Wednesday, 19 March 2025: A wrap of news and developments in Kerala— Legislative Assembly on Wednesday extended its heartfelt congratulations to astronaut Sunita Williams on her safe return after an unexpected nine-month space mission, and Shashi Tharoor has once again found himself in a political controversy.
Published Mar 19, 2025 | 1:13 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 19, 2025 | 6:58 PM
Sunita Williams. (X)
Synopsis: In Wednesday’s news wrap of Kerala— the Legislative Assembly congratulated astronaut Sunita Williams on her safe return after a nine-month mission. Meanwhile, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor praised PM Modi’s diplomatic handling of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, admitting his earlier opposition was mistaken. Tharoor’s comments, endorsing Modi’s foreign policy, have sparked controversy within Congress, with KPCC president K Sudhakaran stating the party will review his remarks.
The Kerala Legislative Assembly on Wednesday extended its heartfelt congratulations to astronaut Sunita Williams on her safe return after an unexpected nine-month space mission.
Speaker AN Shamseer praised Williams as a symbol of courage and dedication, calling her journey an inspiration for women worldwide and future generations.
Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore embarked on an eight-day test mission in June 2024 aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule, but technical challenges prolonged their stay in space to nine months.
The Assembly also recognized the contributions of fellow astronauts Nick Hague, Alexander Gorbunov, and the entire mission team.
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has once again found himself in a political controversy—this time for acknowledging Prime Minister
Narendra Modi’s diplomatic handling of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, the Thiruvananthapuram MP admitted he was left with “an egg on his face” for opposing India’s neutral stance when the war began in 2022.
Tharoor, who had earlier criticized the government’s position, conceded that India’s approach had uniquely positioned Modi to engage with both Kyiv and Moscow.
“Clearly, the policy has meant that India has a prime minister who can hug both the president of Ukraine and the president in Moscow two weeks apart and be accepted in both places,” he remarked.
His comments come at a time when Tharoor is already facing criticism from Congress circles in Kerala for previously praising the CPI(M)-led state government’s efforts in developing the startup ecosystem. With his latest remarks appearing to endorse Modi’s foreign policy, the Congress MP is likely to stir fresh debate within his party.
KPCC president K Sudhakaran said that the party will examine Tharoor’s statements. The Raisina Dialogue, a geopolitical conference, is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs.
Protesters in Munambam have submitted a letter, signed by numerous individuals, to BJP state general secretary MT Ramesh, demanding an NIA inquiry into the leaders of the Waqf Protection Committee.
Addressing the gathering, Ramesh assured that the BJP would stand by the people of Munambam in reclaiming their revenue rights. He also promised central intervention in the Waqf Amendment Bill and criticised the state government for its betrayal, citing the appointment of a commission that was later nullified by the Kerala HC.
Speaking to South First, protest leader Siji Ayil stated that the agitation will intensify in the coming days.
