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Hyderabad woman wins Rs 5 L compensation over surgery negligence
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad District Consumer Disputes Redressal CommissionII has slammed a Chennai-based hospital and its doctors for gross medical negligence after they left surgical cotton and thread inside a womans abdomen during a procedure. The commission directed the hospital to pay Rs 5 lakh as compensation for the womans physical and mental suffering, along with 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 .
On December 18, 2025, gold prices in India range from Rs 13,452 per 1 gram for 24K gold and Rs 12,331 per 1 gram for 22K gold. Silver is priced at Rs 2,08,100 per kilogram. Check city-wise rates here.
The Messi mess definitely did not take us by total surprise. For we, the citizens of this country, have witnessed far worse. We are a nation of hotheads. We can riot and wreak havoc at the drop of a hat and when we do, we become such a formidable force of destruction that no superhero plot can compare. Our busy streets can become World War model battlegrounds and hitherto harmless stones and sticks cluttering our roadsides can turn into lethal missiles. How else can one vent out pent up frustrations from a lifetime of trying to adjust to the glaring faults in our system? Now, combine that anger with a sport that consumes the world and the Messi visit fiasco can be easily understood. The football fever grips India every once in a while, despite being a cricket obsessed country. In the states of Kerala, Goa, and West Bengal however, the sport is a way of life. Entire villages are painted in team colours and the arrival of the FIFA World Cup is enough to convert friendly fans into die-hard fanatics. Every local walks around adorning the colours of his Club. These Clubs logos and designs certainly have a history and an artist who created that history. Guillermo Laborde, an Uruguayan painter, sculptor and designer was one of the founders of the Planismo Movement, a distinctive art style characterised by bold colours and flattened forms. It was this style that was used in his iconic poster design for the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930. Featuring a lone goalkeeper, layered typography, and an emphasis on the drama of the sport, the poster is proof of the artists extraordinary skill and eternally remains not just an immensely prized memorabilia, but also a high standard for aesthetics in sports. Fred Gehrke was an American football player, who had majored in art in college. In 1948, he came up with an idea to paint his teams (the Los Angeles Rams) plain helmet with yellow ram horns on a blue background. His coach approved the design after seeing a sample and offered Gehrke money to paint the rest of the 75 helmets. The painstaking effort paid off and he received a standing ovation from the stunned spectators when the helmets made their debut. His innovation was a revolution in sports identity design. The work of Italian artist, Piero Gratton, is considered a masterpiece in football logo design which ultimately steered team identities away from traditional heraldic crests. He redesigned the crest of Italian Football club AS Roma, thus changing the course of the clubs identity forever. His iconic Lupetto logo, a wolfs head in black with a red eye and a yellow-red border was minimalism at its best. Decades after it was created, the Lupetto still inspires with its cult-like aura. So, while we go about worshipping our players and the sport, take a moment to also notice the art that quietly lends itself to crafting these personas.
Here are films, series, books, and songs that are binge-worthy this holiday season
Schitts Creek A riches-to-rags story of a family finding true wealth in love, where a town Christmas parade might just feature a Jazzagal singing the best classic carols. December has a special way of setting the holiday mood, whether youre feeling merry, nostalgic, or even a bit gloomy. Beyond the timeless classics be it music, motion pictures, or masterful curations of creativity here are CEs picks for a comfortable, cosy holiday. Songs to tune into: Jingle Bell Rock With its upbeat swing and infectious energy, Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms is a festive favourite and thanks to Mean Girls, it is a cult classic. Its the song you play when you want to dance around the room in holiday spirit. Its catchy riffs and playful lyrics make it a timeless classic, perfect for decorating, wrapping gifts, or just feeling merry. Santas a Gay Man A cheeky nod to Queertmas, Santas a Gay Man by Big Freedia turns the traditional jolly figure, on his head with humour and camp. Its a reminder that holiday fun is for everyone. The playful lyrics and upbeat rhythm make it a joyous anthem for inclusivity, spreading laughter and cheer to any festive gathering. Mistletoe Falling in love under the mistletoe has never sounded sweeter than in Justin Biebers Mistletoe . Its lighthearted, cosy, and captures the spark of romance during the holiday season. The playful, youthful vibe makes it ideal for first kisses, holiday dates, or simply daydreaming about love in the festive glow of twinkling lights. Snowman Sias Snowman is pure poetic magic, capturing the tender, fleeting beauty of winter love. Its soft, emotive tones make it perfect for quiet moments of reflection or romantic evenings by the fire. The gentle storytelling and whimsical imagery are fuel to ones imagination that can fill the heart with warmth amid the chill. Santa Baby Sly, playful, and a little mischievous, Santa Baby is the ultimate flirtatious Christmas tune. Earthas smoky voice makes it a guilty pleasure for those who like their holidays with a wink and a nudge. Its cheeky lyrics and jazzy melody make it an indulgent escape into the holiday mood, imagining all the extravagant gifts one would love to unwrap. Last Christmas For those nursing a broken heart during the holidays, Last Christmas by Wham! captures the bittersweet ache of lost love. Its melancholic yet catchy melody is perfect for reminiscing memories with a cup of hot chocolate. Theres comfort in singing along too and finding solace in knowing heartbreak is a holiday rite of passage for many. Podcasts to tune into: Shot & Chaser It isnt officially Christmas until Mariah Carey announces, Its time. In Shot & Chaser s episode titled How did Mariah Carey become the (unofficial) Queen of Christmas?, Sinead and producer Ben Johns unwrap the story behind All I Want For Christmas Is You the song that transformed the Elusive Chanteuse into the (unofficial) Queen of Christmas. From its inception to its unstoppable appearance on streaming charts, the episode traces how one festive hit became a global tradition. JaackMaates Happy Hour Beyond turkey dinners and fairy lights, people around the world find warmth in curious, deeply personal traditions some quirky, some ancient, all rooted in togetherness. From communities gathering in playful rituals to homes decorated with symbols meant to ward off harm or invite good fortune, the festive season is less about perfection and more about shared experience. Tune in to JaackMaates Happy Hour , episode 617 to explore the worlds most unexpected Christmas comforts. Reads to burry your nose into: Little Women The book by Louisa May Alcott that begins and ends with Christmas, is about how the March sisters navigate poverty, personal struggles, and the journey from girlhood to womanhood. They give away their Christmas breakfast to a poor family learning that love and generosity are far more important than presents. Hercule Poirots Christmas Agatha Christies book is an exploration of a dysfunctional family where an old patriarch calls for a family reunion on Christmas, and then a murder mystery unfolds in a locked room. Book Thief This typical Christmas read by Marcus Zusak, is about a young girl in Nazi Germany, who finds solace in reading books amid World War II. Christmas Carol This novella by Charles Dickens revolves around a miserly Ebenezer Scrooge who is transformed after being visited by the ghost of his dead partner, and the spirits of Christmas past, present, and yet to come. The Gift of Magi One of the best stories of O Henry, this heartwarming short story is about a loving couple who sacrifice their most prized possessions to buy Christmas gifts for each other. Series to binge watch: Gilmore Girls In the whirlwind world of Stars Hollow, where Lorelai awaits the first snowflake with childlike glee and life is measured in coffee cups, she and Rory navigate a tumultuous path. In the Christmas season, they uncover secrets on tense Friday nights, take a formative road trip to Harvard, and confront their ambitions during the towns epic dance marathon. Plans backfire over chaotic dinners, dress dilemmas resurrect hidden pasts, and new challenges arise, but through every crossroads, their unbreakable bond remains a constant. Brooklyn Nine-Nine In the bullpen of the Nine-Nine precinct, the adventures include a holiday theft that sparks a legendary tradition, wild chases after the charismatic Pontiac Bandit, office-wide sabotage erupting from Terrys kayak race, and an udderly strange investigation at a dairy farm. Friends At Monicas apartment, the friends holidays blend Hanukkah and Christmas. They celebrate with Rosss pet monkey, Joeys elf costume, and endure a sauna-like party. Through Phoebes carols, Rosss legendary Holiday Armadillo, and Chandlers work trip, each season has odd traditions. Schitts Creek A riches-to-rags story of a family finding true wealth in love, where a town Christmas parade might just feature a Jazzagal singing the best classic carols. Abbott Elementary In the halls of Abbott Elementary, the holidays bring a mix of chaos and heart: Jacob once morphed into a self-styled woke Grinch before learning the true meaning of Christmas, Barbara fought through every setback to spearhead the schools first successful holiday show, Melissa hosted a strained Schemmenti family dinner, Janine and Gregory dealt with an unexpected guest, and Mr Johnson, dressed as Santa, delivered the perfect dose of holiday spirit. Modern Family The Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker clans holidays are gloriously messy, from Claires perfect party disaster that stranded Phil on the roof, to Cam and Mitchell navigating a hit-and-run fender bender. Their dynamics play out across three simultaneous dinner parties, lead to a tense family courtroom verdict, and reach maximum mayhem with Phils smart-home gadget rebellion and his backyard theme-park adventure, Bixbyland, spiraling utterly out of control. Movies to watch: Harry Potter series Harry Potter celebrates the holidays away from Dursleys, at his second home, Hogwarts. Here, the snow-covered Great Hall is usually decorated with a Christmas tree, traditional wizarding food, floating candles, carols echoing, and activities laid around. Christmas at this magic school is all about warmth, wonder, and whimsy, and for Harry, it is about finding comfort in friends-like-family. Home Alone Series Always accidentally abandoned during this time of the year, Kevin McCallister turns his time away from his family into adventure, uncovering the hidden talents he has. His behaviour is always nonchalant whether dealing with a thief, kidnapper, burglar, or lost in a new city. Every holiday that he spends alone, makes him understand the value of family. The Lord of the Rings movies By the fire at Rivendell or under starlit skies in the Shire, the Fellowship finds moments of warmth amidst the long journey. In those shared meals, quiet conversations, and the comfort of companionship, Christmas in Middle-earth is about hope, home, and light surviving in the darkest times. High School Musical As winter rolls in, East High is buzzing with rehearsals, confessions, and holiday cheer. Basketball courts get transformed into dance floors, friendships are tested and mended, and songs spill into snow-dusted hallways. Christmas in this world is about togetherness, music, and finding your voice. The Polar Express Living the dream that most of us dreamt of as a child to meet Santa Claus a young boy boards a train that bends over icy lakes and speeds up in silent forests. With much anticipation, he meets Santa and discovers the power of believing as said in the movie, Seeing is believing, but sometimes, the most real things in the world... are the things we cant see. The whistle at each station reminds us of a Christmas filled with magic, faith, and curiosity. (Compiled by Anusree PV, Diya Maria George, Nidharshana Raju, Rakshitha Priya G, and Sonu M Kothari )
Pumpkin flower: A matchmaker and Ayurveda hero that blooms in Margazhi
While Chennai is slowly warming up to the idea of girl-date bouquets and babys breath tied with handwritten notes, Tamil culture has long lived in an intimate and almost obsessive relationship with flowers. Here, flowers are not occasional gestures but daily companions, woven into hair, pinned behind ears, strung into garlands, and carried with love. Their colours announce mood, their fragrances linger long after they wither, and their aesthetics complete an ensemble in ways no ornament can. Yet this obsession runs deeper than the adornment. Flowers in Tamil society have also long carried meanings of class, caste , and sanctity. Some blooms are elevated, deemed worthy only of the gods, while others are considered too ordinary or too impure to be worn at all. Then there exist flowers that are neither garlanded nor used for worship. They linger instead on the margins of use and symbolism. In these margins exists the poosani poo or the pumpkin flower a large, trumpet-shaped yellow flower blossoming barely a foot or two above the ground in Margazhi the month devoted to the gods. Historian, Meenakshi Devaraj, says that the use of the pumpkin flowers in kolams during Margazhi and Thai isnt an ancient practice. It is just a local practice that came up in the pre-modern era. In many parts of Tamil Nadu, especially Coimbatore and Tiruppur, women pluck these flowers and decorate their kolams outside their homes along with cow dung cakes. Ecologically, cow dung cakes were placed atop kolams because they gradually enriched the soil with organic matter and microbes, creating a small but fertile micro-environment. At the same time, they sun-dry through the day and, once fully dried, were used as a low-cost cooking fuel in traditional Indian wood stoves. Though the flowers resting on them serve no functional purpose; their presence instead distills the act into a cultural symbol. But why were poosani flowers chosen specifically as a cultural symbol? Meenakshi says that there were many flowers that were used to decorate kolams but poosani poo seems to have stood the test of time. The reasons could be one or all of the following, she says, explaining, First, is its size. It is big and is therefore eye-catchy. Then comes its colour yellow which is associated with turmeric or gold. Whenever you describe yellow flowers, even kondrai [Cassia fistula] to a certain extent, they are compared to gold and are always seen as a symbol of prosperity. It is believed that they invite Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Third is, it is both seasonal and is easy to pluck since it grows close to the ground. Women also sang folk songs while going out to pluck poosani flowers and adorning their kolams with it, she notes. In many parts of Tamil Nadu, women even have the practice of collecting the sun-dried poosani flowers from their kolams throughout the month of Margazhi, and offering it to the nearest water body in Thai mainly on Maatu Pongal or Kaanum Pongal days. That is a celebration in itself, Meenakshi says. While this is primarily a ritual practice tied to honouring deities associated with rivers or offering prayers, the biodegradable flowers also helped support aquatic life by gradually releasing nutrients into the water body. A matchmaker In many villages, the poosani flower placed on doorposts or columns often acted as a subtle matchmaker. A bloom outside the home signalled that the family had a daughter of marriageable age, quietly inviting arranged marriage proposals. It is further understood in this context: in the pre-modern era, women had limited access to public spaces and were largely confined to their homes. Glimpses of young women of marriageable age were often caught during Margazhi, when they stepped out to draw kolams or to the nearby fields to pluck flowers for adornment, or when they visited temples, offering rare, fleeting opportunities for observation and matchmaking, Meenakshi illustrates. This custom even finds a playful echo in popular culture, such as the Ilaiyaraaja song Vasalile Poosani Poo sung by SPB and Janaki, where romance subtly unfolds around the act of keeping a pumpkin flower outside on a kolam. The timing of this practice can even be seen as deliberate. In Tamil Hindu culture, marriages are typically held in the auspicious month of Thai, giving prospective families just enough time to observe, inquire, and prepare for the matrimonial season. Beyond culture Beyond its roles in culture, decoration, and symbolism, the flower also finds applications in Ayurveda for its therapeutic properties. Dr Pratap Chauhan, founder of Jiva Ayurveda, says, Pumpkin flowers role in Ayurveda, is interesting to trace, since across south India, the knowledge has been passed down through families rather than texts and documentation. That lived experience usually tells you something valuable. The flower, though looks simple and fragile, carries beta carotene, Vitamin C, natural antioxidants, and a small amount of fibre that supports smooth digestion, he adds. In Ayurveda, we use it for its lightness, mild anti-inflammatory nature, and calming effect on the digestive tract. If you include it in your meals during humid months, you help your pitta (digestion and metabolism) stay steady, and your gut feels more at ease. Many people do not realise how gently it improves metabolism. Additionally, since it is light and low in calories, one can enjoy them without feeling weighed down, the Ayurveda doctor notes, adding that the key is to eat them fresh and keep the cooking method simple. Ultimately, the poosani poo, that blooms gently against the sprawl of the vine, weaves together multiple threads of life. So the next time you spot a pumpkin flower this season, pause to notice more than its colour.
Smart water meters to be installedin 1 lakh buildings early next year
Chennai Metrowater plans to install the meters in structures identified as intensive users, including commercial, partly commercial, industries and multi-storeyed buildings; individual houses measuring above 2,500 sq. ft. would also be covered
'They missed a trick': R Ashwin questions CSKs strategy at IPL auction
Ravichandran Ashwin believes Chennai Super Kings missed a significant opportunity by not securing Cameron Green at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. He suggests Kolkata Knight Riders could have employed a more patient bidding strategy to force CSK's hand earlier. Ashwin lauded Green as a generational talent, calling his acquisition by KKR brilliant.
Century-old trees to get special heritage tag
Kauvery Hospital launches institute of digestive sciences
EPS welcomes additional workdays under VBG RAMG; Stalin slams AIADMKs stand
Rain exposes recurring structural issues at Cholavaram reservoir
Lake discharges at 500cusecs; low-lying Kundrathur flooded
Inter-state child trafficking racketbusted in TN; three kids rescued
TN adopting multiple steps to tackle climate change, but Centre unsupportive, says Stalin
Awards presented to various artistes at music conference
Despite conflicts, we used the bureaucracys experience to implement policies: Shailaja
At the launch of the Tamil translation of her book, the former Kerala Health Ministerspoke of her association with then Health Secretary and their work to implement the e-Health Project in Kerala
Metrowater labourers union holds blood donation camp
Sewage services in two zones to be disrupted from Friday
Tangedco to pay 10L in 2016 case: SHRC
After 2 lean years, tractor exports rebound
2 edu officers, principal booked for students death in wall collapse
Nanotech will dominate industries: Min
Police initiate probe after fisherman goes misssing
Hotels, businesses, gated communities illegally dump bulk waste in GCC bins
President visits Vellore temple
MRTS stations to be transformed with better amenities by 2028
Green manufacturing a business imperative
Bhagavad Gita musical edn released
IIT-M director: Foundation of music rooted in Sama Veda
Tambaram corpn to soon get its first pet crematorium
Manufacturing Sector Played Key Role in TN's GDP growth, says Thangam Thennarasu
EPS opposes Navodaya schools, blames DMK govt for weak argument in SC
Tamil Nadus ISL star Mayakkannan plays Santosh Trophy to gain game time
Anbumani holds protest for caste survey
TN BJP holds core meet ahead of national leaders visits
35 more dead sea turtles wash up along city coast last week
11 flights cancelled at city airport
Hope to become mainstay in Indian team: Kamalini
Prashant Veer Highest-Paid Player At The TATA IPL 2026 Auction
Uncapped talent at highest price bought by Chennai Super Kings for the 2026 season
Watch: IPL 2026 auction analysis | CSK and KKR go big; massive pay days for uncapped Indian players
At the IPL 2026 auction held in Abu Dhabi, Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings expectedly hogged the limelight with their high bids
Daily commute on Nookampalayam Link Road a headache for motorists
Green Christmas: decking the halls without wrecking the planet
School student Anu Elizabeth Alexander makes origami-based Yuletide decorative items with a process shaped by sustainable practices. And Infanta Leon began to crochet safe Christmas theme-based toys for children, initially for her own; and the pursuit has now evolved into Christmas ornaments
Tamil Nadu assembly election 2026: DMK forms poll manifesto committee
Delhi Emerges As Top Choice For Foreign Universities Eyeing India: Report
Preferred Cities In India By Foreign Universities: Apart from Delhi NCR, cities such as Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Mumbai have emerged as preferred locations for foreign campuses
Bharatpur Beams With Joy And Pride As Home Boy Kartik Sharma Seals Record IPL 2026 Deal
District Cricket Association Secretary Shatrughan: Kartik Sharma made history in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction on Tuesday after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) roped him in for Rs. 14.20 crore, making him the joint-costliest uncapped player, alongside Prashant Veer, acquired by the same franchise, in the tournaments history. As soon as Kartiks record bid concluded, celebrations erupted across the city as the news brought joy and pride. At Laxman Mandir Chauraha, District Cricket Association officials and cricket fans commemorated the historic event by bursting firecrackers and sharing sweets. Kartik and his father, Manoj Sharma, were also congratulated through a video call. District Cricket Association Secretary Shatrughan Tiwari told IANS, Bharatpurs Kartik Sharma has achieved something remarkable. His rise from poverty to now, bagging a cheque worth Rs. 14.20 crore, will motivate many talented players. He mentioned that Kartiks father sacrificed everything he could for his sons cricket career. Manoj, a medium pace bowler himself, couldnt build a cricketing career for himself as his injury had the final say. However, he hoped his son would pursue that dream and took every possible measure to ensure their financial instability did not affect his sons career. Kartik has also received the Mathura Das Mathur Award. His father, committed to his cricket dreams, sold his shops and borrowed several lakhs to support his kid. The pathway led to Kartik and his family shifting their base to Agra, as he joined the academy headed by Lokendra Singh Chahar, India cricketer Deepak Chahars father. Tiwari mentioned that Kartik had been involved with the District Cricket Association since he was a child. He performed exceptionally well at all levelsUnder-14, Under-16, Under-19, senior cricket, and the Ranji Trophy. His showing in the IPL trials also gained admiration from all. Kartik has also received the Mathura Das Mathur Award. His father, committed to his cricket dreams, sold his shops and borrowed several lakhs to support his kid. The pathway led to Kartik and his family shifting their base to Agra, as he joined the academy headed by Lokendra Singh Chahar, India cricketer Deepak Chahars father. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The young keeper-batter will now be seen donning the yellow jersey and representing five-time champions CSK at the IPL 2026, in a bid to build a bigger and better career for himself. Article Source: IANS
Beachville Caf hosts Carnatic concert series this Margazhi
As Margazhi fills Chennais sabhas, a parallel Carnatic concert series unfolds inside a caf in Alwarpet, where proximity, timing, and format reshape how the music is experienced
VELS Medical College Inducts 250 Students at White Coat Ceremony for MBBS 2025-26 Batch
VELS Medical College & Hospital (VMCH) in Chennai, conducted the White Coat Ceremony for the MBBS 202526 batch, marking the formal induction of the fifth batch of 250 medical students into the medical profession. The ceremony was held at the College Auditorium in the presence of dignitaries, senior faculty members, parents and students. The event was presided over by Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Founder-Chancellor, VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS), and was graced by the Chief Guest, Dr. C. Palanivelu, Chairman, GEM Hospitals, an internationally acclaimed pioneer of laparoscopic surgery. Newly inducted MBBS students receive academic kits during the White Coat Ceremony at VELS Medical College & Hospital, in the presence of Founder-Chancellor Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Preethaa Ganesh, Vice President, Vels Group of Institutions, said it was both an honour and a privilege to welcome the gathering on the momentous occasion of the White Coat Ceremony of the fifth MBBS batch at VELS Medical College. She extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to the Chief Guest, Dr. C. Palanivelu, acknowledging his trailblazing role in introducing laparoscopic surgery to South India and his groundbreaking contributions to laparoscopic cancer surgery and advanced minimally invasive procedures, many of which have been performed for the first time in the world. Dr. Preethaa Ganesh also welcomed Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Chairman of the Vels Group of Institutions, lauding his visionary leadership that has propelled VELS to national and global prominence, with over 51,000 students across 52 institutions worldwide, offering programmes from Pre-KG to Ph.D. Highlighting the academic strength of the institution, she stated that VELS Medical College & Hospital is a constituent of VISTAS, a NAAC A++ accredited multidisciplinary Deemed-to-be University, with four campuses across Chennai at Pallavaram, Periyapalayam, Thalambur and Thiruvanmiyur, spread over 120 acres, offering programmes in Medicine, Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, Engineering, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Management Studies, Aviation, Maritime Studies, Law, Arts, Science and other emerging disciplines. She further highlighted that within just five years of inception, VMCH has been recognised as Best Medical College of the Year and Best Affordable Hospital of the Year at the Six Sigma Excellence Awards, New Delhi, in addition to receiving several national and international recognitions, including the International Green College Award, 38th rank in India by the UI Green Metric World University Ranking, Most Promising Medical Institute of 2024 & 2025 by ARDORCOMM Education Leadership Awards, 5th position in India for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) by Global University Rankings, and the Institute of the Year -National (Medical) award by the Indian Education Awards 2025. Addressing parents and students, she emphasised that the white coat symbolises not only knowledge and skill, but also integrity, humility, empathy and service to humanity, assuring students from 22 states across India that VELS provides a nurturing and inclusive environment that truly feels like a home away from home. In his presidential address, Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh noted that this ceremony marked the fifth MBBS batch of VELS Medical College & Hospital and the first batch with an enhanced intake of 250 students, compared to the earlier intake of 150. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to parents for believing in VELS and entrusting the institution with their childrens medical education. Assuring parents that VELS would care for students as its own, Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh said that the institution would be a second home for students throughout their academic journey, including undergraduate studies and postgraduate training. He highlighted that postgraduate programmes are already being offered, with plans to introduce additional PG programmes in the coming years. He encouraged parents to remain actively engaged by staying in touch with Heads of Departments and periodically enquiring about their childrens academic progress. He also proposed academic and research collaboration between GEM Hospitals and VMCH, particularly in the areas of research and faculty development. Emphasising institutional values, he said that while VELS maintains strict discipline, it also promotes a friendly and supportive faculty environment, encouraging students to learn with commitment while enjoying their campus life responsibly. Addressing the gathering, Dr. C. Palanivelu, Chairman, GEM Hospitals, commended Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh for successfully managing a vast network of educational institutions and lauded his leadership and vision. He said he was deeply impressed by the advanced infrastructure at VELS Medical College & Hospital, ranging from emergency services to advanced diagnostic laboratories, and reassured parents that their children were in safe and capable hands. Dr. Palanivelu advised students to adopt a healthy lifestyle, highlighting the growing lifestyle-related health challenges faced by the younger generation. He urged students to make wise use of the opportunities available to them, reminding them that while his own journey involved significant struggles, todays students benefit from strong parental support and access to advanced facilities. He encouraged them to leverage technology and skill to solve real-world problems, practise medicine with compassion, and serve humanity with integrity rather than material greed. A key highlight of the ceremony was the Wearing of the White Coat and the administration of the Hippocratic Oath, formally inducting the students into the medical fraternity. Academic gift hampers were distributed to the students. The White Coat Ceremony 2025 at VELS Medical College & Hospital, Chennai, stood as a defining moment, reaffirming the institutions mission to nurture compassionate, ethical and globally competent doctors dedicated to patient care and community service. For more information, please visit velsmedicalcollege.com .
As a part of the Margazhi music season, the first edition of Soulfest 2025 at the MS Subbulakshmi Arangam celebrates pure sound through a series of mic-less concerts featuring TM Krishna, RK Shriramkumar, Amritha Murali, Nisha Rajagopalan, Sikkil Gurucharan and more
We are also covering an IT raid at Shilpa Shettys residence and Indian batter Sarfaraz Khans emotional post after being picked by Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2026.
'Thank you for giving me new life': Sarfaraz Khan shares emotional note
Chennai Super Kings secured Sarfaraz Khan at his base price of Rs 75 lakh, a move fueled by his recent explosive Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy performance. The franchise also made significant investments in uncapped talents Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer, alongside acquiring Matt Henry and Rahul Chahar. This strategic recruitment follows a major trade that saw Sanju Samson join CSK.
Senior citizen hit by speeding truck in Tiruvottiyur, dies
Sukumaran, a resident of Village Street, was returning home after a walk on Wednesday when the truck hit him
Robust fiscal management, visionary leadership drive T.N.s economic growth: Thangam Thennarasu
Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat in Chennai, Mr. Thennarasu said, according to RBI data, Tamil Nadus Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at current prices increased from 26.88 lakh crore in 2023-24 to 31.19 lakh crore in 2024-25, registering a growth of 16%
SSN College of Engineering will stop taking new students from 202627, shifting future engineering admissions to the SSN School of Engineering under Shiv Nadar University Chennai. For students, the big change is not the campus but the gate: TNEAs rank-led route (no JEE needed) gives way to a university process. Fees, too, move from state norms to university slabs.
Carrom World Cup gold medallist L Keerthana on her historic win and the game that changed her life
The 22-year-old from Old Washermanpet in Chennai has created history by winning three golds at the 7th Carrom World Cup in the Maldives
One Keeper From Every Decade- Teen, 20s, 30s, 40s: Mukund Points Out Interesting CSK Fact
Chennai Super Kings: Former India cricketer Abhinav Mukund made an interesting observation in Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad after the team formed a 25-member team after the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, noting that the five-time champions have one wicketkeeper from every decade; teen, 20s, 30s, 40s. CSK have four wicketkeepers in their squad, 19-year-old Kartik Sharma, who is in his teens; Urvil Patel, in his 20s; Sanju Samson, in his 30s; and MS Dhoni, in his 40s. The Men in Yellow had a good outing at the auction, which took place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, and invested heavily in youth as they aimed to build a futuristic team. Notable inclusions were youngsters Prashant Veer from Uttar Pradesh and Kartik Sharma of Rajasthan, as the duo fetched Rs. 14.20 crores each to become the joint-costliest uncapped players in the tournaments history. Mukund opined that CSK made a massive tectonic shift in their approach and dubbed the current squad a very different side. Analysing their auction strategy and outcome, Mukund said, I think CSK have put together a pretty solid side. Their retentions earlier were always based on what had worked for them in the past, but now everything is out of the window. For 2026, its almost like a 30 per cent investment in wicketkeepers. They now have one from every decade one in his teens, one in his 20s, one in his 30s and one in his 40s. On a serious note, this is a complete reset for CSK. Just imagine the number of meetings they must have had before arriving at these decisions, because this is a legacy franchise built on one system, one belief, and strong player loyalty. Mukund opined that CSK made a massive tectonic shift in their approach and dubbed the current squad a very different side. Analysing their auction strategy and outcome, Mukund said, I think CSK have put together a pretty solid side. Their retentions earlier were always based on what had worked for them in the past, but now everything is out of the window. For 2026, its almost like a 30 per cent investment in wicketkeepers. Also Read: Live Cricket Score CSK Squad for IPL 2026: Anshul Kamboj, Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Gurjapneet Singh, Jamie Overton, Khaleel Ahmed, MS Dhoni, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Nood Ahmad, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Shreyas Gopal, Urvil Patel, Akeal Hosein, Prashant Veer, Kartik Sharma, Dasun Shanaka, Aman Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, Matt Henry, Rahul Chahar, Zak Foulkes Article Source: IANS
Dhoni's last dance? Ex-India batter reads the signs as CSK bet big on youth
Robin Uthappa predicts MS Dhoni's final IPL season will be in 2026. Chennai Super Kings' focus on young players signals Dhoni's move to a mentor role. The franchise is investing heavily in new talent. This strategy points to a succession plan for the team. Dhoni will likely transition from player to mentor.
Nineteen-year-old Kartik Sharma was bought by Chennai Super Kings for a record Rs 14.20 crore at the IPL 2026 mini auction. This made him the joint-highest paid uncapped player in the league's history. He expressed overwhelming emotion and happiness at the auction. Sharma is excited to play alongside Mahendra Singh Dhoni and learn from him.
IPL 2026: CSKs New Joinee Kartik Sharma extremely Excited To Play Alongside MS Dhoni
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Chennai Super Kings latest entrant Kartik Sharma said that he was overwhelmed by seeing the franchises entering into a bidding war at the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) auction to rope him in and stated that he was extremely excited to play with veteran MS Dhoni. Indias Kartik and Prashant Veer became the joint-highest-priced uncapped players in IPL history as Chennai Super Kings invested heavily in young talent. CSK paid an astonishing Rs 14.20 crore each for both players, who started with a base price of Rs 30 lakh, highlighting the franchises strategic move towards nurturing emerging talent. Speaking to JioStar, CSKs new addition Kartik shared his thoughts on being roped in by the five-time champions, saying, First of all, a special thank you to all my family members & friends, without their support, I dont think I would have reached this stage. My entire family is very happy, everyone is celebrating and dancing. Im extremely excited to play alongside Mahendra Singh Dhoni and learn from him. When the bidding started, I was scared I might miss out. But as the bid kept going up, I started crying. Even after it ended, I couldnt stop. I was overwhelmed with emotion and happiness, I honestly dont know how to put it into words, he added. Kartik, recognised for his aggressive middle-order batting and reliable wicketkeeping, has scored 334 runs in 12 T20 matches at a strike rate of 164, smashing 28 sixes, and was among the top six-hitters in the Ranji Trophy. Im extremely excited to play alongside Mahendra Singh Dhoni and learn from him. When the bidding started, I was scared I might miss out. But as the bid kept going up, I started crying. Even after it ended, I couldnt stop. I was overwhelmed with emotion and happiness, I honestly dont know how to put it into words, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Having trained with the CSK squad last season, Kartik has earned praise across the domestic circuit for his ability to excel against both spin and pace. Article Source: IANS
Elderly woman killed after quarrel in Nolambur; neighbour arrested
Study in Malaysia fair aims to attract Indian students
IPL Auction 2026 Players list: Check full team-wise sold and unsold players list with price
The IPL 2026 auction has concluded. Cameron Green became the most expensive player. Uncapped Indian talents Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma also achieved record-breaking prices. Chennai Super Kings secured them for a significant amount. A total of 77 players were bought by the ten franchises. The auction focused on both domestic talent and international experience.
After Trading Jaddu, We Needed A No.7 Who Bats, Bowl & Field: CSK CEO On Prashant Veers Record Bid
Chennai Super Kings: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan opened up about the team purchasing uncapped all-rounder Prashant Veer at the IPL mini-auction, stating that they were looking for a new No. 7 player after trading Ravindra Jadeja to Rajasthan Royals. The Uttar Pradesh all-rounders price increased 47.3 times his initial value after CSK resisted early interest from the Royals and a late, fierce competition from Sunrisers Hyderabad to acquire the 20-year-old left-arm spinner and middle-order batter for a record Rs. 14.20 crore. The franchises CEO said they had hoped to sign Cameron Green but had to withdraw when the bidding surpassed Rs. 25 crore, explaining they could not spend more than 50 percent of their purse on a single player as it might have affected their subsequent acquisitions. To summarise, it was very difficult in the first round. We were hoping to get Cameron Green. But if we gave more than 50% of our purse for him alone, it would have been tough to get the rest of the players, especially the youngsters. We had identified a lot of youngsters. We were afraid we wouldnt get them. That's why we could only go up to 25 crores for green. But, we were able to get the youngsters whom we wanted, he said in a video shared by the franchise. Shedding light on Veers acquisition, which made him the joint-costliest uncapped player to ever be sold at the IPL auction, Kasi said, Prashant Veer is a new player. You know that we traded Jaddu (Jadeja) with RR. So we needed a number 7 who can bat and who can bowl. And who is also a good fielder. Our talent scout team gave us a lot of feedback as to which of the youngsters were doing well. Prashant Veer was the number one player whom the talent scout team had identified. He also came for CSK trials when we had the trials at HPC, we got to know about his talent. We could spot out that he has something extra. (AR) Srikanth, (Sridharan) Sriram, all of them were there. They told us that Prashant Veer has a special talent. They told us to keep an eye on him. They told us that hed be a good pick. So, we thought he would be a good bet for us, he added. CSKs auction strategy saw a change this time, as the franchise bid for many youngsters, aiming to build a futuristic squad and learning from their mistakes of the past. Once dubbed Daddys Army, Kasi said that the team looked to identify youngsters and up-and-coming players to bolster the squads strength. In the 2018 auction during the lunch time, our boss Srinivasan Sir scolded us, Are you picking players? What are you doing? All the fans also started saying, Youve picked a team like some Daddys army. But we won the trophy, coming back after 2 years. From that time, you will see in IPL, there has been a change in the kind of cricket which is being played. Power cricket, which is coming. For that, we have to adapt. That adaptation will take some time. Last year, we brought in youngsters from mid-season. Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, Dewald Brevis, all of them came into the team. We have traded in Sanju Samson. So, we have strengthened the batting. We are identifying some of the bowlers who will be good. Akeal Hossein is probably the best T20 powerplay bowler. Similarly, we have bowlers who can be really useful. We have got Jamie Overton, and now Matt Henry and Foulkes who are all very good with the new ball. So, I think we have fairly got a good side, he stated. Kasi assured the fans that theyll have fun watching CSKs games at their home ground, Chepauk, and said that skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and veteran MS Dhoni will do a great job for the team. Similarly, we have bowlers who can be really useful. We have got Jamie Overton, and now Matt Henry and Foulkes who are all very good with the new ball. So, I think we have fairly got a good side, he stated. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Message to fans, as I always say, Thala and Rutu will do a great job for the team. Fans, this year you will really enjoy watching CSK at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. And hope we win the trophy, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
IndiGo flight status December 17: Check list of cancelled flights from major Indian airports today
IndiGo cancelled flights December 17: IndiGo flight cancellations continued on Wednesday at the Chennai Airport due to dense fog conditions and bad weather. A total of 11 flights, including arrival and departure, were cancelled at the Chennai Airport today. IndiGo has also issued an advisory for passengers that flight operations will be affected today.
From heartbreak to homecoming: Shaw, Sarfaraz revive IPL careers in auction twist
The IPL 2026 auction saw dramatic comebacks for Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan, both initially unsold but later picked up by Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings respectively. Shaw's emotional social media post was followed by his return to his former franchise, while Sarfaraz gets a chance to shine under MS Dhoni.
IPL 2026 Auction: First-time picks and uncapped players sold; check full list
The IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi saw franchises invest heavily in young, uncapped talent. Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants were prominent in signing emerging players, aiming to build depth and secure future stars for the T20 arena. Several new faces earned lucrative contracts, marking their debut on the grand IPL stage.
Cameron Green becomes most expensive overseas buy in IPL history
Australia all-rounder Cameron Green became the most expensive overseas buy in Indian Premier League history on Tuesday. Green was in the first set of players in the auction in Abu Dhabi and his name triggered a bidding war with former champions Kolkata Knight Riders finally signing him for next season for 252 million rupees ($2.77 million). In rupees, Green surpassed the previous overseas record of 247.5 million rupees paid by Kolkata in the 2024 auction for Mitchell Starc. The fall of the rupee means Starc's 2024 price was higher in dollars at $2.98 million. Three-time winners Kolkata also acquired Sri Lankan speedster Matheesha Pathirana for 180 million rupees. England's Liam Livingstone went to Sunrisers Hyderabad for 130 million rupees in the accelerated round after he went unsold in the first phase. Green has a capped salary of 180 million rupees due to a new maximum fee rule, with the remainder going to the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Very happy, something we were focused on and hoping. Happy with the price with which we got him, Kolkata chief executive Venky Mysore told reporters. He adds a lot to our team, especially with our new power coach Andre Russell. Very nice to have a young all-rounder. We know what he does with bat and ball. - Jackpot for uncapped Indians - Green, 26, becomes the third most expensive player in the IPL, after India's Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer. He has scored 707 runs in 29 IPL matches for five-time winners Mumbai Indians and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He missed the 2025 edition with a back injury but is currently playing in the Ashes against England. Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings made a splash with when they bought uncapped Indians Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma for 142 million rupees each. The duo's value jumped from their base price of 3 million rupees to become joint-holders of the record for costliest uncapped players in IPL. Another uncapped Indian Auqib Nabi -- an up and coming fast bowler from Indian-administered Kashmir -- went for 28 times over his base price for 84 million rupees to Delhi Capitals. Delhi got lucky landing explosive South African batter David Miller for his base price of 20 million. At that price it's an absolute steal for Delhi Capitals, India's spin great Anil Kumble said on JioStar. Overall, it's a genius move by Delhi Capitals to add experience -- something they were missing last season. Mumbai brought wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock for the 10 million rupees the South African had picked as his base price. Australian Jake Fraser-McGurk, England's Jonny Bairstow and New Zealand batter Devon Conway went unsold. The business value of the world's richest cricket tournament was estimated earlier this year at $18.5 billion, by US investment bank Houlihan Lokey. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The 19th edition of the IPL begins on March 26.
On December 17, 2025, gold prices in India range from Rs 13,385 per 1 gram for 24K gold and Rs 12,269 per 1 gram for 22K gold. Silver is priced at Rs 1,99,000 per kilogram. Check city-wise rates here.
Obesity has now become a huge public health issue not only in the developed world but also in developing countries. In view of the health hazards associated with obesity and more importantly for cosmetic reasons, many people, particularly the youth, have started resorting to extreme weight-loss diets to achieve a rapid reduction in weight. These extreme diets are either very low in carbohydrates or very low in fats. Such extreme diets not only make the diet unbalanced but also pose safety issues. Moreover, these are not sustainable in the long run. The weight that is lost is regained within a short period of time when people go off these extreme diets. This explains why the popularity of most extreme diets peaks as well as wanes rapidly. Instead of resorting to such extreme diets, correction of obesity is best achieved with balanced, healthy, nutritious diets which are low in calories, combined with adequate physical activity (exercise). Motivational counselling can also help people initiate weight loss and sustain this weight loss over longer periods of time. In recent years, extreme diets, such as zero-carb plans, liquid cleanses, detox teas, or rigid calorie cuts, have gained popularity across urban India, including Chennai. Promoted heavily on social media and often backed by dramatic before and after photos, these diets promise quick weight loss and rapid health improvements. Yet, in South Indian households, they rarely succeed in the long term. The reason is not a lack of discipline or motivation, but a mismatch between these diets and cultural, physiological, and lifestyle realities. Traditional South Indian meals revolve around rice-based staples such as idli, dosa, sambar, rasam, curd rice, and vegetable poriyals. Extreme diets that completely eliminate carbohydrates clash directly with these eating patterns. For many families, rice is not just a food but a daily ritual, deeply linked to comfort, satiety, and family bonding. When people attempt to remove these staples abruptly, meals start feeling restrictive and unsatisfying. This often leads to cravings, irritability, low energy, and, eventually, binge eating. The result is a cycle of strict control followed by loss of control, making the diet unsustainable. Chennais hot and humid climate places unique demands on the body. Carbohydrates play an important role in replenishing glycogen stores and supporting physical activity, especially when sweating and fluid loss are high. Very low-calorie or carb-free diets can increase fatigue, dizziness, and reduced exercise tolerance in such conditions. Many individuals following extreme diets report feeling weak, lightheaded, or unable to focus at work, particularly IT professionals, homemakers managing busy households, or athletes training in the heat. When a diet interferes with daily functioning, it is unlikely to be maintained. Rapid weight loss from extreme diets is often due to water loss, muscle loss, and severe calorie restriction, not fat loss. In South Indian populations, where protein intake is already marginal for many, aggressive dieting can worsen muscle loss, slow metabolism, and affect hormonal health. Women, in particular, may experience irregular periods, hair fall, mood changes, or worsening of conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Once normal eating resumes, weight regain is common, sometimes exceeding the lost weight. The core issue with extreme diets is not that they dont work, but that they dont work for long. Health is built through consistency, regular meals, adequate protein, balanced carbohydrates, and culturally familiar foods eaten in appropriate portions. For South Indian households, the most effective nutrition approach respects tradition while applying modern science. Eating idli or rice is not the problem, portion size, balance, and frequency matter far more than elimination. Extreme diets fail because they demand perfection. Sustainable nutrition succeeds because it allows for flexibility. When food fits culture, climate, and family life, healthy habits are easier to maintain, and results last.
And yielded the sons of my stricken womb To the drum-beats of duty, the sabres of doom. Gathered like pearls in their alien graves Silent they sleep by the Persian waves, Scattered like shells on Egyptian sands, They lie with pale brows and brave, broken hands, ... writes the Nightingale of India, Sarojini Naidu, in one of her poems, The Gift of India (1917). More than a century later, Shruthi Rajasekar explains this poem to an audience of thousands, who didnt live in colonial India, but are linked to it through the society they come from. She says, All of the clothing, the grain, the gold, all the resources you have taken. I have yielded everything, and still you take my sons to feed your wars. Now, they lay blood-brown, dead. This poetic tribute to the services of the Indian Army, was composed as a symphonic work by Shruthi with an unusual ensemble comprising a 165-member choir, an 80-piece symphony orchestra most of them from abroad and two Carnatic soloists Nirmala Rajasekar and Muruga Bhoopathy who came together to tell this story on the life and legacy of Sarojini Naidu and the Indian freedom movement, through a 45-minute choral Sarojini on commission from the Hertfordshire Chorus, UK. This portion of the composition did not have any music in the background because the Britishers have actively silenced so many Indians because we dared to speak out. I wanted the silence to say something. Its like the music has paused to say these gut wrenching words, adds the composer. Performing it live thrice at the premiere in October 2022 at St Albans Cathedral, at the University of Warwick, in the UK in March 2025, and then in October 2025 in Minnesota musician Nirmala Rajasekar from Chennai, notes, Gift of India was a gut wrenching feeling while performing. You feel so helpless, angry, powerless, and the whole auditorium was just silent because that was a hard moment for all of us, feeling all those emotions lived by the Indians. In an interaction with CE , the mother-daughter duo reflected on the conception and creation of this composition, which blends Western and Indian classical music to create a space for much needed conversations. Rooted in research This composition was commissioned in early 2020, when Shruthi and the Hertfordshire Chorus began exploring themes. Very early on, they were interested, as was I, in telling the story of the Indian independence. They wanted to talk about the painful and dark history, shares Shruthi. Choosing Sarojini Naidu was deliberate. My parents actually helped me decide on Sarojini Naidu as the figure, she notes. Her mother Nirmala, adds, I pushed her towards Sarojini. I gave many women leaders as options because theres hardly any mention of women of India. For Shruthi, this choice was also layered. In many ways, Sarojini was a self-made woman. Although her parents were artistic, cultural, and education leaders, she was the first to be politically active, and generations after her followed in her footsteps, she points out. Equally compelling was her literary output, making it a much stronger case to present. I found her poetry amazing. But we dont have it in our curriculum for everyone to read. With this project, I want to spread that to as many people as possible. With this vision, the entire process of curation took a year and was deeply research-driven. Shifting between the US and UK, laying hands on archival materials and understanding less known facts to bring it to the world were easy. When I wanted physical copies of her poetry like The Golden Threshold or The Broken Wing, the University of Minnesota had them. There were also some rare and early editions. Shruthi credits the Indian government for digitising archival records, including speeches by Indian women leaders. But there is a gap in the extent of materials available and accessible. She complains, One of the challenges was that we dont have a central biography of Sarojini Naidu. I would implore historians and scholars in India to write one. The extensive research is translated into the composition, which draws almost entirely from Sarojinis own writings. Of the 45-minute piece, probably 40 minutes features her texts, says the composer. Telling the truth The rest of the composition had personal perspectives of the composer. One line, in particular, trampled by the royal boots, sparked intense reflection. Shruthi recalls, All the performers said, This is history. We are going to sing this line. And it provoked conversations. She sees the work as a space for confrontation. I have very strong views and perspectives, and I have put that in. She reflects, Can I, as an Indian American living in America, look at American history and confront the truth a bit? Can we as Indians do that with parts of our history that were not as proud about? Nirmala shares, Through the arts, they (diverse audiences) believe we can have these tough conversations. For the team, its really important that this piece gets seen by the powers as its about Indian political history. The performance was done for the 75th anniversary of Indian independence. We timed it as such, points out Shruthi. Nirmala adds, We all will get to relive this history. Sometimes after independence, we tend to forget that the freedom that we are sitting with today has been fought for very bravely, very courageously, with a lot of sacrifice, from a lot of people. Five movements, one vision The composition unfolds in five movements, each drawing from Sarojini Naidus writings, ideas, and the life lived. The first, Kalakaar, focuses on her as an artiste. I wanted to talk about her as an artiste before we discuss her legacy, says Shruthi. Her artistic vision enabled her to be an activist. Sarojinis vivid imagination, her idealism and optimism, she notes, shaped both her poetry and politics. The second movement, The Gift of India, is one of the most emotionally demanding parts. Based on Sarojinis World War I poem, it uses irony to devastating effect. She writes how the sons of the land lay far away from home, torn from Mother India and flung to serve. What war? What victory? What does that mean? So this poem in this movement is very important, she elucidates. Shruthi adds, She makes India maternal here. This is a pain women know being silenced and told to keep quiet. Movement three, The Real Nation Builders, draws from Sarojinis speeches on womens education. She says it is not you, pointing to the men, but we women who are the real nation builders. To build an independent country, women need to do it, she explains with a quote by Sarojini. Swaraj, the fourth movement, is a call to action. She says it does not matter what your background or education is. Every single person should be dedicated to uplifting the country. Her idea of patriotism, Shruthi points out, was expansive. Your love should not be limited to your own kind. If India deserves self-rule, so does every colonised nation. The final movement, The Dreams That Remain, looks ahead. Her point is that even if we achieve some dreams today, others remain. We must gather those dreams and not let them die. Midway through the composition appears Saare Jahan Se Achha, set to Pandit Ravi Shankars tune. We wanted to pay homage to him. Even though this is about Sarojini, its also about the many leaders we know and the many we dont talk about. By the end of it, what surprised Shruthi the most was how deeply the work resonated beyond India. The singers would come up and tell me this reminds them of the challenges women face in America today. The fact that they could see themselves in Sarojini Naidu is a testament to her greatness. Walking home Back home, Shruthi is in touch with people who could bring this production to the Indian audience. Its important that people here relive this history. Almost 75 years on, we forget that these freedoms came from enormous sacrifice, she says. The major takeaway from creating the composition is the need to collect, preserve, and revisit these histories to remember the long road the country has travelled.
Chennai weather: Patchy rain, pleasant temperatures; AQI remains poor
Chennai anticipates patchy rain today with temperatures ranging from 22.1C to 28C. Despite light showers, yesterday's 'poor' air quality (AQI 160) necessitates caution; masks are recommended in congested areas. The coming week promises mostly dry and sunny weather, ideal for outdoor activities, with cooler nights. Residents should prepare for today's rain but can look forward to a clear weekend.
The two faces of Chennais Moore Market
Years of maladministration of Moore Market had brought it to a point where only a catastrophe could bring about change. And that is how it came to be.
125th year celebration of Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabhas December Music Festival inaugurated
The lifetime contribution Acharya Sarathy Award went to academician, musicologist and guruRama Ravi and academician, musicologist and guru R.K. Padmanabha
Five men arrested for inter-State synthetic drug trafficking
According to a press release, they stated that any dilution of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) will translate into further loss of livelihood for disabled rural workers
T.N. government enhancing higher education and research: Minister
Five transpersons arrested for robbery
When Prasantha Mandal attempted to take money from his purse, they snatched the purse containing 700
Rain returns to parts of Tamil Nadu; dry weather likely after December 18
Cookies, those beloved baked treats, have a history as rich as their flavour. Originating in 7th century Persia, early cookies were used as test cakes to check oven temperature before the baking of larger cakes. With the spread of Islam, cookies travelled to Europe via the Muslim conquest of Spain. By the 14th century, they had become popular in England, often referred to as biscuits. The term cookie itself derives from the Dutch word koekje, meaning little cake, brought to America by Dutch settlers. The industrial revolution ushered in mass production, making cookies accessible to all. A pivotal moment came in the 1930s when Ruth Wakefield invented the chocolate chip cookie at the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts, forever changing the cookie landscape. Today, cookies come in countless varieties, from chewy chocolate chip to spiced gingerbread, each with its own cultural twist. Whether enjoyed with tea, as a snack, or during festivities, cookies continue to bring joy and comfort worldwide, embodying the simple pleasure of home baking. Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies by Shakeenaa Abdul Gafoor Ingredients Unsalted butter: cup Packed light brown sugar: 1 cup Granulated sugar: cup Large egg: 1 Pure vanilla extract: 1 tbsp Plain flour (all-purpose flour): 1 cups Baking soda: tsp Kosher salt: tsp, plus extra flaky salt for topping Semi-sweet chocolate chips or roughly chopped chocolate: 1 cups Method Place the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as it melts and begins to foam. Continue cooking until it turns a golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. In a large bowl, whisk together the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined and slightly fluffy. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the chocolate chips or chunks until evenly distributed. For thicker, chewier cookies, cover the dough and chill for 30 minutes to an hour. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion dough onto the sheet, leaving space for spreading. Bake for 1012 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centres remain soft. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt on each cookie. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Refrigerate before serving for better results. Plum Cake Spice Cookies by Krithik, Culinary Research Scholar and Chef Ingredients Raisins: cup Black currants: 2 tbsp Tutti-frutti/candied peel: 2 tbsp, Figs(chopped): 2 tbsp Orange juice: 80 ml Butter: 110 g, Brown sugar: 70 g Jaggery powder: 30 g Egg: 1, Vanilla: 1 tsp Flour: 160 g, Salt: a pinch Baking soda: tsp Cinnamon: tsp Clove and nutmeg: a pinch each Ginger powder: tsp Cocoa powder: 1 tsp Nuts/dark chocolate: 2 tbsp (optional) Rum/brandy essence: tsp (optional) Method Warm orange juice; soak fruits for 30 minutes. Drain. Cream butter, brown sugar, and jaggery. Add egg and vanilla. Mix flour, soda, salt, and spices. Combine wet and dry; fold in fruits and nuts/chocolate. Chill dough 2030 minutes. Bake at 170C for 1214 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before serving. Note: If you wish to try the recipe eggless then replace egg with 2 tablespoons thick curd or applesauce. Kul Kul Cookies by Lavanya G Ingredients Maida/Wheat Flour: 1 cup Milk/coconut milk: 1/3 cup Powdered sugar: 1/3 cup Butter/ghee: 1 cup Salt: to taste Method In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar and salt. Add the butter and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add coconut milk, a little at a time, and bring the mixture together. If the dough still feels crumbly after adding about 1/3 cup, add 12 tablespoons more coconut milk, only if needed. Knead gently to form a soft, smooth dough. Cover and let it rest for 15 minutes. Pinch small portions of the dough and roll or shape them as desired. Place the shaped pieces on a plate. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Gently drop the pieces into the hot oil and fry, turning occasionally, until they turn golden brown and crisp. Remove, drain excess oil, dust with icing sugar and serve warm. Chewy and Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies by Shakeenaa Abdul Gafoor Ingredients Granulated sugar: cup Packed brown sugar: cup Salt: 1 tsp Unsalted butter,melted: cup Large egg: 1 Vanilla extract: 1 tsp Plain flour(all-purpose flour): 1 cups Baking soda: tsp Milk or semi-sweet chocolate chunks: 115 g Dark chocolate chunks(or any chocolate of your choice): 115 g Method In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until the batter becomes light and slightly airy, forming ribbons that linger briefly when lifted. Sift together the flour and baking soda, then gently fold them into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough, cakey cookies. Fold in the chocolate chunks evenly throughout the dough. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For richer flavour and a deeper golden-brown colour, refrigerate overnight. Preheat the oven to 350F (180C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using an ice-cream scoop or spoon, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies about four inches apart and keeping two inches from the edges. Bake for 1215 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to brown. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before serving. Blueberry Vanilla Cookie by Rose George Ingredients Maida: 2 tbsp Butter(softened): 1 tbsp Powdered sugar: 1 tbsp Milk: 1 tsp Vanilla essence: tsp Blueberries(fresh or dried, chopped): 1 tbsp Baking powder: a pinch Salt: a tiny pinch Method In a bowl, mix butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Add vanilla essence and milk; mix well. Sift in maida, baking powder and salt. Mix gently to form a soft dough. Fold in the chopped blueberries. Shape into small cookies and place on a greased pan or baking paper. Bake at 180C for 1012 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Cool for five minutes; it will firm up as it cools. Tip: If you dont have an oven, this can be cooked covered on a thick-bottomed pan on very low flame for 1215 minutes. Gingerbread Cookies by Mohideen Kasali Ingredients Maida(all-purpose flour): 1 cup Atta(whole wheat flour): 1 cup, Baking soda: tsp Baking powder: 1 tsp Cinnamon powder: tsp Ginger powder: tsp Ground cloves: 1/3 tsp Softened butter: cup Brown sugar: cup Jaggery(powdered or melted and cooled): cup Orange zest: 1 tsp Vanilla extract: 1 tsp Warm milk: 3 + tbsp Egg whites: 2 Icing sugar, sifted twice: 4 cups Method In a large bowl, whisk together maida, atta, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger powder, and ground cloves. Keep aside. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until creamy and fluffy. Add the jaggery, orange zest, and vanilla. Mix well until combined. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches. Add warm milk gradually and mix until a soft dough forms. Shape the dough into a disc, cover, and refrigerate for 3045 minutes. Preheat the oven to 170C. Roll the chilled dough to about inch thickness. Cut out cookies using your desired cookie cutters. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 1012 minutes, or until the edges turn slightly golden. Allow them to cool completely before icing. Icing Beat the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the sifted icing sugar and beat until thick, smooth, and pipeable. Transfer the icing into a piping bag with a small round tip. Pipe designs on the cooled cookies. Let the icing set for at least 30 minutes before storing.
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Dense fog disrupts flights for second day; 131 services cancelled at Delhi airport
NEW DELHI: Dense fog led to flight cancellations across northern India for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, though the impact was less severe than on Monday. Disruptions are expected to continue on Wednesday as low-visibility conditions persist. At Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport alone, a total of 131 flights of various airlines were cancelled upto 9 pm on Wednesday, said a senior official. Due to low visibility, 52 departures and 79 arrivals have been cancelled, he said. On Tuesday, 228 domestic flights had been cancelled from IGIA At airports across the country, Indias largest domestic airport Indigo had cancelled 110 flights. Among them were flights from Delhi to Ahmedabad, Indore, Hyderabad, Jeddah, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, Guwahati, reveals its website. Air India had cancelled 40 of its flights to and from Delhi airport. An Air India source aid the flights cancelled on Tuesday were pre-planned ones with passengers intimated about them. An Air India Express spokesperson said that four of its flights were cancelled. They were the routes from Delhi to Jaipur as well as Varanasi as well their return journeys. Spicejet as well as Akasa Air said none of their flights were impacted. Low visibility was the reason flights could not take-off. The minimum Runway Visual Range required for airplanes to take off is 125 metres. Flights can land when there is a visibility of 100 metres and hence most flights were able to land, said an official.
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