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TVK chief Vijay trips and falls at Chennai airport amid crowd surge

TVK chief Vijay stumbled and fell at the airport on Sunday while trying to enter his car. Returning from Malaysia after attending the Jananayagan audio release event, his swansong movie, the actor-politician was surrounded by a large crowd as he made his way to the exit. Amid the surge, he tripped moments before getting into his car. Security personnel immediately assisted him and ensured he got inside safely. Some TV visuals also showed a minor incident involving a car from Vijays convoy at the airport, though officials declined to comment. VIDEO | TVK chief Vijay stumbled and fell while trying to get into his car at the Chennai airport. A large crowd of fans gathered to welcome him as he returned from Malaysia. (Full video available on PTI Videos https://t.co/n147TvrpG7 ) pic.twitter.com/x42Kpd0AsW Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 28, 2025

The New Indian Express 29 Dec 2025 10:35 am

Renowned documentary filmmaker S. Krishnaswamy dies at 88

Acclaimed documentary and television filmmaker S. Krishnaswamy, who produced over 900 non-fiction films, passed away on Sunday evening at a hospital in Chennai.

NewsBytes 29 Dec 2025 9:11 am

Fire breaks out at Anna Nagar godown; no injuries reported

CHENNAI: A major fire broke out at a scrap godown in Anna Nagar on Sunday evening. The blaze, which began around 7 pm, was brought under control after a struggle lasting three hours. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation, police said. A source from the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services (TNFRS) said the godown, located in O Block of Anna Nagar along New Avadi Road, was used to store plastic scraps and other waste. The fire spread rapidly after igniting the stored scrap, resulting in massive flames. At least 10 fire tender vehicles were deployed and 10 more water tankers from the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) were brought in, the source added. Nobody was trapped or injured due to the fire. But as a safety precaution, we evacuated people from the houses close to the godown. Since a lot of plastic had burned, dense smoke spread to quite a distance, a police officer said. Taking to social media, a resident who lives a few streets away from the godown said, Looks like a major fire has broken out on the Anna Nagar East side. Debris is falling on my terrace too. Please stay alert and stay safe. A probe is under way to ascertain the cause of the fire and assess the property damage. A major fire broke out at a scrap godown in #AnnaNagar . The blaze, which started around 7 p.m., was brought under control after firefighters battled it for more than two hours. Police said no injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Express pic.twitter.com/souxU9gDou TNIE Tamil Nadu (@xpresstn) December 28, 2025

The New Indian Express 29 Dec 2025 8:28 am

Tamil Nadu Dy CM Udhayanidhi inaugurates Rs 18-cr substation, 128 streetlights in Harbour

CHENNAI: Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sunday inaugurated completed projects in the Harbour Assembly constituency, including the Broadway 33/11 kV substation, constructed at a cost of Rs 18.24 crore by the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) under the Vada Chennai Valarchi Thittam (VCVT). With the commissioning of this new substation, the existing load of about 10 MVA at the East George Town 33/11 kV substation, the Pookadai substation and the High Court 110 kV substation will be reduced. Over 15,000 consumers, including households and business establishments in Broadway, Mannady, Sowcarpet, Kothawal Chavadi, NSC Bose Road, Muthialpet and Ezhu Kinaru areas, will benefit from steady and uninterrupted electricity supply. Udhayanidhi also inaugurated 128 newly-installed streetlights on both sides of Prakasam Road near Broadway, set up at a cost of Rs 1.26 crore, and opened them for public use. He also laid the foundation stone for the construction of a Mudalvar Padaippagam and modern library, to be built at Rs 23.06 crore by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority under the VCVT scheme. Udhayanidhi inspected the ongoing construction of underground and overhead drinking water storage tanks, each with a capacity of 15 lakh litres, being executed by the CMWSSB at a cost of Rs 27 crore.

The New Indian Express 29 Dec 2025 8:25 am

Watch: TVK chief Vijay trips, falls after being mobbed at Chennai airport

Actor-politician Vijay experienced a brief stumble at Chennai airport upon his return from Malaysia, as a surging crowd gathered around him. Security quickly assisted the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief, ensuring his safe entry into his car. The incident occurred after his attendance at the audio launch of his purported final film, Jananayagan.

The Times of India 29 Dec 2025 8:23 am

Four juveniles apprehended in Chennai for attacking Odisha youth with sickle

CHENNAI: The Tiruttani Town police on Sunday apprehended four 17-year-old boys for allegedly attacking a 20-year-old youth from Odisha with sickles near the Old Railway Quarters. Police said the attack, following a drunken argument that broke out on a suburban train, was filmed by one of the juveniles for an Instagram reel. The victim was identified as K Suraj. Inquiries revealed that Suraj had recently come to Chennai following a domestic dispute and was not a regular migrant worker. The incident took place on Saturday when Suraj was travelling in the general compartment of a Chennai-Tiruttani EMU local. When the train reached Tiruvalangadu, the four juveniles boarded the same compartment. The minors, who were allegedly in an intoxicated state, were carrying two sickles concealed in their bags to film Instagram reels. One of the juveniles started a conversation with Suraj in Hindi. A quarrel erupted between the group and Suraj, which continued until the train reached Tiruttani, a senior police officer said. The group then allegedly took Suraj to the abandoned Old Railway Quarters nearby. While three of the juveniles attacked Suraj with sickles, the fourth boy recorded the violent act on his phone. The victim suffered severe cut injuries to his head, hands, and cheeks. Leaving him bleeding, the gang fled, police said. Suraj, who had blacked out, later regained consciousness and walked to the main road, where passersby noticed him. He was admitted to the Tiruttani GH and later referred to the Tiruvallur MCH. His condition is stable. Based on a tip-off and the reel uploaded by the group, police traced the minors. They were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board and sent to the Observation Home in Purasaiwalkam. Man beats son to death over argument, held Chennai: A 28-year-old food delivery worker in Chengalpattu was killed allegedly by his father with an iron rod during an argument at their house on Saturday night. The deceased was identified as Wesley. According to the Chengalpattu Taluk police, a marriage proposal for Wesley was abruptly called off by the brides family recently. Following this, he allegedly turned to alcohol and frequently quarelled with his parents. On Saturday night, he was drunk and arguing with his father, Jansen (53), a driver. As it escalated, Jansen allegedly struck an iron rod on Wesleys head, killing him on the spot. Upon receiving information, the police sent the body to a government hospital for post-mortem examination. Jansen was booked for murder under BNS Section 101, and arrested.

The New Indian Express 29 Dec 2025 8:17 am

GCC move to halt licence for Pit Bulls, Rottweilers puts owners in distress

CHENNAI: With the civic body announcing a ban on keeping Rottweilers and Pit Bulls as pets within the city corporation limits, and halting the issuance of new licences and even renewals for these breeds a week ago, animal activists and pet owners have raised concerns that the move could lead to increased abandonment and a rise in the stray dog population. In Chennai, the civic body has issued pet licences to 607 Rottweilers and 72 Pit Bulls. City-based activists said that during the recent microchipping drive for pets held by the Greater Chennai Corporation between October 8 and December 14 this year, many pet dogs were allegedly abandoned on the streets. They attributed this to the short time provided for the exercise, which forced owners to wait for long hours in queues to obtain pet licences. In other cases, families who did not know how to go about the licensing process might also have considered abandoning their pets for fear of being asked to pay the fine of Rs 5,000 from December 15, they said. E Martina, an animal rescuer, said, In recent months, since the mandatory microchipping drive began, we have been rescuing five to seven abandoned pet dogs from the streets every week across the city. Stopping the renewal now and halting the issuance of licences for Pit Bulls and Rottweilers will only lead to an increase in such abandonments by pet owners, fearing potential penalties. Santhosh M (32) of Ambattur, who has been raising pet dogs for 21 years and currently owns his third Rottweiler, said it was unfair to target an entire breed due to the negligence of a few owners. First, the corporation asked us to get a pet licence, and we did, but now they are saying no renewals. We cant abandon or euthanise them. The announcement has only pushed pet owners into uncertainty, with the constant fear of losing their pets, he said. None of my dogs, including Rottweilers, have been involved in bite incidents, Santhosh said and argued that stricter enforcement of rules such as allowing such breeds only in gated houses and mandating leashes and muzzles would be more effective than a ban. Any dog can bite. If not Rottweilers or Pit Bulls, even Pomeranians or Shih Tzus can bite; responsibility lies with the owner, not the breed, he added. Speaking to TNIE , a corporation official from the veterinary department said, With licence renewals set to be stopped for Pit Bulls and Rottweilers, even if owners abandon these pets on the streets, we can identify them through microchipping and hold them accountable. It is the owners responsibility to ensure that the pets they have are kept outside the city, as the ban has now been implemented to ensure public safety. Meanwhile, the official also acknowledged that abandoned dogs of these breeds without licences would pose a problem and be difficult to trace. Antony Rubin, an animal welfare activist, said, Pet owners and animal rescuers are already under pressure following the recent Supreme Court ruling and the GCCs back-to-back announcements on pet dog regulations. They are facing backlash from residents welfare associations and public for keeping dogs, leaving many to find ways to abandon their animals often along highways or in neighbouring districts such as Tiruvallur, to avoid being tracked. So, instead of further pushing pet owners towards abandonment by halting licence renewals, the corporation should at least allow existing owners of these breeds to keep their pets until their lifetime and ensure that they are properly sterilised to prevent its population growth. He added, With the corporation having already restricted the new purchase of such breeds within the city, it should mainly focus on curbing their sale by breeders operating here. However, so far, no steps have been taken in this. It may be recalled that the GCC had said any new purchase of the said breeds to raise them as pets will attract a penalty of Rs 1 lakh.

The New Indian Express 29 Dec 2025 7:34 am

Tamil game Son of Thanjai onboards lyricist Madhan Karky

Narrative games feel less like stories being told and more like worlds being negotiated. Every choice a player makes, be it a whispered lie, a delayed decision, or an impulsive act of kindness, splits the experience into new, unpredictable paths. Outcomes are never fixed destinations but living consequences in such games, often shaped by intent, timing, and curiosity. In these games, the player is not merely consuming a plot but co-authoring it and any chosen path can open endless possibilities. In such a landscape, narration and dialogue are not mere decorative layers but the very architecture of the experience. Words have to be carefully chosen, the tone to take can bear consequences, and a single line of dialogue can redefine alliances. Son of Thanjai from Ayelet Studios is a game rooted in landscapes shaped by the Sangam-era, forgotten trade routes, myths, and lived histories. The game intends to invite players to step into a past that responds to their choices rather than merely presenting it as static lore. Strengthening this narrative vision is the onboarding of lyricist Madhan Karky, who has contributed to films like Endhiran , RRR , and Baahubali . His collaboration with Ayelet Studios, entails shaping the core story structure, main and side narratives, and writing dialogues for Son of Thanjai in both Tamil and English. The collaboration feels like a match made in heaven, not only because of Madhans literary stature, but because he is a gamer himself, informs Venkata Subramanian, the VP of marketing at Ayelet Studios. He adds that the celebrated lyricists understanding of play, choice, and consequence will allow him to write not just for the medium, but for such a narrative-driven game too. As Madhan begins work on this project a first for him, writing for a game he reflects, Ive been waiting more than twenty years to write a game, to design branching plots, populate a world with meaningful dialogue, and explore what interactive storytelling can truly become. Ayelet Studio shares that vision. He adds that the game approaches history as a set of deeply philosophical ideas, and not as mere spectacle. Its the kind of historically rooted project Ive always wanted to explore in games. While Madhans collaboration with the studio on this game is confirmed, Venkata hints that the partnership may extend beyond it, suggesting a creative alignment that goes deeper than a single project. The move also reinforces the studios ambition of reinforcing the idea that games, alongside cinema and literature, can be a medium for storytelling, cultural celebration, and philosophical depth. Son of Thanjai is slated for release in 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

The New Indian Express 29 Dec 2025 6:40 am

Gold, silver prices today, December 29: Check city-wise rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and more

On December 29, 2025, gold prices in India range from Rs 14,121 per 1 gram for 24K gold and Rs 12,944 per 1 gram for 22K gold. Silver is priced at Rs 2,50,900 per kilogram. Check city-wise rates here.

DNA India 29 Dec 2025 6:36 am

The year 2025 in art

The year we are leaving behind will be mostly remembered for the conflicts that escalated, the political landscapes that changed, the technological advancements that pushed all known boundaries, and for a multitude of things for which we must feel grateful. Here's a look back at the year in art. Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer by Gustav Klimt When the hammer came down to smash records It was a good year at the auction house. After 20 minutes of intense bidding, Gustav Klimts Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer sold for a record $236.4 million, making it the second most expensive artwork ever sold at an auction, with da Vincis Salvator Mundi obviously occupying the first place. The painting is a full-length portrait of the daughter of Klimts patrons. Confiscated by the Nazis after Austrias annexation in 1938, the painting was acquired by a private collector when it resurfaced in the market in the early 80s. After decades out of public view, the artwork made a splash when it appeared at a Sothebys auction in November. It was more than just a good year for women artists at art auctions. Mexican artist Frida Kahlos self-portrait from 1940, titled The Dream (The Bed), fetched $54.7 million at Sothebys in November, making her painting the most expensive artwork by a female artist ever sold at an auction. As for the living women artists, South African artist Marlene Dumass painting from 1997, titled Miss January, sold for $13.63 million at Christies, shattering previous auction records for contemporary female artists. Although we still have a long way to go to bridge the gender pay gap, these records are positive signs of the growing recognition of female artists in an otherwise male-dominated art market. Best drama of the year The Louvre Heist, without a doubt was dubbed the drama of the year. Not just that, the theft of priceless crown jewels in broad daylight from the Louvre Museum in Paris will perhaps go down in history as the heist of the century. Petty local criminals executed this daring plan by gaining access to the first floor with a mechanical ladder and cutting through the glass, before escaping on a scooter with their loot. 2025 saw the rise of several such museum robberies. Another audacious raid that even used explosives happened at the Drents Museum in the Netherlands in January, which led to the loss of invaluable Dacian gold artefacts. In September, a museum in Bristol reported the theft of 600 artefacts linked to the British Empire. In true Hollywood style, two masked gunmen walked into an exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art in So Paulo one December morning, seized eight artworks by Henri Matisse and five by Brazilian modernist Portinari and fled on foot. In November, a Roman museum was robbed, and numerous Roman-era gold coins were taken away, while more than 1000 items were stolen from the Museum of California in October. There has been an increasing interest in cultural artefacts and masterpieces by renowned artists among criminal networks, and it is time for all institutions to reassess their security measures to ensure the protection of their collections. Statue of Liberty by Amy Sherald Crackdowns on art The change in the political climate in many countries has left museums and cultural institutions in a state of instability. Governments used their authoritarian control over the budgets allocated to institutions to interfere with the institutions programmes. Threats to cut funding were used to coerce museums to align with government approved ideologies. In the US, the Trump administration used this tactic with the Smithsonian Museum in order to force it to comply with a content review. Most institutions also face the pressure of censorship, with strict orders being given indirectly to avoid controversial topics. American artist Amy Sherald cancelled her show at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery after officials expressed doubts about the inclusion of her portrait of a Black Transgender woman as the Statue of Liberty, as they did not want to antagonise President Trump. Germany also witnessed the cancellation of several shows which had the crisis in Gaza as the primary theme, as it went against the states pro-Israel stance. The Indian government denied permission to screen 19 films at the 2025 International Film Festival of Kerala, held in December, without stating any concrete reasons to do so. Films that focused on Palestine were on the list, along with a few, like the Spanish film Beef , that were banned merely for their titles. The tensions within federally funded institutions due to political interference have definitely affected artistic expression, and 2025 was certainly a tough year for most museums that struggled to retain their autonomy and integrity. Ram V Sutar A world lost forever The world of art bid adieu to many luminaries this year. While the world mourned the loss of renowned filmmaker David Lynch, iconic architect Frank Gehry, artist Alison Knowles (a prominent figure in the Fluxus Movement) and several other artists, collectors and museum directors, India also said farewell to many who left enduring legacies. Himmat Shah, one of Indias foremost sculptors, passed away in March, Mohammad Abdul Rauf, a national award-winning craftsman in Bidri art, left us in February, while Ram V Sutar, who became internationally famous for the worlds tallest statue, the monumental Statue of Unity, died in December. Although these brilliant minds may no longer physically exist, they will continue to inspire and influence art for generations. Despite a year that felt like a roller coaster ride, there is a yearning for peace and clarity as we await the brand new year. It is heartening to have the Kochi Biennale which opened on December 12, as a wonderful experience to end the year with or perhaps to welcome 2026! So go ahead and indulge in some art and culture to kick start the year!

The New Indian Express 29 Dec 2025 6:33 am

Vijay mobbed by fans, trips and falls while exiting Chennai airport. Video

Vijay mobbed by fans, trips and falls while exiting Chennai airport. Video

India Today 29 Dec 2025 6:26 am

Wrap up 2025: Meme-worthy moments from Tamil movies

Sometimes movies give us messages. But sometimes they give us something more practical memes. In 2025, Tamil cinema offered not only grand heroes and revenge sagas, but also plenty of everyday laughter and some warmth. We watched characters whose lives looked a bit like ours, only louder, with guns and background music. These moments quietly slipped out of theatres and reappeared in our WhatsApp chats as stickers and forwards. Here is a collection of scenes that made us laugh, reflect, and ultimately, somehow stayed with us. Coolie There is blood, chaos, and a dozen story threads flying around. Deva is hunting his friends killer, smugglers are ready wage a war, and poor Preethi is running for her life. Yet, in the middle of all this, Preethi stops at a food stall and orders dosa . She eats in peace while danger lurks outside. The moment instantly reminds of Trishas kaara pori scene in Ghilli . Both remind us that food comes first, even when you are literally running from death. A girl must refuel, even if her role is to cry, run, and be rescued five minutes later. Tourist Family A Sri Lankan refugee family who is living under the disguise of a Malayali family in Tamil Nadu is trying their best to start things over. When their house owner, also a police officer, asks the father why they dont celebrate Onam as it was the very same day, he freezes, thinking the lies will be caught. But in the next scene, we see the youngest member of the family, Mulli, dressed in a set-mundu , bathed, and his hair tied in the way women do after a hair wash, or as it is portrayed in the movies. He comes with sweets, wishing Happy Onam, saving their disguise, and also making us all laugh. This can be your new Happy Onam wish, if you havent used this already! Idli Kadai If you plan to gift a grinder to someone this New Year, please rethink. If they are Sivanesans from Idli Kadai , the grinder may only produce idli-shaped disappointment. The family sits together to taste this modern invention, because why not experiment, just like the film brings old ideas to 2025. After eating they say, Etho thappu irukkuappa sutta idli maadhiri illa . They exchange the we-have-betrayed-our-ancestors look. . And then comes the line every traditional cook will proudly hold up forever, Machine-la arachal kaippakkuvam varaadhu . Thug Life Expectations were high for Thug Life , with Kamal Haasan reuniting with Mani Ratnam. In the end, the expectations may have been more gripping than the film itself. We did get a solid AR Rahman album, plus Chinmayis surprise track. But the real wildcard was Trishas Sugar Baby moment. Meant to be bold and sensual, it instead slipped straight into meme territory. When she sings Enna venum unnaku? , audiences were busy drafting wishlists for extra chutney, more popcorn, peace of mind, or maybe even a film with fewer clichs and a little more story. Paranthu Po This father-son road-trip musical works its magic subtly, serving laughter and emotion every few minutes. Among its best moments is Mirchi Shivas dance face-off with Vijay Yesudas. While Vijay glides through the steps with elan, Shiva responds with confident chaos, much to his sons embarrassment. The sequence doubles as an inside joke for ardent fans of the industry, cheekily recalling Shivas cult classic spoof dance duel in Tamizh Padam 2.0 s En Nadanam. Devils Double Next Level Here, self-awareness becomes the real hero when Gautham Vasudev Menon decides that if the Internet is going to troll him, he might as well beat them to it. The film spoofs Uyirin Uyirae from Kaakha Kaakha , recreating the once-sacred visual of lovers running along the beach. This time, its GVM himself, sprinting in slow motion with Yashika Anand, parodying the iconic romance of Suriya and Jyothika. What makes the scene land harder is context.

The New Indian Express 29 Dec 2025 6:21 am

The viral trends that surfaced the internet in 2025

Rajini and Punchlines Seventy-five and yet Thalaivar never thought twice to surprise us. He showed us even a single line of his can set the Internet on fire. His unfiltered, almost offhand dialogues Vazhthukal vazhthukal, Oh my god, epo?, Enathu Nagarajuna va? and the much-memed Rajasekar saagum pothu Dhayalu kaadhula ennavo sonnaney enna sonnaannu yaarukaavathu theriyuma? escaped cinema halls and took over reels, comments, and everyday conversations. What made them click wasnt punchy bravado, but their raw, conversational unpredictability. Fans looped them, trolls twisted them, creators repurposed them endlessly. In a year crowded with scripted virality, Rajini reminded everyone that spontaneity still rules. APT.d our way The year opened exactly how social media liked it on beat. APT . reels, which began trending in late 2024, rolled seamlessly into 2025 as the Internets favourite opener. One step, one pause, one perfectly timed beat drop. The charm lay in its simplicity: minimal moves, maximum mood. Chennaiites leaned into it hard, using the reel as a cinematic curtain-raiser for the year ahead. Equal parts confident and playful. Consider 2025 officially checked in, one beat at a time, courtesy of BLACKPINK and Bruno Mars. Girls before Bros Girl friendships finally took centre stage messy, loyal, loud, and life-saving. Tamil pop culture mirrored this shift, giving us bonds that felt lived-in rather than idealised. Selvi and Ramya from Bad Girl showed friendship as survival, while Bhooma and Durga in The Girlfriend captured quiet companionship amid chaos. These werent side plots to romance but were the emotional spine. On social media too, women celebrated sisterhood through girl dates, reels, and shared routines. In a year that prized connection, Chennai embraced a simple truth sometimes, the deepest love story is between two women who choose each other, every day. One Track; many Compositions With a sound that dominated reels and playlists, Sai Abhyankar became a name to reckon with. But the buzz peaked, and cracked, with Dude , where one song, Oorum Blood , appeared in multiple versions across the film and OST. Fifteen tracks, one core tune, endless discourse. Fans called it experimentation; critics cried excess. Social media had opinions, memes followed. Love him or roast him, Sai stayed unavoidable. Repetition wasnt seen as a flaw. In fact, the re-release of Padayappa , generated reels of the Superstar walking to Dude' s background music. Let the universe conspire Manifestation is the idea of attracting whatever one desires be it love, money, freedom, or peace using ones mind and positive affirmations. Gen Z and millennials alike have been actively putting out their positive intentions into the universe. Manifestation, considered a form of spiritualism, is a nudge to replace negative thoughts with positive ones, backed by the belief that energetic mindfulness influences the universe. Husky dance, anyone? Husky Dance is a viral Instagram trend triggered by Vaikom native D Arjun. It features a looping video of a Husky dog animated to dance to popular Indian film songs. Arjun discovered the clip from older TikTok-style animal videos and began posting one video a day on his page Husky Dance Daily. The trend exploded after a Husky danced to the Tamil song Ichu Ichu , crossing millions of views overnight. Celebrities joined in, meme pages picked it up, and the trend went global. Whats up, Matcha? Originally a Japanese green tea, matcha is now widely seen in cafes, home routines, and reels. People share videos of making iced matcha, matcha lattes, or visiting matcha cafs, often linking it to wellness, calm mornings, and a slower lifestyle. More than just a drink, matcha has become a familiar aesthetic and mood on social media. Nadippu Arakan Dr Diwakars social media persona burst out of reels and into prime-time television. Dubbed the Watermelon Star for his viral content and crowned Nadippu Arakan by the internet, he became a familiar face across Tamil timelines loved, mocked, and endlessly mimicked. His exaggerated parody performances and humour made him meme material, while his entry into Bigg Boss Tamil cemented his crossover from online virality to mainstream visibility. Tralaleo Tralala... Italian Brainrot is a surreal meme trend that took over social media in 2025. It features absurd, AI generated characters with exaggerated Italian sounding names with a monotone and artificial male voiceover. Visuals of odd-looking characters such as Tralaleo Tralala, Bombardilo Crocodilo and Tung Tung Tung Sahur are paired with nonsensical storylines and looping audio, including phonk music. The humour lies in embracing the brain rot of it all, the internet slang for content so overstimulating and illogical that it feels mentally numbing. Aura farming Aura farming is a Gen Alpha internet trend centred on projecting nonchalant cool. The term gained traction in 2025 after a video of 11-year-old Indonesian boy named Rayyan dancing casually on the bow of a Pacu Jalur boat went viral. His quiet swagger created major buzz online, coming to represent the idea of personal aura. The trend was propelled by Melly Mikes track Young, Black & Rich that was used as BGM for the clip that spawned memes, reels and imitations. AI all the way By mid-2025, social media looked less like real life and more like a gentle daydream. AI image generators transformed everything from Ghibli-inspired landscapes and wide-eyed avatars to baby-self meeting present-self edits, celebrity reimaginings, and everyday Chennai moments softened into fantasy. The appeal was emotional as much as visual, offering escape, comfort, and curiosity in equal measure. Brands leaned in, creators experimented, and timelines blurred between memory and imagination. Yet alongside the wonder came quiet questions about originality and ownership. In a year shaped by algorithms, this trend showed how far AI could stretch not just images, but emotion too. Yengaaa What began as a single viral cry of Yengaaa quickly turned Koomapatti into 2025s most unexpected social media pilgrimage. Reels romanticised the village as a quiet, cinematic escape, prompting curious Chennaiites and travellers to actually show up, phones in hand. The twist? The original video that sparked the trend was reportedly shot at a closed dam area (Pilavakkal dam) and the scenery drier than depicted in the reels, a detail that surfaced only after the hype peaked. Still, that didnt stop the momentum. Memes multiplied, road trips followed, and reality collided with reels. Vazhthukal Pandiyammal sister A scooty, a sudden fall, and an accidental catchphrase thats all it took for Pandiyammal to become most unexpected internet icon. The viral video of her riding, slipping, and still being wished Vazhthukal turned into a reel format that Chennai creators ran with relentlessly. From sarcastic life updates to dramatic failures played for laughs, the trend became shorthand for optimism in chaos. What made it stick was its rawness no filters, no scripting, just real-life comedy. Ena Baby, Enga Poringa? If the year had a mascot on Tamil social media, it was anything unrealistic created by AI. Spreading baby fever across social media was these AI-generated baby videos, almost always opening with the now-iconic Ena baby enga poringa?, took over feeds with their sarcastic, oddly relatable replies. From dodging responsibilities to commenting on adult struggles, the baby said what everyone was thinking but cuter and sharper. The humour lay in contrast: an innocent face delivering peak sarcasm in flawless Tamil slang. Detour from Odisha A tune from Odisha took an unexpected Tamil detour. The Chi Chi Chi trend, adapted from the folk-flavoured Chhi Chhi Chhi Re Nani, flooded Reels and Shorts with Tamil lyrics layered over comedy and emotional skits. Chennai creators embraced the format, using it to poke fun at everyday frustrations and over-the-top emotions. The songs catchy rhythm did the heavy lifting, while the Tamil adaptation made it instantly local. King Akshaye X Flipperachi Akshaye Khanna has taken the 2025 crown with his effortless swag as he grooved to Bahraini rapper Flipperachis Fa9la track in the film Dhurandhar . His entry scene from the film took social media by storm. Numerous shorts comparing his aura to his father Vinod Khannas vintage charm are also doing the rounds now. Many say the Akshaye-Flipperachi vibe lured them to the theatres.

The New Indian Express 29 Dec 2025 6:00 am

IOB to raise Rs 4,000cr; Centres stake to fall 3% to 3.5%

The Times of India 29 Dec 2025 2:21 am

Woman run over by water tanker in Madhavaram

The Hindu 29 Dec 2025 12:16 am

Thalapathy Vijay Trips And Falls After Being Mobbed At Chennai Airport Post Jana Nayagan Event In Malaysia

On Sunday night, the actor-politician returned from Malaysia after attending the Jana Nayagan audio release event

NDTV 28 Dec 2025 11:57 pm

Colleges ascivil service coaching hubs

An increasing number of colleges in Chennai run study circles on their premises to help students prepare for UPSC and TNPSC exams

The Hindu 28 Dec 2025 10:56 pm

Acclaimed documentary and television filmmaker S. Krishnaswamy passes away

Dr. Krishnaswamy was the founder of Krishnaswamy Associates; he received the Padma Shri in 2009 and the Dr. V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020

The Hindu 28 Dec 2025 10:21 pm

DMKstoutly opposes Congress leaders demand for a share in power inTamil Nadu

Such an arrangement [a coalition government] will not work in Tamil Nadu,a highly placed source in theDMKsays, indicating that the party leadership will remain firm in its decision

The Hindu 28 Dec 2025 9:32 pm

Kovalamfishers write to Union government against the proposed reservoir project

In a letter to the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, they have said the proposed reservoir will block the natural flow of the Buckingham Canal, a key part of National Waterway-4

The Hindu 28 Dec 2025 7:12 pm

Political leaders pay tribute to Captain Vijayakanth on death anniversary

Chennai: Leaders cutting across party lines in Tamil Nadu on Sunday paid floral tributes at the memorial of DMDK founder leader Vijayakanth, fondly addressed as Captain by his admirers, on his second death anniversary. Chief Minister M K Stalin, in his tributes, recalled Vijayakanths welfare-centric work and hailed him as large-hearted and a good friend. 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 28 Dec 2025 6:58 pm

ISRO plans third launch pad at Sriharikota in 4 years: Scientist

Chennai: ISRO is in the process of developing a third launch pad at the Shriharikota spaceport and is currently identifying the right vendors for it, a top scientist said. Shriharikota complex, which covers an area of 175 sq km, is located about 135 km east of Chennai. It has been serving the Bengaluru-headquartered space agency 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 28 Dec 2025 6:41 pm

Gujarat Titans Bet On Holder Is Interesting, His Six-hitting Abilities Have Improved, Says Pathan

Indian Premier League: Former India left-arm pacer Irfan Pathan said Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 champions Gujarat Titans (GT) have shown immense faith in West Indies fast bowling all-rounder Jason Holder, noting that his improved six-hitting ability alongside his new-ball bowling will benefit the side in the 2026 season. Holder has been a familiar face in the Indian Premier League, having previously represented Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, and Rajasthan Royals. In the auction held in Abu Dhabi, GT aggressively pursued Holder and eventually got him for Rs 7 crore after a prolonged tussle with CSK. Their bet on Jason Holder is interesting. He is an amazing bowler with the new ball, but his batting has improved, especially his six-hitting abilities. GT has put a lot of faith in that. Their main strength is their top three batters: Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler. How they use Washington Sundar will be important, as his batting has gotten better, too. The role of Glenn Phillips, or whoever plays at number four or five, will also be very big, said Pathan on JioStar. Ex-India opener Abhinav Mukund explained the reasoning behind GT's preference for left-arm pacers and all-rounders like Holder in making their IPL 2026 squad. Gujarat Titans love fast bowlers, especially left-arm pacers like Prithviraj Yarra and Luke Wood. Ashok Sharma had a great Syed Mushtaq Ali season. How they use Washington Sundar will be important, as his batting has gotten better, too. The role of Glenn Phillips, or whoever plays at number four or five, will also be very big, said Pathan on JioStar. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So maybe if Glenn Phillips is fit, he plays in the middle order, and Jason Holder finishes. Overall, they still look like a brilliant side. They have the best young Indian talent. I don't know who will control them on the bench. Good luck to Parthiv Patel and Ashish Nehra, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 28 Dec 2025 6:18 pm

Tamil Nadu Forest Department to strengthen coastal patrolling as Olive Ridley carcasses begin washing ashore

The Department has enlisted the help of the Marine Elite Force fromRamanathapuramto increase patrolling and intercept trawlers. Since the start of December this year, over 50 Olive Ridleycarcasses have been reported by volunteers of Students Sea Turtle Conservation Network and fishers

The Hindu 28 Dec 2025 5:36 pm

My Dear Kuttichathan fame art director K Shekhar passes away

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Renowned art director and designer K Shekhar, 72, best known for his path-breaking work in My Dear Kuttichathan, passed away on Saturday morning at his residence in Thiruvananthapuram. Shekhar was the art director of My Dear Kuttichathan, Indias first 3D film. He is especially remembered for designing the famous rotating bedroom set seen in the song Aalipazham Perukkan, where children appear to walk on walls and the ceiling. The scene was created using a real mechanical rotating room with the camera mounted to move in sync with it - a pioneering visual effect in Indian cinema at the time. A postgraduate in journalism from the University of Kerala (1979), Shekhar entered the film industry as costume publicity designer for Padayottam, Malayalam cinemas first 70mm film directed by Jijo. He later worked as art director for several notable films including Fazils Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu, Chanakyan and Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare, and for the Hindi television series Bible Ki Kahaniyan telecast on Doordarshan. He was also part of the design team behind the Kishkinta Amusement Park in Chennai. He is survived by wife Jayanti Shekhar, a commerce teacher. The body was kept for public viewing at his residence near Statue Junction till Saturday evening and was later cremated at Santhi Kavadam, Thycaud.

The New Indian Express 28 Dec 2025 11:11 am

Bengaluru hospitals see increase in flu symptoms

BENGALURU: Bengaluru is witnessing a noticeable surge in seasonal influenza and other respiratory infections as the city heads into the year-end, with doctors reporting a sharp rise in patients presenting with flu-like symptoms. There has been nearly a five-fold increase in outpatient visits for respiratory symptoms over the last few weeks, said Dr Sachin Kumar, director of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine at Sakra World Hospital. He said the current trend is being closely monitored due to the rapid spread of the H3N2 strain. He added that hospitals are also seeing a significant rise in paediatric cases, with many children reporting symptoms. Around 2030% of our outpatient visits are currently due to influenza-like illness, said Dr Koushik N, senior specialist Pulmonologist at Aster RV Hospital. While most cases remain mild and resolve within three to five days, he said elderly patients, immunocompromised individuals and those with comorbidities face a higher risk of complications, including pneumonia. We are currently seeing around 20 cases of viral influenza and other infections, with H3N2 being the more common variant, said Dr Mahesh Kumar JM, internal medicine specialist at KIMS Hospital. Cold weather, year-end travel and crowding were contributing factors, he said. The increase comes even as the Health Department has issued an advisory warning of a likely rise in influenza cases between January and March. With people moving between cities such as Bengaluru, Delhi, Kerala, Chennai and other destinations, infections are being carried from one region to another and spreading rapidly after return. Emergency departments are also reporting a steady inflow of patients. We are seeing patients almost every day with fever, cough and cold, with multiple influenza variants, said Dr Sruthi Bhaskaran, Head of Emergency Medicine at Vasavi Hospitals. Dos 1. Elderly should take influenza vaccination 2. Wear masks during travelling 3. Early consultation if symptoms persist

The New Indian Express 28 Dec 2025 8:44 am

Drunken man murders wife in front of children in Porur

CHENNAI: A 40-year-old rental car driver, a habitual drinker, was remanded on Friday for allegedly murdering his wife following a domestic dispute at their house in Porur on Wednesday night. The deceased was identified as Rosy (28), a housekeeper in a private firm. She was married to the accused, Sathyaraj. Police said Sathyaraj frequently quarrelled with Rosy. On Wednesday night, a heated argument broke out between the couple. In a fit of rage Sathyaraj allegedly strangled Rosy and slammed her head against a wall in the presence of their children. Sathyaraj then told the children to go to sleep and on Thursday morning left the house. The murder came to light when the children tried to awaken their mother. Police tracked Sathyaraj using mobile tower signals and arrested him near a Tasmac outlet.

The New Indian Express 28 Dec 2025 7:20 am

Deadly start to turtle nesting season in Chennai

CHENNAI: Olive Ridley sea turtle deaths along the Chennai coast are fast approaching the 100 mark this season, triggering serious concern among conservationists and officials as the peak nesting period is still weeks away. The early surge in mortality has raised fears that TN could be headed for another disastrous nesting season, after a record 1,200 turtle deaths were reported along the coast last year. On Saturday, 10-12 carcasses were spotted on the coastal stretch from Chennai to Neelankarai, which includes an endangered Green Sea Turtle and this is the daily average death count for the past one week, according to the volunteers from Students Sea Turtle Conservation Network. Forest department officials say the state has intensified marine surveillance in response to the rising toll. We have stepped up patrolling significantly. Besides the newly launched Chennai marine elite force, we have also roped in the Ramanathapuram marine elite force, an official said. We are doing everything possible to stop illegal trawling, and we hope the daily death count will come down. Preliminary assessments of the carcasses point to drowning as the primary cause of death. The pattern is very similar when we examine the external signs. Most of the turtles found dead are males and appear to have drowned, which suggests entanglement in fishing nets. There could also be other unexplained reasons, and this needs close study, an official said. What has left officials concerned is the unusually early onset of deaths. Last nesting season, carcasses began washing ashore only after Christmas. This time, the deaths started much earlier. The number is already nearing 100 in Chennai alone. If we include the stretch between Neelankarai and Kovalam, the figure could touch 200, which is extremely worrying, especially since nesting activity is expected to pick up from January, the official added. Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, told TNIE, that the government is closely tracking the situation and will convene an emergency review meeting to take stock of the measures in place. Illegal trawling has been stopped near Chennai coastal waters. However, we also need to examine whether turtles are getting killed elsewhere and washing ashore here. Most of the carcasses we are seeing are three to four days old, she said. A meeting of the States Turtle Task Force, chaired by the chief secretary, is scheduled for next week. Officials are expected to review enforcement gaps and conservation strategies ahead of the peak nesting season. One major concern remains the poor enforcement of Turtle Excluder Devices, which are mandatory for trawl nets and designed to allow turtles to escape. Officials admit that resistance from sections of the fishing community has hampered effective implementation. Conservationists warn that without stricter enforcement at sea, combined with scientific monitoring and sustained engagement with fishing communities, turtle mortality could rise further. With mating already underway offshore and nesting set to intensify soon, experts say the next few weeks will be critical in determining whether Tamil Nadu can avert another devastating season for the turtles.

The New Indian Express 28 Dec 2025 7:11 am

Conservancy staff hold flash protests in Chennai; 1,100 held

CHENNAI: Police detained over 1,100 conservancy workers on Saturday after they staged flash protests at multiple locations near Parrys Corner and Broadway, keeping the personnel on high alert. The workers, who are demanding permanent employment and opposing privatisation, staged protest at five different spots one after another and blocked the roads before police removed them. They posed as regular commuters and shoppers to blend with the public and suddenly gathered and sat on the roads. Tension was high near the Kuralagam signal when a group of workers defied police orders and tried to gather again. Police blocked traffic on the stretch as workers lay on the road and raised slogans. Following a heated argument with the police, a few workers fainted and were provided medical aid. Speaking to reporters, Uzhaippor Urimai Iyakkam president K Bharathi said conservancy workers from the Royapuram and Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar zones have been protesting for the past 149 days. Their indefinite hunger strike entered its 43rd day on Saturday. Despite submitting multiple petitions, no official or political representative has come forward for talks, Bharathi said. He noted that while the state government has regularised jobs for nurses and HR&CE employees, a move they do not oppose, he questioned the unfair treatment of conservancy workers. Bharathi warned that the protest would intensify, and workers would visit the residences of ministers KN Nehru and PK Sekarbabu, and GCC Commissioner J Kumaragurubaran to press for their demands. He added that if the Assembly session begins on January 20 without a resolution, the protest would expand to 10 more zones. Meanwhile, police arrested 1,300 members of the Secondary Grade Seniority Teachers Movement on Saturday after they lay siege to the District Education Office in Egmore, demanding equal pay for equal work. The protest turned tense as police forcibly removed agitators who blocked the entrance. The area witnessed chaotic scenes as teachers resisted arrest, prompting a heavy police deployment.

The New Indian Express 28 Dec 2025 7:09 am

Degrees ofdisillusionment in Tamil Nadus government colleges, universities

Judging by headlines alone, faculty members across government colleges and universities in Tamil Nadu have spent the better half of the past two years in upheaval over a plethora of issues that are yet to be resolved. A fair pay scale, timely promotions and clearance of pending increments, regularisation of the services of part-time and temporary employees, restoration of special pay provisions and revival of the old pension scheme are among their demands. Nahla Nainarexplains the key issues plaguing higher education in the State

The Hindu 28 Dec 2025 5:30 am

Chennai scores well in terms of housing sales

The data also pointed out that Chennaiadded approximately 27,190 units in 2025, an annual increase of 30% against the previous year

The Hindu 28 Dec 2025 5:30 am

Chennai Corporation to implement city-wide smart parking management

The system will be rolled out initially in Anna Nagar and T. Nagar; official says the ultimate aim of CUMTAs Comprehensive Mobility Plan is to push people to switch to public transport

The Hindu 28 Dec 2025 5:00 am

Winds quicken, city AQI goes from poor to moderate

The Times of India 28 Dec 2025 4:42 am

More patients with genetic disorders turn to ICH

The Times of India 28 Dec 2025 4:42 am

New bill will lead to centralization of higher edu

The Times of India 28 Dec 2025 4:42 am

Two teens killed as lorry rams bike

The Times of India 28 Dec 2025 4:42 am

Web glitches bring voters to SIR camps

The Times of India 28 Dec 2025 4:40 am

FSSAI tightens testing norms for packaged water, drops BIS mandate

Regulator devises scheme for testing packaged drinking water and mineral water; directs manufacturers to comply with it from January 1; consumer groups urge authorities to ensure periodic inspections at plants and shut unauthorised units

The Hindu 28 Dec 2025 4:04 am

Jactto-Geo protest will hit board exam revision lessons

The Times of India 28 Dec 2025 2:10 am

Nalam Kaakkum Stalin benefits over 12 lakh in TN

The Times of India 28 Dec 2025 1:54 am

Sri Lankan police detain Tamil politician for questioning

Colombo: A Sri Lankan Tamil politician and an ex-minister has been detained for questioning by the police after a weapon issued to him was found in possession of a criminal. Douglas Devananda, who has been declared a proclaimed offender by a Chennai court in 1996 in the case relating to a shootout at Choolaimedu in 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 28 Dec 2025 1:44 am

Over 42K aspirants appear for asst prof recruitment exam

The Times of India 28 Dec 2025 1:37 am

TN to get 5 doppler weather radars

The Times of India 28 Dec 2025 1:37 am

Sanitation workers protest demanding permanent jobs

The Times of India 28 Dec 2025 1:36 am

18 injured as van collides with lorry

The Times of India 28 Dec 2025 1:34 am

Teachers protest enters day 2

The Times of India 28 Dec 2025 1:18 am

AIADMK seeks FIR, probe in sand mining scam

The Times of India 28 Dec 2025 1:15 am

EPS hits out at Stalin over open challenge

The Times of India 28 Dec 2025 1:15 am

Stalin slams BJP, AIADMK at agri expo

The Times of India 28 Dec 2025 1:12 am

Driver arrested for beating his wife to death

The Hindu 28 Dec 2025 12:59 am

Theagaraya College celebrates 75 years

The Hindu 28 Dec 2025 12:57 am

99-Year-Old Freedom Fighter Laxmikanthan Bharathi Recalls India's Independence Movement

At 99, freedom fighter Laxmikanthan Bharathi, from a family deeply involved in the struggle, recounts the fervent nationalism of the 1940s. He shares his childhood experiences of witnessing his parents' activism and his own arrest during the Quit India Movement, highlighting the emotional impact of the fight for independence.

The Times of India 28 Dec 2025 12:11 am

Udhayanidhi Stalin on how Tamil Nadu's Naan Mudhalvan Initiative Boosts Competitive Exam Success

Tamil Nadu's Naan Mudhalvan competitive exams initiative is revitalizing access to national examinations for rural youth. By addressing financial barriers and providing structured coaching, the program has significantly boosted success rates in civil services and other recruitment exams, restoring confidence and opportunity across the state.

The Times of India 28 Dec 2025 12:07 am

Pocso training among guidelines for pvt schools

The Times of India 27 Dec 2025 11:57 pm

Chennais long awaited Chukker with Polo

The revival of the royal sport in the city has been reined in, as the comeback fixture in January has been cancelled

The Hindu Businessline 27 Dec 2025 11:05 pm

Are You Feeling Bored? AI Might Be to Blame

Mental health experts suggest AI-driven environments are causing a sense of detachment and existential boredom by overstimulating the frontal brain and suppressing the default mode network. This imbalance leads to a feeling of being busy yet unfulfilled, as passive digital consumption hinders deep engagement and intrinsic motivation.

The Times of India 27 Dec 2025 10:09 pm

Over 1,000 teachers detained during protest for equal pay

The incident occurred when teachers from across the State, belonging to the Secondary Grade Seniority Teachers Association, were protesting for the second consecutive day, demanding equal pay for equal work

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 7:07 pm

How about a handcrafted New Years wish?

In a few days, there would be a burst of greetings. They would resonate with different wavelengths of emotion and effort. Simple and insincere. Simple but sincere. Complex yet insincere. Complex and sincere. That last category would encompass physical greeting cards that come at some price to the sender, the cost more hidden than revealed. These are customised and handcrafted cards; if the reader fancies sending them when 2026 dawns, they might want to pick the brains of these two residents of Chennai, one a corporate professional and the other yet to outgrow the school uniform

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 6:34 pm

Nearly 100 Olive Ridleys dead in Chennai sparking fears of another grim nesting season

CHENNAI: Olive Ridley sea turtle deaths along the Chennai coast are fast approaching the 100 mark this season, triggering serious concern among conservationists and officials as the peak nesting period is still weeks away. The early surge in mortality has raised fears that Tamil Nadu could be headed for another disastrous nesting season, after a record 1,200 turtle deaths were reported along the coast last year. On Saturday, 10-12 carcasses were spotted from Chennai to the Neelankarai coastal stretch, which includes an endangered Green Sea Turtle and this is the daily average death count for the past one week, according to the volunteers from Students Sea Turtle Conservation Network (SSTCN). Forest department officials say the State has intensified marine surveillance in response to the rising toll. We have stepped up patrolling significantly. Besides the newly launched Chennai marine elite force, we have also roped in the Ramanathapuram marine elite force, an official said. We are doing everything possible to stop illegal trawling, and we hope the daily death count will come down in the coming days. Preliminary assessments of the carcasses point to drowning as the primary cause of death. The pattern is very similar when we examine the external signs. Most of the turtles found dead are males and appear to have drowned, which suggests entanglement in fishing nets. There could also be other unexplained reasons, and this needs close scientific study, an official said. What has alarmed officials this year is the unusually early onset of turtle deaths. Last nesting season, carcasses began washing ashore only after Christmas. This time, however, the deaths started much earlier. The number is already nearing 100 in Chennai alone. If we include the stretch between Neelankarai and Kovalam, the figure could touch 200, which is extremely worrying, especially since nesting activity is expected to pick up from January, the official added. Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, told TNIE that the government is closely tracking the situation and will convene an emergency review meeting to take stock of the measures in place. Illegal trawling has been stopped near Chennai coastal waters. However, we also need to examine whether turtles are getting killed elsewhere and washing ashore here with the tide. Most of the carcasses we are seeing are three to four days old, she said. There are reports of rising turtle mortality in the neighboring Andhra Pradesh. Few cases were booked against the trawler boats for illegal fishing and sources say these fishing vessels were registered in Pondicherry. A meeting of the States Turtle Task Force, chaired by the Chief Secretary, is scheduled for next week. Officials are expected to review enforcement gaps and conservation strategies ahead of the peak nesting season. One major concern remains the poor enforcement of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs), which are mandatory for trawl nets and designed to allow turtles to escape. Officials admit that resistance from sections of the fishing community has hampered effective implementation. Conservationists warn that without stricter enforcement at sea, combined with scientific monitoring and sustained engagement with fishing communities, turtle mortality could rise further in the coming weeks. With mating already underway offshore and nesting set to intensify soon, experts say the next few weeks will be critical in determining whether Tamil Nadu can avert another devastating season for the Olive Ridley turtles.

The New Indian Express 27 Dec 2025 6:25 pm

Nainar Nagenthran demands action against DMK functionary for misconduct

In a social media post, Mr. Nagenthran referred to a video, which purportedly shows the DMKs 63rd ward secretary from Chepauk attempting to resolve a quarrel through an informal katta panchayat; he alleged that the functionary verbally abused members of the public

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 3:45 pm

Knee osteoarthritis patient symptom-free for six years after advanced cartilage transplant at Chennai hospital

Doctors from the hospital pointed to the long-term outcomes of the fifth-generation arthroscopic procedure aimed at preserving the natural knee joint and delaying total knee replacement

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 3:10 pm

Gastro doctor Dr Pal finds the 'one food' heart patients must avoid: Chennai-based cardiologist reveals

California-based gastroenterologist Dr Pal shared a podcast clip in which Chennai cardiologist Dr Babu Ezhumalai named potato fries as the one food heart patients should avoid. He explained that deep frying potatoes produces trans fats harmful to cardiac health. Supporting evidence from a long-term BMJ study shows frequent French fry consumption also raises type 2 diabetes risk, highlighting cooking methods as a key factor in diet-related disease.

The Economic Times 27 Dec 2025 2:46 pm

How AI is changing Kollywood script

Kollywood faces a challenging year with low box office success, pushing filmmakers towards AI for cost-effective production. AI tools are enabling visual pitch books, storyboards, and simulated scenes, aiding new directors in securing projects and cutting expenses. However, AI's effectiveness in capturing Tamil cinema's cultural nuances remains a significant hurdle.

The Times of India 27 Dec 2025 2:37 pm

Family attacked with knives at MKB Nagar in Chennai; three arrested

Six persons barged into house in an attempt to murder a man, who was allegedly involved in a rivalry with one of the accused

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 1:37 pm

Watch: Dushyant Sridhar interview: On collaborations and spirituality | Margazhi

Popular vedic speaker and harikatha exponent Dushyant Sridhar talks about the essence of spirituality, how he cites modern examples when he talks about ancient scriptures and his journey as a storyteller so far. He also explains why he appears on advertisements, and why he walked the ramp during a recent fashion event in Chennai that celebrated classical musicians. Dushyant also talks about the trips he puts together for yatris; in 2026, he has Kerala, Cambodia and Egypt on the list.

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 12:00 pm

SCR Announces Introduction of New Express Trains Across Key Routes

Services to connect Tirupati, Kacheguda, Shirdi, Chennai, Nanded and other major destinations

Deccan Chronicle 27 Dec 2025 11:48 am