[allAfrica]

As Kerala heads to the polls, the election narrative shifts from rallies to booth-level battles. The ruling LDF aims for a historic third term, while the UDF seeks to leverage local body momentum against anti-incumbency. The NDA is focused on converting key pockets into durable political footholds, making these 20 constituencies the state's pressure points.

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve authorities are seeking help from IVRI, Bareilly to determine the cause of death for 25 critically endangered vultures found in the buffer zone. Vultures are suspected to have died after consuming poisoned dog carcasses found nearby. Post-mortem revealed a poisonous substance in the dogs, but the exact poison remains unidentified.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued another warning to medical colleges regarding overcharging MBBS fees, particularly for the internship period. Despite past directives and regulatory powers, enforcement remains weak, with limited punitive action reported for violations like stipend irregularities. This pattern raises concerns about accountability in medical education.

WESTERN BUREAU: Sport Minister Olivia Grange says the official dedication of the statue honouring Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt in Falmouth will take place once a new date is finalised. Speaking with reporters in Montego Bay over the weekend, Grange explained that the initially planned ceremony was delayed because of recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, although the statue has been mounted and surrounding installation works were completed.

A Spanish Town family is appealing for public assistance to rebuild their lives after a fire razed their Old Market Street property on March 9, leaving 13 people, including seven children, homeless.

The Parliament’s Ethics Committee says it is moving to have embattled St Andrew East Central Member of Parliament (MP) Dennis Gordon appear before it on April 22 to clarify statements he made during a previous meeting concerning matters related to the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) procurement and tax exemption issue. The Ethics Committee, at its last meeting in February, considered and signed off on an exemption motion which allowed Gordon not to vacate his seat if he becomes party to any contract with the Government.

Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton has signalled that decisive action will follow the tragic death of a newborn at the Cornwall Regional Hospital, declaring that the authorities must act if wrongdoing is uncovered. “Clearly, we all want safe deliveries ... . It’s a very unfortunate situation and we certainly sympathse with the family members,” Tufton told The Gleaner, adding he has asked the regional director to probe the circumstances.

Reverend Leon Paul Golding, head of the Anglican Church in Jamaica, has condemned recent actions taken by the United States (US) against Cuba as “ungodly”. Addressing the opening service of the 155th Synod of the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands on Tuesday, Golding also criticised the Jamaican Government for ending its decades-long medical cooperation with the Spanish-speaking Caribbean nation, suggesting it was done in accordance with the domineering of a foreign power.

[allAfrica]

[RFI] A French court has postponed its ruling on whether to dismiss allegations of genocide against Agathe Habyarimana, the widow of Rwanda's former president, and finally end 18 years of investigation. A decision is now expected on 6 May.

The United States is set to automatically register eligible men for a military draft pool beginning this December

Donald Trump's peace deal with Iran was hanging by a thread on Wednesday night as Tehran halted tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

Analysis found the extra amount motorists have shelled out since the conflict sent forecourt prices spiralling surged past £920million last night.

The father of 21-year-old Finbar Sullivan told the Daily Mail of his heartbreak after his son's death on Primrose Hill.

President Donald Trump hit out at NATO for its failure to intervene in the war in Iran , even as Secretary General Mark Rutte praised the president for reaching a two-week ceasefire.

NASA officials have warned there is effectively 'no plan B' if something goes wrong during the most dangerous phase of the Artemis II mission.

The animal welfare charity's photo of 250 matted, filthy canines living in a dilapidated home, with some hanging out of a woodburner, had led people to claim it was fake.

Hamilton, 51, whose parents are actor George Hamilton and model Alana Stewart, is said to be in the process of recovery and is in stable condition at the hospital.

A woman was walking along a beach in Florida when she heard a man yelling for help. He was later identified as Jesse Scott Ellis, who allegedly killed his wife and her lover.

Kemi Badenoch has accused Sir Keir Starmer of posturing on the world stage over the Middle East war while failing to rearm Britain.

Puducherry's assembly elections commenced today with an innovative touch as a robot named 'Nila' greeted voters. Approximately 9.5 lakh electors are choosing among 294 candidates across 30 constituencies. The main contenders are the NDA, led by Chief Minister N Rangasamy, and the Congress-DMK alliance. Key issues like statehood and unemployment are prominent, with counting set for May 4.

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister reiterated calls for former PM Sheikh Hasina's extradition during his India visit, marking the new government's first official approach. Discussions also covered energy cooperation, visa easing, and increased diesel and fertilizer supplies. Dhaka emphasized a «Bangladesh First» foreign policy, while India expressed a desire to strengthen bilateral ties.

La commune de Faa'a vient de lancer un appel d'offres pour mettre en conformité la décharge de Mumuvai. Derrière cette procédure administrative, un contentieux judiciaire qui dure depuis plus de dix ans.

Vigilance côté mer, notamment, prévient Météo France : une houle énergétique de secteur sud pouvant atteindre les 4 mètres d'amplitude se déploie actuellement sur l'archipel des Australes. Ce train de houle devrait ensuite toucher les îles de la Société à partir de demain avec des creux pouvant dépasser les 2 mètres 50 sur les côtes exposées jusqu'à dimanche.

Le ministère de la Santé informe qu’un cas d’infection invasive à méningocoque a été diagnostiqué chez un nourrisson résidant à Ua Pou. Présentant des signes évocateurs de méningite le 6 avril, le patient a été transféré à l’Hôpital Louis Rollin de Taiohae puis au Centre hospitalier de la Polynésie française (CHPF). Son état évolue favorablement.