colombo

Chennai airport faced high alert Saturday following a mail claiming terror suspects linked to the Pahalgam massacre were aboard a SriLankan Airlines flight to colombo. Though the flight had already departed, authorities alerted Sri Lankan security forces, who thoroughly searched the aircraft upon arrival. The alert was later declared a hoax, with no suspicious passengers found.

Vizhinjam International Seaport is poised for a landmark dedication by Prime Minister Modi, heralding a new phase of growth for south Kerala. The port has already managed a record number of ships and containers since July 2024. With its deep draft and strategic location, Vizhinjam offers a competitive edge, attracting exim cargo and potentially reshaping regional logistics and economic development.

Sri Lankan authorities meticulously searched a Sri Lankan Airlines flight from Chennai at colombo airport, prompted by intelligence concerning a potential suspect linked to the Pahalgam attack. The search, coordinated with local authorities following an alert from Chennai Area Control Centre, aimed to locate an individual wanted in India. After a thorough inspection, the aircraft was cleared for further operations.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Vizhinjam International Seaport on May 2, positioning India as a transshipment hub. Developed with Adani Ports, it aims to reduce reliance on foreign ports with its advanced infrastructure and strategic location. The port boasts semi-automation and an AI-powered vessel traffic management system, marking a new era in India's maritime trade.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu addressed a press conference for nearly 15 hours, his office said on Sunday, claiming it broke a previous record held by Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. In October 2019, Ukraine's National Records Agency claimed that Zelensky's 14-hour press conference had broken an earlier record of over seven hours held by Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko.

India's imports from Pakistan are expected to cease entirely due to a new trade ban, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative. Trade had already dwindled following increased tariffs in 2019, impacting items like figs and Himalayan pink salt. While India's economy will remain largely unaffected, Pakistan may continue to access Indian goods via indirect routes.

Following the Centre's 'quit-India' deadline, two Pakistani women residing in Odisha have departed for Karachi via Delhi and colombo. The state government is now awaiting further directives from the Centre regarding legal actions against those who did not comply with the order.

A Global Trade Research Initiative report reveals that over $10 billion worth of Indian goods annually reach Pakistan through indirect channels, utilizing ports in Dubai, Singapore, and colombo. These intermediary ports facilitate transshipment, where goods are relabeled to circumvent trade restrictions. Recent diplomatic tensions, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, are expected to further impact commercial exchanges.

Adani Ports reported a robust 50% surge in net profit, reaching Rs 3,023 crore for Q4 FY24, driven by strong cargo growth and operational efficiency. Revenue climbed 23% to Rs 8,488 crore, with EBITDA up 24%. Mundra Port became India's first to exceed 200 MMT in a year.

Shashi Tharoor welcomed PM Modi in Thiruvananthapuram, celebrating the commissioning of the Vizhinjam International Seaport. This deep-water transshipment port, a public-private partnership, aims to boost India's cargo capacity and reduce reliance on foreign ports. Kerala's CM hails it as a historic moment, with the port already handling significant vessel traffic and integrating into global shipping routes.

Pope Francis has canonized six saints from India during his papacy, including Fr. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, Sister Euphrasia Eluvathingal, Joseph Vaz, Mother Teresa, Mariam Thresia, and Devasahayam Pillai. These individuals, through their service, devotion, and sacrifice, exemplified holiness and significantly impacted society, particularly the marginalized. Their canonization highlights the universal call to serve God and humanity.

The Vatican has recognized 167 Sri Lankan Catholics killed in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings as witnesses of faith, honoring their sacrifice motivated by hatred of the faith. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith announced the inclusion in the Vatican's catalogue during a vigil commemorating the victims. The church continues to seek further investigation into the attacks, alleging a possible political conspiracy.

Riyan Parag's Rajasthan Royals opted to bowl first after winning the toss against Gujarat Titans in their IPL 2025 match. Gujarat Titans, positioned second, aim to top the table with a victory, while Rajasthan Royals seek to improve their standing from ninth. Karim Janat, the Afghan all-rounder, makes his debut for Gujarat Titans in this crucial encounter.