Malayalam cinema loses veteran actor Punnapra Appachan
Veteran Malayalam actor Punnapra Appachan died at age 77, leaving behind a long career noted for versatility and prolific work. Beginning with the 1965 film Othenante Makan, Appachan appeared in more than a thousand films. A defining role came in Anubhavangal Paalichakal, where he played a trade union leader. Across decades, he became a familiar face in regional cinema, contributing to stage and screen. His passing is mourned by fans and colleagues, highlighting a career that spanned several generations and underscoring Malayalam cinema’s rich acting tradition.
Punnapra Appachan died aged 77
Acted since 1965; first film Othenante Makan
Featured in Anubhavangal Paalichakal as a trade union leader
Acted in over a thousand films
Significant figure in Malayalam cinema history
Jan 06, 2026
Suresh Kalmadi, former Union Minister, passes away
Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Suresh Kalmadi passed away at the age of 81. Kalmadi served as Minister of State for Railways and was a former president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). A prominent political figure from Pune, he represented the city several times in the Lok Sabha and held key roles in sports administration over many years. His death marks the end of a long public career that spanned governance, railways policy, and national sports administration. Tributes poured in from across political and sports circles praising his contributions and leadership.
Suresh Kalmadi died at age 81.
Former Union Minister of State for Railways.
Former president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
Represented Pune in the Lok Sabha multiple times.
Long career in governance and sports administration.
Tributes from political and sports communities.
Manoj Kothari, former billiards champion and coach, dies at 67
Manoj Kothari, a former world billiards champion and long-time national coach, died at the age of 67 in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. He had led India’s billiards teams as chief national coach from 2011 and had guided players to international success, including IBSF World Billiards Championship titles in 1990 and the World Doubles in 1997. Kothari’s passing marks the loss of a key figure in Indian cue sports, who helped raise India’s profile on the global stage. He had been receiving treatment at a Tirunelveli hospital when the end came, leaving a legacy of coaching and achievement.
Manoj Kothari died at 67 in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu.
World billiards champion in 1990; World Doubles champion in 1997.
Served as Indian billiards chief national coach from 2011 onward.
Oversaw several players achieving international success.
Died while under treatment at a Tirunelveli hospital.
Widely regarded as a pivotal figure in Indian cue sports.
Jan 05, 2026
Delcy RodrÃguez appointed interim President of Venezuela
Following the reported capture of President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces, Venezuela's Supreme Court ordered Vice President Delcy RodrÃguez to assume the office of interim president. RodrÃguez, a long-time figure in Maduro's administration since 2018, now leads during a period of political uncertainty. The move raises questions about constitutional succession and potential shifts in regional diplomacy and governance. International observers are monitoring the situation for implications on Venezuela's internal stability and relations with external partners while lawmakers assess next steps amid ongoing constitutional questions.
Delcy RodrÃguez named interim president
Context: Maduro's capture by U.S. forces
Supreme Court order formalizes transition
Implications for Venezuela's governance and diplomacy
International observers monitoring the situation
Jan 02, 2026
Eighteen-year-old Kaamya Karthikeyan Becomes Youngest Indian to ski at South Pole
Eighteen-year-old Kaamya Karthikeyan scripted history by becoming the youngest Indian and the second-youngest woman in the world to ski to the South Pole. Her feat marks another milestone in a remarkable mountaineering and polar exploration journey that has already placed her among India's most accomplished young adventurers.
She covered a distance of 115 kilometres, facing temperatures as low as -30C and battling icy winds while pulling her own sled.
Karthikeyan, the daughter of a naval officer, received a warm congratulation from the Indian Navy for achieving the remarkable feat.
Jan 01, 2026
Manipur BJP MLA Becomes First Indian to Earn 5th Dan in Taekwondo
Yumnam Khemchand Singh, a former Manipur Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party MLA, has become the first Indian to receive the 5th Dan black belt in the traditional taekwondo art form. The certification was issued by a panel of six grand masters led by Jun Lee, president of the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation (GTTF). The GTTF is the apex body for traditional taekwondo, separate from the World Taekwondo Federation’s sport rules. The achievement highlights growing interest in martial arts among Indian politicians and public figures, illustrating the blend of sports, culture, and public life in the region.
Yumnam Khemchand Singh awarded 5th Dan black belt in taekwondo.
Certification by a panel of six grand masters led by Jun Lee (GTTF).
GTTF governs traditional taekwondo; separate from sport-focused WT.
Notable for an Indian politician achieving high Dan rank.
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