Jana Nayagan production house moves Supreme Court
The production house has arraigned the Central Board of Film Certification and its Regional Officer as respondents in the case before the Supreme Court
Two shooters, five others arrested in Punjab for AAP sarpanch murder case
The other five arrested accused, who were part of the support and logistical module, were arrested from Punjab, the DGP Singh
Robbery attempts at two ATMs in Erode foiled
The alarms went off, prompting the suspects to abandon the attempt and escape without taking any money.
Inter-State cyber fraud racket busted; people from Bihar, Kerala, Odisha arrested
Acting on a tip-off, officers raided a house in the Badagada police station area of Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Patna High Court goes hard on Bihar police over unlawful arrest of a minor student
In the habeas corpus case plea, Justice Rajeev Ranjan Prasad and Ritesh Kumar gave the judgment and directed the state to pay a compensation of 5 lakh to the 15 year old boy.
Venezuelans in U.S. are torn between joy, worry after ousting of Nicolas Maduro
For more than 7,70,000 Venezuelans living in the U.S., reactions to Donald Trump's moves in Venezuela are as intense as they are complicated
Smartan Launches Revolutionary AI Injury Prevention Platform at CES 2026
Who is Raj Thackeray to abuse me?: Tamil Nadu BJP leader Annamalai on 'Rasmalai' jibe
Tamil Nadu BJP leader K. Annamalai hit back at MNS chief Raj Thackeray's remarks, calling critics of his statement on Mumbai ignorant. Annamalai, who stated Mumbai is an international city, also revealed receiving threats but vowed to visit the city. Thackeray had mockingly referred to Annamalai as 'rasmalai' and questioned his connection to Mumbai.
Wedding destination works in Nagarjunasagar, Baswapur and Somasila to be grounded in 2026
Realty sector seeks revision of affordable housing price cap ahead of Budget 2026
Industry bodies highlight that escalating land acquisition costs and construction overheads have rendered the current tax thresholds obsolete, particularly in rapidly expanding urban corridors
McDonald's Merry Meal's Socks Sparked Festive FOMO
McDonald's India (West & South), owned and operated by Westlife Foodworld, witnessed an overwhelming consumer response to its limited-edition Santa Socks, launched as part of the Merry Meal. The festive merchandise was completely sold out across West and South India before Christmas, turning a seasonal collectible into one of the most talked-about festive drops of the year. McDonald’s India’s Christmas Special Santa Socks Sold Out in 5 Days Demand surged rapidly, led by Mumbai as the fastest-selling city, followed closely by Ahmedabad. The campaign saw 1,50,000 socks sold just within five days, reflecting the speed and scale at which consumer excitement translated into action. The buzz around the Santa socks was driven by consumers themselves. More than 200+ organic social media reels featuring the Socks appeared across platforms, creating a strong sense of FOMO and urgency around the collectible. Some went a step further and created their own versions of the socks, wearing lookalikes simply to feel part of the moment. A key factor behind this response was the creative approach. Instead of releasing a traditional festive brand film, the brand chose to tell the story through a Gen Z–forward, lifestyle film that felt authentic to the way people consume and share content today. The film helped position the Merry Meal as a cultural moment that felt fun, relatable, and worth sharing. As the year turns and festive moments linger, the McDonald’s India Socks story stands as proof that when cultural insight meets organic consumer love, even a small festive detail can leave a lasting impression! www.instagram.com/reel/DSPnAHjkc1u/?hl=en Over the years, McDonald’s has delighted fans across ages with iconic toys, novelties and seasonal keepsakes. Building on this legacy, the Merry Meal brought that excitement back with a collectible and limited edition pair of Christmas Socks, available in two unique festive designs, which fans could wear, gift, and swap or add to their growing McDonald’s memorabilia. Lavdeep Walia, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, McDonald’s India (W&S) , said, “ For decades, we have been part of countless family moments. The Merry Meal was designed to bring families and friends together over great food, festive fun and a little extra cheer, because nothing says celebration like a delicious meal with a surprise that warms your heart (and your feet!). This initiative was our way of strengthening everyday occasions and creating touchpoints that keep people coming together at our restaurants. Our intent is to continue shaping occasions wherein communities gather, celebrate and create memories that last beyond the meal.” About Westlife Westlife Foodworld Limited (BSE: 505533) (WFL), formerly known as Westlife Development Ltd (WDL), focuses on setting up and operating Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) in India through its subsidiary Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. (HRPL). The Company operates a chain of McDonald’s restaurants in West and South India having a master franchisee relationship with McDonald’s Corporation USA, through the latter’s subsidiary. About Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. HRPL is a McDonald’s franchisee with rights to own and operate McDonald’s restaurants in India’s West and South markets. HRPL has been a franchisee in the region since its inception in 1996. HRPL serves over 200 million customers, annually, at its 450 (as of September 30, 2025) McDonald’s restaurants across 72 cities in the states of Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Goa along with parts of Madhya Pradesh and Union Territory of Puducherry and provides direct employment to over 10,000 employees. McDonald’s operates through various formats and brand extensions including standalone restaurants, drive- thrus, McCafe, 24x7, McDelivery, McBreakfast and dessert kiosks. The menu features Burgers, Wraps, Hot and Cold Beverages besides a wide range of desserts. Majority of the McDonald’s restaurants feature an in-house McCafé. The pillars of the McDonald's system – Quality, Service, Cleanliness and Value – are evident at each of the restaurants that HRPL operates.
Gold, silver futures hit fresh records on Federal probe, geopolitical tensions
Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures for February delivery jumped by 2,431, or 1.8%, to hit a record of 1,41,250 per 10 grams
Probe launched after drone sighted over Kannur Central Jail in Kerala
According to the FIR, a drone-like object was seen flying near cattle shed of the jail between 4.20 pm and 4.30 pm on Saturday. The object later moved towards the womens jail section
We agreed on friendly fights, but Ajit Pawars restraint appears shaken: Devendra Fadnavis
Ajit Pawar wont speak after January 15, 2026, when votes will be cast, said Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, exuding confidence in the BJP's performance
Hasaranga and Shanaka star in Sri Lanka's series-leveling T20 win against Pakistan
The series was part of both teams' preparations for next month's T20 World Cup to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka
Washington Sundar ruled out of ODI series against New Zealand due to rib injury
Washington Sundar has a side strain and will go for a scan after the match, Shubman Gill said at the post-match presentation
Meta urges Australia to change teen social media ban
Companies face fines of Aus$49.5 million (US$33 million) if they fail to take easonable steps to comply
From Delayed Arrival To Venue Congestion: CBIs Key Questions For Actor Vijay In Karur Stampede Case
The stampede occurred on September 27, 2025, during a political rally organised by Vijays party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, in Karur district of Tamil Nadu.
Danish PM says Greenland showdown at 'decisive moment' after new Trump threats
Germany and Sweden backs Denmark against Mr. Trump's latest claims to the self-governing Danish territory
Watch: India launches PSLV-C62 with EOS-N1 and 15 other satellites into polar orbit
Karur stampede case: TVK chief Vijay leaves for Delhi to appear before CBI
Mr. Vijay was accompanied by party office-bearers Aadhav Arjuna, Nirmal Kumar, and five others
Three killed in car-van collision at Kunnamangalam in Keralas Kozhikode
Two others who sustained grave injuries in the incident admitted to hospital
Watch | Shimlas historic open-air Ice rink reopens
Severed human heads found hanging on a beach in southwestern Ecuador
A police report attributes the incident to a conflict between criminal groups
The Hindu Editorial | Inward Turn: On the U.S.s Impending Plunge Into Isolationism
Having already pulled out of the Paris climate agreement in his first term, Mr. Trump has now doubled down on plans to end all U.S.
TAPS Pension Scheme FAQs: Eligibility, Benefits, And Key Doubts Answered
The Tamil Nadu government has rolled out the Assured Pension Scheme, reshaping retirement security. Heres a quick look at what the official order says and who it affects
PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 Mission encounters anomaly during end of PS3 stage
After a 22.5-hour countdown, the PSLV-C62 with the EOS-N1 satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites developed by startups and academia from India and abroad lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 10.18 a.m
Pongal holidays 2026: Tamil Nadu schools to remain shut on these dates. Check full list of holidays
Pongal holidays Tamil Nadu schools shut: In Tamil Nadu, schools and educational institutions remain shut on Pongal, Thiruvalluvar Day, Uzhavar Thirunal. Since January 18 falls on a Sunday, students in Tamil Nadu can expect a long school holiday for four to five days. Students will enjoy a school on Republic Day, January 26.
Sensex declines 455 points on foreign fund outflows, trade-related concerns
In the past five trading days, the BSE benchmark declined 2,185.77 points or 2.54%, and the Nifty tumbled 645.25 points or 2.45%
Astronaut Shukla urges youths to own dreams for India's space missions
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge suggested that IAS and IPS officers from the region volunteer to teach aspirants at the academy
Rupee falls 5 paise to 90.23 against U.S. dollar
A volatile geopolitical situation and concerns over further U.S. tariffs on Indian exports fuelled the selling of Indian stocks by foreign institutional investors, even as traders awaited cues from macroeconomic data to be released this week
An ensemble of language, people, style, Creole is a consequence of interaction and adaptation among different cultural traditions.
Repeated disruptions of peaceful Sikh nagar kirtans in New Zealand deeply concerning: Sukhbir Badal
Before the latest incident, last month, Mr. Badal had urged the Centre to take up the issue of disruption of a peaceful nagar kirtan procession in south Auckland by local protesters with the government of New Zealand
Elon Musk's X sues music publishers over alleged licensing conspiracy
Elon Musks X Corp sued 18 major music publishers and a leading U.S. music industry trade association on Friday
VinFast off to a fast start, crosses 1,000 EV sales in India
Virat Kohli becomes fastest player to reach to 28,000 runs across formats
Playing in his 624th innings, Kohli got to the milestone by hitting a four off New Zealand leg-spinner Adithya Ashok. Tendulkar had reached the landmark during his 644th innings
Manchester United crashes out of FA Cup as club weighs up candidates for interim coach
United has exited both domestic knockout competitions at the earliest possible stage this season, following the humbling loss to fourth-tier Grimsby in the English League Cup
Malaysia and Indonesia suspend access to Elon Musk's Grok AI after nudity outrage
On Saturday, Indonesia became the first country to deny all access to the tool
Watch: Trump says Iran want to negotiate and meeting being set up
Puducherry horror: 14-year-old locked and gang-raped by teen boyfriend, his 3 pals; rescued by cops
A 14-year-old girl was gang-raped by four minors, including her boyfriend, in Puducherry. The school dropouts, aged 17, allegedly drugged the victim and locked her in a room. Police have arrested the four accused and are searching for two more individuals aware of the incident.
Elon Musk's X to open source new algorithm in seven days
Elon Musk replied with an obscenity under a European Commission post about an earlier fine
Four banks move CIC against RBI nod to disclose NPAs, defaulters list under RTI
The banks claimed that disclosing regulatory information would harm their commercial interests
Watch | J&K: Suspected Pakistani drones seen hovering over areas along LoC and International Border
Donald Trump describes himself as Acting President of Venezuela in Truth Social post
The Truth Social post also has his designation as the 45th and 47th President of the United States, who assumed office on January 20, 2025
Trump says Iran pitched negotiations after U.S. leader threatened action for protester crackdown
Trump in comments to reporters aboard Air Force One said that his administration was in talks to set up a meeting with Tehran
Indias maritime policy: how it has evolved and what lies ahead
Indias maritime policy has undergone significant evolution, intricately linked to its historical and geographical context, as explored in The Routledge Handbook of Maritime India. The handbook delves into Indias rich maritime history and strategic relationships across the Indian Ocean
Know your English | What does chirpy mean?
Weather update: Cold wave, dense fog tighten grip on north India; heavy rain lashes south Tamil Nadu
Today weather update: North India braces for continued cold wave and severe cold wave conditions. Dense to very dense fog will disrupt visibility across several regions, impacting travel. Meanwhile, south Tamil Nadu is experiencing heavy rainfall. Authorities advise caution for vulnerable populations and fishermen.
Will speak after 100 days on new government: Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav returns to Patna, pledges to monitor the new governments performance after 100 days of its formation
Former chief of Naval staff Arun Prakash asked to establish identity under SIR
Collector of South Goa Egna Cleetus said that she will go through the Navy veterans enumeration form and the authorities will reach out to him
Chennai is experiencing unusual and unexpected cold weather conditions, and social media users feel the weather in Tamil Nadu's capital is similar to that of Ooty or Bangalore. Chennai is likely to experience light to moderate rainfall today. The skies are expected to remain cloudy with intermittent rainfall in some areas, the IMD said.
Wildfires in south Argentina rip through nearly 12,000 hectares of forest, threatening communities
The fires started almost a week ago in the Andean region of the Argentine province of Chubut and are putting a power plant and a school at risk as well as affecting rural properties, said the authorities
20 passengers injured in pile-up accident along Salem NH in Uthukuli limits
NRI doctor-YouTuber Sangram Patil detained at Mumbai airport over defamation case
The BJP functionary, who filed the complaint, has alleged that Dr. Patil spread false information about the ruling party and made derogatory remarks against its leaders
Here is a select list of stories to start the day
Addressing the choice overload problem
Unable to select funds among numerous choices, many have their savings locked in bank deposits, earning lower returns unintentionally
Hamas says it will dissolve its Gaza government when new Palestinian body takes over
Meanwhile, the post-ceasefire death toll continued to rise in Gaza, with Israeli gunfire killing three Palestinians, according to Palestinian hospital officials
Discoms reach out to 83 lakh power consumers personally with Deputy CMs message
Over 2,500 students receive degrees at Crescent Institute
A total of 2,991 students including 65 Ph.D., 774 postgraduate and 2,152 undergraduate candidates received their degree at the ceremony
Corporation starts removing shops for second phase of Blue Flag area on Marina beach
The second phase is expected to be launched by the end of this month on the Marina beach
Conservation in the Global South erases human rights, researchers say
In an article in Nature, a group of researchers including many from India has argued for greater rights, agency, and education among communities. As the late conservationist Madhav Gadgil put it, Talk of many things, not just air and water and the bird that sings, but of men and money and economic reforms
City residents feel the chill as temperature drops
The Regional Meteorological Centre forecast light to moderate rain for Monday at a few places over Tamil Nadu,Puducherry,and Karaikal
CCB registers 661 cases, arrests over 600 accused in 2025
U.S.-based group says 490 protesters, 48 security personnel dead; Iran warns U.S. against 'miscalculation', threatens retaliation
Hemant Soren cherishes memories of late Shibu Soren on 82ndbirth anniversary
Remembering his father who passed away last year on August 4, Mr. Soren said that though he is not present but his contribution, sacrifice, dedication and his thoughts were still alive today.
CPM flays EPS for criticising TN pension plan
Indore diarrhoea deaths: Blindspotting in Indias cleanest city
Contaminated drinking water, supplied through government-laid pipelines, led to a diarrhoea outbreak in Indore, killing at least 8 and affecting about 3,000 people. Mehul Malpani reports on unplanned parts of one of Madhya Pradeshs most promising cities, the delays in laying pipelines, and the blame game that follows when deaths get international coverage
NATO talks on deterring Russian activity around Greenland business as usual, says U.K.
Reports said military chiefs from Britain and other European countries were drawing up plans for a possible NATO mission in Greenland, which Donald Trump wants to acquire
Chennai shivers on an unusually chilly Sunday
Cops nab two cyber scamsters from Erode
Fight over pongal gift, two held
Airport tells people not to burn things this Bhogi
A hundred years ago | Important archaeological finds
Spanish Super Cup: Barcelona edges Real Madrid in heated final, Raphinha scores twice
Three goals scored in first-half stoppage time; Barcelona's De Jong sent off just before fulltime
CM to launch double-decker sightseeing bus today
Non-resident Tamils play a significant role in TN's economy
Child authors get bigger reception at book fair
Sanitation worker hands over 45 sovereigns of gold
Metro trial run a success: Ops on Poonamallee-Vadapalani line in Feb
Elderly woman found dead near Ponneri
Fifty years ago | Drastic steps to check rise in population
Draft women-centric campaigns, Nitin tells BJP cadres
TNCC to DMK: Bring resolution against VBGRAMG
Mercury to drop to below 3 degrees Celsius, IMD issues alert for cold wave conditions
