facebook

Tamil Nadu News

...Text view

Sapna Book House launches 70 Kannada titles

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 6:29 pm

Kochi metro and water metro to operate additional services on New Years Eve

On the night of December 31, Kochi water metro services will resume after a short break on the High CourtMattancherry and High CourtVypin routes

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 6:28 pm

Keralas Technopark invites EoI from co-developers for QUAD project at Technocity

A pre-bid meeting to brief interested developers on the EoI details will be held at 4 p.m. on December 30.

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 6:21 pm

Government lacks financial discipline, alleges YSRCP leader

State pushed into a debt trap through reckless borrowing and extravagant spending, alleges party spokesperson Sivashankar

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 6:19 pm

Aaditya targets BJP over tree-cutting plan for Kumbh, says it wants to bring Raavan Raj

Polls to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the Nashik civic body, will be held on January 15, while votes will be counted the next day

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 6:19 pm

U.S., Nigeria diverge in details over strikes on militants

The U.S. and Nigeria agree that the strikes hit targets linked to Islamic State, but neither one has provided details on which of Nigerias myriad armed groups were targeted

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 6:09 pm

Testing times ahead

Uncertain about your career options? Low on self-confidence? This column may help

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 6:00 pm

Given equal opportunity, women perform as well as or better than men, says Rajnath Singh

The Defence Minister said the legacy left behind by Jain spiritual leader Shrimad Rajchandraji in his short life will continue to guide people for centuries

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 5:53 pm

Watch: In conversation with Neeraj Ghaywan

Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan talks about his movie Homebound , his identity as a Dalit filmmakers and representing India at the 98th Academy Awards in this edition of the The Hindu Mind

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 5:53 pm

Case against undertrial for creating ruckus at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison

The accused, according to officials, was a habitual offenders involved in creating problems in the prison and instigating other inmates against the prison staff

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 5:53 pm

Jaideep Ahlawat replaces Akshaye Khanna in Drishyam 3; legal notice sent to Dhurandhar star

Film producer Kumar Mangat Pathak issued a legal notice to Akshaye Khanna for breach of agreement

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 5:17 pm

Caviar Queen and Lady Scarlet excel

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 5:12 pm

Bengaluru metro ride turns traumatic: Woman alleges harassment by co-passenger

The woman recorded a video narrating her ordeal and accused the police of showing sympathy towards the accused. The police have denied the allegations.

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 4:53 pm

KMB enforcement wing inspects houseboats, fines violators in Kerala

The KMB enforcement squad recently imposed a fine of 1.30 lakh against some violators in Kozhikode district

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 4:49 pm

Kerala CM slams Kogilu Layout demolitions in Bengaluru

On December 20, government agencies demolished over 150 houses in Fakeer Colony and parts of Waseem Layout in Kogilu Layout, Yelahanka, leaving nearly 500 people homeless.

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 4:47 pm

Seven arrested for sacrificing goat in public in East Godavari district

13 others were booked for resorting to similar act as part of celebration of birthday of former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in Ananthapuram district, the police said

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 4:47 pm

TN Cooperative Bank Assistant Recruitment 2026: Registration ends on this date, direct link to apply here

The Tamil Nadu Cooperative Bank is recruiting Assistants for 2026. Graduates can apply online until December 31, 2025. A written exam is scheduled for January 24, 2026. Successful candidates will proceed to a personal interview. This presents a significant opportunity for job seekers. Applicants should ensure all details are submitted before the deadline.

The Times of India 27 Dec 2025 4:33 pm

BNP's Tarique Rahman registers as Bangladeshi voter after 17 years abroad in self-exile

Foolproof security arrangements were in place around the EC office premises, with members of the Bangladesh Army, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Ansar and police deployed in and around the area

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 4:20 pm

Watch: Thailand and Cambodia agree to ceasefire after weeks of deadly border clashes

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to halt weeks of intense border fighting, the worst in years between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 4:15 pm

Ancient knowledge system needed to be protected carefully as it was destroyed systematically: Historian Madan Gupta

SITAM College Director Majji Sasibhusana Rao hailed Mr. Madan Guptas initiative in writing books such as Apurva Bharatam which is being translated into several languages by the government and other organisations

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 4:10 pm

CWC meeting: PM carried out devastating attack on States, much like demonetisation, says Rahul on VB-G RAM G

Rahul Gandhi said the Congress would would resist the government's action and expressed confidence that the entire Opposition would be aligned with it

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 4:07 pm

Battle of Galwan teaser: Salman Khan is ready to strike in Apoorva Lakhias war-drama

The film is based on the 2020 Galwan Valley conflict between India and China

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 3:57 pm

Drunk private bus driver caught during night check in Bengaluru

Police said the driver was operating a sleeper private bus despite being under the influence of alcohol, raising serious concerns over passenger safety during night travel

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 3:53 pm

Land-related issues in the Amaravati capital region being resolved in a phased manner, says Pemmasani

A committee report would guide decisions on the genuine beneficiaries of jaribu lands, Union Minister of State for Rural Development said

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 3:50 pm

All you need to know about: Alice in Wonderland Syndrome

Alice in Wonderland Syndrome, also known as Todds Syndrome, is a rare neurological condition that causes temporary distortions in how a person perceives size, distance, body image, and time

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 3:30 pm

Delhi Police apprehends 966 people in southeast Delhi ahead of New Year under Operation Aaghat 3.0

Operation Aaghat 3.0 was launched to curb organised crime, street offences, and the activities of habitual criminals in view of heightened public movement during year-end festivities, says officials

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 3:23 pm

Delhi Police's South-East District conducts Operation Aaghat 3.0, arrests 285 accused

285 accused have been arrested under the Excise Act, NDPS Act, and Gambling Act. A total of 504 persons were apprehended under preventive action, while 116 Bad Characters were also apprehended, says DCP South East, Hemant Tiwari

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 3:23 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

Myanmar goes to polls amid civil war and humanitarian crisis

Myanmar has been hammered by a conflict triggered by a 2021 coup in which the military ousted an elected civilian government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 2:50 pm

Pushpa 2 stampede case: Allu Arjun named among 23 in charge sheet

The actor and the other accused were subjected to several rounds of questioning during the course of the probe

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 2:48 pm

Natya Darshan Day two: Thoughtfully-structured sessions demonstrated how movement and mime convey the subtleties of language and literature

Murugiyal - Tri Yatri, the theme of this years Natya Darshan, celebrated Tamil heritage through dance and verse.

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 2:43 pm

Of trends, lifestyle, living spaces: How 2025 redefined these and more

Here we bring to you articles from The Hindu, on how the year 2025 set the tone for food, fashion trends, art, homes, fitness, books and much more.

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 2:22 pm

Who dominated Indias art and design ecosystem in 2025?

We ask industry experts to share the names of some of the best artists, curators and designers who showcased the countrys soft power this year

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 2:19 pm

Smartphone retailers forced to pay salaries out of their savings as sales dry up

The retail body said that the impact on the Indian mainline retail market has been severe. Despite high hopes for a year-end recovery, consumer footfall has drastically plummeted since Diwali

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 2:05 pm

Craft-focused jackets to invest in next year

These pieces lean into native design and sustainability, and will hold good through 2026

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 1:45 pm

PM Rashtriya Bal Puraskar winners: check full list

Young prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and two posthumous recipients from Tamil Nadu and Bihar are in this years Bal Puraskar list.

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 1:43 pm

666 Operation Dream Theatre: Priyanka Mohans first look from the retro thriller unveiled

Directed by Hemanth M Rao, the film also stars Dhananjaya and Shivarajkumar

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 1:40 pm

Turkiye holds military funeral for Libyan officers killed in plane crash

The ceremony was held at 8:00 a.m. local time at the Murted Airfield base, near Ankara, and attended by the Turkish military chief and the Defence Minister

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 1:38 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

Open-end spinning mills in Tamil Nadu slash production by 50%

They have been affected by rising cotton waste prices and fall in yarn prices

The Hindu Businessline 27 Dec 2025 1:22 pm

Keralas Opposition Leader V. D Satheesan calls CM Pinarayi Vijayan an autocrat

He further alleged that CPI(M)s cyber cell has been engaged in constant personal attacks against senior Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 1:17 pm

Bringing the spirit of Margazhi to Coimbatore

Medai Margazhi brings to the city a grand celebration of classical performances, senior artist showcases, and curated experiences

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 1:14 pm

Actor Sivaji appears before Telangana womens panel over remarks

The Commission took suo motu cognisance of Sivajis comments made at the pre release event of his film Dandora, where he spoke about womens clothing choices

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 1:08 pm

CWC meet: Congress top brass discuss strategy for 2026 polls, action against Centre over G RAM G law

Senior Congress leaders on Saturday attended a crucial meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the partys highest decision-making body, to discuss the political situation ahead of multi-state assembly elections next year and chart its response to the governments repeal of the UPA-era rural employment scheme MGNREGA. The party is deliberating its strategy after the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005, was replaced by the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G). The extended CWC meeting is being attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, along with chief ministers of Congress-ruled states, including Karnataka, Telangana and Himachal Pradesh. Presidents of Pradesh Congress Committees (PCCs) are also present. The meeting comes ahead of assembly elections due next year in Assam, Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with leaders expected to deliberate on the partys electoral strategy. The Congress is set to finalise its action plan to counter the government following the repeal of MGNREGA. The VB-G RAM G Bill was passed during the recently concluded winter session of Parliament and has since received the assent of President Droupadi Murmu. The Congress and other opposition parties have strongly objected to the new law, saying the removal of Mahatma Gandhis name from the scheme is an insult to his legacy. Under the new law, rural households are guaranteed 125 days of wage employment in a financial year for adults willing to undertake unskilled manual work. Unlike the earlier central scheme, the programme will now be funded jointly by the Centre and states in a 60:40 ratio.

The New Indian Express 27 Dec 2025 12:52 pm

Australia issues advisory on counterfeit anti-rabies vaccine in India; pharma refutes charges

Indian Immunologicals Limited says the vaccine batch is no longer in circulation

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 12:43 pm

Pharma series review: Despite strong performances and solid premise, the narrative misses the mark

The series, directed by PR Arun, which delves into the murky side of the pharma industry, fails to deliver despite the promise of an interesting premise

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 12:43 pm

I dont believe in erasing history, says Meneesha Kellay, youngest trustee at the British Museum

As the youngest trustee in the British Museums history, curator Meneesha Kellay is redefining what museums can be spaces of collaboration, curiosity, and change

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 12:20 pm

CWC Meet: Congress Discusses Next Steps on G RAM G Law

The meeting comes ahead of next year's assembly polls in Assam, Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, and the leaders are expected to deliberate on the party strategy

Deccan Chronicle 27 Dec 2025 12:04 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

Kapil Sharmas Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 to re-release in theatres in January

The film had a dismal run when it was released just a week after Dhurandhar on December 11

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 11:54 am

Punjab, Haryana reel under intense cold; Sonamarg coldest at minus 5.8 degrees Celsius

Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius on Friday night, nearly three degrees down from 0.2 degrees Celsius on the previous night, they said.

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 11:49 am

Bengal govt officers' association raises concern over voter deletions in draft rolls under SIR

The deletions can be made in cases when he person concerned has ceased to be ordinarily resident in the constituency or that he is otherwise not entitled to be registered in the electoral roll of that constituency, it said

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 11:48 am

CEC begins 3-day Odisha tour, calls BLOs 'pillars of election process'

Before concluding his visit, Mr. Kumar will interact with around 700 BLOs from Khurda and Cuttack districts on December 29 in Bhubaneswar

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 11:42 am

That Indian side wasnt great: Alastair Cook on Englands 2-2 home draw

Batting great Alistair Cook said Englands recent results had masked deeper issues, creating an illusion of progress

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 11:41 am

Discarded fishing gear piles up on Tamil Nadu coast as recycling infrastructure lags

A study shows fishing-related debris such as abandoned or lost nets, ropes, and floats makes up nearly half of the litter found on surveyed beaches

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 11:37 am

Autism Club Ernakulams desktop calendar for 2026 celebrates creativity of individuals on the spectrum

The calendar is a showcase of the creativity of the individuals on the autism spectrum, irrespective of how talented they are

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 11:29 am

Centre's green panel gives nod to Dulhasti hydel power project on Chenab river

Expert Appraisal Committee on hydel projects accorded approval during its 45th meeting earlier this month, paving the way for the floating of construction tenders for the run-of-the-river project, estimated to cost over 3,200 crore

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 11:24 am

Salman Khan celebrates 60th birthday with family and friends

Actors Sanjay Dutt, Aditya Roy Kapur and cricketer MS Dhoni were among the attendees.

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 11:16 am

Why women need specific nutrition as they age

Womens nutritional needs shift with every life stage, from menstruation and pregnancy to menopause, making tailored nutrient intake essential to maintain energy, bone strength, and metabolic health

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 11:04 am

Sabarimala gold theft case: Congress leader N Subrahmanian in custody over photo controversy

KOZHIKODE: The probe into the Sabarimala gold heist has turned into a major political confrontation in Kerala, with the police taking a Congress leader, N Subrahmanian, into custody over a controversial social media post linked to the case. N Subrahmanian, a member of the KPCC Political Affairs Committee, was taken into custody by the Kozhikode Chevayur police for allegedly sharing a photograph depicting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan alongside the prime accused in the gold theft case, Unnikrishnan Potti . The core of the controversy involves the alleged theft of gold from the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) and the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols of the Sabarimala temple. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) found that several kilograms of gold were missing from the sacred items. Prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti, a priest-turned-businessman, allegedly siphoned off gold under the guise of electroplating and renovation work between 2014 and 2019. Potti was arrested in October after a ten-hour questioning session. The SIT has since arrested multiple high-profile figures, including former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) presidents A Padmakumar and N Vasu. Political temperature soared when N Subrahmanian shared a picture on Facebook showing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan with Unnikrishnan Potti, accompanied by a caption questioning the deep relationship between the two. The Chevayur police registered a case under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Kerala Police Act for allegedly attempting to provoke a riot and promote enmity. Subrahmanian, while being taken from his home after a police search, stated, I shared a real image taken from a video shared by the Chief Minister's Office itself. This is an attempt to suppress the opposition's activities. The CPM, however, labelled the image as a fabricated AI-generated photo. They clarified that the original footage was from a public function in August, and Potti was merely a bystander who was edited into the frame to look like he was in a private conversation with the CM. Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT reaches Tamil Nadu, records Dindigul mans statement

The New Indian Express 27 Dec 2025 10:59 am

Cricket prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi conferred with Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

Suryavanshi slammed 190 runs off 84 deliveries, studded with 16 fours and 15 sixes, for Bihar against Arunachal Pradesh in a Vijay Hazare Trophy Plate group match in Ranchi

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 10:55 am

Eight militants arrested in Manipur

Four members of the proscribed KCP (People's War Group) were apprehended from Andro Leitanpekpham area in Imphal East district on December 25, says senior police officer

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 10:47 am

Tamil Nadu: Chased by gang, rowdy runs into DGP office; suspected chaser arrested with sickle

A history-sheeter, Sathyamurthy, sought protection at the DGP office after being chased by an armed gang. Police apprehended one attacker, Imran, who admitted to the chase. Investigations revealed the attack was a revenge plot for a 2023 murder. Police are now searching for the remaining gang members.

The Times of India 27 Dec 2025 10:46 am

Three more held in Rs 3.4 crore online investment fraud in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: Three persons, including two women, were arrested by the cyber crime wing of the Central Crime Branch in connection with a Rs 3.4 crore online investment fraud carried out through a fake WhatsApp trading group. A mobile phone used in the offence was seized. Police nabbed Murugesh (49) of Melur, and Hepsi (35) and Panchavarnam (33), both from Thoothukudi, on Wednesday. They were remanded in judicial custody on Thursday. Last month, Balasubramanian (51) of Thanjavur was arrested in the same case. According to police, Balasubramanian played a key role in coordinating the fraud, while Murugesh allegedly allowed his bank account to be used for receiving the money. Hepsi and Panchavarnam are accused of helping procure and route bank accounts through intermediaries in return for commission. The case was registered on a complaint from Sathyanathan (68) of Adyar, who alleged that he was added to a WhatsApp group titled FYERS VIP, after fraudsters posed as officials of a Bengaluru-based brokerage firm. He was asked to download a trading application and, between July 7 and July 25, transferred Rs 3.4 crore to 13 different bank accounts.

The New Indian Express 27 Dec 2025 10:40 am

At least 7 killed in Vietnam after bus overturns

29-seat bus carrying a charity group was travelling downhill when it flipped and was crushed, according to the Vietnam News Agency

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 10:29 am

Nigerian villagers rattled by US airstrikes that made their homes shake and the sky glow red

Nigerian government says that the strikes targeted areas used as staging grounds by foreign IS fighters who had sneaked into Nigeria from the Sahel

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 10:24 am

Gandikotacanyon: The neglected wonder in our backyard

Any place having the right combination of a jaw-dropping beauty, a slice of ancient history and an ambience for leisure tourism should become a tourist hotspot. Despite having all three, however, Gandikota appears to be miles away from reaching that stage, thanks decades of neglect

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 10:14 am

Thailand and Cambodia agree to immediate ceasefire: joint statement

The agreement, signed by Thai Defence Minister Natthaphon Nakrphanit and his Cambodian counterpart Tea Seiha, ended 20 days of fighting that has killed at least 101 people and displaced more than half a million on both sides

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 9:49 am

James' concert cancelled after attack in Bangladesh's Faridpur

Just before James was to take the stage, a group of outsiders attempted to force their way into the venue. When they were denied entry, they began pelting bricks and stones and tried to seize control of the stage.

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 9:49 am

Delhi air quality slips to 'Very Poor' as smog engulfs city; AQI crosses 300

Authorities are monitoring pollution levels and enforcing measures such as the 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule to address the situation

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 9:29 am

19 Bangladesh nationals among 511 arrested in Uttarakhands three districts under Operation Kalnemi

Those arrested included 19 Bangladeshis illegally residing in the State, of whom 10 have been sent back to the neighbouring country, while action is underway against the other nine, the statement said.

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 9:22 am

Bravery awards for 9-yr-old, 11-yr-old posthumously

NEW DELHI: Nine-year-old Vyoma Priya lost her life while trying to save a six-year-old during an electrical accident in their gated community park in Tamil Nadus Coimbatore. Kamlesh Kumar, an 11-vear-old, died while bravely attempting to save another child in the Durgawati river near Jaipur village in Bihars Kaimur district. The two were among the 20 young boys and girls who were conferred with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025 by President Droupadi Murmu on Friday. Lauding the award-winning children for bringing pride to their families, communities, and the entire country, the President said, The greatness of a country is certain when its children are filled with patriotism and high ideals. Remembering the brave deeds of the two children who were awarded posthumously, she said, Nine-year-old daughter Vyoma Priya and 11-year-old brave son Kamlesh Kumar lost their lives while saving the lives of others with their courage. The President also conferred the awards in six categories bravery, art and culture, environment, social service, science and technology and sports. The President praised 10-year-old Shravan Singh from Chak Taran Wali, Ferozepur, Punjab, who showed exceptional courage during Operation Sindoor by making daily high-risk supply runs to frontline soldiers and motivating his family and community to support the Army, despite constant threats from hostile drones. Shravan Singh, amidst the risks associated with war during Operation Sindoor, regularly delivered water, milk, and lassi to the Indian soldiers stationed at the border near his home. Whereas, the differently-abled daughter Shivani Hosuru Uppara has achieved extraordinary accomplishments in the world of sports, overcoming economic and physical limitations, she said. It is because of talented children such as the seven-year-old Vaka Lakshmi Pragnika that India is considered a chess powerhouse on the world stage. Ajay Raj and Mohammed Sidan P, who saved the lives of others with their bravery and intelligence, deserve the praise they receive, she said. Vaibhav Suryavanshi has made a name for himself in the highly competitive and talent-filled world of cricket and has set many records, she added. Among those the President mentioned was Muhammed Sidan P, an 11-year-old Class 6 student from Palakkad, Kerala. He saved his two friends from electrocution while they waited for their school bus. Talking about the significance of the Veer Bal Diwas, the president said that about 320 years ago, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, and his four sons had made the supreme sacrifices while fighting for truth and justice.

The New Indian Express 27 Dec 2025 8:53 am

Somalia denounces Israeli recognition of Somaliland

Somaliland emains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia, which is a member of the AU, the pan-African body's head, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, said

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 8:37 am

Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT reaches Tamil Nadu, records Dindigul mans statement

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The special investigation team probing the Sabarimala gold theft cases has extended the probe to additional areas in Tamil Nadu as part of its effort to verify information provided by a businessman that a racket involved in trafficking idols could have played a role in the gold heist. The SIT knocked on the doors of a Dindigul-based man, identified as M S Mani, under the suspicion he was the same person the businessman had mentioned in his testimonial. The businessman, a close contact of senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, told the SIT that four panchaloha idols were bought by a Tamil Nadu-based antique collector from Kerala and that they reached the hands of an international smuggling racket. The businessman mentioned the antique-collector as D Mani. It was while verifying the statement that the sleuths reached the doors of the Dindigul man, who identified himself as M S Mani. The man told reporters that the investigators did not tell him which case his statement was recorded in. While clarifying his name was M S Mani, he said he had no connection with either the antique trade or Sabarimala. He said one of his friends Balamurugans phone number might have been misused by suspects, which could have led the cops to him. The SIT scrutinised the IT returns documents and also showed photographs of a couple of people to him and asked whether he could identify any of them. His reply, sources said, was negative. However, sources said Chennithala and the businessman, whose identity has been kept under wraps, confirmed it was the Dindigul man they had mentioned about. The SIT will issue summons to him to appear in person in Thiruvananthapuram, a source said. Highly-placed sources said the development should not be construed as a breakthrough. Besides Dindigul, a few more places in Tamil Nadu, including Virudhunagar, have been searched by the SIT.

The New Indian Express 27 Dec 2025 8:10 am

Two pilgrims collapse, die on forest route to Sabarimala

IDUKKI: Two Ayyappa pilgrims who proceeded to the Sabarimala temple via the Sathram forest route collapsed and died at different locations on Friday. Both the deceased were natives of Tamil Nadu. The first incident occurred at Sathram, where Balaji, 43, a native of Karur district, collapsed while walking along the forest route after obtaining online darshan pass. According to fellow pilgrims, he developed extreme fatigue after walking around 500 metres, sat down to rest and suddenly collapsed. Forest department officials and health department personnel stationed at Sathram rushed to the spot, but he had already died. The body was shifted to the Vandiperiyar Primary Health Centre, and after inquest by Vandiperiyar police, was sent to Idukki Medical College Hospital for postmortem examination. The second incident was reported near Seethakulam along the Sathram-Sabarimala forest route, where B Rajakumar, 52, of Thanjavur collapsed and died. The police and health department staff from Pulmedu reached the spot and confirmed the death. The body was taken to the Vandiperiyar PHC, following which the Kumily police conducted the inquest and shifted it to Idukki MCH for autopsy. The police said the bodies would be handed over to relatives after postmortem procedures. Authorities have reiterated advisories urging pilgrims to avoid overexertion, especially while using the forest routes, and to immediately seek medical assistance in case of fatigue or health distress.

The New Indian Express 27 Dec 2025 7:55 am

Ashes 4th Test Day 2: Australia 98-6 at lunch, lead by 140 runs

Australia lost six wickets in the session for 94 runs after resuming on four for no loss. Number four batter Steve Smith was 16 not out, with all-rounder Cameron Green on six

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 7:49 am

Moroccan fans cry foul amid empty seats at sold-out stadiums in Africa Cup

Morocco and neighbouring Algeria were the only teams to have their group-stage tickets sell out, but again on Friday there were empty seats for the host nations match against Mali in the near 70,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 7:32 am

Indian-origin student arrested in U.S. for arson, terroristic threat

Lella faces arson with intent to damage a habitat or place of worship, a first-degree felony, and terroristic threat of a family/household member, a Class A misdemeanour.

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 7:22 am

IndiGo flight disruptions: Panel submits probe report to DGCA

The inquiry committee, headed by DGCA Joint Director General Sanjay K Bramhane, was constituted on December 5 to conduct a comprehensive review and assessment of the circumstances that led to the massive flight disruptions

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 6:46 am

U.S. airlines cancel over 1,000 flights due to Northeast winter storm warnings

The National Weather Service issued warnings of winter storms this afternoon , which will cause hazardous travel conditions for the Great Lakes into the northern Mid-Atlantic and southern New England today through Saturday morning.

The Hindu 27 Dec 2025 6:35 am