Before this decisive moment, Kerala Blasters were struggling in the league. They sat at 11th place with eight points from ten games. Odisha FC was even lower, positioned at 13th with only six points from seven matches.

In the first half, Víctor Bertomeu opened the scoring for Kerala Blasters in the 12th minute. However, Rahim Ali equalised for Odisha FC in the 27th minute. The match seemed destined for a draw until Hernández’s late heroics.

His goal came during stoppage time, clinching a crucial victory for Kerala Blasters. This win marks their third consecutive match with points, providing momentum as they aim to escape the relegation zone.

Odisha FC’s recent form has been less impressive. Their last outing ended in a 1-1 draw against Mohammedan Sporting Club. This loss continues to put pressure on their coaching staff, led by Ashley Westwood.

The historical rivalry between these teams remains tight. In 26 previous encounters, both teams have nine wins each and eight draws—demonstrating their evenly matched nature.

Kerala Blasters have now secured seven points from their last three matches, showcasing tactical flexibility and improved performance under pressure. “If we maintain this work ethic, results will follow,” said Alsabith ST after the match.

As of midday today, both teams are reassessing their strategies moving forward. TG Purushothaman emphasized the need to address lapses in concentration defensively.

The match was broadcasted on Sony Sports Network and streamed on Fancode app/website—allowing fans to catch every moment of this thrilling encounter.

This dramatic win could have significant implications for both teams as they navigate this season of the Indian Super League.

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Film director Ranjith Balakrishnan, a prominent figure in the Indian film industry, has been arrested following a serious sexual assault complaint lodged by a young actress. The incident has sent shockwaves through the film community, highlighting ongoing issues of misconduct and the challenges faced by survivors in coming forward.

The complaint alleges that Ranjith entered the actress’s caravan without permission and attempted to sexually assault her. In light of these allegations, he has been remanded to 14 days in judicial custody and is currently being held at the Ernakulam sub jail. The arrest marks a significant development in a case that has drawn widespread attention and condemnation.

In response to the allegations, Ranjith has been suspended from the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA). The case includes charges under several non-bailable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, indicating the severity of the accusations against him. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to thoroughly investigate the matter.

This is not the first time Ranjith has faced such serious allegations. In 2024, he was accused by a Bengali actress of misconduct during an audition for the film “Paleri Manikyam.” The actress revealed that it took her 15 years to come forward due to a lack of support, underscoring the systemic issues that often silence victims in the industry.

Following the recent arrest, the Kerala Cultural Affairs Minister has assured full government support to the survivor. The minister emphasized that such acts will not be accepted by the government or society, reinforcing the need for a safe environment for women in the workplace. The Kochi City Police Commissioner, S Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar, echoed these sentiments, stating, “It should not happen to any woman, especially at the workplace.”

Ranjith has publicly claimed his innocence regarding the allegations. His lawyer has indicated that they are preparing to file a bail plea in court, suggesting that the legal battle is far from over. Meanwhile, the police have reported that the survivor is traumatized and required counseling before she felt able to come forward.

The unfolding situation has sparked a broader conversation about accountability and the treatment of women in the film industry. As observers await further developments, it remains clear that the case against Ranjith Balakrishnan is emblematic of larger issues that need to be addressed within the entertainment sector.

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Kaattaan, a highly anticipated cyberpunk thriller, is set to premiere on March 27, 2026, on JioHotstar. The series is set in a near-future Kochi where human memories can be extracted and traded, exploring the complex themes of grief and memory through virtual reality.

The narrative follows Bimal Raj, a grieving father who uses a virtual reality memory console to reconnect with his deceased child. This poignant tale shifts between legend, monster, and miracle, promising a gripping viewing experience.

The cast features notable actors including Vijay Sethupathi, Milind Soman, and Sudev Nair, who are expected to deliver powerful performances that resonate with the audience.

As the series unfolds, it aims to challenge viewers’ perceptions of reality and the emotional weight of memories. The innovative premise of trading memories raises ethical questions about the nature of grief and the lengths to which one might go to hold onto the past.

With the release date approaching, excitement is building among fans of the genre. The unique blend of technology and emotional storytelling positions Kaattaan as a potential standout in the crowded landscape of streaming content.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding additional plot twists and character developments, but early buzz suggests that the series will not shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human experience.

As viewers await its debut, Kaattaan is poised to make a significant impact in the realm of digital storytelling, particularly within the cyberpunk genre.

Mark your calendars for March 27, 2026, as Kaattaan promises to be a thrilling exploration of memory and loss in a futuristic setting.

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As the Indian National Football Team prepared for their crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong, tensions escalated just days before the match. On March 31, 2026, Khalid Jamil, the head coach, along with his players, faced an unexpected setback when they were denied entry to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, India.

The situation took a turn for the worse when the scheduled press meet for the match was abruptly cancelled. This decision stemmed from a dispute over the stadium rental fees with the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA). The GCDA demanded a staggering Rs 3 lakh plus taxes as rent and an additional Rs 25 lakh as a security deposit, which raised eyebrows among the team officials.

KFA President Navas Meeran addressed the media, stating, “It was a technical issue, which will soon be sorted.” However, the financial demands from the GCDA have put the match in jeopardy, as the Indian team has not played in Kochi for ten years. The last time the Indian National Football Team graced the pitch in this city was a decade ago, making this encounter particularly significant for local fans.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, Nepal-born defender Abneet Bharti joined the Indian senior men’s team camp ahead of the match, alongside Ryan Williams, who was also named in the squad. However, the looming financial issues overshadowed the team’s preparations. With India already out of contention for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, this match against Hong Kong was seen as a chance for redemption.

The GCDA’s stringent rental policies have drawn criticism, with some observers noting that the authority seems to prioritize financial gain over the sport. “As the GCDA continues its money first, football second policy, the hurdles have increased for the Indian National Football Team to play an international match at Kochi,” remarked a local sports analyst.

As the clock ticks down to the match, the Indian team remains in limbo, grappling with logistical challenges that could impact their performance on the field. The stakes are high, not just for the players but also for the fans who have long awaited the return of international football to Kochi.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the resolution of the financial disputes, but the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. With the match date fast approaching, stakeholders are hoping for a swift resolution to ensure that the game can proceed as planned, allowing fans to witness the much-anticipated clash between India and Hong Kong.

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“Mr. Krishnamachari’s resignation was connected with the complaint and the KBF’s Internal Committee is taking action on the complaint,” stated V. Venu, confirming the resignation of Bose Krishnamachari from the Kochi Biennale Foundation.

The resignation comes after a sexual harassment complaint was filed by a woman who had previously worked under him. The incident allegedly occurred on December 28, 2025, and the complaint was officially received on January 3, 2026.

V. Venu elaborated, “A complaint was received with the Internal Complaints Committee under the PoSH Act… This was in December.” The Internal Complaints Committee is mandated to address such allegations under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

Bose Krishnamachari has refuted the charges, asserting that “The allegations were misleading and unsubstantiated and taken out of context.” He has initiated legal action in response to the complaint.

Despite the serious nature of the allegations, it is noteworthy that there was no police complaint related to the incident at the time of his resignation. Krishnamachari cited family reasons for stepping down from his position.

The complainant described her experience, stating, “She felt trapped and violated and had at no point given her consent to physical contact or remarks or advances.” This statement underscores the gravity of the allegations against Krishnamachari.

Bose Krishnamachari is a prominent figure in the art world, having co-founded the Kochi Muziris Biennale and served as co-curator for its inaugural edition in 2012. His contributions to the cultural landscape of Kochi have been significant.

Following his resignation, he was appointed as the Cultural Curator of Kochi, indicating a continued role in the arts despite the controversy.

The sixth edition of the Biennale, which opened on December 12, 2025, is set to conclude on January 31, 2026, as the organization navigates this challenging situation.

Details remain unconfirmed as the Kochi Biennale Foundation continues to address the complaint through its internal processes.

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“I had not received any official communication inviting him to the function and termed the move ‘political’ and ‘not befitting a democracy’.” These words from P A Mohammed Riyas, Kerala’s Public Works Department Minister, encapsulate the political tensions surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent event in Kochi, which was marked by the absence of key state officials.

On March 11, 2026, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and several ministers, including Riyas, did not attend the Prime Minister’s official function. This event was significant as it included the inauguration of various development projects, notably the six-lane expansion of National Highway 66.

The backdrop to this absence lies in a political row over Riyas’s exclusion from the event. Riyas expressed that he had not received any official invitation, which he described as a politically motivated decision. His sentiments were echoed by General Education Minister V Sivankutty, who called the exclusion “shocking” and “politically motivated.”

In addition to Riyas, State Ministers M B Rajesh and K Krishnankutty also opted out of the event, citing prior commitments. Rajesh stated, “I am not attending the PM’s programme. Yesterday, I came to know that my name was included in the list. I already have scheduled programmes in my constituency.”

On the other side, BJP leaders defended the protocol followed in inviting the Chief Minister, asserting that Riyas’s exclusion was unnecessary. BJP leader B Gopalakrishnan went further, alleging that the state government was attempting to consolidate Muslim votes by boycotting the Prime Minister’s event.

The National Highway development project, which was inaugurated during the event, has a history of revival following the Left Democratic Front government’s rise to power in 2016, thanks to Chief Minister Vijayan’s intervention. This project is notable as Kerala was the first state in India to directly invest in national highway development.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of this event and the reactions from both sides are likely to unfold in the coming days. The controversy surrounding the exclusion of Riyas and the absence of state ministers raises questions about the ongoing relationship between the Kerala government and the central administration.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further developments or statements from the involved parties. The situation remains fluid as both sides navigate the political ramifications of this incident.

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As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for a significant PM event in Kochi, Kerala, expectations were high for the inauguration of national highway projects. This event is part of the Prime Minister’s campaign for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and was anticipated to showcase developmental progress in the state.

Change in Dynamics

However, a notable shift occurred when Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and several state ministers announced their decision to boycott the event. This boycott stems from the exclusion of Public Works Department Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas from the invitation list, which the Kerala government viewed as a breach of protocol.

Immediate Effects

The absence of key cabinet members, including Local Self Government Minister M.B. Rajesh, means the event will proceed without significant local government representation. Riyas criticized the exclusion, stating, “The PWD minister has been excluded, while the BJP state president has been invited,” highlighting the perceived political bias.

Expert Perspectives

Political analysts suggest that this boycott reflects deeper tensions between the state government and the central administration. Riyas emphasized that excluding the PWD minister is “not good for democracy,” indicating concerns over the implications of such actions on governance and representation.

Rajesh’s previous experiences with security issues during a PMO event also influenced his decision to skip this occasion. He remarked, “I was repeatedly asked by the security personnel to produce the Aadhaar card, despite they clearly knowing that I was the minister,” which raises questions about the treatment of state officials at federal events.

Context of the Boycott

This political standoff occurs against the backdrop of the finalization of candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections, making the PM event not just a developmental milestone but also a politically charged gathering. The Kerala government has invested ₹5600 crore in ongoing national highway expansion projects, underscoring the importance of infrastructure in the region.

Looking Ahead

As the PM is scheduled to spend approximately four hours in Kerala, the event will include the inauguration of key development projects and an NDA rally. The absence of state ministers could affect the local perception of the event and the central government’s initiatives in Kerala.

With the political landscape shifting rapidly, the implications of this boycott may resonate beyond the immediate event, influencing public sentiment and electoral outcomes in the state.

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On March 7, 2026, at 7:30 pm IST, Kerala Blasters FC faced off against Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, Kerala. This match was part of the ongoing 2025-26 Indian Super League season.

Key Developments

Chennaiyin FC emerged victorious with a 1-0 scoreline, marking their first win of the season. The only goal of the match was scored by Imran Khan in the 42nd minute, providing a much-needed boost for Chennaiyin.

For Kerala Blasters, this defeat was particularly disappointing as it marked their fourth consecutive loss this season. The team has struggled significantly, managing to score only one goal throughout the season, highlighting their ongoing issues with finishing.

Current State

The loss has left Kerala Blasters in a precarious position, as they continue to search for solutions to their scoring problems. Coach David Catala had expressed confidence prior to the match that goals would come, but the team’s performance has not reflected that optimism.

In contrast, the win for Chennaiyin FC is a crucial development, as it not only adds to their points tally but also serves as a morale booster for the team. The victory is significant, considering they had previously struggled to find the back of the net, having scored only two goals this season prior to this match.

Importance of the Match

This match is a pivotal moment for both teams. For Chennaiyin FC, it signifies a turnaround in their season, potentially igniting a series of positive results. For Kerala Blasters, the ongoing poor form raises concerns about their ability to compete effectively in the league.

The historical context adds another layer to this match, as Kerala Blasters had beaten Chennaiyin FC on both occasions in the previous season. This defeat may serve as a wake-up call for the Blasters as they aim to reclaim their competitive edge.

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