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Gold, silver prices today, December 26: Check city-wise rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and more

On December 26, 2025, gold prices in India range from Rs 13,946 per 1 gram for 24K gold and Rs 12,766 per 1 gram for 22K gold. Silver is priced at Rs 2,34,100 per kilogram. Check city-wise rates here.

DNA India 26 Dec 2025 6:33 am

Goschen Library in Chintadripet getsa makeover, to be opened in January

Restored at a cost of 2.36 crore, the 100-year-old library has over 18,000 books, dedicated reading spaces, computers, and refurbished toilets; students can use the facility to prepare for competitive examinations, and space has also been provided for holding interactive sessions

The Hindu 26 Dec 2025 5:41 am

AIADMK forms poll manifesto committee

The Times of India 26 Dec 2025 4:43 am

Madhavaram, Manali lakes to get boating facility by Pongal

TTDC has completed the feasibility study to introduce boating services, and has conducted trialsto determine whether the waterbodies have enough depth to allow the operation of motorboats

The Hindu 26 Dec 2025 4:30 am

Insurance fraud: HC tells DGP to file 308 new FIRs

The Times of India 26 Dec 2025 4:24 am

TNPDCL hits new milestone: Absorbs 50.8Mu solar power

The Times of India 26 Dec 2025 4:24 am

T Nagar to get new parking management system: GCC

The Times of India 26 Dec 2025 4:24 am

Road mishap: Woman killed, husband jumps off car, lives

The Times of India 26 Dec 2025 3:10 am

Auto drivers trap bike taxi riders, hand over to cops

The Times of India 26 Dec 2025 3:09 am

Essential phone, web services unavailable since BSNL fire

The Times of India 26 Dec 2025 3:09 am

Hoax bomb threat to Bdesh dy high commission

The Times of India 26 Dec 2025 3:09 am

OTP check for tatkal bookings

The Times of India 26 Dec 2025 3:09 am

Two students crushed to death by govt bus at signal

The Times of India 26 Dec 2025 3:09 am

Purasawalkam residents lament crumbling civic infrastructure on Bricklin Road

GCC has not taken sustained action against encroachments and several civic violations, says resident; Corporation cites lack of support from police in taking action against illegal structures

The Hindu 26 Dec 2025 12:23 am

Toy industry in the State is now worth around 1,000 crore

December witnessed two significant developments one involving Funskool, the Chennai-headquartered toy manufacturer, and the other emerging from the temple town of Madurai. Funskool announced its foray into the electronic toys segment with the launch of a new product range, while Madurai-based Rigwheels, which began operations in 2024, unveiled its debut product the Vande Bharat toy train

The Hindu 26 Dec 2025 12:23 am

110 kg of ganja seized in Sholinganallur

The Hindu 26 Dec 2025 12:05 am

AIADMK forms panel to formulate manifesto for 2026 Assembly poll

Chennai: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday announced the constitution of a high-level committee to prepare the party manifesto for next years Assembly election. The panel comprising ten former state ministers under Natham Viswanathan will tour Tamil Nadu to obtain views from people before formulating the poll manifesto. Also ReadPiyush Goyal meets Palaniswami, 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 .

The Siasat Daily 25 Dec 2025 10:31 pm

Thirupparankundram deepam row: what Sthaneeka Bhattars testified 30 years ago

When a row broke out over lighting ofKarthigaiDeepamat the hill inMadurai, fourSthaneekaBhattarsof theSubramaniaswami Temple testified that the lamp had been lit at theUchipillaiyar Temple since time immemorial

The Hindu 25 Dec 2025 10:31 pm

KANIMOZHI INTERVIEW: WHEN ELECTION COMES, BJP BRINGS ICE

The Times of India 25 Dec 2025 8:18 pm

Private capital reshapes Chennais public bus services in three years: World Bank

The government procured 1,025 electric buses and associated services awarded through competitive bidding

The Hindu Businessline 25 Dec 2025 5:49 pm

Sand lorry owners federation raises concern over poor quality of M-sand in T.N.

The Federation noted there are about 4,000 M-sand manufacturing units in the State. Of this, only 478 M-sand manufacturing units were approved for quality by the Public Works Department

The Hindu 25 Dec 2025 5:20 pm

Watch: Tamil Nadus 2025: The missing millions, the sacred hill & the race for 2026 | Focus Tamil Nadu

In this episode of Focus Tamil Nadu, we look back at a year that reshaped the states political landscape. From a massive voter list purge and a deadly stampede to a legal battle over a sacred hill, 2025 raised urgent questions on democracy and communal harmony. Delimitation fears and fierce alliance battles further defined this pivotal year.

The Hindu 25 Dec 2025 5:00 pm

Study indicates need for integrated centres for assessment of breast cancer

The analysis by the Chennai Breast Centre revealed that when tests are conducted across multiple centres in a fragmented manner, a significant proportion of breast cancer diagnoses is missed or misdiagnosed

The Hindu 25 Dec 2025 2:54 pm

Rediscovering Roots: How Margazhiyil Makkal Isai Inspires a Cultural Renaissance

Margazhiyil Makkal Isai, a cultural movement to platform art that is entirely rooted in Tamil culture and its people, while celebrating music like gaana, rap, and political indigenous music is set to return for its sixth edition between December 26 and 28

The Hindu 25 Dec 2025 2:26 pm

Rock nostalgia, live in Chennai by the 55-year old legacy band The Blue Bird

Classic rock, timeless energy, and The Blue Birds

The Hindu 25 Dec 2025 11:24 am

Madras HCs list for new judges fundamentally flawed, says PIL

A public interest petition challenges the legality of the Madras High Court collegium's recent recommendation of 13 advocates for judgeship. The petitioner argues the collegium was flawed by excluding Justice J Nisha Banu, who was still technically part of the court when recommendations were made. The plea also alleges political interference in the selection process.

The Times of India 25 Dec 2025 9:16 am

8,000 cops deployed for Christmas security in Chennai

CHENNAI: On the occasion of Christmas, a total of 8,000 police personnel have been deployed across Chennai to ensure a peaceful celebration. Special security arrangements will be in force from Wednesday night till Thursday, with intensified security across the city, particularly around churches expected to draw large congregations. The deployment is being carried out under the supervision of senior police officers, with Home Guards assisting field personnel. Around 350 churches will be covered through rotational patrolling, with additional law and order, crime and traffic police posted at high-footfall locations such as Santhome Basilica, Besant Nagar Velankanni Church, St Antonys Church at Parrys, St Georges Cathedral on Anna Salai and Chinnamalai Church. Public address systems will be used to issue safety advisories and prevent overcrowding. CCTV and drone surveillance, plainclothes policing, intensified patrols and special vehicle checks at key junctions are part of the plan. At Marina, Santhome, Besant Nagar and Neelankarai beaches, police will prevent people from entering the sea and monitor the area using all-terrain vehicles. Traffic police have made special arrangements for smooth flow of vehicles, parking and strict enforcement against drunk driving, speeding and other violations, aided by ANPR and CCTV cameras.

The New Indian Express 25 Dec 2025 8:27 am

Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT probe extended to TN, Karnataka

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Still clueless over the fate of the gold that was stolen from Sabarimala artefacts, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the gold theft cases have fanned out its probe to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The sleuths visited various locations in Chennai in a bid to collect more evidence against Smart Creations CEO Pankaj Bhandari. Another team of officers conducted another round of search at Roddam Jewellers in Ballari in Karnataka. Roddam Jewellers is owned by Govardhan, who is in judicial custody along with Pankaj after the SIT arrested them for allegedly being part of the subterfuge. The sleuths had earlier recovered about 470g of gold from Roddam, but sources said investigators could not verify whether it was part of the missing gold from Sabarimala artefacts. The Chennai-based probe of the SIT has got another dimension as well. A businessman based abroad had allegedly testified before the SIT about the suspected involvement of international rackets engaged in antique trafficking.

The New Indian Express 25 Dec 2025 8:03 am

Foot over bridge at Chromepet and Taramani to get escalators

The Highways Department has placed orders for five pairs of escalators at a cost of around 7.5 crore

The Hindu 25 Dec 2025 7:42 am

Tamil Nadu highway crash: 9 dead, 10 injured as Chennai-bound bus rams 2 cars

A Chennai-bound bus in Tamil Nadu's Cuddalore district veered off the road and collided with two cars after a tyre burst, resulting in nine fatalities and at least 10 injuries. The accident occurred near Thittakudi, blocking traffic on the national highway. The Chief Minister announced compensation for the victims' families.

The Times of India 25 Dec 2025 7:18 am

Grand Christmas Ball today in Chennai

The soiree is organised by Anglo-Indians but by no means restricted to them. In these times of dwindling Anglo-Indian presence even in enclaves with a distinctive Anglo-Indian flavour, this event signifies an effort to preserve a cultural tradition that has enriched Chennai

The Hindu 25 Dec 2025 7:07 am

Gold, silver prices today, December 25: Check city-wise rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and more

On December 25, 2025, gold prices in India range from Rs 13,894 per 1 gram for 24K gold and Rs 12,736 per 1 gram for 22K gold. Silver is priced at Rs 2,33,100 per kilogram. Check city-wise rates here.

DNA India 25 Dec 2025 6:28 am

The Dig: A deep dive into the past

A phone call regarding a long-form article she had written eight years ago sparked the beginning of this book, Sowmiya Ashok recalls. A writer said that it had a story to tell, a potential to be a book. For the Chennai-based journalist, the news of the Keeladi excavation sparked her fascination with Harappan sites in Pakistan, and it was thrilling to learn that an excavation was underway right next to Madurai, a place closer to her home. She thought the quest might answer questions like who we are. On December 21, this journey of discovery, in the form of a book, The Dig: Keeladi and The Politics of Indias Past , was launched by an eminent archaeologist V Vedachalam. An informative conversation filled with curiosity and humour, between writer Sowmiya and Shabbir Ahmed, senior news editor with The News Minute , was a walk through the process of creating the book. An evening with a coterie of book enthusiasts and well-wishers gathered at Ashvitas a small space reflecting coarseness and elegance with splashes of paintings around. Something so intentionally raw about the room made it the perfect space for a discussion on archaeology and the old remnants. Writing a book, for Sowmiya, was about preparations and frequent journeys. Her philosophy was to show up everywhere, be it an archeology conference, a talk of a script, meeting people, or visits to the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archeology or the Archeological Survey of India (ASI). She calls it the process of trial and error. The journalistic impulses nudged her to keep showing up. As Shabbir pointed out, Keeladi has become a political flash point. He alluded to the political scenario of biased interpretations and conflicting opinions while Sowmiya was writing the book. But the book, he remarked, is far from the political narratives that we have heard over time. Sowmiya said, I stuck to chronology. Its a difficult story to tell, and there were a lot of narratives; everybody had a stake in the game. Anybody who ventured into this, who is not an archaeologist or an epigraphist, sometimes had reasons to say the things they were saying. As someone who believes that archaeology is so politicised in our country, she didnt want to document this excavation site with political narratives. Sowmiya had a clear idea that she wanted to make the book about people who are working despite politics, despite the lack of funds. I spoke to people as wide as I could go. The voices and diversity are what I wanted to capture, she said. But she also shared that this made the story even more complicated, because our origins themselves were complicated. These excavations trace back to the past, where one can see more cultural exchanges and different parts of the subcontinent. There were comparisons made with Harappan sites and the Indus Valley Civilization. She reasoned, Ever since Independence, and we lost these big sites to Pakistan, theres been a quest to find parallels of the Indian sites. Sowmiyas work ethic echoes the words of Vedachalam, who said, An archaeologist should remain balanced. Every site is the same for an archaeologist. Her extensive research not only included conversations with archeologists and experts but also delved into literature. I needed to understand what the literature was if I was writing about a site that relied so much on the references in the literature. This meant digging up the Sangam literature, and the poems that described the physical aspects of the old Tamil region. With layers of excavation, some of the definitions of what constitutes urban is also what Sowmiya writes in her book. What is a marker of urban doesnt have a concrete answer they arent just remnants of structures and materials, she emphasised. More excavations lead to more understanding, and thats what I have tried to say in the book as well, she shared. For her, the process of writing was both exciting and transformative. It was a space for her to understand her own origins, which she says, is more complex than I thought. Every day was a learning experience be it lengthy conversations with experts or close interactions with the locals. Sowmiya recalled her long conversations with K Amarnath Ramakrishna, the then ASIs superintending archaeologist, who initiated the excavation at Keeladi. When asked about the people who are pushing the Archeology Department forward, Sowmiya said that, be it the Archeology Minister or the Commissioner of the Tamil Nadu State Department, there is a political push that stems from their personal passion for history and archaeology. The launch concluded with a reading session, where she presented excerpts from the book. With a tone so light and hearty, words swollen with keen observations, and humour, Sowmiya led the audience to the excavation site. True storytelling indeed.

The New Indian Express 25 Dec 2025 6:00 am

Cumta drafts a code for city streets, roads

The Times of India 25 Dec 2025 5:46 am

Life imprisonment for Assam man accused in Arambakkam child rape case

IGP Asra Garg says close coordination between the investigation and prosecution teams brought justice to the survivor and her family within five months of the crime

The Hindu 25 Dec 2025 5:30 am

Rehabilitation aid is capital, not taxable income, says HC

The Times of India 25 Dec 2025 5:28 am

SHRC disposes of 12,608 cases in 3 yrs

The Times of India 25 Dec 2025 5:28 am

1,000 nurses to be regularized; protest called off

The Times of India 25 Dec 2025 5:28 am

Nagore Hanifa a symbol of communal harmony: CM

The Times of India 25 Dec 2025 5:28 am

Guest worker gets two life terms for raping 8-year-old

The Times of India 25 Dec 2025 5:10 am

Now scanQR code to gain entry to Vedanthangal

The Times of India 25 Dec 2025 5:10 am

A clue to history

Last week I took a fascinating trip through the temples of Salem and Namakkal. I spent my time happily documenting games etched on the floors of temples and monuments while my friends watched, amused. They did have a very pertinent question for me. If I already knew about a game, why did I photograph every instance of its appearance on these floors? The answer is simple. Most traditional games belong to the oral tradition, and there is very little evidence about their presence, popularity, or geographic spread, as they were often drawn on sand with a stick or with chalk on stone floors. These are the only tangible and physical evidence we have. As I have spent a couple of decades documenting them and visiting many temples, I see patterns emerge. This is not unlike the Pensieve in Harry Potter books, where Dumbledore remarks, I use the Pensieve. One simply siphons the excess thoughts from ones mind, pours them into the basin, and examines them at ones leisure. It becomes easier to spot patterns and links, you understand when they are in this form. While I do not have a Pensieve, I do examine the photographs at my leisure to notice links. For example, multiple boards of the same game in a single temple could give clues to its popularity. A game that has no local presence could indicate migrant craftsmen. Simple patterns repeated in numerous temples could be clues to forgotten games. The list goes on. Sometimes, games can provide deeper insights. One example of this was at the Tharamangalam temple. While most etchings of games are executed with lines, I saw a very interesting style in the temples of the Hoysala period. Many of the games were executed by a series of cup marks little depressions to indicate the points where game pieces could be placed or moved. As these are usually at the intersection of lines, one could visualise the board. I mentally started associating this style with the Hoysalas. Imagine my surprise when I encountered a game etched with cup marks on one of the platforms of the temple. While I am no history scholar, I was surprised to find this style in Salem and reached out to a historian. What I learned was fascinating. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Tharamangalams epigraphs is the presence of Hoysala dynasty inscriptions. Two records (dated 1254 CE and 1279 CE) cite Posala Mannan Veera Ramanatha Devar referring to Vira Ramanatha, a Hoysala prince-turned-king. These inscriptions provide evidence of the Hoysala empires incursion into the western Tamil country and their patronage of local temples. Vira Ramanatha was a Hoysala ruler who, after 1254 CE, governed the southern part of the kingdom. His father, King Vira Someshwara, split the empire between Ramanatha and his brother Narasimha III. Ramanathas dominion included the Tamil territories conquered by the Hoysalas. Essentially, from the 1250s to 1290s, there was a Hoysala presence in Tamil Nadu, in rivalry and conflict with the Pandya dynasty. Historical records note that Ramanathas inscriptions (1257-1294 CE) are all in Tamil and found across his Tamil territory. The Tharamangalam inscriptions are a perfect illustration of that: even though he was a Kannada monarch, the records here are composed in Tamil, the local tongue, to address the local population and priesthood. The use of the term Posala (Tamil for Hoysala) in the inscription underlines that identity. While it was documented history, one humble etching by a player hundreds of years ago gave us a clue to the history of the region. Such is the power of games.

The New Indian Express 25 Dec 2025 4:00 am

GCC to re-tender waste privatization in two zones

The Times of India 25 Dec 2025 3:41 am

Woman held for cheating man of 42L

The Times of India 25 Dec 2025 3:40 am

Students among teens held for selling meth

The Times of India 25 Dec 2025 3:40 am

Phone left behind helps cops recover stolen car, two held

The Times of India 25 Dec 2025 3:40 am

Shopkeeper, 50, arrested for sexually abusing 13-year-old

The Times of India 25 Dec 2025 3:40 am

Police crack down on bike racing; warn of seizure, fines

The Times of India 25 Dec 2025 3:07 am

Post SC ban, GCC allots eight feeding spots for stray dogs

The Times of India 25 Dec 2025 2:33 am

T.N. Police Hackathon 2025 heldin Chennai

The Hindu 25 Dec 2025 2:14 am

DMK Allies Protest Against VBGRAMG Scheme

The Times of India 25 Dec 2025 1:37 am

Unavu Thiruvizha extended till December 28

The Hindu 25 Dec 2025 12:13 am

Webinar on Engineering Careers for Viksit Bharat on December 28

Aimed at engineering students and aspiring professionals, the webinar will explore emerging career opportunities, evolving industry expectations, and essential skill development

The Hindu 24 Dec 2025 11:25 pm

9 killed as government bus collides with SUVs at Ezhuthur on Tiruchi-Chennai National Highway

The deceased, all of whom were occupants of the two cars, were being identified, the police said.

The Hindu 24 Dec 2025 11:13 pm

Seven Killed In Road Accident In Tamil Nadu

A Chennai-bound state-run bus from Tiruchirappalli changed direction all of a sudden when a tyre burst and moved to the opposite direction after climbing onto the road median.

News18 24 Dec 2025 11:12 pm

TN: 7 killed as govt bus tyre bursts, swerves and hits 2 vehicles

Cuddalore: At least seven persons were killed near here on Wednesday after a government bus swerved to the opposite side and collided with two vehicles, police said. The bus changed direction due to a tyre burst, they said. A Chennai-bound state-run bus from Tiruchirappalli, while proceeding on the national highway near here, changed direction all 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 .

The Siasat Daily 24 Dec 2025 11:10 pm

Ten devotees injured after bus rams median on Chennai - Bengaluru Highway in Ranipet

Police towed the damaged vehicle from the carriageway and restored traffic flow on the route

The Hindu 24 Dec 2025 7:40 pm

Chennais sixth reservoir project near Thiruporur to take off soon

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is likely to lay foundation stone for the 350 crore project in the Kovalam basin, marking a key step in augmenting the burgeoning citys water storage capacity

The Hindu 24 Dec 2025 7:34 pm

Rag Rekha by Jayakrishnan Unni brings the expressions of Indias classical masters, from the concert hall to the gallery wall

From Bhimsen Joshi and Bismillah Khan to CV Chandrasekhar and MS Subbulakshmi, the graphite sketches capture these icons not in posed stillness, but in performance, immersed in their art form

The Hindu 24 Dec 2025 7:20 pm

Sandeep Reddy Vangas Animal to release in Japan on February 13 next year

Chennai: The makers of director Sandeep Reddy Vangas immensely popular film Animal, featuring actors Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna and Bobby Deol in the lead, on Wednesday announced that the film would release in Japan on February 13 next year. Taking to its X timeline, Bhadrakali Pictures, the production house that made the film, wrote, Kono 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 .

The Siasat Daily 24 Dec 2025 6:08 pm

Chennai police make special security arrangements for Christmas celebrations

On Thursday (December 25, 2025), as large numbers of people are expected to visit churches, elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of women, children, and the general public, and to prevent overcrowding

The Hindu 24 Dec 2025 4:03 pm

Chennai women took to the pickleball court to celebrate world sari day

World Sari Day brought women of all ages together, blending tradition, sport and community on the pickleball court

The Hindu 24 Dec 2025 2:48 pm

Discover Chennais unique Christmas celebrations: Traditions and festivities

Forget what Christmas is supposed to look like. In Chennai, it smells of the sea, plum cake and hot chocolate. Here are 12 ways the city keeps the season merry

The Hindu 24 Dec 2025 2:46 pm

Allu Arjun to reunite with Trivikram for grand mythological epic

Chennai: If rumours doing the rounds in the industry are to be believed, Icon Star Allu Arjun and acclaimed filmmaker Trivikram Srinivas are set to reunite for a spectacular mythological epic, marking their fourth collaboration together. This ambitious project, industry insiders say, will be based on a powerful script originally conceived for Allu Arjun. The 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 .

The Siasat Daily 24 Dec 2025 1:30 pm

VELS Trade & Convention Centre Inaugurated in Chennai; Thangam Thennarasu and Dr. Kamal Haasan Grace the Grand Opening

The VELS Group of Institutions and Companies marked a major milestone with the grand inauguration of the VELS Trade & Convention Centre at Chembarambakkam, Chennai. Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh felicitating Dr. Kamal Haasan, MP (Rajya Sabha), in the presence of Thiru.Thangam Thennarasu, Honble Finance Minister of Tamil Nadu The VELS Trade & Convention Centre was formally inaugurated by Thiru Thangam Thennarasu and Dr. Kamal Haasan, and the event was presided over by Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Founder-Chancellor of VELS University and Chairman of VELS Group of Institutions and Companies. The dais also featured Dr. A. C. Shanmugam, Founder-Chancellor, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute, alongside the chief dignitaries. A World-Class Convention Destination in Chennai The VELS Trade & Convention Centre, Chennai, is a world-class convention and event venue featuring four expansive convention halls with a total built-up area of 3.5 lakh square feet. Designed to host large-scale trade fairs, exhibitions, international conferences, corporate events, political meetings, award ceremonies, weddings, summits, and major cultural programmes, the facility stands among the largest convention centres in Tamil Nadu. Built with contemporary architecture and state-of-the-art infrastructure, the fully air-conditioned convention centre can accommodate up to 20,000 guests at a time and provides parking for nearly 6,000 vehicles, ensuring seamless access and convenience for large gatherings. The centre also offers a dedicated open-air event space with a capacity of 20,000 attendees, making it ideal for music concerts, live performances, festivals, and mega public events. Supporting facilities include luxury guest houses, multi-cuisine restaurants, 20 fully equipped indoor shooting studios, a 15,000 sq. ft. open dining space, 15 designated exhibition stall spaces, and advanced CCTV surveillance with a centralised monitoring system, ensuring safety, comfort, and operational efficiency. VELS Film City: Strengthening Chennais Entertainment Ecosystem Complementing this landmark facility is the VELS Film City, the only integrated film city in Tamil Nadu. Spread across a vast campus, it includes outdoor shooting locations, end-to-end production facilities, guest accommodations, and VELS Theatres, a six-screen multiplex with a dedicated food court. Together, these facilities reinforce the VELS Groups growing presence in the entertainment, arts and creative industries. Strategically located in Chennais growing business corridor, the VELS Trade & Convention Centre is poised to become a preferred destination for exhibitions, conferences, entertainment events, and film productions, contributing significantly to the citys event, tourism, and creative economy. In his address, Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh conveyed that the Honble Union Finance MinisterSmt.Nirmala Sitharaman and Honble Minister of State Shri L. Murugan were unable to attend due to prior commitments and had extended their warm wishes for the success of the event. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Honble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru M. K. Stalin, for deputing Thiru Thangam Thennarasu to grace the occasion. Addressing the gathering, Thiru Thangam Thennarasu highlighted Tamil Nadus strong economic momentum, noting that the state has achieved double-digit economic growth, driven by sustained infrastructure investment and active participation from private institutions such as the VELS Group. He emphasised that such initiatives play a vital role in job creation and long-term development. In his special address, Padma Bhushan Dr. Kamal Haasan observed that Chennai has emerged as a pan-India hub for film production. Encouraging the younger generation to take Tamil cinema to greater heights, he expressed confidence in the future of the industry. Referring to Ms. Kushmitha Ganesh, Vice President, Vels Group of Companies, he said that while there were earlier concerns about the fading glow of Tamil cinema, the leadership and creativity of the younger generation reassure him that the industry is poised for national and global recognition. Distinguished Guests The ceremony witnessed the presence of several distinguished personalities, including former Minister Veeramani; Shri L. K. Sudheesh, Deputy General Secretary, DMDK; Shri Jaynthilal Chalani, President, Gold and Diamond Jewellery Association; actors R. Parthiban, Senthil and Sripriya; VGP Santhosham; leading academicians; and representatives from business, trade bodies and cultural organisations. Social Responsibility of VELS Reaffirming its commitment to social responsibility and inclusive growth, the VELS Group distributed welfare kits to 1,000 students from orphanages, along with lunch, during the inauguration. A special screening of an actor Rajinikanth film was also organised at VELS Theatres for these students, reflecting the institutions continued focus on community development and humanitarian service. velsgroup.in

News Voir 24 Dec 2025 12:03 pm

Dental college staff booked for sexually harassing student in Chennai

CHENNAI: A 23-year-old first-year dental student at a private college in Kundrathur has accused a senior administrative officer of sexual harassment and the hostel-in-charge of criminal intimidation. Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections, including the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, and launched a search for the accused. Police said the student alleged that the college administration had initially assured her of arranging a scholarship in an attempt to silence her, which she declined. On December 18, the hostel in-charge, Jhansi, allegedly asked her via text message to meet Ramamoorthy, the colleges administrative officer. When the student met him the next day, Ramamoorthy allegedly took her to a place without CCTV coverage, made inappropriate remarks and proposed a relationship, promising personal favours in return. He also threatened to reduce her internal assessment marks and fail her in examinations if she disclosed the incident, the complaint stated. The student further alleged that after she shared the incident with a friend, Jhansi confiscated her mobile phone, checked her call records, verbally abused her in front of male staff members, and forced her to write declarations that she was not subjected to harassment. Though the phone was later returned, the student deleted the text exchanges between her and Jhansi out of fear. Distressed, she informed her parents. When her mother attempted to meet the administrative officer the next day, she was denied permission. The student and her mother then approached the police. Police said cases have been registered for obscene acts, criminal intimidation, and harassment of women, and efforts are on to secure the accused.

The New Indian Express 24 Dec 2025 9:08 am

Chennai man accused in assault case held in Mumbai

CHENNAI: A 41-year-old man accused in a sexual assault case reported from Adyar was arrested at the Mumbai International Airport on Sunday after returning from China. The accused, Gopal (41), a resident of Royapuram in Chennai, was detained by immigration officials on the basis of a Lookout Circular issued by the Chennai police. A police team travelled to Mumbai, secured his custody, produced him before a court in Chennai on Sunday. He was remanded in judicial custody. According to police, the case relates to a complaint filed by a 23-year-old woman from Puducherry, who was staying at a womens hostel in Thiruvanmiyur and working at a firm in Besant Nagar. In January, while she was walking to work, a man on a two wheeler allegedly followed her, blocked her path and offered her a ride. When she refused, he sexually assaulted her and fled. Based on her complaint, the Adyar all women police registered a case under relevant provisions of BNS and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act.

The New Indian Express 24 Dec 2025 9:06 am

Couple who tied knot nine days ago found dead in Kundrathur

CHENNAI: A 25-year-old software engineer allegedly killed his wife before ending his own life at their rented residence at Moondram Kattalai in Kundrathur on Monday night. The deceased were identified as Vijay and Yuvasri (24), both employees at an IT firm in Ambattur. The couple had got married only nine days ago. According to police, the two were in a relationship before tying the knot on December 13, despite opposition from parents. According to police, the couple had an argument after Yuvasri found that Vijay had been in an extramarital affair with another woman. The matter came to light after the woman, whom he had been in a relationship with for four years, shared her chat history with Yuvasri. The woman also told he had sought money to initiate divorce proceedings against Yuvasri, police said. The incident was discovered when neighbours, concerned by the locked house and lack of response, alerted the Kundrathur police. On breaking open the door, police found Yuvasri dead on the bed with no external injuries except a bleeding nose, while Vijay was found in the same room with cut injuries on his wrist. The bodies were shifted to the Tambaram Government Hospital. We suspect a confrontation over infidelity which escalated. We are awaiting the autopsy report to confirm the exact cause of death, a police official said. The police have registered a case under Section 194 of BNSS (suspicious death).

The New Indian Express 24 Dec 2025 9:03 am