Major International Drug Trafficking Network Dismantled in UAE; 200,000 Captagon Pills Seized, 20 Arrested

Dubai: Security agencies in the United Arab Emirates have taken strong action against an international drug trafficking network operating within the country. Led by the UAE National Drug Enforcement Authority (NDEA), extensive inspections conducted across various emirates resulted in the arrest of 20 individuals. Authorities confiscated 200,000 Captagon pills along with more than 30 kilograms of other narcotics. Officials described the operation as one of the most significant recent measures taken against an organized drug trafficking gang with international links. The coordinated inspections focused on the emirates of Dubai, Sharjah,…

Knanaya Catholic Region Expresses Condolences on the Passing of Rev. Fr. Joseph Meledath

Chicago: The Knanaya Catholic Region of the Chicago Syro-Malabar Diocese has expressed profound grief and condolences on the passing of Rev. Fr. Joseph Meledath, a priest of the Kottayam Archdiocese and a pivotal figure in the growth of the Knanaya Catholic community in the United States. Ordained for the Kottayam Archdiocese, Fr. Joseph Meledath served as a parish priest in various parishes and also as the Director of the Kottayam Social Service Society. Throughout his priestly life, he worked with a devoted spirit for the church and society, making notable…

‘I hope all of you are enjoying the weather in Delhi’; Supreme Court sharply reprimands officials amid severe air pollution

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the authorities concerned as air pollution in the national capital Delhi and its adjoining areas surges to hazardous levels. The Court questioned the lapses in pollution control measures when the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) approached 400. Urging the authorities not to confine themselves merely to issuing statements on a problem gravely affecting public health and daily life, the Court demanded effective and concrete action. Chief Justice Suryakant’s sarcastic remark, “I hope all of you are enjoying…

Can Congress Replicate the Democratic Party’s 2022 Midterm Success in India’s 2029 Lok Sabha Elections? Shashi Tharoor’s Response Draws Attention

New Delhi: Senior Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has responded to discussions on whether the Democratic Party’s gains in the recent US midterm elections can translate into political success for the Congress in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Tharoor remarked that while political setbacks faced by ruling parties and right-wing populist leaders in various parts of the world might inspire the Indian opposition, it is not realistic to assume that electoral success models from foreign countries can be applied identically in India. In an interview with CNN-News18, Tharoor…

That Dark Day When Indira Gandhi Was Shot; No Response Even When Calling Out to Mother Covered in Blood: Sonia Gandhi’s Haunting Memories of October 31, 1984

New Delhi: October 31, 1984, stands as one of the most tragic chapters in Indian political history. On that day, Indira Gandhi, then Prime Minister of India, was shot dead by her own security personnel. The memories of this assassination, which shocked not only India but the entire world, remain sharply etched even four decades later. Congress leader Sonia Gandhi heartbreakingly narrates the events of that day through the perspectives of a daughter-in-law, a mother, and a wife. Her autobiography, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love,' scheduled for release on November…

New Laws in Illinois from January 2027: Controls on Excess Rental Fees, Paid Jury Duty, Changes in Employment Applications and Consumer Rights

Chicago: Numerous new laws will come into effect in the state of Illinois starting January 1, 2027. These laws, directly impacting the everyday lives of residents, include regulation of unnecessary additional fees in rental housing, guaranteed pay for employees serving jury duty, restrictions on mandatory driver's license requirements in job advertisements, and changes in consumer rights. Most of these laws will be effective from January 1, with some enforcement beginning July 1, 2027. The law controlling extra fees in rental housing will impose limits on hidden fees and unnecessary charges…

National Card Game Tournament Led by Dallas Malayali Association on November 14

Dallas: The National Card Game Tournament, jointly organized by the Dallas Malayali Association and FOAM Texoma Region, will start at 8:00 AM on Saturday, November 14. Competitions will be held in categories including International 56, 28, and Rummy. Over one hundred participants from Texas and other states across the United States are expected to take part. The winners of the 56 tournament will receive a first prize of 2001 dollars along with the DMA's Everrolling Trophy. Winners in the 28 category will receive a first prize of 1001 dollars and…

CBSE Board Exams 2027: Class 10 and Class 12 Exams From February 16; Provisional Timetable Released

New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the provisional date sheet for the 2027 Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations. According to the published exam schedule, the board exams for both classes will commence on February 16, 2027. The Class 10 exams will conclude on March 9, while the Class 12 exams will continue until April 9. All exams are scheduled to start at 10.30 AM Indian Standard Time. The examination calendar has been prepared to help students plan their preparation more effectively and allocate…

‘Governor of All Texans’: Hinohosa Promises Bipartisan Governance Following Election Victory

Austin (Texas): Following her election victory, Governor-designate Gina Hinohosa pledged to govern beyond party differences. At a post-victory press conference, the Democratic Party leader outlined her policy. She stated that she would not be solely a governor for the Democrats but for all the people of Texas. Hinohosa cited her decision to include former Republican representative Ernest Biles in the transition team as an example of this inclusive approach. She said that the people are tired of political divisions and conflicts and emphasized that it is time to stand united.…

Memorable 10th Annual Family Reunion at Camp Compass Retreat Center

Houston: A family reunion held at the Camp Compass Retreat Center in Dallas Denton on October 30, 31 and November 1 was marked by a variety of events that captured attention. The gathering was inaugurated with a lamp lighting ceremony by the senior brothers of the family—John Thomas, John Abraham, and John Joseph—along with Alice Jacob, Annie John, Ammukkutty, and Minnie. The meeting commenced with a prayer led by John Thomas. Several members extended congratulations regarding the purpose, goals, and significance of this reunion. On the second day, artistic and…