Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
A NEW film has sparked a row in India, with students, opposition parties and youth organisations, among others, calling for a stay on it being released.
The Kerala Story, directed by Sudipto Sen, is scheduled to hit the screens on Friday (5) across the country.
Produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the movie’s cast includes Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani and Siddhi Idnani.
Reports said it tells the story of four women who convert to Islam and join Daesh (the Islamic State group).
Its makers have claimed the film “unearths” the events behind “approximately 32,000 women” going missing in Kerala state in south India. These women were allegedly converted, radicalised, and deployed in terror missions in India and across the world, according to them.
Shah rejected allegations the film is funded by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by prime minister Narendra Modi, saying they have "nothing to do with any political party" and anything spoken about the film without watching it is "conjecture".
"We will choose not to respond to any political party. We are filmmakers and we have nothing to do with any political party stand," the producer said.
Following criticism, the film's teaser on YouTube - which initially read as "heartbreaking and gut-wrenching stories of 32,000 females in Kerala” - was changed to "true stories of three young girls from Kerala."
A petition was also filed at the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the release of the film on the grounds of it being the “worst kind of hate speech” and “audio-visual propaganda”.
However, the Supreme Court on Tuesday (2) refused to entertain the request, with judges saying, "there are varieties of hate speeches. This film has got certification and has been cleared by the board."
"It's not like a person (is) getting on the podium and starts giving (an) uncontrolled speech. If you want to challenge the release of the movie, you should challenge the certification and through appropriate forum," the judges said.
The Madras high court on Thursday (4) dismissed a petition against the release of the movie. The court also criticised the petitioner for approaching it at the last hour, seeking a ban on the release of the film.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has accused the filmmakers of indulging in “gross exaggeration” and “distortion” of the state’s reality. He even offered Rs 10 million (£97,283) prize money for those who prove 32,000 women in Kerala were allegedly forced to convert to Islam.
Tharoor's assertion came in response to those accusing him of "double standards" over his criticism of the film. They referred to his 2021 Tweet in which he had he was approached by three Kerala mothers whose daughters were stuck in Afghanistan after they were apparently taken there by their "misguided husbands".
Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan also slammed the makers of the film, terming it as 'propaganda' by 'the Sangh parivar' (an ideological organisation said to be close to the BJP).
The controversy took another political turn on Wednesday (3) when a BJP member of the Maharashtra legislative assembly (MLA), Nitesh Rane, said the film should be made tax-free in the state.
"The film titled The Kerala Story is releasing on May 5, In the context of Love Jihad, this is a relevant film. It shows the truth of how Hindu women are oppressed and made victims of Love Jihad. Everyone in Maharashtra should watch this movie," he said.
Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu intelligence services have warned the government of possible protests against the controversial movie and resultant law and order problems.
INDIA’S high commissioner to the UK has urged British universities to set up campuses for higher education in the south Asian country.
Vikram Doraiswami also called for further opportunities to expand bilateral exchanges – bringing more UK students to India for short stays, internship, and collaborative learning experiences.
The Indian high commission hosted six UK universities in London to celebrate the expansion of higher education ties under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The institutions that have signed Letters of Intent (LoI) to establish campuses in India include the University of Southampton; University of Liverpool; University of York; Newcastle University; Coventry University and Queen’s University Belfast.
This week, the University of Southampton will become the first foreign university to officially open its doors in India.
In his remarks at the India-UK education collaboration event at India House in London last Thursday (10), Doraiswami congratulated the six partner universities and invited additional institutions to explore collaboration opportunities; from joint research programmes and dual or joint degree offerings to the creation of innovation campuses, faculty and student exchanges, and the development of completely new campuses.
He said, “There is a long-standing cultural emphasis in India on education as the most valuable investment. Many Indian students already come to the UK, and India now forms the largest cohort of international students here. However, that alone is not enough. We have quality private institutions, and new provisions allow foreign universities to establish campuses, both greenfield and brownfield. I’m proud to say the UK is the first country to seize this opportunity.
“Southampton, York, Queen’s Belfast and others have already registered their intent. This progress has exceeded expectations. The UK’s engagement in India will benefit both countries – not just in terms of education, but also by deepening understanding, research collaboration, and industry links.”
Doraiswami pointed out that these efforts will not only enrich young people’s careers, but also strengthen links between India and the UK.
“Universities in India have reached impossible levels – cut-off marks requiring over 99 per cent averages. We need major investment coming into the university sector. India now has significant private capital ready to build facilities at scale, but what we can’t do is build capacity at scale,” the high commissioner said.
He added, “We think the UK is the obvious partner to help build out at scale - not just new university campuses, but partnerships across the board: department-based partnerships, research partnerships, joint degree partnerships, faculty exchanges.”
Professor Mark E Smith, president and vice-chancellor, University of Southampton, said, “Two years ago, this idea (setting up an Indian campus) was just a conversation. Now, we are preparing to inaugurate our new campus in the Delhi Capital Region. I want to thank the high commissioner and his team for their exceptional support.
“Southampton’s engagement with India predates this campus. Our India Centre, for instance, has already marked its fifth anniversary. We also recently welcomed Professor Prakash, who holds the ICCR chair of Indian Studies at Southampton, supported by the ministry of external affairs and the high commission.”
He added, “The new Gurugram campus aims to deliver world-class education in one of India’s most dynamic business hubs. Our presence there supports India’s aspirations to become a global education hub, and our programmes are aligned with industry needs to equip students with practical skills and opportunities.”
Professor Andrew Atherton, vice-president (International Engagement) at the University of Southampton, said India’s scale, ambition, entrepreneurial energy and supportive regulations made it the clear choice for expansion. He cited high demand, with India needing a new university every three months until 2030 to meet projected needs.
Southampton’s Gurugram campus will launch with four undergraduate and two postgraduate programmes. Even before school results, it received 800 applications, issued 400 offers, and secured 200 acceptances. Atherton described how Southampton has partnered with industry leaders Deloitte and Investec to ensure students receive real-world training. The 80,000 sqft facility mirrors the standards of their UK campus to provide an identical academic environment.
The university targets to expand from 140 students in year one to over 5,500 by 2035 – and likely beyond that. The event was attended by representatives from other universities, the British School, the UK Department for Education, and the NHS.
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Indian prime minister Narendra Modi met Vishwash Kumar Ramesh in a hospital in Ahmedabad. (Photo: ANI)
VISHWASH KUMAR RAMESH, the only survivor of last month’s Air India crash in Ahmedabad, is recovering in Bucharwada village in Diu, Gujarat, after losing his brother and 241 others on flight AI 171.
The plane, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed into a hostel building shortly after take-off on June 12, killing all but Kumar Ramesh.
His family said he continues to struggle with trauma. “He can’t sleep at night,” Krunal Keshave, a relative from Leicester, told The Times. “When he sleeps, he dreams he is on the flight. He remembers seeing everyone die in front of his eyes.”
Kumar Ramesh, who was seated in 11A, escaped with facial cuts and chest injuries. He now stays with his wife and son in Diu, avoiding public outings and living quietly.
“He feels guilty that he is the only one to have lived,” said another relative to The Times.
He and his brother Ajay had been running a fishing business in Diu. They would return to the UK during the off-season.
A preliminary investigation by India’s AAIB revealed cockpit confusion over fuel switches.
The Wall Street Journal reported that US officials believe Captain Sumeet Sabharwal cut fuel supply.
Legal action has been initiated by more than 20 families through Keystone Law, seeking pilot records and throttle switch information.
Air India said it “stands in solidarity with the families and those affected” and is cooperating with the investigation.
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The heaviest rainfall is expected in Northern Ireland, where up to 75mm could fall in just 12 to 18 hours
Met Office issues yellow weather warnings for rain and thunderstorms
Northern Ireland could receive up to 75mm of rainfall in under 18 hours
Flooding, power cuts, and travel disruption likely across affected areas
The alert follows a recent heatwave and hosepipe bans across parts of England
Half a month’s worth of rain could fall over parts of the UK within the next 24 hours, according to the Met Office. Yellow weather warnings for rain and thunderstorms were issued on Sunday across Northern Ireland, Scotland, and regions of England. The heaviest rainfall is expected in Northern Ireland, where up to 75mm could fall in just 12 to 18 hours — nearly the equivalent of half the region’s average monthly rainfall for July. Further warnings are in place for Monday, with potential disruption including flooding, power cuts, and delays to public transport.
Northern Ireland likely to see most impactful rainfall
Simon Partridge of the Met Office said Northern Ireland is forecast to receive the most substantial and impactful rainfall, with some areas expected to record between 50mm and 75mm. As Northern Ireland averages 89mm of rainfall in July, this could amount to over half the typical monthly total in less than a day.
A yellow weather warning was issued for eastern parts of the region from 6pm Sunday to 6pm Monday. Flooding and travel disruption are anticipated, with potential risks to property and infrastructure.
Warnings extended across England and Scotland
The Met Office expanded yellow thunderstorm warnings to additional parts of the UK for Monday. From 3am to 9pm, areas across the south and east of England are under alert, while from 11am, the Midlands, northern England, and Scotland will also be affected.
In parts of England and Scotland, rainfall totals could reach 20-40mm within two hours. Such intense rainfall increases the likelihood of flash flooding, particularly where ground conditions remain dry after recent heatwaves.
Travel and safety disruption expected
More than 10 flood alerts remain active in Scotland, and the Met Office has warned of possible delays or cancellations to train and bus services. There is a small risk of power outages and localised deep or fast-moving floodwater, posing a danger to life in extreme cases.
Climate conditions contributing to severe weather
The increased severity of rainfall is linked to human-driven climate change, particularly across Europe. Warmer atmospheric conditions hold more moisture, leading to more intense and frequent extreme weather events.
The heavy rain follows the UK’s third heatwave of the year, which left four regions in England in official drought conditions and prompted multiple hosepipe bans. Parched soil, caused by prolonged dry spells, can increase the risk of surface flooding as it struggles to absorb water efficiently.
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People demonstrate near the Bell Hotel on July 20, 2025 in Epping, England. (Photo: Getty Images)
NEW clashes broke out on Sunday night outside a hotel in north-east London where asylum seekers are being housed. Bottles and smoke bombs were thrown at police during the protest.
The incident took place outside the Bell Hotel in Epping. Police said five people were arrested for "violent disorder".
Chief superintendent Simon Anslow said, "Disappointingly we have seen yet another protest, which had begun peacefully, escalate into mindless thuggery with individuals again hurting one of our officers and damaging a police vehicle."
According to the British news agency PA, several hundred people gathered outside the hotel. Police vans were stationed at the entrance.
Protestors shouted slogans including "save our children" and "send them home", while some carried banners demanding the removal of "foreign criminals".
Tensions had been building after a 38-year-old asylum seeker was charged with sexual assault. He was accused of attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl. He denied the charge when he appeared in court on Thursday.
Clashes on Thursday evening left eight police officers injured.
Last summer, anti-immigration riots erupted in the UK after three girls were fatally stabbed in Southport by a teenager. Although the suspect was later found to be British-born, the incident led to attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers in several towns.
One of the incidents included an attempt to set fire to a hotel in Rotherham, north-east England.
(With inputs from agencies)
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A protester is seen in a police van after being detained during a demonstration calling for the ban on group Palestine Action, proscribed as a terrorist organisation, to be lifted, in Parliament Square, central London, on July 19, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
POLICE arrested more than 100 people in London and other cities during the third straight weekend of protests against the government's decision to ban activist group Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws.
According to the Metropolitan Police, 55 people were detained in Parliament Square, London, under the Terrorism Act 2000 for displaying signs supporting Palestine Action.
Protesters held placards reading: "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action."
In a separate protest in London, nine more people were arrested. Eight were held during a demonstration in Truro, Cornwall.
Police also made arrests in other cities. Sixteen people were detained in Manchester, 17 in Bristol, and others in Edinburgh.
The protests were organised by campaign group Defend Our Juries, which said the demonstrations aimed to "defy" the ban.
The ban on Palestine Action came into effect on July 5. Police had warned that expressing support for the group was now considered a criminal offence, after a last-minute High Court challenge failed to prevent the proscription.
The government announced its intention to outlaw the group under the Terrorism Act 2000, days after activists claimed responsibility for a break-in at an air force base in southern England.
During the incident, two aircraft were sprayed with red paint, causing estimated damage worth £7 million ($9.55 million).
Four people charged in connection with the incident remain in custody.
Palestine Action has criticised the ban, saying it is an attack on free speech. The group's proscription means it is now a criminal offence to belong to or support the group, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison.
This weekend's arrests follow the detention of 72 people at similar protests last week and 29 the week before.