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Anoushka Shankar's sitar damaged on Air India flight; airline says its investigating
The musician posted a video on Instagram showing a deep crack through the lower-rounded end of the musical instrument
I trust John Brittas more than Dharmendra Pradhan, says CPIs Binoy Viswam over his role in PM-SHRI
CPI State secretary says the Rajya Sabha MPs communication with the Union Education Minister was on the withholding of Central funds under the Samagra Shiksha project
Asking For Leave Felt Like Asking For A Kidney: Techie Compares India, Germany's Work Cultures
A viral Instagram post by an Indian software engineer who relocated to Germany is sparking a debate on global work culture.
Meta's Oversight Board wants to expand its powers in 2026
The Oversight Board is getting ready to tackle a new pain point for Facebook and Instagram users. Up to now, users have been able to appeal content moderation decisions related to specific posts to the board, but haven't been able to ask the group to intervene in other situations that affect their accounts. That could soon change. The board says that it will weigh in on individual account-level penalties in a pilot next year. The board noted the change in an impact report recapping its five-year history and what lies ahead in the year to come. In 2026, our scope expands once more as we pilot the ability to review Metas decisions removing and impacting accounts, something that has created ongoing frustration for platform users, the report says. It's not clear how this process will work, but if the board plans to take on account-level issues like suspensions, it would be a significant expansion of its purview. In an interview with Engadget, board member Paolo Carozza said that Meta is expected to refer a case to the board in January that will deal with an account-level issue. The handling of that case will allow the board to explore how it might take on similar cases in the future. We're really excited to take it on because we think it's an important area that really affects a lot of users and their interests, he told Engadget. We all know how many people are constantly coming forward complaining about account-level restrictions or blocking or whatever else, and so if we get it right and it's going to be important to work it out this first pilot we're really optimistic that it's going to help open up a whole new avenue for us to be helpful to the users of [Meta's] platforms. Carozza added that there are a number of technical aspects and other questions still being worked out between the board and Meta. So for now, it's too soon to say whether there will ever be an official appeals process for suspensions, like there currently is for post removals. But he says Meta is equally invested in the effort. It's something we've been talking about with Meta for well over a year, he said. They've been expressing an openness and a willingness to give us access to those kinds of questions. The Oversight Board's report hints at another way its influence could potentially expand. It notes that the group's work has made it well-positioned to partner with a range of global tech companies as they navigate issues arising from free speech debates globally. Both Meta and Oversight Board officials have previously floated the idea that other companies might want to take advantage of its expertise. Up to now, most other platforms have had little incentive to do so. But Carozza says the rise of generative AI has created some new interest from non-Meta affiliated platforms, and that there have been really preliminary conversations with other companies. It feels like quite a different moment now, largely because of generative AI, LLMs, chatbots [and] the way that a variety of retail-level users of these technologies are facing a whole new set of challenges and harms that's attracting a lot of scrutiny, he said. We have had conversations in recent months with other tech companies in this space about the possibility that the board might be able to contribute helpful services to them to help navigate some of these really thorny questions. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/metas-oversight-board-wants-to-expand-its-powers-in-2026-100000385.html?src=rss
Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa celebrate 8 years of their marriage
Bharti Singh shared heartwarming maternity shoot photos on Instagram to celebrate her anniversary with Haarsh Limbachiyaa and received love from other celebs
Mahhi reflects on karma and goodness amidst new phase
Actress Mahhi Vij, reportedly separated from Jay Bhanushali, expressed gratitude for her upcoming show, calling it a chance to work again and rediscover herself. Sharing glimpses on Instagram, she wrote she prayed for this show. Mahhi, who believes in karma, hopes her performance moves people. She debuted opposite Mammootty in Aparichithan.
Shhyamali posted a long note on her Instagram stories thanking netizens for the support she has received since her ex-husband Raj's wedding to Samantha on December 1. She refrained from talking about issues and controversies about her ex-husband. Samantha, on the other hand, is beaming with joy and enjoying her new phase in life.
Musician Anoushka Shankar slams Air India after sitar gets damaged
Musician Anoushka Shankar on Wednesday, December 3 called out Air India after her sitar was damaged while she was on a flight. She questioned the Air India management regarding mishandling of the instrument. The musician shared a picture of the damaged sitar on her Instagram and captioned it, Air India, how has this happened. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Two schoolboys from Chennai document Plaintive cuckoo at Odiyur lake
In the north-eastern parts of the country, this bird is anything but rare; and in South India, it is not seen except as an occasional vagrant; records here are as scare as a hens teeth. Against this backdrop, recently Amoggh Vjay Chatty, a Grade X student of PSBB Millennium in Semmanchery and Aaditya S Rajesh, a Grade XI student of Maharishi Vidya Mandir in Chetpet, spotted and photographed a Plaintive cuckoo at Odiyur lake
Sleepless nights: Raj Nidimorus ex-wife reacts to his 2nd wedding with Samantha
Mumbai: Two days after filmmaker Raj Nidimoru tied the knot with actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu in an intimate spiritual ceremony at Sadhgurus Isha Foundation, his ex-wife Shhyamali De has shared an emotional note on Instagram, thanking people for the concern and compassion coming her way. On Thursday, Shhyamali posted a heartfelt message on her Instagram Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Joyride turns nightmare at Wonderla Chennai
CHENNAI: At least 12 passengers were stuck about 30 feet in the air for 20-30 minutes after a sudden power cut halted a roller coaster mid-ride at the newly inaugurated Wonderla amusement park in Thiruporur, 56 km south of Chennai, on Tuesday. Rescue personnel climbed the structure and assisted each rider down once power was restored, sources said. Videos of the stalled coaster, widely shared online by visitors, intensified concerns over safety at the Rs 611-crore park inaugurated on December 1 by Chief Minister MK Stalin. The 64-acre facility, which houses over 43 attractions including Indias first B&M inverted roller coaster Tanjora, witnessed multiple ride malfunctions within hours on its opening day, sources said. Several visitors said amusement park officials gave vague or delayed explanations about the disruptions, leading to tense exchanges at the venue. Wonderla MD Arun Chittilappilly issued an apology on Instagram while acknowledging the unexpectedly large turnout. Despite bad weather, more than 2,000 people visited the park on day one, he stated.
Physiatrists club to host sports meet for special children in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Trivandrum Physiatrists Club will host a special sports meet for children with disabilities on Thursday, to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025. The event is scheduled at the Sports Authority of India - Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education (LNCPE), Kariavattom. Nearly 200 children facing diverse challenges, guided by Samagra Shiksha Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram district, will take part in a range of athletic and team events designed to foster inclusion, confidence, and sporting excellence. The event will be inaugurated by Dr Selvan P, president of Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR), Kerala. Distinguished guests include Dr Roy R Chandran, state secretary IMA, Kerala; Dr Padma Prasad, president IMA, Chirayinkeezhu; Dr Pradip Dutta, academic in-charge, SAI LNCPE; and Dr Najeeb A, DPC SSK, Thiruvananthapuram, along with leading physiatrists in the state. The meet underscores the expanding role of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation in sports, disability care, and inclusive community health. The event is being organised in collaboration with IMA Chirayinkeezhu, IAPMR Kerala Chapter, and KIMSHEALTH.
Short-form videos are reshaping brains. Early research links heavy use to weaker attention, impulse control, and mental health concerns. Scientists are studying these effects. While some caution against overreaction, concerns about 'brain rot' are growing. Experts stress the need for balance, warning against excessive use that isolates individuals and reduces tolerance for boredom.
Navneet Sehgal resigns as Prasar Bharati head
NEW DELHI: Public broadcaster Prasar Bharati Chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal has resigned. His resignation has been accepted by the I&B ministry and he been relieved from service. According to ministry letter, Sehgal tendered his resignation on Tuesday. Sehgal, a retired bureaucrat was appointed as Prasar Bharati Chairman in March 2024. The former IAS officer from1988 batch belongs to the UP cadre and has leadership experience of over 35 years heading key departments while driving governance and policy reform initiatives both at the Centre and in states. He held various roles at the State and Central levels, contributing significantly to both the Central and State Government of Uttar Pradesh. The Prasar Bharatis portal says that as the CEO, UP Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), he spearheaded the construction of 302 km Six Lane (extended to eight lanes) Agra-Lucknow expressway in record time of 22 months.
The last month of the year is here, and it brings with it rains and a pleasant weather. How about a cup of hot chocolate to enjoy the season? Chennais cafes have been stirring decadent happiness with cocoa for a few years now, and CE has made its list of spots you must visit for a quick pick-me-up. Nolita Can a regular melted chocolate and milk/water mixed with a sweetener taste like a warm hug in a mug? The answer is yes. It is served in a pot and a cup at the citys very own Nolita. Across its branches, the Hot Velvety Nutella hot chocolate is a hug. It is thick and creamy, with the goodness of hazelnuts, appealing to all audiences and served aesthetically for the perfect Instagram picture. Arunima, head of operations at Nolita, says, Nutella hot chocolate tastes like liquid dessert, with just enough sweetness to keep you going back for one more sip. She suggests, One sip of the Hot Velvety Nutella paired with a bite of our flaky croissant pizza, a recent launch, takes you straight to a cosy heaven, total bliss every time. Priced at Rs 325/- plus tax, you too can enjoy this sweet comfort at your homes by ordering from Swiggy and Zomato. If missed, grab milk, cocoa, sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon, heat it up, give it a quick whisk, and boom, you have a cosy hot chocolate ready in minutes, shares Arunima. Writers Cafe Writers Cafes hot chocolate is made with Belgian dark chocolate, full-fat milk, and high-quality dairy cream. Its served warm with fresh cream and a shortbread biscuit, for a truly indulgent experience. Its priced at Rs 165 plus tax, and we dont offer delivery on Swiggy or Zomato as we believe its best enjoyed in the caf. We dont have a Christmas-special version this season just our classic. For anyone making hot chocolate at home, we recommend using pure chocolate and full-fat milk for a rich, comforting cup, shares Padu J, brand development manager, Writers Caf. Madras Interval Chennai never sits out on a trend, especially when it is Insta-worthy. This winter, Chennaiites feeds are overflowing with New York Citys famous Smores Hot Chocolate, brought to the city by Madras Interval in Teynampet. We wanted to bring something thats trending in New York to Chennai this Christmas. Chennai people love to catch onto trends, so we thought, why not bring the viral hot chocolate here? says Mohanaraman, CEO of Madras Interval. Priced between Rs 250 and Rs 300, they offer different flavours of molten, glossy hot chocolate poured thick and slow, each cup crowned with a perfectly torched marshmallow ring that melts into the drink like snowfall meeting fire. The recipe was meticulously developed with the help of their chef, using imported ingredients and premium hotel-grade cocoa to closely replicate the viral New York experience. Sandys Chocolate Laboratory Sandys hot chocolate is their signature creation, crafted from a closely guarded recipe perfected over the years to deliver a rich, indulgent cup, a drink they take pride in introducing to Chennais hot chocolate culture. They offer five varieties of hot chocolate, each in milk, dark, or white chocolate options. Priced between Rs 320 and Rs 380 depending on your pick, its designed to offer premium quality at a fair rate. Unlike many cafs, Sandys does offer delivery on Swiggy and Zomato, so you can enjoy it from anywhere. This season, theyre also gearing up to reveal a Christmas-special hot chocolate, promising a festive twist to their beloved classic. For those making it at home, they recommend keeping it simple, equal parts cocoa powder, milk, and cream, gently heated and whisked for a smooth finish, with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. For us, hot chocolate is more than a drink; its a tradition. We introduce a new version every Christmas and another in summer, so theres always something exciting on the menu, shares Adarsh Tripathi, manager, Sales and Marketing at Sandys Kitchen & Chocolate Laboratory.
Min fetes Agra teacher, student for gold, silver medals at world powerlifting meet
Eight lakh children dropped out of schools in academic year, 3.7 lakh girls: Minister
NEW DELHI: India recorded nearly 8.5 lakh out-of-school children (OoSC) in 2025-26, of whom 3.7 lakh were girls, the Centre informed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. In a written reply, Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur, said that in 2024-25, the provisional figure for total OoSC was 11,76,894, of whom 5,09,499 were girls. She said the key reasons for children dropping out of school included migration, the socio-economic condition of families, the imposition of domestic responsibilities on children, and the need for children to work. A year later, the number of out-of-school children stood at 8,49,991 in 2025-26 (provisional), while the figure for girls was 3,78,877. In 2021-22, when the OoSC number stood at 27,79,644, there were 12,68,594 girls among them. In 2022-23, the OoSC number was 9,83,610, with 4,71,846 girls. In 2023-24, the total OoSC figure was 7,80,669, of whom 3,54,653 were girls. Thakur said that to reduce dropout rates, the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Union Education Ministry is implementing Samagra Shiksha , an integrated scheme for school education launched in 2018-19, covering the entire gamut from pre-school to Class XII. Among the various steps taken are the opening and strengthening of new schools up to the senior secondary level; construction of school buildings and additional classrooms; setting up, upgrading and running of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas; establishing Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Avasiya Vidyalayas; provision of free uniforms, free textbooks and transport allowance; enrolment and retention drives; construction of hostels under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan for unsaturated ST populations; and reimbursement under the RTE Act. The Samagra Shiksha scheme has been aligned with the recommendations of NEP 2020 to ensure that all children have access to quality education within an equitable and inclusive classroom environment that considers diverse backgrounds, multilingual needs and differing academic abilities, and encourages active participation in learning. More initiatives to address the issue The minister said the government has also undertaken initiatives such as the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) and the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID to monitor dropout rates and other education indicators. In addition, support is being provided through special training for age-appropriate admission of out-of-school children and training programmes for older residential and non-residential students. Seasonal hostels or residential camps, special training centres at worksites, and transport or escort facilities are also being provided to bring out-of-school children back into the formal education system. Financial assistance of up to 2,000 per annum is being provided to out-of-school children aged 1619 years, belonging to socio-economically disadvantaged groups, to help them complete their education through NIOS/SIOS and access course materials and certification. Under the student-oriented component for children with special needs, the scheme provides financial assistance for identification and assessment, aids and appliances, Braille kits and books, appropriate teachinglearning material, and stipends for girl students with disabilities. All states and Union Territories have been directed to reduce dropout rates and the number of out-of-school children. States have also been asked to participate in the Bringing Children Back to School campaign with active involvement of School Management Committees and community participation through Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Taj Mahal A Curse For Agra's Development: BJP MP In Lok Sabha
The BJP MP emphasised Agras strong connectivity through major expressways and said the city has the potential to expand if given the right support.
States will have to abide by terms of Samagra Shiksha to receive funds: Pradhan
The Education Minister was responding to a question from Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas regarding the reasons for withholding or delaying the release of the central share
Ready to release funds to Kerala subject to NEP implementation: Union Minister
Mr. Brittas seeks release of remaining Samagra Shiksha funds sanctioned to Kerala during 2025-26
Dr Anshuman Kaushal recently posted a video on Instagram explaining why Gen Z feel constantly exhausted compared to Millennials and Gen X. In the video, he said the younger generation faces nearly 3,000 micro stresses daily from digital overstimulation, leaving their nervous system in constant alert mode. He argued that fatigue is caused by lifestyle habits rather than generational weakness and urged better sleep, exercise, balanced nutrition and empathy across age groups to improve wellbeing.
Hyderabad smells safe: 2 am ride on solar-covered cycling track wins hearts
Hyderabad: Healthway on Hyderabads Outer Ring Road (ORR), Indias first solar-covered cycling track, earned fans from the social media community after a woman posted her thrilling experience of riding a bike at 2 am. Kavya Methi Khandelwals recent Instagram post (theinmegirl) shows her enjoying a fun ride with her friends, expressing her childlike joy. Never Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
A cardiothoracic surgeon is urging people, especially women in midlife, to rethink the belief that walking alone can build strong bones. In an Instagram video, Dr Jeremy London explained that although walking improves mood, heart health and weight control, it does not provide enough mechanical load to increase bone density. He recommended adding resistance training to strengthen the spine and hips and reduce fracture risk. Experts agree that combining cardio with strength workouts supports long-term fitness and independence.
Yas Island Abu Dhabi is captivating India's youth with its Smash the Ordinary campaign. Bollywood actress Sahher Bambba teams up with AI influencer Naina on Instagram reels, showcasing Ferrari World, SeaWorld, and Warner Bros. World.
India Pacer Mohit Sharma Announces Retirement From All Formats Of Cricket
ODI World Cup: India pacer Mohit Sharma has announced his retirement from all formats of cricket, bringing the curtains down on a career that spanned nearly 14 years. Mohit made his international debut in 2013 and represented India in 26 ODIs and eight T20Is, claiming 37 wickets across formats. He was part of Indias squad reaching the semifinals of the 2015 Mens ODI World Cup, held in Australia and New Zealand, apart from representing Haryana in the domestic cricket circuit. Today, with a full heart, I announce my retirement from all formats of cricket. From representing Haryana to wearing the India jersey and playing in the IPL, this journey has been nothing short of a blessing, wrote Mohit on his Instagram post on Wednesday. A very special thank you to the Haryana Cricket Association for being the backbone of my career. And my deepest gratitude to Anirudh Sir, whose constant guidance and belief in me shaped my path in ways words cannot express. Thank you to the BCCI, my coaches, my teammates, IPL franchises, support staff, and all my friends for their love and support, he added. Known for his disciplined newball spells and variations like cutters, slower balls, and slow bouncers in the death overs, Mohit was also a prominent figure in the IPL, picking 134 wickets in 120 games. He turned out for Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, and, more recently, for Delhi Capitals. Mohit was one of CSK's main bowlers in his first three seasons with the wickets and took 20 wickets in 15 innings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2013. He won the purple cap in the 2014 edition of the league after picking 23 wickets in 16 games. Known for his disciplined newball spells and variations like cutters, slower balls, and slow bouncers in the death overs, Mohit was also a prominent figure in the IPL, picking 134 wickets in 120 games. He turned out for Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, and, more recently, for Delhi Capitals. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He was also GT's highest wicket-taker in IPL 2024, with 13 wickets in 12 matches. Special thanks to my wife, who always handled my mood swings and anger, and supported me through everything. I look forward to serving the game in fresh ways. Thank you so much, Innings over, gratitude forever, added Mohit. Article Source: IANS
A concert shaped by conscious choices: Ben Bhmer lights up Gurugram
Seagrams 100 Pipers hosted a Ben Bhmer concert at Leisure Valley, Gurugram, integrating sustainability into the event. The 'Play for a Cause' initiative featured waste segregation, recycling, composting, and meal redistribution. An art installation made from discarded materials symbolized the cause, demonstrating how music and environmental responsibility can coexist.
Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa`s heartfelt notes on 8th wedding anniversary
Bharti Singh and Harssh Limbachiyaa celebrated eight years of marriage by sharing heartwarming maternity shoot photos on Instagram. Expecting their second child, the couple posted themed family pictures and heartfelt captions, receiving love from fans and celebrities alike
Anushka Sharma celebrates Virat Kohlis consecutive ODI century with a heartfelt Instagram story
Virat Kohli smashed his second consecutive ODI century against South Africa in Raipur, reaching his 53rd hundred in 90 balls. This stellar performance, coupled with his rise to No.4 in ICC rankings, solidifies his crucial role in India's batting lineup and intensifies the race for the top spot.
Hanuma jayanti procession organised by Hindu Jagran Vedike in Srirangapatna
As Mandya was rocked by communal clashes recently, the district administration and the police had taken adequate measures to prevent any untoward incident
Mint Explainer | India just approved its first scent trademarkheres what it means for brands
By accepting a rose fragrance on tyres as a trademark, India has entered the era of sensory IP protection. But who stands to gain?
Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Raj Nidimoru wedding: Know their age gap
Hyderabad: Popular actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu and filmmaker Raj Nidimoru surprised fans by getting married in a private ceremony on December 1, 2025. The couple announced the happy news by sharing beautiful wedding photos on Instagram, which quickly went viral across social media. The intimate ceremony reportedly took place at the Ling Bhairavi Temple inside Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
CBSE class 12 Economics exam 2026: 7 tips to excel, based on the official marking scheme
As the CBSE Class 12 Economics exam nears, the marking scheme emphasizes accuracy, conceptual clarity, and structured responses. Examiners prioritize NCERT definitions, stepwise mark allocation, and logical reasoning over memorization. Students should focus on foundational concepts, use diagrams effectively, and practice analytical question formats to excel.
Australia's Social Media Ban To Protect Gen Alpha From 'Purgatory'
Starting December 10, Australia will ban under-16s from a raft of the world's most popular social media platforms and websites, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Court orders framing of charges against Uphaar Cinema tragedy convict Sushil Ansal in passport case
NEW DELHI, Dec 3: Delhi court has ordered framing of charges against the Uphaar fire tragedy convict Sushil Ansal in a separate case for allegedly concealing criminal cases and submitting false declarations to renew a passport. Ansal was booked by the crime branch of Delhi Police in 2019, and he was accused of furnishing false information, as he failed to declare his conviction in the 1997 Uphaar cinema fire tragedy. Chief Judicial Magistrate Shriya Agrawal of Patiala House Courts, in [] The post Court orders framing of charges against Uphaar Cinema tragedy convict Sushil Ansal in passport case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Madhu Chopra pens note for Priyanka and Nick Jonas on their anniversary
Madhu Chopra made her daughter`s and son-in-law`s special day more memorable by taking to Instagram to share photos of them and pen a heartfelt note for them
From Bengaluru to MIT: How Oakridge Students are Turning the World into Their Classroom
What if the most valuable lesson a student could learn wasn't found in a classroom, but in a robotics lab in Boston or during a conversation with an ecologist on the Andaman coast? Oakridge International School, Bengaluru , is built on the belief that education must transcend four walls. The institution is moving beyond passive learning by integrating the IB curriculum with Nord Anglias global network, guaranteeing that students learn by doing; whether that is engineering for microgravity or leading diplomatic debates. Oakridge Bengaluru students gaining global, hands-on learning experiences Principal Kavita Sukhani emphasizes that these experiences are central to the schools mission. Every time our children return from MIT or a conservation project in the Andamans, they come back different, more confident, more curious, and more ready for the world. Thats what real education means to us . As part of the Nord Anglia Education network, Oakridge students have exclusive access to visit the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) coupled with exclusive MIT-hosted webinars where students interact virtually with world-renowned professors and researchers. During the recent NAE STEAM Week at MIT, Vedant represented the school and collaborated with peers from around the world to engineer a ferris wheel experiment designed for microgravity, using Arduino sensors to analyse rotational velocity. The staff at MIT allowed us to be very creative, conduct any experiment without fear, and apply our knowledge in the most hands-on way possible, while giving us all the tools and support we needed to bring our ideas to life , said Vedant. The experience not only strengthened his scientific understanding but also boosted his confidence and sense of possibility. Closer to home, the schools educational trips are designed as academic extensions rather than vacations. In the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, students explored diverse marine habitats, identifying organisms such as sea slugs and brittle starfish. For many, touching and observing these species up close made ecological learning far more meaningful than classroom diagrams ever could. In Goa, applied skills were honed at the Makers Asylum, where they learned soldering and electronics to build functioning components. Several students overcame their initial hesitation with tools and proudly showcased functional prototypes by the end of the workshop. Students visiting Hampi analyzed the architecture and sustainability lessons found in the ancient ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire, turning history into a live archaeology lesson. Walking through the stone corridors turned history into a lived experience, helping students understand cultural and architectural significance firsthand. The "classroom beyond walls" philosophy extends to governance. The schools 10th Edition of OAKMUN (Model United Nations) was entirely student-run, managing over 350 delegates under the theme Voices That Wont Wait. Similarly, the annual service event CASNIVAL transforms students into social entrepreneurs, managing finances and operations to raise funds for a non-profit foundation. Ultimately, Oakridge International School Bengaluru is forging a generation of compassionate, globally aware individuals who are not just prepared for the world's top universities, but are equipped to lead and create positive change within it. About Nord Anglia Education As a leading international schools organisation, we're shaping a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who graduate from our schools with everything they need for success, whatever they choose to be or do in life. Our strong academic foundations combine world-class teaching and curricula with cutting-edge technology and facilities, creating learning experiences like no other. Inside and outside of the classroom, we inspire our students to achieve more than they ever thought possible. No two children learn the same way, which is why our schools around the world personalise learning to what works best for every student. Inspired by our high-quality teachers, our students achieve outstanding academic results and go on to study at the world's top universities. Our Nord Anglia global family includes 89 day and boarding schools in 37 countries, teaching over 100,000 students from ages 3 to 18. www.oakridge.in/bengaluru/ enquiry-form/ For admission enquiries please email: mac.blr@oakridge.in Or call: 70223 08007 / 70223 05007
Lalit Modi, the former IPL chairman, celebrated his 63rd birthday in style at London's Maddox Club in Mayfair. The party was a star-studded affair, with fellow London resident and businessman Vijay Mallya in attendance. Modi shared videos of the festivities on Instagram, showcasing cake-cutting, dancing, and joyful moments with loved ones, sparking mixed reactions from netizens.
Samantha thanks hubby Raj Nidimorus sister for welcoming her in the family
Mumbai: Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu got married for the second time to filmmaker Raj Nidimoru on December 1. Welcoming Samantha into the family with open arms, Rajs sister Sheetal penned a heartfelt note for the Yashoda actress on her Instagram. Overwhelmed by the adorable gusture Samantha re-shared Sheetals post on her Insta Stories and thanked Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
As the temperature dips, the markets are filled with colourful fruits. Adding to their hues are the juicy oranges. From the imported Malta variant to the Kamala or Nagpur orange, there are many an option to choose from. Packed with vitamin C, they taste best when eaten as is. But this versatile fruit, and its peel, are used across households to make desserts, condiments, and more. Team CE brings you some recipes to try out this season. Orange Carrot Cake by Chef Firozi Karanjia Ingredients: For the cake: Orange juice (fresh): cup Vegetable oil: cup Eggs (room temperature): 4 All-purpose flour: 2 cups Baking powder: 1 tbsp White sugar: 1 cup Carrot (grated): 1 cup Orange zest: 1 tbsp For the orange glaze (optional): Orange juice: 2 tbsp Icing sugar (powdered sugar): 1/3 cup Orange zest: 2 tbsp Method: Preheat the oven to 175C (350F). Line a 22-cm (9-inch) round springform or cake pan with parchment paper and grease the sides with butter or nonstick spray. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until fluffy, using an electric whisk. Gradually, add the sugar and whisk again until well combined. Add the oil and orange juice to the egg mixture and whisk briefly. In a separate medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and orange zest. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and whisk until just combined. Finally, stir in the grated carrots using a spatula. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick or skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. To add the glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by combining the orange juice, powdered sugar, and orange zest in a bowl. Stir well until smooth. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour or brush the orange glaze evenly over the warm cake. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before transferring to a wire rack and serving. Orange Peel Thuvayal by Chef Shribala Ingredients: Orange peel: 5 (approx. 250 g) Red chilli: 8 Rock salt: to taste Bengal gram: 2 tbsp Black gram: 1 tbsp Asafoetida: 1 tsp Tamarind juice: 1 tbsp Jaggery: 1 tbsp Oil: 2 tbsp For seasoning: Mustard seeds: 1 tsp Bengal gram: 1 tsp Black gram:1 tsp Curry leaves: 1 sprig Oil: 1 tbsp Method: Chop the orange peel into smaller pieces and wash it thoroughly. In a heavy-bottomed kadai , add a tbsp of oil and chopped orange skin and saut until soft. Remove and let it cool. In the same kadai , add the remaining oil and add Bengal gram, black gram, asafoetida, red chilli and saut till both the grams are golden brown. Add these sauted ingredients to the mixer along with orange peel, salt, tamarind, jaggery, and grind it nicely by sprinkling water. In a small kadai , add oil, crackle mustard, Bengal gram, black gram, curry leaves and pour it on the thuvayal . Lip-smacking orange peel thuvayal is ready to be served with plain rice and ghee. Orange Popsicle by Priyathama K Ingredients: Orange juice: 400 ml Nutmeg powder: 1 tsp Orange zest: 1 tsp Powdered sugar: 1-2 tbsp Method: Mix the above ingredients and transfer the liquid into popsicle trays. Cover the tray with foil, and make slits for each popsicle. Stick ice cream sticks into slits made on the foil and freeze before serving. Orange Tea By Archana Kiran Ingredients: Peel of one orange Tea powder: 1 spoon Water Honey Method: Dry the orange peels. Boil water in a pan and add a few pieces of the dried peel. After a few minutes, add tea powder and let it boil. Strain and serve, with or without milk, and honey. Note: Do not boil after adding milk. Orange Peel Vatha Kozhambu by Geetha Radhakrishnan Ingredients: Gingelly oil: 3 tbsp Mustard seeds: a pinch Fenugreek seeds: a pinch Bengal gram: 1 tsp Red chilli: 2 Sambar powder: 2 tbsp Cleaned orange peels from 1 or 2 small fruits Tamarind paste: 1-2 tbsp soaked and extracted with 2 cups of water Salt to taste Asafoetida: a pinch Curry leaves: a few Method: To a kadai , add gingelly oil. Once hot, add the first four ingredients, followed by the cleaned orange peels. Fry them until golden brown. To this, add the tamarind water, sambar powder, salt, and asafoetida, and boil it on medium flame. Once the curry reduces to half its quantity, temper it with curry leaves. If you desire a thicker concoction, you can mix rice flour to 2 teaspoon of water and add the mixture to the curry before removing it off the stove. Orange Posset by Ann Leah Sam Ingredients : Heavy cream: 1 cup Cane sugar: 1/3 cup Orange juice: 1/4 cup Vanilla: 1-2 tsp Zest from 1 orange Method: Part I: Cream mixture Take 3 orange peel halves or 4 ramekins. In a bowl, mix sugar with orange zest. Rub them together with your hands until the sugar turns fragrant and orange-tinted. Whisk in heavy cream and vanilla until smooth. Pour the mixture into a saucepan, heat on low, and bring to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat and stir in orange juice. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to remove the zest. Part II: Assemble & chill Cut 2 oranges in half and scoop out the insides. Pour the cream mixture into each hollowed orange half (or use ramekins if you prefer).Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set. Garnish with a mint sprig before serving, if desired. Orange Peel Pickle by Chef Shribala Ingredients: Orange peel: 500 g Ginger (chopped): 200 g Whole garlic: 100 g Tamarind juice: 100 ml Jaggery: 100 g Oil: 250 ml Red chilli powder: 150 g Whole red chilli: 10 Curry leaves: 1 sprig Salt: cup Roasted fenugreek powder: 1 tbsp Roasted mustard powder: 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar: cup Asafoetida: 1 tbsp Mustard: 1 tbsp Kalonji: 1 tbsp Method: Start collecting the peels from the oranges; shade dry; scrape the inner side and remove the inner pith. Cut these peels into small strips. wash and pat dry these strips. In a kadai , add 100 ml of oil. Let it heat up. Crackle mustard, then fenugreek, kalonji , and curry leaves. Tear up red chilli into small pieces and add it to the oil. Add curry leaves, asafoetida, garlic and saut until golden brown. Add ginger saut till it releases nice aroma; add the tamarind pulp, orange peel, and salt. Add the remaining oil and switch off the stove; let it cool for five minutes. Now add the red chilli powder, jaggery, roasted fenugreek powder, and roasted mustard powder. Mix well after adding the apple cider vinegar and let it rest. Cool it in a clean glass jar for future use. Orange Sorbet By Rose George Ingredients: Orange juice: 2 cups Water: 1 cup Sugar: 1 cup (or less) Lemon juice: 1 teaspoon Method: Heat the water and sugar in a pot until the sugar dissolves. Let the syrup cool fully. Mix the cold syrup with the orange juice and lemon juice. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2 hours. Take it out and scrape the frozen edges with a fork. Return it to the freezer. Scrape it again every hour, 3-4 times. Freeze until firm. Scoop and serve cold. One Ingredient Mandarin Ice Cream by Priyathama K Ingredients: Mandarin oranges: 2 Condensed milk and whipped cream: optional Method: Take two mandarins, peel the skin off and place the fruit segments into a tray. Freeze it overnight. Once frozen, add the fruit segments to a blender or a food processor, and blend. Use a spoon to push the mixture down and continue blending until you get a smooth consistency and serve. Alternatively, you can blend the fresh fruit, beat it with condensed milk and whipped cream, transfer the mixture to a tray and freeze it overnight before serving. Orange Chicken By Meghanand S Ingredients: Chicken breasts (boneless skinless): 4 Eggs (whisked): 3 Cornstarch: 1/3 cup Flour: 1/3 cup Salt Oil for frying For orange sauce: Orange juice: 1 cup Sugar: 1/2 cup Rice vinegar (or white vinegar): 2 tbsp Soy sauce: 2 tbsp Ginger: 1/4 tsp Garlic powder or 2 minced garlic cloves: 1/4 tsp Red chilli flakes: 1/2 tsp Zest of 1 orange Cornstarch: 1 tbsp Water: 2 tbsp For garnish: Green onions Orange zest Method: Mix orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and chilli flakes in a pot. Heat for 3 minutes. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoon water and add to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes until thick, then turn off heat and stir in orange zest. For the chicken, mix cornstarch, flour, and salt in a bowl. Dip chicken pieces in the egg, then coat in the flour mixture. Heat oil to medium-high. Fry chicken in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and drain the oil. Toss the chicken in the orange sauce. Garnish with green onions and extra zest. Serve with rice.
Karan Johar raises a tough question: Are we all complicit?
Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar reflected on the growing social media and paparazzi culture, questioning the impact on celebrities and cinema. Taking to Instagram Stories, he asked if stars are now reduced to reels, clickbait headlines, and paparazzi spotting and admitted, Yes we are! He urged a shift from the smartphone screen to the silver screen, []
Rajs sister welcomes Samantha into the Nidimoru family
Samantha Ruth Prabhu and filmmaker Raj Nidimoru are now officially married but whats winning hearts online is the deeply emotional welcome the actress received from her husbands family. Rajs sister, Sheetal Nidimoru, took to Instagram to share the first family photo of the newlyweds, along with a heartfelt note that has quickly become the emotional centre of the wedding news.
IAF airlifts para field hosp from Agra to Colombo for relief ops
WWE World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk announced the passing of his beloved rescue dog, Larry, after nearly a decade together. Punk shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, highlighting their deep bond and the profound grief of his loss. Larry was a recognizable figure to fans, often referenced by Punk and even making a memorable appearance at AEW All Out 2022.
Bengaluru Prisoners Go On Hunger Strike After Crackdown On Phones, Cigarettes
A major crackdown on illegal activities inside Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara Central Jail has triggered a hunger strike by inmates, days after a series of videos showing prisoners using mobile phones, consuming alcohol, and partying went viral.
Sun, Sea and Serene Romance: Rakul Preet Singh, Jackky Bhagnanis Maldives Escape
Rakul's vibrant holiday wardrobe was on display in recent Instagram postsbright bikinis, sunny co-ords, breezy cover-ups, and chic accessories total embodiments of the island's laid-back glamour.
Aequs IPO: Co raises Rs 414 cr from 33 anchor investors including Mukul Agrawal-backed Sanshi
Aequs Limited, a precision engineering powerhouse, has successfully raised Rs 414 crore from 33 prominent anchor investors ahead of its anticipated IPO on December 3. High-profile backers such as Blackrock and Sanshi have jumped on board, adding to the excitement. The IPO will wrap up on December 5, with Aequs making its market debut on December 10.
Another mobile phone found inside Parappana Agrahara prison; fourth FIR filed
Four days after a series of raids led to the recovery of over 50 mobile phones and an equal number of SIM cards, officials at the Central Prison have found yet another mobile phone with a SIM card concealed inside the washroom of Barrack C, Tower 2
Sri Lanka To Host Pakistan For T20I Series In January Ahead Of T20WC 2026
Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium: Sri Lanka Cricket announced that the team will host Pakistan for a three-match T20I series in January 2026 in the build-up to the Mens T20 World Cup, which is set to be played from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka. The Lankan Lions will face Pakistan on January 7 in the first T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS) in Dambulla, followed by two more games on January 9 and 11 at the same venue to conclude the series. The bilateral contest will provide both teams with an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the conditions for the marquee tournament. While Lanka, as co-hosts, will play their group-stage matches at home, the Men in Green will play all their World Cup matches in Sri Lanka due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. The Pakistan National Team will tour Sri Lanka in January 2026 to play a three-match T20I series. All matches will be played at the RDICS in Dambulla, said Sri Lanka Cricket on their Instagram as they announced the fixtures. The PCB, meanwhile, said in their statement, The tour will provide the side with valuable match practice ahead of next years global event. Pakistan have demonstrated strong performance in recent T20I cricket. Following a convincing 2-1 series win against South Africa, the Men in Green easily defeated Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe to win the T20I tri-series. They are placed in Group A with Namibia, the United States, the Netherlands, and arch-rivals India, beginning their T20 World Cup campaign on February 7. If they reach the semifinal and eventually the final, those matches will also be staged in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, recently finished a three-week tour of Pakistan, during which they played three ODIs and participated in a tri-series that also included Zimbabwe. T20I series schedule: First T20I: Wednesday, January 7, Dambulla T20I series schedule: Also Read: Live Cricket Score Third T20I: Sunday, January 11, Dambulla Article Source: IANS
Want Peace & Prosperity at Home? Sprinkle These Itra at Home | Vastu Tips
Boost positive energy at home with powerful Vastu-approved itra remedies. Learn how sandalwood, rose, jasmine, and mogra fragrances attract peace, prosperity, and good luck.
The Morning After: Samsungs Galaxy Z TriFold phone is real
As promised, were back to normal. Dont even think about buying Kindles or subscribing to a new streaming service until Black Friday 2026. Instead, lets talk about a new Samsung foldable with even more folds. The Galaxy Z TriFold is breaking cover and will launch in Korea and other select countries (read: not the US) on December 12. Unlike the early trifold from Huawei, the smartphone has an inward-folding display meant to protect the wider main display, 10 inches wide. The cover screen is 6.5 inches when folded, while the entire TriFold is 12.9mm when collapsed and 3.9mm at its thinnest when unfolded. Engadget That might seem a bit chunky in the face of super-thin smartphones, but its much thinner than Samsungs first Z Fold (17.1mm), back in 2019. Arguably, its a 10-inch tablet (with the right screen ratio) crammed into a smartphone form factor. The phone runs on a custom Snapdragon 8 chip, with a 5,600 mAh three-cell battery and support for 45W super-fast charging. Like the Z Fold 7, the rear camera lineup includes a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, a 200MP wide-angle lens and a 10MP telephoto lens. Intrigued? Samsung says the TriFold will be available in the US and elsewhere in the first quarter of 2026. The company hasnt stipulated pricing yet, but it could be spicy . Mat Smith The other big stories (and deals) this morning DJI Osmo Action 6 review: An action camera that excels in low light Instagram mandates total return to office for employees in 2026 Were living through a golden age of Transformers toys Netflix ends casting from mobile devices for users of newer TVs You should still be able to cast to older Chromecast or Google Cast devices. Struggled to cast Stranger Things over the long weekend? It wasnt you and it probably wasnt your TVs fault either. Netflix is ending support for casting from mobile devices to many TVs. According to a help page spotted by Android Authority , Netflix no longer supports casting shows from a mobile device to most TVs and TV-streaming devices. Youll need to use the remote that came with your TV or TV-streaming device to navigate Netflix. The company previously removed AirPlay support in 2019 due to technical limitations. Continue reading. Apples new vice president of AI is a Google veteran Embattled exec John Giannandrea is leaving the company. Apple has hired AI researcher Amar Subramanya, a longtime Google exec, pulling him away from Microsoft to push its AI efforts forward. Subramanya, who Apple describes as a renowned AI researcher, spent 16 years at Google, where he was head of engineering for Gemini. The company also announced that current AI exec, John Giannandrea, will retire in 2026. Giannandrea has shouldered much of the blame for the delays in delivering the next-generation version of Siri. He joined Apple in 2018 after a stint at Google that included VP of search. While his hiring was seen as a major coup for Apple at the time, the company has failed to deliver its more personalized AI-centric version of Siri, previewed earlier last year. Not earlier this year: last year. Continue reading. Google limits its free Nano Banana Pro image generator because its so popular Free users can generate two images per day. Engadget Google has announced that free users can currently generate two images per day, down from three previously, on its Nano Bana Pro image generator. Image generation and editing is in high demand, the company writes. Limits may change frequently and will reset daily. This is due to the new model being a big improvement on what came before. The text rendering portion is significantly improved and can even render legible text on top of an existing image. It can also blend multiple elements into a single composition, supporting up to 14 images at once. Google is also limiting free Gemini 3 Pro use. Continue reading. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-121513576.html?src=rss
Celebrity makeup artist Sadhna Singh, whom Samantha Ruth Prabhu once called her partner in crime, has taken an indirect dig at the actress after her second wedding with Raj Nidimou. Sadhna has unfollowed Samantha, but is still following Naga Chaitanya on Instagram.
The Real Difference Between Sugar, Jaggery & Honey
Nutritionist Suman Agarwal, known for simplifying nutrition with facts, breaks down the difference between sugar, jaggery, honey, dates, monk fruit, and stevia in her latest Instagram reel. She explains whats actually good for you and what you should skip.
A day after Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Raj Nidimoru's wedding, his ex-wife Shhyamali De has shared a post on Instagram, that has now gone viral.
Omaxe clears 80 crore SWAMIH loan, giving big push to housing projects
In a statement on Tuesday, Omaxe said it had made full repayment of the loans availed from SWAMIH fund in two projects at New Chandigarh and Prayagraj
Madhavan is one of busiest actors and a great speaker. But his life mantra is surprisingly simple
Actor R. Madhavan shared a personal philosophy on Instagram, valuing quiet moments and self-focus. He also discussed the challenges of modern parenting, explaining how he had to adapt his approach to connect with his son Vedaant. Professionally, Madhavan is set to star in 'De De Pyaar De 2' and 'Dhurandhar'.
Omaxe repays SWAMIH fund debt of two projects
Both projects received last-mile credit facilities from the Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH), amounting to Rs 168.80 crore for development of The Lake, New Chandigarh and Rs 60.40 crore for development of Omaxe Shiva, Shiva 2, and Shiva 3 in Prayagraj.
Questions about the legal standing of Raj Nidimoru's first marriage first came to the fore after Shhyamali De shared a cryptic Instagram post of a woman wearing a bindi and sindoor. A dramatic turn came when her friend, Bhavna Tapadia, reposted the photo and captioned it with an explosive statement.
6 Comfy holiday looks inspired by Ananya Panday
From pastel dresses to bright co-ords, Ananyas holiday style is all about soft glam and effortless cuteness. Ananyas travel wardrobe defines youthful holiday fashion. Here are six easy-to-copy looks to make your next trip stylish and Instagram-ready.
Maxwell Pulls Out Of IPL 2026 Ahead Of Mini-auction
Indian Premier League: Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has opted out of the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) just a couple of weeks before the auction, stating that he made the decision with a lot of gratitude towards the league. Maxwell was released by the Punjab Kings and the cricketer was supposed to go under the hammer at the auction on December 16. However, he has now decided not to play the cash-rich event in India. After many unforgettable seasons in the IPL, Ive decided not to put my name into the auction this year. Its a big call, and one I make with a lot of gratitude for everything this league has given me, Maxwell wrote in a statement he put out on his Instagram. The IPL has helped shape me as a cricketer and as a person. Ive been lucky to play with world-class teammates, represent incredible franchises, and perform in front of fans whose passion is unmatched. The memories, the challenges, and the energy of India will stay with me forever. Thank you for all your support over the years, hopefully see you soon. Cheers Maxi, he added. Maxwell last represented PBKS in the 2025 edition and played under Shreyas Iyer's leadership, with his fellow Australian Ricky Ponting as head coach. He sustained a finger injury midway through the tournament, which eventually ruled him out of the season. The IPL has helped shape me as a cricketer and as a person. Ive been lucky to play with world-class teammates, represent incredible franchises, and perform in front of fans whose passion is unmatched. The memories, the challenges, and the energy of India will stay with me forever. Thank you for all your support over the years, hopefully see you soon. Cheers Maxi, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score While Russell retired from IPL and joined Kolkata Knight Riders coaching staff for the upcoming edition, Faf has opted to participate in the Pakistan Super League and take a break from IPL this season. Article Source: IANS
Abhishek Banerjee, Ahsaas Channa & Gajraj Rao wrap up shoot for new project
The three actors revealed they had finished shooting by sharing a cheerful group photo. They also shared BTS of the shoot on Instagram, generating buzz among fans
Instagram mandates full-time office work from next year
Instagram has announced its plan to bring employees back to the office full-time starting February 2 of the next year.
What Happens When Kareena Kapoor Wants To Speak To Saif Ali Khan With Taimur And Jeh Around
Kareena Kapoor mentioned Saif Ali Khan's name on her Instagram Story
Samantha and Raj's complete relationship timeline - IN PICS
Samantha Ruth Prabhu and filmmaker Raj Nidimoru's wedding on December 1, 2025, surprised many, but their Instagram posts revealed a blossoming romance. From 'The Family Man' to 'Citadel: Honey Bunny', their professional collaboration evolved into a personal love story, culminating in an intimate ceremony.
Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu wed filmmaker Raj Nidimoru on Monday morning. The couple exchanged vows in a private ceremony attended by close family and friends. Samantha shared wedding photos on Instagram, showcasing her red bridal saree and the joyous occasion. The wedding took place at the Ling Bhairavi Temple within the Isha Yoga Centre.
Cuteness chori along the thin line between creative & cringe
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the election season in full swing, voters across the state are weighing their choices. They are scanning candidates positions on development, welfare, neighbourhood issues, and party lines. Well, this usual stuff. But now, running parallel to these familiar considerations, another trend has emerged in the campaign space: rise of the glamour and cuteness quotient. Notably, a large number of young candidates, especially women, have stepped into the contest, and social media has catapulted many of them into instant micro-celebrities stealing hearts. Some are just out of college, or in the middle of a course. Troll pages, meme accounts, and short-form videos are celebrating candidates not for their politics, but for their looks, style, and on-camera appeal. Creators have also jumped in, pairing posters of young candidates, especially women, with syrupy background tracks in place of campaign songs or slogans. One meme doing the rounds shows boys alongside a candidate poster, wondering if there was any chance to vote in that panchayat where an attractive woman is contesting from. Another one shows men expressing disappointment over their ward not having the glamour quotient. On Instagram, a reel with the caption Now election days shows a smiling man getting swayed by a slide show of young women candidates representing various parties. Chakkara chundil thechu vechoru punchiri goes the background song. And this one has got 33 lakh views, 3.4 lakh shares, and over 1,200 comments. While some such memes and reels are creative and cute, others appear cringe and crass. And most of these trending candidates are well aware of this, and are clear about the boundaries. Social media does help connect with youngsters, but the way some troll pages turn women candidates into crush content or flirtatious reels is not right. While online, all I do is share posters and updates, says 23-year-old Absalna, LDF candidate from Chadayamangalam blocks Chingeli division. We are political representatives. A candidate should be recognised for their political stand, their ideas, their ability to serve society not their age, gender, or appearance. What worries me is how social media often sexualises women for fun. Twenty-five-year-old Swathy S Kumar, the NDABJP candidate from Edavacode ward, says she actively uses social media as part of her campaign. However, she is equally aware of its nasty side. Some memes and comments reflect a deep-rooted patriarchal mindset, she says. Moreover, when a woman wins, there will always be someone claiming that its because of her looks rather than her work. Swathy hopes candidates on-ground efforts are not marred by social media timepass. Many of these trolls use my posters, too. I just mark them not interested or report them. I just want to work with the people and improve our surroundings. Vyshna Suresh, the Congress candidate for the Muttada division of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, echoes the same sentiment. Social media can help as well as harm, she says. However, it remains the only space where candidates can reach people across generations. She believes only a tiny fraction of users circulate trivialising memes. Honestly, Keralas voters are not that gullible. People here have a strong political culture. We are not that shallow as a society, she says. For Amal Sivadas, UDF candidate from Panakunnam ward in Mararikulam North grama panchayat, the trend is apolitical in nature, but youngsters alone cannot be blamed. Many youngsters are unaware of what is happening around them. Mocking them only pushes them further away from politics. We are now focusing on bringing them into the campaign, says the footballer. Political commentator J Prabhash attributes the social media trend to the demographic shift being witnessed. Local body elections have always been a training ground where parties groom young aspirants for bigger roles. However, what is different this time is the sheer number of newcomers in the fray, he notes. Moreover, when voters do not care much about ideology or morality, attention naturally shifts to other cues. Politics, in general, turns into a performance art at times. And glamour can become part of the show.
INTERVIEW | 1 extra week not enough, BLOs scramble to meet deadline
They want to remove people who they believe will not vote for them, DMK MP Kanimozhi tells TNIE , interpreting the statement of Home Minister Amit Shah the SIR exercise is to purify electoral rolls. Excerpts: The Election Commission has extended the deadline for submitting SIR forms by a week. Is it enough? It is not sufficient. We need more time. Many people travel, and not everyone lives in their birthplace; they often return home to vote. With such short notice, they may not be able to return on time, and in states like Tamil Nadu, the administration and the government are also battling the monsoons. TN was among the first to approach the Supreme Court seeking a halt to the SIR process. Why? We are challenging the constitutionality of the entire process. This exercise effectively strips people of their voting rightsa fundamental constitutional right. Another major concern is the rushed timeline. The previous SIR exercise took more than six months. If the government were serious, it could have announced it earlier, properly trained officials, and allowed sufficient time to verify and rectify. It doesnt end with losing voting rights. This will lead to mass disenfranchisement. If people are excluded from the rolls now, will they later be treated as non-citizens? What are the consequences of that? There is also the issue of delimitation. Once rolls shrink, the number of seats allocated to states will be affected. If lakhs of names are removed from the rolls, states stand to lose even more representation. What are the concerns youre hearing from the ground in TN? There is inhuman pressure on the BLOs. Weve already seen SIR-related BLO deaths reported across states. BLOs are overworked. They have been given this additional burden without adequate time for training. Has the state government taken steps to mitigate the woes of the BLOs? We are doing everything possible, including bringing in volunteers and providing additional help, wherever necessary. There is only so much pressure we can alleviate. In many households, especially in rural areas, no one is at home during the day. Even in cities, both adults often work. Reaching people under these conditions is not easy. Another problem is that 2002 to 2004 was used as the baseline year for the voter rolls. Most people would not have those documents readily available. How can we expect everyone to produce them? Amit Shah says the SIR is to purify voter rolls and remove illegal immigrants. This is exactly what they want. They want to remove people who they believe will not vote for them, people they do not want included in their idea of this country. Anyone they consider not eligible, according to their own standards, is being targeted. In their view, this becomes another form of cleansing. But this notion of cleansing itself is deeply troubling and difficult to comprehend. TN is heading to elections shortly. Do you think the SIR process will have an impact on the results? We are being extremely vigilant. Our party leadership is on the ground, working to ensure that things proceed correctly. We have learnt lessons from the Bihar elections. Minority communities are even more vigilant, and we are trying to ensure that no one is left out. But anything happening beyond our control is outside our scope. The CJI has raised a key question: If an intruder obtains an Aadhaar card, should that person automatically be allowed to vote? How will state governments tackle such concerns? They say Aadhaar is no proof of citizenship. The EC needs additional proof. States have no say in determining citizenship, the onus lies with the MHA. The Bihar election went ahead though the SC was still hearing the SIR case. So, apart from pursuing legal remedies, what other avenues are you mulling? Our party leaders and cadres are on the ground as registered agents, doing everything to ensure nothing goes wrong, and no one is denied voting rights. But the onus is entirely on the EC to ensure that the process is fair and transparent. The AIADMK has gone to the SC in favour of the SIR. Will it impact the case? They are behaving like a B-team, echoing their masters voice. In this case, the master is BJP, and AIADMK is not just reflecting that voice, it is also amplifying it even louder. How do you see the SCs reply to the presidential reference on timelines for the president and governor? Is it a setback to TN and other opposition states? We have repeatedly said that the BJP uses governors as political tools. Although the President appoints the governors, they dont act as impartial constitutional authorities. Instead, they often behave like opposition leaders, creating obstacles for non-BJP governments in various states. This is something we must seriously examine. The DMK has consistently maintained that we do not need governors, and it is high time we reconsider this position. People need to understand why a governor who acts against the will of the people is unnecessary. As Chief Minister M K Stalin has clarified, the SC opinion in response to the presidential reference will not affect the April 8, 2025 verdict in the case of State of Tamil Nadu vs. Governor of Tamil Nadu. Do you think the INDIA bloc needs to be strengthened after the Bihar results? There have been many voices coming out criticising Congress. The opposition must remain strong, and it is our duty to safeguard democracy and uphold its secular character. The DMK is unequivocal in its commitment to protecting Indias secular democracy. CM Stalin wrote a letter to PM Modi expressing anguish over the rejection of the proposals for Metro Rail systems in Coimbatore and Madurai. Yes. We have similar projects in other cities, such as Agra and Patna. But in our case, they claim that there isnt enough population to justify certain measures. Both Coimbatore and Madurai have large floating populations. People come there from across the country for business, education, and to visit temples. This clearly would have warranted different considerations. Its unfair to apply two different yardsticks in this way.
Mandhana wedding postponed: Has Muchhal also deleted Instagram posts?
Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana and composer Palash Muchhal's November 23 wedding has been postponed due to unexpected family health emergencies. Mandhana's father and groom-to-be Muchhal were hospitalized, leading to the decision. Both are now recovering, but a new date is yet to be announced. Friend Jemimah Rodrigues has withdrawn from WBBL to support Mandhana.
Karnataka high court refuses to quash case against exec accused of rape after Instagram friendship
Arshdeep Singh reveals what Rohit Sharma said after Virat Kohli's ton against South Africa | WATCH
Taking to his Instagram handle, the Indian pacer finally revealed the word which came out of Rohit Sharma's mouth while he was giving standing ovation to Virat Kohli for his century. Check out what Arshdeep said.
Army Jawan Killed In Prayagraj Road Rage Assault; Sub-Inspector Among 5 Arrested
The jawan was assaulted by the accused in an SUV in a suspected case of road rage in the Karchana area of this district.
A Delhi surgeons Instagram post has sparked concern after revealing the case of a young woman who endured daily headaches, assuming they were caused by stress or screen time, and relied on painkillers instead of seeking help. Dr Obaidur Rahman from Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital shared that medical tests later showed severe iron and B12 deficiency, hormonal imbalance and muscle tension. He warns that persistent headaches are often the bodys warning signal and should never be ignored.
US cardiologist Dr Dmitry Yaranov has warned that everyday habits people consider harmless may be silently harming long-term heart health. In an Instagram post, he highlighted five behaviours driving serious issues like burnout, diabetes and cardiovascular disease: lack of sleep, prolonged sitting, unmanaged stress, eating on the run and overcommitting. He noted rising cardiac emergencies even among seemingly healthy young adults. Dr Yaranov urged boundary-setting, stress control and lifestyle awareness to prevent preventable heart problems.
Indian Army Turns Snow Into Cricket Pitch in Heartwarming Viral Clip
A clip shared on the official Instagram page of the Army captures a group of jawans playing cricket with their makeshift equipment-a spade serving as a bat and compacted snowballs standing in as the ball.
Pune citizens call off Ram Nadi Satyagraha protest after PMRDA begins work
The protest, scheduled for Friday, November 28, was organised in response to what residents described as long-standing administrative negligence leading to citizens discomfort
US based interventional cardiologist Dr Sanjay Bhojraj recently shared on Instagram that the fastest way to lower stress and lose weight is not dieting, but restoring metabolic flexibility. He explained that high stress and cortisol disruption prevent fat burning and slow metabolism. Dr Bhojraj advised beginning mornings calmly, eating protein early and moving for five minutes after meals to stabilize hormones and improve fat metabolism. He noted that addressing sleep, gut health and cortisol patterns makes weight loss easier and more predictable.
Which are the toughest muscles to grow and why? Longevity expert explains
Jonathan Schoeff, MD, a board-certified surgeon and longevity expert, breaks down a fitness truth in a recent Instagram post: not every muscle responds the same to training. Some build mass easily, while others resist no matter the effort. He uses a simple color code: red for the hardest, yellow for tricky, and green for responsive. This allows him to really drive home how genetics, fiber types, and daily habits all shape growth challenges. Number one in the red department: calves. Serratus anterior gets the second mention. The message hits home hard with gym regulars chasing those balanced physiques.
Nutritionist Leema Mahajan Clears Myths on Palm Oil and Misleading Labels with Science-Backed Facts
Amid rising consumer confusion around edible oils and growing online misinformation, the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) has launched a new six-part podcast series, aimed at helping Indian households make informed, science-backed choices. The series builds on MPOCs earlier digital initiatives that reached millions of Indian consumers by simplifying the nutrition, science and sustainability behind Malaysian palm oil. Nutritionist Leema Mahajan Clears Myths on Palm Oil and Misleading Labels with Science-Backed Facts The first two podcast episodes in the series feature nutrition expert and creator Leema Mahajan as the guest. The podcast blends relatable kitchen conversations with evidence-based insights on health, dietary fats, sustainability, and misleading marketing labels. Each episode breaks down widely circulated myths and offers listeners clear, practical takeaways for everyday cooking. Episode Highlights In the first Episode, Leema simplifies the big question, which oil is truly healthy? by stressing balance, and smart cooking habits over eliminating any single oil. She briefly touches on palm oils science-backed benefits and the importance of rotating oils at home.In the next Episode, she breaks down the rising No Palm Oil labels, explaining why theyre often fear-driven and misleading. She urges viewers to look beyond front packet claims and understand what truly makes a product healthy. What Science Says About Palm Oil The series integrates current research showing that palm oil is rich in tocotrienols and carotenoids (in red palm oil), compounds recognised for their antioxidant and potential cardiometabolic benefits. Palm oil is naturally cholesterol-free, as cholesterol is found only in animal-based fats. When consumed as part of a balanced diet, palm oil has a neutral impact on blood cholesterol levels. Aligned With ICMR Dietary Guidelines The podcast reiterates the ICMRNIN Dietary Guidelines (2024), which recommend limiting visible fats to 2530 g per person per day and rotating multiple plant-based oils to maintain a balanced fatty acid profile. In this context, palm oil is positioned as one of several healthy options suitable for Indian cooking patterns. Supporting Indias Edible Oil Goals: NMEOOP The series also contextualises palm oil within Indias broader edible oil landscape. Under the Government of Indias National Mission on Edible Oils Oil Palm (NMEOOP), states across the country are expanding oil palm cultivation to strengthen domestic availability and reduce reliance on imports. Malaysian expertise continues to support this growth across multiple regions. Addressing Misleading No Palm Oil Labels Responding to growing market confusion, the podcast reinforces recent statements by industry bodies such as IFBA and OTAI, which have labelled No Palm Oil tags as misleading marketing tactics rather than evidence-based health claims. The series urges consumers to prioritise overall nutrition, moderation and credible science over fear-based messaging. Through scientific facts MPOC aims to bring clarity, context and accuracy to empower consumers to make informed and balanced choices. www.instagram.com/p/DQMimjLD3Uq/ www.instagram.com/reel/DRCrejij7Hi/?igsh=dHNsYXlmemx5bjcx About the Series This is a six-episode podcast series by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) designed to address misinformation and share scientific facts about palm oil in a simple, relatable way. Each episode brings expert voices and everyday perspectives to topics like nutrition, health, and sustainability helping listeners replace myths with understanding. With these conversations, MPOC hopes to encourage balanced, fact-based discussions and highlight palm oils rightful place as a versatile, nutritious, and sustainably produced edible oil.
Kangana Ranaut shared a moving Instagram story featuring an emotional email written by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs in September 2010, a year before his death. Highlighted by @simplyyougrow, the note revealed Jobs deep gratitude for the collective human effort that shaped his life and reflected on his dependence on others, including during his medical struggles. The post offered a rare glimpse into the humility of the tech visionary whose legacy transformed global technology and culture.
How Australia plans to ban under-16s from social media
Australia will soon ban under-16s from the likes of Facebook and TikTok, a world-first move of huge interest to all those worried about the harms of social media. Internet regulators around the world are watching to see if Australia can rein in the tech giants -- but questions remain as the ban approaches on December 10. Here's what we know about how Australia will enforce the new restrictions. - Prove age - Starting December 10, some of the world's largest social media platforms will be forced to remove all users under the age of 16 in Australia. Hundreds of thousands of adolescents are expected to be impacted, with Instagram alone reporting about 350,000 Australian users aged 13 to 15. Not every Australian will have to prove their age, only those suspected of falling foul of the ban. And young users will still be able to access some social media without logging in -- they just cannot register for their own accounts. - Verification - Social media platforms will be held responsible for weeding out underage accounts. A number of trials have looked at different ways to do so, but the Australian government has so far refused to settle on a universally agreed method. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has started deactivating accounts based on information such as the age given when they were created. Account holders flagged by mistake could verify their age using a video selfie or by providing government-issued ID, Meta said. - Who's in and out - Which platforms fall under the ban continues to be debated. Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok are covered, as are streaming platforms including Kick and Twitch. YouTube was added, despite the government's suggestion that it would be exempt so that children could watch lessons online. Other popular apps and websites such as Roblox, Pinterest and WhatsApp are currently exempt -- but the list remains under review. - Just browsing - Australia expects rebellious teens will do their best to skirt the laws. Guidelines warn they might try to upload fake IDs or use AI to make their photos appear older. Platforms are expected to devise their own means to stop this happening. Of course, no solution is likely to be 100 percent effective all of the time, the internet safety watchdog has said. - Harsh penalties - Australia concedes the ban will be far from perfect at the outset, and some underage users will fall through the cracks as issues are ironed out. But platforms face the threat of $32 million fines if they fail to take easonable steps to comply. It remains unclear how Australia's internet safety regulator would interpret or enforce what counts as reasonable. 'Reasonable steps' means platforms have to act to enforce the restrictions in a way that is just and appropriate in the circumstances, the regulator's guidelines say.
Samantha confirms wedding with Raj Nidimoru, shares photos
Hyderabad: And the wait is finally over! Tollywood actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu has officially confirmed her wedding with director Raj Nidimoru. She shared photos from her intimate wedding ceremony on Instagram with just a small caption, 01.12.2025. View this post on Instagram Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Colombian influencer Karen Sofa Quiroz Ramrez, known as Biker Girl, tragically died in a motorcycle crash on November 26, 2025. Hours before, she posted an Instagram Story expressing concern about riding without her glasses. Officials believe lane-splitting in heavy traffic led to the fatal accident. Her final post has deeply affected fans.
Swara Bhasker's Father-In-Law Undergoes Surgery After Suffering Brain Haemorrhage
Swara Bhasker shared an Instagram post detailing her father-in-law's medical emergency
As per the news reports and Raj Nidimoru's ex-wife, Shhyamali De's Instagram stories, it seems like The Family Man director got married to Samantha Ruth Prabhu.
As per the Instagram post of Hamad Al Reyami, Hema Malini narrated the final days of Dharmendra, which were painful, and he never wanted to be seen week or in pain.
How will Meta implement Australias looming under-16 social media ban?
Australia-based users under the age of 16 will be banned from Metas social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Threads from December 10
From Jasmine to Kanakambaram: How flowers in Chennai reveal caste, class divides
As the morning light filters through the doorway of Sujathas puja room in central Chennai, she kneels before the altar, arranging fresh malli buds and tulsi leaves with practised hands. Saraswati receives the first strand, followed by Kubera, Mahalakshmi, Vinayagar, and Perumal. Each deity has its place and preference. After gods are pleased, the remnant flowers go in her own hair. She favours the white flowers. But there are flowers she will never wear. The bold orange kanakambaram, for instance, vivid against dark hair, lasting longer than the expensive whites that fade by afternoon. She has never worn it. Not once. They say some flowers suit decent girls and some make you look local, Sujatha says. If you wear white jasmine or mullai, you are seen as respectable. If you wear kanakambaram, you are labelled lower class. A lesson taught since her childhood. In another part of the city, writer Shalin Maria Lawrence wears her flowers differently. Three mozham minimum, long, fragrant, and abundant. I cannot wear just one or two mozham. I need three or more, very long. She recalls her jasmine varieties like long-lost friends. Madurai malli is one of the best, you can see the quality, completely different from other mallis. Next to that, Velankanni malli is my favourite. Its almost greenish, like moonlight. But the flowers of North Madras carry different names and different histories. Working-class women from my area preferred kanakambaram and December poo. The latter is a light violet shade available only during Margazhi. Then there was kadhambam, the cheapest option, a mixture of leftover flowers. A bit of green tulsi, malli, and kanakambaram, like the Indian flag colours. Vendors and working-class women wore it, Shalin explains. She maps the flowers onto communities. Kanakambaram is usually worn by Dalit-Bahujan-Adivasi (DBA) women. I have never seen upper-caste women wear kanakambaram; they do but mostly only for Instagram. They wont wear any flower other than malli because malli is considered pure. Shalin admits to choosing kanakambaram deliberately for the cover of her upcoming book Pombala Panchayat because it reflects DBA working-class politics. People even call kanakambaram velakaran gappu, the flower of vegetable sellers, associated with working women selling groceries on the streets. The economics of flowers is clear. Malli, for North Madras people, always denoted a higher class. Theatre artiste A Mangai confirms this reading. Flowers are not merely decorative. There is a deeper politics behind who wears what. Dominant caste people dont wear kanakambaram because they think it belongs to a lower community. My mother never let me wear too much kanakambaram, Mangai recalls. Maybe because of this social perception. Religious identities layer onto the choices too. Shalin informs, For festivals, we use lily, but lily is seen as a Christian flower, offered to St Joseph. Now my daughter likes lotus for Buddha Purnima. In North Madras, during full moon, Buddhist communities buy all the lotuses. You wont find even one. The visual language of flowers too speaks volumes according to photographer Poongodi Mathiarasu. He says, Kanakambaram is mostly worn by working-class women, often paired with a rose, creating a perfect colour wheel combination that complements the skin tone of marginalised women. Colourism also influences the choice of flowers. The formula When Shalin worked in an IT company where many employees were Brahmins, she observed a different aesthetic. Married Brahmin women wore just a tiny thundu of flowers, never long strands. They said long flowers are only for weddings. Every day, they must put a little, for god and for identity. The formula became upper-caste identity equals small, controlled, cultured flower. Long, fragrant flowers equal immoral or seductive. If I wear a lot of mallipoo with sari, some men say I look like an item. In malls, if I wear kanakambaram, people stare. They think its ugly. But its a beautiful colour! Cinema has long reinforced these codes, casting flowers especially jasmine as tokens of seduction. Film critic Ranjani Krishnakumar, who has been examining floral adornment in Tamil cinema has found this to be true in her decade-old research paper too, but now sees the narratives shifting. In the context of marriageability, she notes the shifts in recent films. Take Veera Dheera Sooran, for instance. The wedding scene places pre-marital sex (non-chaste) and remarriage (immodest) squarely within the bounds of nativity, almost casually, without special drama around it. Youll see the female lead dressed as the traditional bride, wearing copious mallipoo, even as she isnt, by traditional standards, the ideal bride. Meanwhile, Nila, of Kudumbasthan, doesnt bother with any of that no sari, no flowers at her registrar office wedding. In another class, in Vidaamuyarchi, we see Kayal wear flowers at her wedding, but she is surely modern in that shes unlikely to be caught wearing flowers outside of social situations that especially demand it. Neither would Shriya of Kadhalikka Neramillai. Ranjani observes that in each of these stories, flowers are almost incidental. It is perhaps coincidental that each of these women then go on to break the boundaries of what marriage itself is. Flowers as signals In thousands of garment factories across Tamil Nadu, flowers carry additional weight. Writers Nandita Shivakumar and Nikita Joseph have documented how women workers endure punishing shifts racing to complete targets as high as 1,000 pieces daily, but with flowers in their hair. In their research, they observed that these flowers come at minimal cost. Temple offerings, children picking blooms before school, home gardens grown in repurposed paint tins. One worker, Lakshmi from Erode, told them: The jasmine flower scent helps with the headaches from the factory chemicals and heat. Its better than medicine, and we cant afford medicine anyway. The Tamil Nadu Textile and Common Labour Union has observed another dimension, the researchers note. Union organiser Muthumari explained to them: When a woman who regularly wears flowers to the factory suddenly stops, we know to check on her. Its often a silent signal that shes facing violence at home. Mangai confirms this extends beyond factories. In rural Tamil Nadu, certain flowers have even been used as a sign of domestic abuse, placed outside the house as a signal. What remains Mangai maintains her relationship with flowers on her own terms. I love flowers. They bring joy to the moment. They may wither quickly, but they are full of life right now. When she travels outside Tamil Nadu, the teasing begins, she says. Cinema stereotypes South Indians. Jasmine in the hair becomes a caricature. But I like wearing flowers, even if people tease me for looking too Madrasi. In Delhi and Bombay, friends would laugh. But I still do wear them. Shalins therapist recently gave her specific advice: restart buying mallipoo. She recalls how her uncle, who worked at Simpsons, where gardens grew thick with flowers, would bring her malli. He would bring mallipoo for me in the evenings, she says, adding how she would then string it with the neighbourhood akkas and paatis, using banana fibre. Its a whole mindfulness process, she says. Mangai also frames it anthropologically. Anthropologically, flowers were the first human adornment. The desire to be beautiful is an evolved human idea. Shalin, meanwhile, frames it politically. Flowers are used as weapons of seduction, which affects how women are treated. But they should only be used for our individual happiness. However, people also note that flowers are fast disappearing. Last year in Nagarcoil, I bought kanakambaram, but now in Chennai, its rare. Women who used to wear it have stopped. Even their daughters dont wear it. You wont see kanakambaram in Anna Nagar or the posh areas, you only see them near temples or local streets, Shalin notes. Sujatha has also noticed this shift. Back then, mothers wore flowers proudly. Todays kids arent wearing them like the way we used to do. They only do it for special occasions. Despite flowers disappearing on many fronts, one might wonder if something as small and seemingly simple as flowers could carry the weight of caste and class. But as Shalin correctly puts it, Hierarchy is in the eyes of the people who view them.
For anyone who traverses Cunningham Road today, seeing the nightly traffic jams and choc-a-block storefronts lining its length, it would be hard to imagine that 60 years ago, it was populated by sprawling properties with beautiful colonial bungalows. But walking its stretch with a wandering eye and curious feet, you might just stumble into The Hatworks Boulevard, one of the last vestiges of this old world that one of its owners Rishad Minocher converted into a shopping centre in 2004. However, very soon, it will close its doors to make way for a new structure. With the next generation me and my (four) siblings, our kids and now grandkids on the way there are 18 of us. We are going for a development to make the space available to the family, explains Minocher, who lives in a home beside the colonial building. Blast to the Past The building was purchased by Minochers maternal grandfather, master hat-maker Nadir Maneckjee in the 1940s, after renting the house since the 1920s as the base of Imperial Hatworks, his hat factory, showroom, and residence. Although some reports have speculated that the house is 180 years old, its exact age is uncertain, explains Minocher, Before my grandfather, the house belonged to a gentleman named Mr Bhatta. We really dont have any idea on how old it was, but it was already an old home at the time my grandfather bought it. While the structure has the typical layout of colonial homes, with a long corridor lined with rooms, Maneckjee added his own touches to it. He did a lot of restoration and modernisation work. We have some old photographs of the house in a very bad condition and you can make out that the house has changed, says Minocher, adding, He added a lot of Parsi elements, like the flame near the roof as the holy fire is central to the religion. The flooring too, has changed. In the old days, it used to be Kadappa stone and red oxide. But the central part of the house where my grandfathers showroom was, had tiles from a Mumbai manufacturer who made Italian-style tiles in India as part of the Satyagraha movement. The outhouse currently home to Trippy Goat Cafe (a reconstructed building after the original structure caved in), used to be Maneckjees workshop where he crafted headgear for the armed forces, and later even sola topis (safari hats), polo hats, riding hats, and the occasional royal turban. My grandfather developed the very first pre-tied turban for the maharaja of Mysore the uncle of the previous maharaja Srikantadutta Wadiyar, says Minocher, adding, Most of the generals bought their hats from my grandfather. He was also one of the founders of the first Rotary Club in Bangalore so he was very much in public life in those days. After Maneckjees passing in the 60s, his daughter, a teacher, inherited the business. But without the master craftsman at its helm, its glory days were past. Since all the hats were hand made and the makers were trained by my grandfather, without him around to train new people, it started dying out, even though it was well known in its day, says Minocher. An old photograph of Hatworks Boulevard Whats next? As businesses have started to vacate, the end of The Hatworks Boulevard is here but what will replace it is uncertain. We are still figuring it out. Were very sad to move on as my kids were born here and weve lived here all this time. Its the biggest change for us. Since my grandfather bought the property which went to my mother, then to us, we believe we are custodians, so whatever we do, it will represent us as a family. We are not thinking of building a commercial space, it will mostly be residential with, maybe a little more to finance the building, says Minocher, adding that rebuilding the heritage space outside the city is a possibility.
'Sunday Spent Well', Says K.L. Rahul As India Beat South Africa, Is Happy To Bat At No.6
South Africa: K.L. Rahul, who is leading India in the ODI series against South Africa after a big break in the absence of Shubman Gill, on Sunday said he is okay with batting at the No.6 position as that's the role that has been given to him in the last few series. He also gave credit to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, along with Harshit Rana, for making Sunday's victory possible despite a fightback by the visitors. Rahul scored a 56-ball 60 batting as a middle-order batter and shared a 78-run partnership with Virat Kohli. As they made a winning start to the series despite playing the format after a break and following the 0-2 defeat in the Test series. I'd be lying if I said no butterflies in the stomach. We're playing ODI cricket after a while. There's some expectation. But we kept taking wickets, and bowlers stuck to plans. They pushed us and kept coming hard. Batting at No. 6 is okay, gotta do the job for the team. That's the role I've been given in the last 2-3 series. It's helping personal development, said Rahul in the post-match presentation on Sunday. Rahul later put up a photograph of the Men in Blue celebrating the victory in an Instagram post with the comment, Sunday spent well. Team India wins. India put up a commanding first innings total, driven by a superb century from Virat Kohli (135 off 120 balls) and a vital half-century by Rohit Sharma (57 off 51) to help India recover from an early setback to post a big total. Asked to bat, India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early to Nandre Burger, but Rohit and Kohli quickly seized control. Watching Rohit and Kohli play like that is always fun. They've made oppositions look silly and show why they are who they are. I've seen this for a long time, it's a lot more fun to see them around in the dressing room, said stand-in skipper Rahul after the match. The experienced pair of Rohit and Virat stitched together a fluent 136-run stand, taking the pressure off after the early setback. Rohit reached a brisk 57 off 51 balls while K.L. Rahul contributed a vital 60 off 56 balls to help India post 349/8. Watching Rohit and Kohli play like that is always fun. They've made oppositions look silly and show why they are who they are. I've seen this for a long time, it's a lot more fun to see them around in the dressing room, said stand-in skipper Rahul after the match. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Harshit's done really well; we knew he had potential. He's tall and can bowl fast; he can give runs in the back end, but he has great potential. To get crucial new-ball wickets is what we expect. Kuldeep is doing this job, key for us to take wickets, said Rahul. Article Source: IANS
Revanth to Play Messi at Uppal Stadium
The Argentine footballer has over 500 million followers on Instagram, and his match is expected to make over half a billion people aware of the brand Hyderabad and the governments Telangana Rising initiative
52 mobile phones, SIM cards seized in two-day raids at Parappana Agrahara prison
