The scheduled screening of 'The Kerala Story 2' in Kannur on Saturday was cancelled following protests by the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI). Activists tore and burned the film’s posters outside theatres, leading to clashes and prompting organisers to refund ticket holders.
The demonstration, led by DYFI Thissur District Committee Secretary K S Russal Raj, began at Thrissur’s Fun Movies theatre, where protesters poured charcoal on posters in a symbolic act. The protest was part of a broader campaign against the film, which depicts the lives of three young women who, according to the story, are lured into deceptive marriages and allegedly face forced religious conversions.
Due to the protest, screenings were abandoned because of low audience turnout, and theatre management confirmed no live showings would take place, issuing refunds instead. Similar cancellations occurred at Cinepolis, Mall of Travancore, Thiruvananthapuram, where rescheduled screenings were also halted amid demonstrations.
The Kerala High Court had lifted an earlier 15-day stay on the film’s release on Friday. The stay, initially imposed by Single Bench Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, was revoked by a Division Bench of Justices S.A. Dharmadhikari and P.V. Balakrishnan, who also directed the CBFC to re-evaluate the film over allegations of content promoting hate. Since the release of the sequel’s trailer, the film has sparked strong reactions, with social media users calling it “propaganda,” while the filmmakers insist it is based on researched real-life events. Earlier reports suggested the teaser was removed following court intervention, which the makers have denied.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Israel and the United States launched a joint military operation targeting Iran, citing an existential threat to Israel and global security. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the move as both defensive and strategic, condemning Iran’s long-standing hostility and labeling its leadership a “terrorist regime” that must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. In a national address, Netanyahu thanked US President Donald Trump for his “historic” support and appealed to the Iranian people to rise against their government.
The operation, named Operation Roaring Lion, aims to degrade Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities over time, addressing threats posed by the regime and its proxies along Israel’s borders. The Israeli Defense Forces emphasized that the Iranian leadership continues to finance, train, and arm forces positioned against Israel, representing an ongoing danger to the Middle East and the wider world.
Meanwhile, President Trump issued a stark warning to Iranian forces, offering full immunity to those who surrender but threatening “certain death” for noncompliance. He also urged Iranian civilians to remain sheltered during the operation, framing it as a historic opportunity for them to reclaim control of their government.
The strikes follow weeks of tense nuclear negotiations and heightened military posturing, signaling a decisive retaliatory move by Israel and the United States. Both leaders highlighted the broader goal of empowering the Iranian people while neutralizing threats to Israel and global stability, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing confrontation with Tehran.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from @netanyahu.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited Wayanad on Saturday to meet survivors of the Mundakkai and Chooralmala landslides, stating that the Congress party has pledged to construct 100 houses for affected families and alleging that the Central government has not been sufficiently supportive in rehabilitation efforts.
Speaking to reporters, she welcomed ongoing relief initiatives and suggested that trees be planted in the area. She appreciated the efforts of various political parties but remarked that the Centre had not been forthcoming in extending assistance. Priyanka Gandhi, along with her brother Rahul Gandhi, laid the foundation stone for houses to be built by the Congress for landslide victims in Wayanad. Addressing residents, she recalled witnessing the devastation shortly after the tragedy, describing the immense loss of homes, livelihoods, and loved ones.
She praised the resilience and unity of the community, noting how people stood together and supported one another regardless of religion or background. Reflecting on her journey from not being their MP to now representing Wayanad, she said she has come to see herself as part of their extended family and has closely observed their struggles.
She also highlighted that the Congress raised the issue in Parliament and wrote to the Prime Minister seeking assistance. Elaborating on the housing initiative, she said each beneficiary would receive a 1,100-square-foot house along with eight cents of land, acknowledging that the process had taken longer than expected. The devastating landslides that struck Kerala on July 30, 2024, claimed around 300 lives and destroyed numerous homes and structures. On March 29, Priyanka Gandhi also launched a higher education scholarship programme for survivors of the disaster.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday attended a programme at Sushila Tiwari Government Medical College in Haldwani, where he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 40 development projects worth Rs 147.28 crore. According to an official release, 23 projects valued at Rs 72.38 crore were inaugurated, while foundation stones were laid for 17 projects costing Rs 74.90 crore. The Chief Minister said these initiatives would speed up development in Nainital district.
He stated that the government is moving rapidly toward the vision of a "Developed Uttarakhand," with steady progress being made across sectors. He added that several landmark decisions taken by the state have become examples for others to follow. Alongside development, he stressed the government's commitment to safeguarding the state’s cultural heritage.
Reaffirming that the administration’s priority is the overall advancement of Uttarakhand, he highlighted key decisions such as the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, a stringent anti-copying law, and an anti-conversion law. He also asserted that the state’s culture, traditions, and sanctity would be firmly protected.
Among the 23 completed projects were a 30-metre motor bridge over the Shipra River; a technology laboratory at the Government ITI in Haldwani; tube wells in Kotabagh, Mahadevpuram, Jhaluwajhala, Belpokhra, and Bailpadav; a laboratory at the Women’s College; stabilizer installations at tube wells in Lalkuan; and 14 drinking water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission covering multiple villages. A new building at the Veterinary Hospital in Ramgarh was also inaugurated, among other works. On the occasion, under the Chief Minister’s announcement and the Special Plan Assistance programme, he also performed the Bhoomi Pujan for the Haldwani-Kathgodam source and treatment augmentation drinking water scheme, which has been approved at a cost of Rs 154.43 crore.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from CMO.
Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) has launched a Floating Dry Dock (FDD) for the Sri Lanka Navy, marking a key milestone in India-Sri Lanka defence cooperation. Provided as a $20 million grant, the dock will be stationed at Trincomalee, allowing the navy to service larger vessels that current dry docks cannot accommodate, saving an estimated $2.1 million annually in external repairs. The FDD, with a lifting capacity of 4,000 tonnes, complements Sri Lanka’s fleet, including AOPVs like SLNS Sayurala and SLNS Sindurala, enabling underwater repairs and overhauls locally. Overseen by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), it meets international standards and reinforces bilateral maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region. This project builds on past collaboration and highlights India’s commitment to regional stability, defence self-reliance, and strategic support through grants. It also positions Trincomalee as a potential hub for ship maintenance, boosting local capabilities and employment.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.
President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address showcased America’s economic successes and ambitious promises, projecting a confident vision for the nation’s future. But how accurate are these claims, and what issues still linger? Hairianto Diman and Elakeyaa Selvaraji analyze the main themes and their potential implications for the country’s future, with insights from Steven Okun, CEO of APAC Advisors.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Under President Lee Jae Myung’s guidance, investor confidence in South Korea has surged, fueled by ambitious reforms—from proposed corporate governance improvements and regulatory adjustments to efforts aimed at revitalizing the stock market. His pro-market policies have shifted sentiment positively, attracting both domestic and international investors and pushing the Kospi to new highs. But is this surge sustainable, or merely a short-term spike? Hairianto Diman and Elakeyaa Selvaraji explore the outlook with Betty Wang, Head of Northeast Asia Research at Oxford Economics.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
On Saturday, President Donald Trump increased the US global import tariff to 15%, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that invalidated much of his previous tariff program. Trump described the new 15% rate as “fully allowed and legally tested,” replacing the earlier 10% plan, and said it would be temporary under current trade law for 150 days. Questions remain about how enforceable this measure is and what will happen once the 150-day period ends. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the implications with Angela Mancini, Partner and Head of the Global Risk Analysis Practice for Asia Pacific at Control Risks.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
In his first remarks following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the former prince’s situation as an extraordinary fall from grace. Although Albanese supports a republican Australia, he stated that this scandal would not trigger another referendum. Speaking with Guardian Australia’s political editor Tom McIlroy, the PM also criticized Pauline Hanson’s remarks about Muslim Australians and addressed the potential return of the 34 wives and children of Australian Islamic State fighters currently in Syria.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
