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Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT defers recording Ramesh Chennithalas statement
SIT was slated to record Chennithalas statement at Kerala Police Crime Branch office at 11 a.m. The MLAs office said SIT contacted them at 10 a.m. and informed that investigating officer was indisposed without citing any reason
One Heung Kong Eye of the Future Unveiled, Crafting a New Global Landmark for Cultural Dialogue
Deepavali inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list
India currently has 15 elements inscribed on the UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Asia Pacific Defies Global Headwinds:Mastercard Economics Institute 2026 Outlook
Donald Trump says he will make a phone call on Cambodia-Thailand clashes
During a rally speech to supporters in the northeastern U.S. State of Pennsylvania, President Donald Trump listed various conflicts he has become involved with diplomatically
Watch: My favourite word is tariff: Trump claims duties are working, insists farmers are happy
Kerala local body polls: As Kochi Corporation awaits new council, experts flag core urban challenges
Peoples opinions range from outright criticism to cautious optimism, and concerns about the lack of clarity on the direction Kochi city should adopt for future development
2025 one of deadliest for the people of Ukraine, says top U.N. official
Four constables killed as their vehicle collides with truck in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar
The police registered a case, and a search was on for the truck driver. The bodies were sent for post-mortem, the police said
U.R. Ananthamurthy memorial lecture in Bengaluru on December 14
The lecture will be delivered by Frederick M. Smith, Professor Emeritus of Sanskrit and Classical Indian Religions, University of Iowa
Sound of Falling trailer: Mascha Schilinskis ambitious multi-generational drama
MUBI has released the first trailer for Sound of Falling, Germanys official submission for the 2026 Best International Feature Oscar and one of the years most decorated festival titles
Hinge CEO Justin McLeod to leave company, Match Group says
Match Group said on Tuesday that Hinge founder and CEO Justin McLeod will step down to launch Overtone
SpaceX to pursue 2026 IPO raising above $30 billion: Report
Elon Musks SpaceX is moving ahead with plans for an initial public offering, Bloomberg News reported
Anurag Kashyaps Kennedy to stream on Letterboxds video store
The neo-noir thriller ignited global buzz after its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023
Rupee falls 20 paise to 90.07 against U.S. dollar in early trade
Forex traders said all eyes will be on the U.S.-India trade talks which could give some positivity to the rupee in the coming days
Stock markets rebound in early trade after two days of slump
Among the Sensex constituents, Adani Ports, Bajaj Finserv, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Mahindra & Mahindra were the gainers
5th Global Capability Centers Summit in Bengaluru on December 12 and 13
Industry leaders, finance professionals, and technology experts are expected to participate, sharing insights on emerging trends and best practices shaping the GCC landscape
Gaza war: Bolivia, Israel to restore diplomatic relations
The Bolivian Foreign Ministry said its top diplomat would meet his Israeli counterpart in Washington to discuss the revival of bilateral ties
Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar wrote to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, demanding an investigation under the direct supervision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu to track down the end beneficiaries in the drug money trail
Chennai International Book Fair from January 16, open to public
CHENNAI: School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi on Tuesday announced that the fourth edition of the Chennai International Book Fair (CIBF) will be held from January 16 to 18 at the Kalaivanar Arangam. For the first time, the event will be open to the members of the public, and they could register through online, he said. This years edition will feature the organising committee of the Frankfurt Book Fair, one of the worlds largest and oldest book fairs, as the Guest of Honour, with publishers from more than 100 countries expected to participate. The three-day event will also host special literary and business sessions including a session by the French government for Tamil publishers, a seminar on Turkeys TEDA Turkiye translation grant and workshops by the Bologna Childrens Book Fair on painting, design, translation and cartooning. Sessions on textbooks with illustrations led by the Iranian government will also be held. The minister also released the CIBF logo on the occasion, and said the fair is being organised with the motto Taking Tamil to the World and the World to Tamil, reflecting the states emphasis on promoting literature and reading. The fair, jointly organised by the Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation and the Directorate of Public Libraries, will facilitate the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to translate the works of Tamil writers into foreign languages and vice versa. CIBF is positioned as a unique B2B (business-to-business) platform that brings together international conferences, publishing trade shows and literary forums.
Samsung SDI's U.S. unit signs $1.4 billion LFP battery deal for U.S. customer
Samsung SDI said on Wednesday that its unit Samsung SDI America has signed a deal to supply lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries to a U.S. company
Meta stake in Ray-Ban maker EssilorLuxottica 'at least 3%', board director says
The Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which let wearers take photos, stream content and talk to an AI assistant, have boosted EssilorLuxotticas sales this year
U.S. bank executives say AI will boost productivity, cut jobs
JPMorgan Chase's consumer and community banking chief Marianne Lake said at the Goldman Sachs financial services conference the bank has doubled productivity to 6% with AI, from a previous 3% without it
Indian AI royalty proposal targets data practices of OpenAI, Google
The step comes as governments worldwide are fast developing regulations to resolve AI-related copyright disputes, as AI companies say they are making fair use of material generated by content owners
JioHotstar to invest Rs 4,000 crore in the southern market
Spinny: Redefining the Pre-Owned Car Market in India
OpenAI names Slack CEO Dresser as first chief of revenue as ChatGPT maker aims to make a profit
OpenAI has appointed Slack CEO Denise Dresser as its first chief of revenue
Disney nominates former Apple COO to its board
Jeff Williams retired as Apples COO earlier this year, having held the position since 2015
Spotify expands music videos access to premium users in U.S., Canada to take on YouTube
Spotify said on Tuesday it is making music videos available to premium subscribers in the U.S. and Canada
Accenture, Anthropic strike multi-year partnership to boost AI adoption
Accenture and Anthropic on Tuesday announced an expansion of their partnership through a new business group
Delhi court grants bail to 10 accused in protest against air pollution near India Gate
Nothing has been discovered against the accused protesters qua their membership in radical organisations related to Naxalites, the court said
Oracle's OpenAI reliance faces scrutiny as debt-fueled AI buildout raises worries
Oracle this year staked claim as one of the bigger providers of the rented computing power essential for generative AI thanks to its tie-up with ChatGPT-creator OpenAI
107 MPs submit notice to impeach Madras HC judge
NEW DELHI/CHENNAI: As many as 107 INDIA bloc MPs, led by DMK, submitted a notice to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday, seeking impeachment of Madras High Court judge G R Swaminathan for his order of December 1 and 3 directing Subramaniya Swamy temple authorities at Thirupparankundram to allow lighting lamps on a pillar (deepathoon) near a dargah on the hill. The impeachment notice accused Justice G R Swaminathan of the Madurai bench of Madras HC of conduct that raises serious questions regarding impartiality, transparency, and the secular functioning of the judiciary. It alleged undue favouritism towards senior advocate M Sricharan Ranganathan and lawyers from a particular community, besides deciding cases on particular political ideology against the constitutional principle of secularism. Copies of the notice were also sent to President Droupadi Murmu and CJI Sanjiv Khanna. The delegation included Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Akhilesh Yadav, T R Baalu, Kanimozhi, Supriya Sule and others. On December 3, Justice Swaminathan had allowed a group of petitioners to light the lamp on the pillar near the dargah, and directed CISF protection to them. Police stopped the group from lighting the lamp, leading to a furore, prompting the Tamil Nadu government to move the Supreme Court, which admitted TNs plea.
Tamil Karkalam to take language to 1.5K north students
VARANASI: Continuing its efforts to counter the long-standing charge that the BJP promotes Hindi cultural dominance, the BJP-led union government has initiated numerous efforts to teach Tamil through multiple languages of the country, particularly through Hindi. It is evident from the theme of the Kashi Tamil Sangamams fourth edition (KTS 4.0) going on from December 2 to 17 Tamil Karkalam (Let us learn Tamil), the event is aimed at teaching Tamil to Hindi-speaking students. The roads of Varanasi are filled with flex banners showing the picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the words Tamil Karkalam along with its Hindi transliteration. Under this programme, 300 college students from Uttar Pradesh will visit Tamil Nadu in 10 batches to learn Tamil. They will attend an orientation at the Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT) Chennai, followed by Tamil language classes and cultural sessions conducted at leading institutions across the state, including IIT Madras; Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan; Shastra University, Thanjavur; Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore and Ganapathi Tulsis Jain Engineering College, Vellore. The programme ensures that young learners from North India gain direct exposure to Tamil language, heritage and contemporary cultural practices. In Varanasi, 50 Hindi-speaking teachers from Chennai trained by the Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prasar Sabha, using the textbooks prepared by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT), are teaching Tamil to Hindi-speaking students in 50 schools in Varanasi. In total, 1,500 students will learn introductory Tamil through this initiative. The classes last for a period of 15 days. In just one week, the students of PM Shri Government Queens College were able to learn how to address and greet people in Tamil. Some of them explained how they loved learning Tamil. At Namo Ghat in Varanasi, where KTS 4.0 events are going on, CICT director Dr R Chandrasekaran said that within a month or two, the institute will launch a free online course for learning Tamil through Hindi. The CICT has published a series of books for learning Tamil through Hindi, including a handbook for practising Tamil grammar, a handbook for writing Tamil letters, a glossary of Tamil equivalents for Hindi words used in day-to-day life and a book of simple conversations in Tamil.
Chennai weather update: After receiving heavy rainfall for the past few days, Chennai is likely to receive light to moderate rainfall today, the IMD has predicted. The weather agency has warned of light to moderate rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal too. The minimum and maximum temperature in Chennai is likely to hover around 24 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.
Everyone should register themselves as Hindus in upcoming census, asks VHP president
The VHPs request came in response to demands from various sections of society, like Adivasis, to include a separate religion code for them
Meta says Australia pushing teens to 'less regulated' platforms
Lesser known chat and image sharing apps Lemon8 and yope, which are not currently listed in the social media ban, have shot up the download charts in Australia
Here is a select list of stories to start the day.
Surf's up for Indian paddler as he gears to officiate international events
There is something about the ocean salt. It clings to the skin long after you leave the water. It settles into the lines of your palm, onto your clothes, and gets etched into your memory. And for those who grow up by the sea, the salt shapes their spirit and spine. For A Sathish Kumar, a fisherman who spends most of his waking hours by the Marina beach, salt has been his anchor and compass. It pulled him into the ocean with a board nearly 20 years ago. It invited him to national championships. It carried him across continents as Indias first representative at the World Championships and the World Cup. And in November 2025, it carried him all the way to Hong Kong. Here, he completed the Standup Paddling (SUP) International Technical Official examination at the 2025 ACC SUP Asian Championships. After acing it, he is now recognised as an International Technical Official in Standup Paddling by the International Canoe Federation (ICF). Even two weeks after the win, his smile exudes a mix of pride and gratitude. I can now officiate at the World Championship, World Cup, all international events, including the Olympics, he says. To reach this milestone, a story lies behind the scenes; one of grit, improvisation, and gathering knowledge. Like the waves hungry for the shore, he was aching to learn and achieve. Sathish learned the sports rules on racing grounds around the world. Wherever I went, I learnt the rules and regulations, he shares. His years of practice, dedication, and winning medals brought him here. The Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association recommended Sathish for the role. Parallely, he was also under the radar of ICF for his achievements. The test With the skills and knowledge he acquired, Sathish appeared for two theoretical papers on reaching Hong Kong. It covered the various nations national and international laws and regulations. He scored 100 and 92 in the theory papers, which required 80 marks for clearance. This was followed by practical sessions for two days, and on the final day, he appeared for what he calls a viva of sorts. Just like how in the IAS exam, you are asked a single question in three different ways and each of your answers is required to be distinct...this viva was like that, he says. While language was not a hurdle, the accent was difficult to follow. Sathish quips, The Chinese, Hungarian, or Hong Kong officials cut half the words. They speak English mixed with their native languages. Similar to navigating swells in the ocean, Sathish got through the exam. He says, India is slowly growing and winning medals on the world stage. Im very happy and proud that I can represent my country on such a big platform. This is one of the biggest wins for him, because, Indians are usually neglected and are not given respect. We have to fight for our roles. So, we have to be fully prepared, otherwise a lot of stories are made up to reject us or not include us. He now eyes the Olympics. But before the dream of officiating could be fulfilled, the sport had to be included in the list of events held. Sathish hopes for SUP to be included in the 2028 Olympics, as it narrowly missed inclusion in 2024, losing the only available slot to surfing. Waves of wins and wishes Standup Paddling is the worlds fastest-growing water sport in terms of accessibility, low barriers, open to all ages, and thrilling without being intimidating. You dont need to know how to swim. You dont need extreme fitness. You just need balance and have the willingness to try, Sathish says. Nationally, though, the sport has been an afterthought. The government didnt know about this sport, he points out. It was only in 2023, after Sathish met the Sports Secretary of India and explained the game, that sufficient knowledge of the game was spread. He rues, In India, only the popular sports will be pushed. Meanwhile, the state government has been encouraging the sport, but only when the participants win any medals. Tamil Nadu swept nearly 49 medals at a national competition held in 2023, securing the overall championship and cash awards that helped athletes buy their own equipment, which is the sports biggest hurdle. Most Indian paddlers majorly from the fishing communities train on second-hand boards that Sathish brings back from competitions abroad. Through his club, SUP Marina, he trains 35 youngsters on donated and refurbished boards. I started this to grow the sport. Otherwise, our children will be left behind. Excelling in the sport will help them secure higher education and jobs after, says the coach of the Indian SUP team. The sea once took Sathish to the shores of many countries. He hopes the waves now take his students, too. The sea teaches you to balance first and respond later, but never to break or resist. SUP is like this. You are in the ocean, and suddenly the wind changes, and so does the course. But the sport makes you courageous enough to face all the situations and come back to the shore as a strong person, notes Sathish, who is trying for standup paddling to be included in Khelo India, university sports, school sports, and national games. Some waters wash off. Some waters stay. And for Sathish, they didnt let him stay put; it carried him to the world and continues to do so.
Persimmon: The nutrient-dense fruit behind the latest health hype
Persimmon, a fleshy and fibrous fruit belonging to the Ebenaceae family, has recently attracted global attention for its impressive nutritional profile and wide range of therapeutic benefits. Although traditionally consumed in countries like China, Korea, Japan, Brazil, Turkey, and Italy, persimmon cultivation is also widespread in India, especially in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Tamil Nadu, where it is locally known as Japani phal . For many years, persimmon remained underrated in several parts of the world, particularly in European regions where awareness was limited. But with rising consumer interest in functional foods and natural antioxidants, persimmon is now experiencing a surge in popularity. Asian cultures have long valued this fruit for its medicinal properties, and modern research is beginning to validate these traditional beliefs. A rich repository of nutrients and bioactive compounds The commercial variety, Diospyros kaki, is a seasonal fruit available from October to December. Despite its short availability window, it packs an impressive concentration of nutrients. Persimmon contains carbohydrates, dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, phenolic compounds (such as ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, and gallic acid), and carotenoids, including beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein. Its peel is particularly nutrient-dense, offering higher concentrations of minerals like manganese, iron, zinc, potassium, copper, calcium, and magnesium compared to the pulp. Persimmon is also rich in ascorbic acid (vitamin C), polyphenols, and tannins key contributors to its antioxidant capacity. These compounds have been linked to benefits in cardiovascular health, cholesterol management, and diabetes prevention. Carbohydrate levels vary among cultivars such as Japanese, Fuyu, Chocolate, and Japones, typically ranging between 17-19 g per 100 g of fruit. In processed forms, like peeled pulp, carbohydrate concentration can increase significantly, with glucose and fructose making up around 90% of total sugars. Protein content, though modest, also varies widely across cultivars, reported between 0.64-6 g per 100 g. Organic acids like malic acid, succinic acid, and citric acid influence the fruits flavour profile. The balance of these acids contributes to the characteristic sweetness of ripe persimmons and the astringency found in certain varieties. Why persimmon is gaining hype? As consumers gravitate toward natural, antioxidant-rich foods, persimmon stands out for its potent phytochemistry. Its bioactive compounds have opened new research avenues in diet-based strategies for managing lifestyle diseases. Although fresh persimmon is seasonal, its potential extends far beyond direct consumption. In India and worldwide, persimmon pulp, ready-to-serve beverages, ice creams, and even persimmon wine are emerging as innovative products that help retain nutrients while extending shelf life. However, despite its versatility and strong health credentials, persimmon remains underutilised, a gap that the current wave of interest may soon close. Health benefits Cardiovascular protection: Persimmons fibre, antioxidants, and tannins support heart health by reducing LDL cholesterol, improving lipid profiles, and preventing arterial stiffness. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects: Its polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids combat oxidative stress and inflammation, reducing the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease and neurodegeneration. Digestive wellness: High fibre content aids digestion, enhances bowel regularity, and contributes to better blood sugar and cholesterol regulation. Eye and skin health: Beta-carotene, lutein, and vitamin A promote eye health, while antioxidants help protect skin from aging and environmental stress. Improved metabolic health: Persimmon compounds show potential in moderating blood sugar responses and reducing risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Potential cancer and neuroprotective effects: Its rich antioxidant matrix may offer protection against certain cancers and cognitive decline, though more human research is needed. Persimmons rich nutrients and antioxidants make it a powerful, underused fruit with growing popularity for supporting health, wellness, and disease prevention.
T.N. School Education Minister unveils logo for CIBF 2026
The fourth edition of CIBF will be held from January 16 to January 18, 2026 at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai
Young hearts at risk: Post-Covid inflammation behind rise in cases
FIFA President Gianni Infantino accused of ethics breach: Report
Center to the complaint is Infantinos effusive praise of United States President Donald Trump, as well as world soccers governing body bestowing a first-of-its-kind FIFA Peace Prize on Trump.
107 oppn MPs submit notice to remove Madras HC judge over lamp-lighting order
Over 100 opposition MPs have submitted a notice to the Lok Sabha Speaker seeking the removal of Madras High Court Justice GR Swaminathan. They accuse him of misconduct and bias in a recent order concerning a lamp lighting at a temple near a dargah in Tamil Nadu.
MTCs small buses fleecing you big time
Anupam Rasayan to acquire U.S. firm Jayhawk for $150 million
The purchase consideration accounts for payment against the equity value of Jayhawk and existing loans payable to the exiting shareholders.
BlackRock unit agrees to invest 3,000 crore in Aditya Birla Renewables for minority stake
The GIP investment translates into an enterprise value of 14,600 crore for ABREN.
Liverpool defy Salah crisis by beating Inter Milan in Champions League
Dominik Szoboszlai's late penalty gave the Reds a huge win at the San Siro in the absence of Egypt star Salah, who was left in England after publicly criticising manager Arne Slot at the weekend
Fifty years ago | Delhi superbazar as model institution
Kejriwal says Gujarat govt stopped him from meeting jailed farmers
He charged that the current administration had behaved in a manner far harsher than what our freedom fighters could have imagined from an independent Indian government.
A hundred years ago | Indian tea
AAP makes fun of Rekha Gupta over 'AQI as temperature' gaffe; BJP responds
Delhiites want to ask these 'AAP' leaders that if they are ridiculing the Chief Minister over one small error, then they should first respond to the serious mistakes made by Arvind Kejriwal in the past years as CM, says Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor
Puig attributed the lack of consistency to Spains hockey ecosystem which remains constrained by finances.
Same number of ATP Challengers, but different prize pools
As per the revised ATP calendar released on December 4, the 2026 season for the second tier of mens tennis will open in Bengaluru on January 5. The event will offer 125 ranking points and more prize money ($225,000) this time.
Bow your head: Mamata demands PMs apology over Bankim da remark
Track them down: Punjab BJP chief demands probe into drug money trail
No scope for fire-safety lapses: Gupta; MCD initiates compliance survey
Inspection of major events, commercial spaces vital to avert Goa-like tragedy:CM; asks Chief Secretary, fire dept. officials to review current mechanism, frame new guidelines if necessary; civic body panel chair seeks compliance report in five days
Release goats into forest to curb leopard attacks: Maharashtra Forest Minister
CM vows to hand over 7,400 EWS flats in Bhalswato slum dwellers
EC officials organise SIR camps to assist sex workers in Kolkata
Honduran leader alleges interference in vote tally
The final votes are still being counted after the November 30 election, with Trump-backed conservative candidate Nasry Asfura holding a slim lead.
Nearly 100 students take part in IIT Delhis STEM mentorship programme for girls
Three arrested in road rage case that killed DTC driver
Lok Nayak Hospital opens centre for Hepatitis treatment
T.N.s diabetes registry enrols over 5,000 children, specialised care centres being expanded
Guvs move to send Siddha Univ bill to President is disappointing
Mans legs crushed as bus rams bike
My father is a child, those with him are venomous: Anbumani
Letters to The Editor December 10, 2025
Bangladesh secures intangible cultural heritage tag for Tangail saree at UNESCO meet
The development comes a year after India gave GI tag to Tangail Saree of Bengal
Note of harmony: on the debate on Vande Mataram
India must uphold social cohesion with a rejuvenated national purpose
I-T sleuths search jewellery and energy firms in city
Care as disability justice, dignity in mental health
Mental health care must be radically reimagined as the primary pursuit of dignity and disability justice that gives importance to equity, inclusion and diversity
In Madurai Temple Lamp Row, Court Summons Tamil Nadu Top Official, Cop
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday directed Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and Additional Director-General of Police (Law and Order) to appear before the court through video conference on December 17 in the temple lamp case.
Stalin to launch the second phase of Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam scheme on December 12
Anganwadi workers hold stir for menstrual leave, pay hike
DICV plans a new design studio; aims higher than industry growth in 2025
Airport multiplex to continue ops until Centre takes a call
Chennai intl book fair to be open to public for first time
Fronts meet their match in Twenty20 in Kizhakkambalam
Poisoning, poaching, electrocution ruled out in jumbo deaths
Wanton negligence: on the Goa blaze
Regulatory failure was a contributory factor in the Goa blaze
Woman, gang stage road accident to rob man of money, gold
Robbery suspect escapes police custody and is arrested after manhunt
Flight disruptions continue for 9th day
Leh body seeks public input on fresh draft proposal for MHA on issues faced by Ladakh
The LAB seeks transparency and inclusive participation, rather than just social media comments, says its member, Mustafa Haji
Local body polls: Seven southern Kerala districts record voter turnout of 70.9%
