”.

According to Satheesan, attempts to alter or suppress facts to accommodate those in power cannot erase the truth.
“Truth cannot be edited away to appease those in power,” he said, adding that suppressing facts only reveals a fear of accountability and transparency.

The Chief Minister further argued that a healthy democracy should respond to facts with debate and discussion rather than censorship or institutional surrender.
“In a thriving democracy, facts must be met with debate, not institutional capitulation,” Satheesan said.

His remarks have added a fresh political dimension to the controversy surrounding the publication and editing of Sonia Gandhi’s memoir in India. The issue is expected to fuel further debate over publishing freedom, censorship, political pressure and freedom of expression in the country.

UGC-NET Results Declared for 84 Subjects; Over 4,000 Qualify for JRF as Three Papers Set for Re-Examination

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UGC-NET Results Declared for 84 Subjects; Over 4,000 Qualify for JRF as Three Papers Set for Re-Examination

New Delhi: The results of the UGC National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) for 84 subjects have been announced, with more than 4,000 candidates qualifying for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).

The result announcement marks a major development for thousands of candidates seeking opportunities in higher education, teaching and research. However, candidates who appeared for the English, Commerce and Sociology papers will have to take fresh examinations after errors were identified in the question papers.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) decided to conduct the three examinations again after an expert committee found several issues, including factual errors, typographical mistakes, translation problems and language-related errors in the question papers.

The NTA had released the UGC-NET answer key on August 16, nearly two months after the examination. A special notice concerning the Sociology, Commerce and English papers was also issued.

Later on the same day, the agency announced that the examinations for the three affected subjects would be conducted afresh in September due to the errors identified in the question papers.

The re-examinations have been scheduled for September 9 and September 10. Importantly, candidates appearing for the fresh examinations will not be required to pay any additional examination fee.

While the results for 84 subjects have brought good news to thousands of successful candidates, the decision to conduct fresh examinations for the three subjects is expected to affect a large number of aspirants who appeared in the June examination cycle.

More than 4,000 candidates qualifying for the Junior Research Fellowship is another major highlight of the results. JRF qualification provides eligible candidates with opportunities to pursue advanced research with financial support and strengthens their prospects in academic and research careers.

The UGC-NET remains one of India’s most important national-level examinations for candidates aspiring to enter the higher education sector, particularly in teaching and research.

Haaland and Cherki Hit Braces as Manchester City Crush Crystal Palace 4-1

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Haaland and Cherki Hit Braces as Manchester City Crush Crystal Palace 4-1

London: Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki produced sensational performances, scoring two goals each as Manchester City defeated Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season.

Haaland opened the scoring in the 17th minute, heading home a precise cross from Antoine Semenyo to give Manchester City an early advantage.

City went into the halftime break with a narrow one-goal lead before stepping up their attacking intensity after the restart.

Rayan Cherki doubled City’s advantage in the 54th minute with a brilliant individual effort. Crystal Palace briefly found hope when Yeremy Pino’s free kick struck the woodwork and rebounded into the net off Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, with the goal recorded as an own goal.

However, City’s response was immediate.
Cherki struck again in the 59th minute, restoring Manchester City’s two-goal advantage and completing an impressive brace.

Erling Haaland then sealed the emphatic victory late in the game, scoring his second goal in the 84th minute after being set up by Phil Foden.

The final whistle confirmed a dominant 4-1 victory for Manchester City, giving the team back-to-back Premier League wins and a perfect six points from their opening two matches.

The victory underlines Manchester City’s strong start under new manager Enzo Maresca, while Haaland and Cherki’s outstanding performances provided an exciting glimpse of City’s attacking potential for the rest of the season.

Ronaldo Delivers Again as Al-Nassr Beat Al-Taawoun 2-1 to Maintain Perfect Start

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Ronaldo Delivers Again as Al-Nassr Beat Al-Taawoun 2-1 to Maintain Perfect Start

Riyadh: Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved decisive as Al-Nassr came from behind to defeat Al-Taawoun 2-1 in an exciting Saudi Pro League encounter.

Al-Taawoun made a bright start and stunned the home side when Mohammed Al-Hurayji scored in the 11th minute, giving the visitors an early advantage.

However, Al-Nassr gradually took control of the match and found an important equaliser just before half-time. Samú Costa scored in the fifth minute of added time, bringing Al-Nassr back into the contest before the break.

The decisive moment arrived early in the second half. Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the 50th minute, completing Al-Nassr’s comeback and giving the team a 2-1 lead.

Despite further pressure from Al-Taawoun, Al-Nassr successfully protected their advantage until the final whistle.

The victory extended Al-Nassr’s perfect start to the Saudi Pro League season. The team has won all four of its opening matches and moved to 12 points at the top of the league table.

Ronaldo’s winning strike was also reported as his 978th career goal, taking the Portuguese superstar another step closer to the historic 1,000-goal milestone. Al-Nassr’s latest victory further strengthens their position as one of the leading contenders in the Saudi Pro League title race.

World Rallies Behind Nepal: Millions in International Aid Fuel Massive Rescue and Relief Effort

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World Rallies Behind Nepal: Millions in International Aid Fuel Massive Rescue and Relief Effort

Kathmandu: International support is pouring into Nepal as governments and humanitarian organisations mobilise millions in emergency aid to support rescue operations and provide life-saving assistance to communities devastated by the disaster.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that Europe is committing €2 million in immediate humanitarian assistance for Nepal. The funding is aimed at delivering urgent, life-saving support to families and communities hardest hit by the disaster.

The United States has also begun sending emergency relief supplies. The US Embassy in Nepal said an initial shipment included more than 2.5 tonnes of food and essential supplies for two schools in Rasuwa that are currently being used as emergency shelters.

Canada has announced C$5 million in humanitarian support, while New Zealand has pledged NZ$1 million to the Nepal Red Cross Society and an additional NZ$1 million to other humanitarian aid organisations assisting affected communities.
India has significantly stepped up its humanitarian response.

According to India’s External Affairs Minister, a third aircraft carrying 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance has departed for Nepal. India has also deployed 11 doctors, paramedics and a reconnaissance team to support specialised rescue operations, including tunnel rescue efforts.

Meanwhile, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said it had mobilised its entire global network in response to the crisis. The organisation has launched an emergency appeal seeking CHF 25 million to fund immediate life-saving assistance and strengthen relief operations.

The international aid effort is expected to focus on emergency rescue operations, food, drinking water, temporary shelter, healthcare and the rapid delivery of essential supplies to affected areas. With the scale of the disaster becoming clearer, further international assistance is expected in the coming days.

The growing global response highlights the urgency of the humanitarian situation in Nepal, as rescue teams and aid agencies work against time to reach affected families and communities.

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