‘Moondram Pirai’ to ’96’: Tamil romantic movies that define generations

‘Moondram Pirai’ to ’96’: Tamil romantic movies that define generations

Tamil cinema boasts a rich history of romantic dramas. Films like Moondram Pirai, Bombay, Poove Unakkaga, Alaipayuthey, and 96 have left a lasting impact. These movies, known for their emotional depth and relatable stories, continue to resonate with audiences. Other popular titles like Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa and Minnale also showcase the enduring appeal of love stories…

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This is a representative AI image “There are two days in the year that we can not do anything, about yesterday and tomorrow,” Mahatma Gandhi once said. But between those two days lies memory, and 2025 gave India plenty to remember.It was a year of extremes. Of faith and fury, viral moments and violent turns, celebrity controversies and national security flashpoints. Dhurandhar’s Box Office Rampage: Ranveer Singh Enters Elite History A year where timelines moved faster than reality, where policy decisions sparked street debates, and where pop culture often collided head-on with politics.From the banks of the Ganga at Prayagraj to courtrooms in Mumbai, from cricket stadiums to global fashion ramps, 2025 unfolded like a relentless scroll, one headline bleeding into the next.Lets’ see how India lived, argued, celebrated, mourned and searched for meaning, month by month.JanuaryMaha Kumbh 2025: The most awaited event after 144 yearsThe year opened with spirituality on a scale rarely witnessed. The Maha Kumbh began on January 13 in Prayagraj and continued till February 26, marking a celestial alignment that occurs once every 144 years.Millions arrived seeking purification at the Triveni Sangam, turning the riverbanks into a sea of humanity!The key bathing dates were January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), February 3 (Basant Panchami), February 12 (Maghi Purnima) and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). The event saw an unprecedented footfall.Yet devotion gave way to disaster when a stampede broke out on January 27, just ahead of the ‘Amrit Snan’.As crowds surged towards the ghats, chaos erupted. At least 30 deaths were officially confirmed, though reports from multiple states suggested the toll could be as high as 48.The administration maintained that several deaths occurred due to ” other causes” within the Mela area, but the tragedy exposed the failure in crowd management.Amid the enormity of the event, social media found its own story.A 16-year-old flower seller, Monalisa Bholsle, became the unexpected face of the Kumbh. Her natural charm and unfiltered innocence turned her into the viral girl of Prayagraj, reflecting how digital fame now blooms even in the most traditional spaces.Another personality who drew widespread notice was Abhey Singh, popularly known as ‘IIT Baba’, whose distinctive presence at the gathering captured the interest of both devotees and social media users.The online buzz was further fuelled by viral videos and photographs showing people taking a holy dip at the Sangam along with their dogs. Adding a quirky twist, a cheeky advertisement also went viral, offering a ” dip from home” for Rs 500. Aimed at those unable to visit the Kumbh, the ad promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience, asking people to simply send a photograph and the payment, after which the organisers claim they will immerse on their behalf.Saif Ali Khan stabbingOn January 16, the film industry was jolted when Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was stabbed six times inside his Bandra apartment.An intruder allegedly entered the 11th-floor flat with the intent to rob and attacked both Khan and a staff member using a blade and a wooden object.The incident occurred between 2 am and 2.30 am, with family members present at home. The accused, Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, was arrested shortly after. The attack sparked widespread concern over urban security and shattered the illusion of celebrity invulnerability.Udit Narayan controversyThe topic of consent entered the spotlight!Singer Udit Narayan found himself at the centre of a heated debate after a video surfaced showing him kissing a female fan during a concert. The controversy escalated when older clips of him kissing fellow singers Shreya Ghoshal and Alka Yagnik resurfaced.Addressing the backlash, Narayan said he was a ” decent person” and would never force himself on anyone. He explained that the excitement of live performances often leads to fans hugging or shaking hands, and urged people not to sensationalise such moments. Yet the incident reignited conversations about consent, power dynamics and celebrity boundaries.Coldplay comes to IndiaMusic offered respite as Coldplay launched their ‘Music of the Spheres World Tour’ in India. Starting January 18 in Mumbai and culminating in Ahmedabad on January 26, the band’s five-city run became one of the biggest live music events of the year, blending global pop culture with local euphoria.February‘India’s Got Latent’ rowFebruary saw digital content under scrutiny after YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia’s remarks on comedian Samay Raina’s show ‘India’s Got Latent’ sparked a debate.Clips from the show, featuring Allahbadia along with Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh and Apoorva Mukhija, went viral, with many viewers calling the jokes, especially those involving explicit references to parents, ” vulgar and obscene.”The All Indian Cine Workers Association demanded an immediate ban on those involved, registration of FIRs and stricter regulation of online platforms. Subsequently, FIRs were filed for ” promoting obscenity”.Allahbadia later apologised, saying, ” My comment wasn’t just inappropriate, it wasn’t even funny. Comedy is not my forte.” Facing parallel proceedings across multiple states, Allahabadia moved the Supreme Court seeking to quash or club the cases.Budget 2025: Zero tax up to Rs 12 lakhFinance minister Nirmala Sitharaman delivered a major relief to the middle class by announcing zero income tax for earnings up to Rs 12 lakh under the new regime.For salaried individuals, the effective nil-tax threshold rose to Rs 12.75 lakh after standard deduction.The sweeping slab changes were hailed as one of the most people-friendly tax reforms in recent years, reshaping household financial planning across urban India.Ed Sheeran vs Bengaluru policeBritish singer Ed Sheeran made headlines when a Bengaluru police officer unplugged his microphone during an impromptu street performance on Church Street. The officer cited lack of permission, triggering a viral debate on public space, bureaucracy and spontaneity.MarchSunita Williams returns homeOn March 18, Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams finally returned to Earth after an unexpected nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station.What was meant to be an eight-day mission turned into a prolonged chapter of endurance, capturing global admiration!Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore had been on the ISS since June 2024, with technical and scheduling changes extending their stay far beyond initial plans. The prolonged mission became a test of endurance and adaptability, drawing global attention and admiration.As the astronauts touched down, celebrations poured in from around the world. The extended stint adds another remarkable chapter to Williams’ illustrious career, already defined by multiple space missions, record-setting spacewalks, and long-duration flights.The Ghibli art dilemmaAI took centre stage when ChatGPT’s image-generation capabilities sparked a flood of ‘Studio Ghibli-style’ artwork across social media.The world-renowned Japanese animation studio has long captivated audiences with its lush visuals, gentle storytelling, evocative settings, and poetic portrayal of nature and human relationships.Online excitement surged when users discovered that ChatGPT could generate images reminiscent of Ghibli’s aesthetic.Memes multiplied, everyday photos were reimagined, and personal moments were transformed into whimsical, pastel-toned scenes echoing the studio’s signature look. While several AI tools offered similar transformations, the trend gained momentum after ChatGPT popularised it.While users marvelled at the aesthetics, artists raised concerns over originality, copyright and the future of creative labour.India wins ICC Champions trophyIndia clinched their third ICC Champions Trophy on March 10, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The win marked India’s first ICC ODI title in over a decade, ending a drought that stretched back to their 2013 Champions Trophy triumph under MS Dhoni.The latest success also followed India’s T20 World Cup win in 2024, highlighting a strong resurgence in ICC tournaments.The triumph further strengthened India’s rich ICC legacy. The team’s trophy cabinet now includes two ODI World Cups, two T20 World Cups and three Champions Trophy titles, reaffirming India’s position as one of the most dominant forces in world cricket.Kunal Kamra vs Shiv SenaComedian Kunal Kamra sparked a political storm after referring to Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde as a ” gaddar” (traitor) during a stand-up act, triggering violent backlash and a fresh debate on free speech. The commentary included a parody of a popular Hindi song from ‘Dil Toh Pagal Hai.”Following the remarks, properties at the studio and adjoining hotel where he performed were damaged, prompting police action. Mumbai Police also registered an FIR against Kamra for his comments, while 12 people were arrested for vandalism.Amid the row, Kamra issued a statement on social media, that he would not apologise, turning the episode into a nationwide flashpoint over satire, political sensitivity and freedom of expression.AprilPahalgam attack shakes the nationIndia was shaken on April 22 after terrorists linked to The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, carried out a brutal attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam.The assailants opened fire at close range, killing 26 people in one of the deadliest terror strikes in recent years.The timing intensified the shock. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, while US Vice President JD Vance was in India on a private trip. As news broke, PM Modi immediately cut short his visit and returned to New Delhi.Union home minister Amit Shah rushed to Srinagar and later visited the attack site in Anantnag district to review the situation and meet victims’ families.The incident triggered a series of strong diplomatic and military responses, escalating tensions between India and Pakistan and culminating in one of India’s largest cross-border operations in recent years.Indus Waters Treaty suspendedA day after the attack, on April 23, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), the landmark 1960 water-sharing agreement with Pakistan.The move marked a significant shift in India’s strategic stance, signalling that terrorism and cooperation could not go hand in hand.The treaty governs the use of six rivers of the Indus basin: Ravi, Beas and Sutlej (eastern rivers), and Indus, Jhelum and Chenab (western rivers).Long viewed as a rare symbol of cooperation despite strained ties, the suspension of the IWT underscored the gravity of India’s first response to the Pahalgam attack.MayOperation SindoorIndia signalled a new red line in its counter-terror doctrine with Operation Sindoor, launched in the early hours of May 7 in direct response to the Pahalgam attack.In a tightly coordinated military action, Indian armed forces struck nine major terror hubs across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, showcasing speed, precision and strategic resolve.Using advanced weaponry, including air-launched cruise missiles, loitering munitions and long-range drones, the operation targeted high-value terror infrastructure such as Muridke and Bahawalpur, known as operational nerve centres of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.The government maintained transparency through daily briefings led by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, alongside Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, outlining developments and India’s calibrated responses.In the days that followed, continued airspace violations by Pakistan drew further precision retaliation from India. The subsequent strikes reportedly damaged 11 Pakistani airbases, including key facilities at Nur Khan (Rawalpindi) and Rahim Yar Khan.Addressing a rally in Bikaner, Rajasthan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the scale and intent of the operation. ” Within just 22 minutes, our forces destroyed nine of the biggest terrorist bases,” he said.” The enemies of India, both within and outside, have now seen what happens when sindoor turns into gunpowder,” he added.Operation Sindoor not only marked one of India’s most significant cross-border actions in recent years, but also reshaped regional dynamics, reinforcing New Delhi’s message that terror will be met with swift and uncompromising force.SRK & Diljit Dosanjh’s Met Gala momentWhile geopolitics dominated headlines, pop culture had its own blockbuster moments!Indian stars Shah Rukh Khan and Diljit Dosanjh made a splash at the Met Gala, commanding global attention with their red-carpet appearances and putting India firmly in the fashion spotlight.The Labubu maniaAt the same time, an unlikely style icon emerged: the Labubu doll. With its oversized eyes, mischievous grin and furry exterior, the quirky monster doll quietly became fashion’s most viral accessory.Spotted dangling from luxury handbags and embraced by celebrities and influencers, Labubu crossed over from the toy world into high fashion, capturing hearts with its odd charm and playful aesthetic.June delivered opposite ends of emotional spectrumRCB’s long wait ends, team wins maiden IPL titleRoyal Challengers Bengaluru finally buried years of heartbreak by lifting their first-ever IPL trophy. RCB edged past Punjab Kings by six runs in the 2025 final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, defending a challenging total of 191 with composure.For Virat Kohli, it was a moment of long-awaited redemption, and for fans, a night when belief was rewarded after nearly two decades of near-misses.Air India crash shocks the nationJust days later, India was jolted by one of its deadliest aviation disasters.On June 12, Air India Flight AI-171 crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad for London, killing 260 people.Within seconds of lifting off, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner hit its maximum recorded airspeed before disaster struck. Both engine fuel switches were inexplicably moved to the cutoff position within a single second, abruptly cutting fuel supply and triggering a catastrophic loss of engine power moments after takeoff.Despite desperate attempts by the pilots to recover the aircraft, there was too little altitude and time.The tragedy raised haunting questions about cockpit procedures, human response under stress, and aviation safety protocols.Here is a clean, featurish, business-style rewrite with clear subheads, strong flow and human-readable narrative, keeping the facts intact and quotes exactly as given, without turning it into a list.JulyAditya-L1  in halo orbitJuly opened on a high note for Indian science as Isro announced a key milestone in the Aditya-L1 mission. On July 2, the space agency confirmed that India’s first solar observatory had successfully completed its first halo orbit around the Sun–Earth L1 Lagrangian point.Launched on September 2, 2023, and placed into its intended halo orbit on January 6, 2024, Aditya-L1 demonstrated its ability to maintain a complex and delicate trajectory nearly 1.5 million kilometres from Earth.Runway row: Prada vs KolhapurWhile science soared, culture sparked controversy closer to home. Italian luxury brand Prada found itself dragged into a legal battle over its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection, which featured sandals inspired by traditional Kolhapuri chappals.A public interest litigation was filed in the Bombay High Court seeking compensation for Indian artisans, arguing that Prada had copied the design without proper acknowledgment.The petitioner, intellectual property advocate Ganesh Hingmire, claimed Prada’s acknowledgment of Indian inspiration came only after public backlash.The issue escalated when LIDKAR, a government-backed Karnataka body that co-owns the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Kolhapuri chappals, issued a Rs 500 crore legal notice.The notice accused Prada of ” selling, advertising, marketing GI-registered goods…without proper authorisation or permission, which seriously violates GI rights.”Prada denied wrongdoing, saying the footwear was described simply as ” leather sandals” and did not use the term Kolhapuri or claim regional authenticity.Saiyaara sparks frenzy among GenzThe month also saw cinema collide with fandom. Mohit Suri’s romantic drama Saiyaara, released on July 18, became a cultural talking point.Featuring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the film became a talking point for its soundtrack, with viral videos showing fans dancing, singing and even tearing their shirts inside cinema halls.Unusual? Yes. But also a reminder that Bollywood’s emotional pull remains powerful, loud, and unapologetically alive.AugustPop royalty says Yes!On August 26, global pop icon Taylor Swift announced her engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce through a series of Instagram posts that instantly went viral.The caption read: ” Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married”—set the tone for a moment that captivated fans worldwide and dominated entertainment headlines.Stray dogs, Supreme Court & swift reversalThe Supreme Court stepped into a contentious civic issue.On August 11, the court took suo motu cognisance of rising dog-bite incidents and rabies deaths, directing authorities in Delhi to pick up all stray dogs and house them in shelters.The order sparked mixed reactions, with concerns raised about infrastructure and animal welfare.Within days, the case was transferred to another bench, which modified the directive on August 22, ruling that strays must be sterilised, vaccinated and released back into their territories under the Animal Birth Control Rules.Trump tariff troubleEconomics, however, casts a longer shadow.Effective August 27, India faced a steep 50% tariff on exports to the United States as trade talks with the Donald Trump administration hit a stalemate. The move threatened .2 billion worth of Indian exports. A draft order by the US Department of Homeland Security stated, ” The duties…are effective with respect to products of India that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 am Eastern Daylight Time on August 27.”The tariff escalation came on top of earlier measures, including a 25% reciprocal tariff implemented on August 7 and an additional 25% ad valorem duty linked to India’s oil purchases from Russia. With a US delegation’s visit to India postponed, uncertainty loomed large over bilateral trade negotiations.SeptemberH-1B shockwaveSeptember brought geopolitical tension and civil unrest into sharp focus. On September 19, the White House signed a proclamation titled ” Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers,” imposing new conditions on H-1B visas.Under the rule, employers sponsoring H-1B workers would need to pay 0,000 per petition, with the restriction applying to applicants outside the US from September 21, 2025, for a period of 12 months.The move signalled a shift towards prioritising higher-paid, higher-skilled applicants, triggering concern among Indian professionals.Scroll, protest, revolt: Gen-Z sparks Nepal chaosIn Nepal, a social media ban ignited one of the most violent uprisings in recent history. The government’s decision to ban 26 platforms on September 4 was seen as an attempt to stifle dissent.Protests erupted on September 8, and security forces responded with force, killing 19 protesters.What followed was nationwide chaos, government buildings burned, courts and parliament were destroyed, and the army was deployed to restore order. Within days, Nepal’s state machinery effectively collapsed.The viral videos of the protest was circulated worlwide and made a name on social media, inclusing India.Stampede at political rallyIndia also witnessed tragedy of a different kind!On September 27, a political rally addressed by actor-turned-politician Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu, turned deadly when a crowd surge led to a stampede that killed 39 people, the deadliest such incident of 2025.The tragedy raised serious questions about crowd management and political accountability.When the moon turned redAmid the turmoil, nature offered a moment of awe.On the night of September 7–8, a rare Blood Moon lit up skies across Asia, Australia and parts of Europe. The total lunar eclipse, the last of its kind until 2026, drew millions of viewers worldwide.NovemberIndia’s women lift their maiden ODI World CupNovember was marked by extremes. Indian sport reached a historic high when on November 2nd, the Indian women’s cricket team delivered a landmark moment by winning their first-ever ODI World Cup in front of a roaring home crowd.Led by stalwarts Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues, the team showcased skill, grit, and composure. Jemimah’s match-winning knock in the pressure-packed semi-final set the tone, while the final saw a controlled, confident performance that sealed India’s long-awaited title.Alongside cricket, Indian women athletes across football and other sports continued to shine, making 2025 a defining year for women in Indian sport.Delhi blast: Terror strikesJust days later, on November 10, the capital faced one of its deadliest security shocks in over a decade. A car laden with ammonium nitrate and TATP detonated near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort and Lal Quila Metro Station, killing at least 12 people and injuring around 20.Preliminary post-mortem reports revealed severe fractures, head trauma, and extensive internal injuries, highlighting the blast’s sheer force.For 5,178 days, Delhi’s streets had appeared deceptively calm, a long hiatus from terror since the 2011 High Court blast.But this attack exposed a dangerous evolution: what intelligence agencies now term ” IM 2.0.” Unlike its chaotic mid-2000s predecessor, this refined network operated discreetly, exploiting blind spots in the city’s security apparatus.Stranger Things season 5 returns with Upside DownPop culture enthusiasts got their long-awaited fix as Stranger Things Season 5 debuted on OTT, reigniting the excitement of the Upside Down.The first part released on November 27, 2025, with the second dropping on December 25 and the finale scheduled for New Year’s Eve.Fans were treated to new twists and challenges for Eleven and her friends, with the series quickly becoming a global binge-watching sensation.DecemberIndiGo faces major flight disruptionsEarly December saw India’s largest airline, IndiGo, grappling with a severe operational crisis. From December 2, a shortage of available pilots and crew, triggered by the enforcement of new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules that led to widespread cancellations and delays, affecting tens of thousands of passengers during peak winter travel.On December 5 alone, over 1,600 flights were grounded. The DGCA issued a show-cause notice, capped fares and ordered refunds, while CEO Pieter Elbers apologised publicly.Delhi-NCR chokes as pollution levels spikeAir pollution across the Delhi-NCR region has plunged to hazardous levels, intensifying public concern as air purifiers increasingly become a household necessity—much like water purifiers once did. As air quality continues to deteriorate, the discourse around the health risks of breathing polluted air is growing more urgent.Several social media users have shared images of their air purifier filters clogged with thick layers of dust and soot, triggering alarm over the quality of air inside homes. Adding to the concern, former DUSU president Ronak Khatri said the readings on his home air purifier were significantly worse than official data.” The AQI that appeared on checking the AQI from the air purifier at my home turned out to be more than the figures displayed by the government,” he said.Others posted stark visuals of iconic landmarks vanishing into smog. One user wrote, ” Can you believe there’s the India Gate of Delhi in this picture, hidden behind a floating veil of smoke of 500+ AQI?”Winter Session adjourns amid protests, and unfinished debatesThe Sixth Session of the Eighteenth Lok Sabha, beginning December 1, concluded after 19 eventful days marked by protests, disruptions, and confrontations between the government and Opposition.Despite passing several significant bills, debates were dominated by disputes over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, proposed replacement of MGNREGA, and the worsening air pollution crisis.The session also focused on the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram and electoral reforms. However, a proposed discussion on Delhi’s severe air pollution could not take place before the Houses were adjourned sine die, leaving environmental concerns unaddressed.Messi concludes GOAT India tourFootball legend Lionel Messi wrapped up his celebrated GOAT India Tour 2025 with a visit to Vantara, a wildlife rescue and conservation centre, hosted by Anant Ambani in Jamnagar.Arriving in Delhi on December 15 alongside former Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, Messi participated in a celebrity football match between the Minerva Messi All Stars and the Celebrity Messi All Stars.The tour drew unprecedented crowds across four major cities. Messi also interacted with young footballers, exchanging passes with Suarez and De Paul, leaving aspiring players inspired and awestruck.Dhurandhar’s bollywood buzzAditya Dhar’s action drama Dhurandhar, inspired by real incidents, follows Indian agent Hamza (Ranveer Singh) embedding within Karachi’s mafia network to dismantle terror operations. The 3.5-hour film balances immersive world-building with tight, stylish storytelling.Adding to the excitement, Akshaye Khanna’s entry song ‘FA9LA’ has gone viral, with its energetic beats and screen presence becoming a highlight for fans worldwide.Rupee hits new lowThe Indian rupee hit a record low against the US dollar on December 16, breaching the 91-per-dollar mark for the first time amid sustained foreign fund outflows and trade-related uncertainty.Through it all, India argued, adapted, mourned and marched forward.2025 was a year where news cycles felt like lived experiences and where every debate seemed personal. As the year closed, one question lingered beneath the noise: if 2025 was this turbulent, what lies ahead?Some joked online, in “2026 world ends.” India, as always, laughed and kept scrolling!End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAyodhya Faced Conspiracies But Sanatan Prevailed, UP CM Yogi Adityanath Says At Ram Temple EventIndia’s Backyard In Flux: Nepal’s Gen Z Revolt To Pakistan’s Court Chaos Shakes South Asia In 2025Army Trains Village Defence Guards In J&K In Automatic Rifles, Self-Defence | WatchLeT Deputy Saifullah Kasuri Admits India Hit Terror Camps, Threatens Kashmir After Op Sindoor StrikeTwist in Osman Hadi Murder Case: Prime Accused Blames Jamaat From Dubai, Clears India’s Role‘Remove 10-Minute Delivery Option’: Gig Workers Launch Nationwide Strike On New Year’s EvePM Modi Says 2025 Marked by India’s Commitment to ReformsHasina Extradition Demand May Redefine India Bangladesh Ties Journalist Flags Tarique Rahman’s Plans”To Build Peace That Lasts”: China Claims Credit for India-Pakistan Conflict, Follows TrumpSecurity Forces Launch Cordon-And-Search Operations In Kishtwar, Doda and Poonch123PhotostoriesHrithik Roshan’s girlfriend Saba Azad’s luxe choga suit is the traditional trend to watch this seasonPune’s Next Game-Changer: University Road Flyover Rises To Untangle One Of The City’s Worst Traffic Knots10 weird new year rituals you won’t believe existHow to make street-style Egg Chowmein for New Year eve partyChennai’s Underground Push: TBM Melagiri Punches Through Beneath Perambur’s Railway MazeThe science of longevity: Building a longer and healthier life one habit at a timeFrom Akshaye Khanna’s FA9LA memes to Ram Charan’s ‘Peddi’ dance and the Coldplay kiss-cam moment: How 2025 turned pop culture into a nonstop viral loopHow the right words can turn mistakes into learning momentsFrom Jamaica’s J-type diabetes to WHO’s reversal: A long-ignored form of diabetes gets official recognitionTV child actors who changed careers later: Erik Per Sullivan, Angus T. 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This is a representative AI image “There are two days in the year that we can not do anything, about yesterday and tomorrow,” Mahatma Gandhi once said. But between those two days lies memory, and 2025 gave India plenty to remember.It was a year of extremes. Of faith and fury, viral moments and violent turns, celebrity controversies and national security flashpoints. Dhurandhar’s Box Office Rampage: Ranveer Singh Enters Elite History A year where timelines moved faster than reality, where policy decisions sparked street debates, and where pop culture often collided head-on with politics.From the banks of the Ganga at Prayagraj to courtrooms in Mumbai, from cricket stadiums to global fashion ramps, 2025 unfolded like a relentless scroll, one headline bleeding into the next.Lets’ see how India lived, argued, celebrated, mourned and searched for meaning, month by month.JanuaryMaha Kumbh 2025: The most awaited event after 144 yearsThe year opened with spirituality on a scale rarely witnessed. The Maha Kumbh began on January 13 in Prayagraj and continued till February 26, marking a celestial alignment that occurs once every 144 years.Millions arrived seeking purification at the Triveni Sangam, turning the riverbanks into a sea of humanity!The key bathing dates were January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), February 3 (Basant Panchami), February 12 (Maghi Purnima) and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). The event saw an unprecedented footfall.Yet devotion gave way to disaster when a stampede broke out on January 27, just ahead of the ‘Amrit Snan’.As crowds surged towards the ghats, chaos erupted. At least 30 deaths were officially confirmed, though reports from multiple states suggested the toll could be as high as 48.The administration maintained that several deaths occurred due to ” other causes” within the Mela area, but the tragedy exposed the failure in crowd management.Amid the enormity of the event, social media found its own story.A 16-year-old flower seller, Monalisa Bholsle, became the unexpected face of the Kumbh. Her natural charm and unfiltered innocence turned her into the viral girl of Prayagraj, reflecting how digital fame now blooms even in the most traditional spaces.Another personality who drew widespread notice was Abhey Singh, popularly known as ‘IIT Baba’, whose distinctive presence at the gathering captured the interest of both devotees and social media users.The online buzz was further fuelled by viral videos and photographs showing people taking a holy dip at the Sangam along with their dogs. Adding a quirky twist, a cheeky advertisement also went viral, offering a ” dip from home” for Rs 500. Aimed at those unable to visit the Kumbh, the ad promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience, asking people to simply send a photograph and the payment, after which the organisers claim they will immerse on their behalf.Saif Ali Khan stabbingOn January 16, the film industry was jolted when Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was stabbed six times inside his Bandra apartment.An intruder allegedly entered the 11th-floor flat with the intent to rob and attacked both Khan and a staff member using a blade and a wooden object.The incident occurred between 2 am and 2.30 am, with family members present at home. The accused, Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, was arrested shortly after. The attack sparked widespread concern over urban security and shattered the illusion of celebrity invulnerability.Udit Narayan controversyThe topic of consent entered the spotlight!Singer Udit Narayan found himself at the centre of a heated debate after a video surfaced showing him kissing a female fan during a concert. The controversy escalated when older clips of him kissing fellow singers Shreya Ghoshal and Alka Yagnik resurfaced.Addressing the backlash, Narayan said he was a ” decent person” and would never force himself on anyone. He explained that the excitement of live performances often leads to fans hugging or shaking hands, and urged people not to sensationalise such moments. Yet the incident reignited conversations about consent, power dynamics and celebrity boundaries.Coldplay comes to IndiaMusic offered respite as Coldplay launched their ‘Music of the Spheres World Tour’ in India. Starting January 18 in Mumbai and culminating in Ahmedabad on January 26, the band’s five-city run became one of the biggest live music events of the year, blending global pop culture with local euphoria.February‘India’s Got Latent’ rowFebruary saw digital content under scrutiny after YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia’s remarks on comedian Samay Raina’s show ‘India’s Got Latent’ sparked a debate.Clips from the show, featuring Allahbadia along with Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh and Apoorva Mukhija, went viral, with many viewers calling the jokes, especially those involving explicit references to parents, ” vulgar and obscene.”The All Indian Cine Workers Association demanded an immediate ban on those involved, registration of FIRs and stricter regulation of online platforms. Subsequently, FIRs were filed for ” promoting obscenity”.Allahbadia later apologised, saying, ” My comment wasn’t just inappropriate, it wasn’t even funny. Comedy is not my forte.” Facing parallel proceedings across multiple states, Allahabadia moved the Supreme Court seeking to quash or club the cases.Budget 2025: Zero tax up to Rs 12 lakhFinance minister Nirmala Sitharaman delivered a major relief to the middle class by announcing zero income tax for earnings up to Rs 12 lakh under the new regime.For salaried individuals, the effective nil-tax threshold rose to Rs 12.75 lakh after standard deduction.The sweeping slab changes were hailed as one of the most people-friendly tax reforms in recent years, reshaping household financial planning across urban India.Ed Sheeran vs Bengaluru policeBritish singer Ed Sheeran made headlines when a Bengaluru police officer unplugged his microphone during an impromptu street performance on Church Street. The officer cited lack of permission, triggering a viral debate on public space, bureaucracy and spontaneity.MarchSunita Williams returns homeOn March 18, Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams finally returned to Earth after an unexpected nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station.What was meant to be an eight-day mission turned into a prolonged chapter of endurance, capturing global admiration!Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore had been on the ISS since June 2024, with technical and scheduling changes extending their stay far beyond initial plans. The prolonged mission became a test of endurance and adaptability, drawing global attention and admiration.As the astronauts touched down, celebrations poured in from around the world. The extended stint adds another remarkable chapter to Williams’ illustrious career, already defined by multiple space missions, record-setting spacewalks, and long-duration flights.The Ghibli art dilemmaAI took centre stage when ChatGPT’s image-generation capabilities sparked a flood of ‘Studio Ghibli-style’ artwork across social media.The world-renowned Japanese animation studio has long captivated audiences with its lush visuals, gentle storytelling, evocative settings, and poetic portrayal of nature and human relationships.Online excitement surged when users discovered that ChatGPT could generate images reminiscent of Ghibli’s aesthetic.Memes multiplied, everyday photos were reimagined, and personal moments were transformed into whimsical, pastel-toned scenes echoing the studio’s signature look. While several AI tools offered similar transformations, the trend gained momentum after ChatGPT popularised it.While users marvelled at the aesthetics, artists raised concerns over originality, copyright and the future of creative labour.India wins ICC Champions trophyIndia clinched their third ICC Champions Trophy on March 10, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The win marked India’s first ICC ODI title in over a decade, ending a drought that stretched back to their 2013 Champions Trophy triumph under MS Dhoni.The latest success also followed India’s T20 World Cup win in 2024, highlighting a strong resurgence in ICC tournaments.The triumph further strengthened India’s rich ICC legacy. The team’s trophy cabinet now includes two ODI World Cups, two T20 World Cups and three Champions Trophy titles, reaffirming India’s position as one of the most dominant forces in world cricket.Kunal Kamra vs Shiv SenaComedian Kunal Kamra sparked a political storm after referring to Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde as a ” gaddar” (traitor) during a stand-up act, triggering violent backlash and a fresh debate on free speech. The commentary included a parody of a popular Hindi song from ‘Dil Toh Pagal Hai.”Following the remarks, properties at the studio and adjoining hotel where he performed were damaged, prompting police action. Mumbai Police also registered an FIR against Kamra for his comments, while 12 people were arrested for vandalism.Amid the row, Kamra issued a statement on social media, that he would not apologise, turning the episode into a nationwide flashpoint over satire, political sensitivity and freedom of expression.AprilPahalgam attack shakes the nationIndia was shaken on April 22 after terrorists linked to The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, carried out a brutal attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam.The assailants opened fire at close range, killing 26 people in one of the deadliest terror strikes in recent years.The timing intensified the shock. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, while US Vice President JD Vance was in India on a private trip. As news broke, PM Modi immediately cut short his visit and returned to New Delhi.Union home minister Amit Shah rushed to Srinagar and later visited the attack site in Anantnag district to review the situation and meet victims’ families.The incident triggered a series of strong diplomatic and military responses, escalating tensions between India and Pakistan and culminating in one of India’s largest cross-border operations in recent years.Indus Waters Treaty suspendedA day after the attack, on April 23, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), the landmark 1960 water-sharing agreement with Pakistan.The move marked a significant shift in India’s strategic stance, signalling that terrorism and cooperation could not go hand in hand.The treaty governs the use of six rivers of the Indus basin: Ravi, Beas and Sutlej (eastern rivers), and Indus, Jhelum and Chenab (western rivers).Long viewed as a rare symbol of cooperation despite strained ties, the suspension of the IWT underscored the gravity of India’s first response to the Pahalgam attack.MayOperation SindoorIndia signalled a new red line in its counter-terror doctrine with Operation Sindoor, launched in the early hours of May 7 in direct response to the Pahalgam attack.In a tightly coordinated military action, Indian armed forces struck nine major terror hubs across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, showcasing speed, precision and strategic resolve.Using advanced weaponry, including air-launched cruise missiles, loitering munitions and long-range drones, the operation targeted high-value terror infrastructure such as Muridke and Bahawalpur, known as operational nerve centres of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.The government maintained transparency through daily briefings led by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, alongside Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, outlining developments and India’s calibrated responses.In the days that followed, continued airspace violations by Pakistan drew further precision retaliation from India. The subsequent strikes reportedly damaged 11 Pakistani airbases, including key facilities at Nur Khan (Rawalpindi) and Rahim Yar Khan.Addressing a rally in Bikaner, Rajasthan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the scale and intent of the operation. ” Within just 22 minutes, our forces destroyed nine of the biggest terrorist bases,” he said.” The enemies of India, both within and outside, have now seen what happens when sindoor turns into gunpowder,” he added.Operation Sindoor not only marked one of India’s most significant cross-border actions in recent years, but also reshaped regional dynamics, reinforcing New Delhi’s message that terror will be met with swift and uncompromising force.SRK & Diljit Dosanjh’s Met Gala momentWhile geopolitics dominated headlines, pop culture had its own blockbuster moments!Indian stars Shah Rukh Khan and Diljit Dosanjh made a splash at the Met Gala, commanding global attention with their red-carpet appearances and putting India firmly in the fashion spotlight.The Labubu maniaAt the same time, an unlikely style icon emerged: the Labubu doll. With its oversized eyes, mischievous grin and furry exterior, the quirky monster doll quietly became fashion’s most viral accessory.Spotted dangling from luxury handbags and embraced by celebrities and influencers, Labubu crossed over from the toy world into high fashion, capturing hearts with its odd charm and playful aesthetic.June delivered opposite ends of emotional spectrumRCB’s long wait ends, team wins maiden IPL titleRoyal Challengers Bengaluru finally buried years of heartbreak by lifting their first-ever IPL trophy. RCB edged past Punjab Kings by six runs in the 2025 final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, defending a challenging total of 191 with composure.For Virat Kohli, it was a moment of long-awaited redemption, and for fans, a night when belief was rewarded after nearly two decades of near-misses.Air India crash shocks the nationJust days later, India was jolted by one of its deadliest aviation disasters.On June 12, Air India Flight AI-171 crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad for London, killing 260 people.Within seconds of lifting off, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner hit its maximum recorded airspeed before disaster struck. Both engine fuel switches were inexplicably moved to the cutoff position within a single second, abruptly cutting fuel supply and triggering a catastrophic loss of engine power moments after takeoff.Despite desperate attempts by the pilots to recover the aircraft, there was too little altitude and time.The tragedy raised haunting questions about cockpit procedures, human response under stress, and aviation safety protocols.Here is a clean, featurish, business-style rewrite with clear subheads, strong flow and human-readable narrative, keeping the facts intact and quotes exactly as given, without turning it into a list.JulyAditya-L1 in halo orbitJuly opened on a high note for Indian science as Isro announced a key milestone in the Aditya-L1 mission. On July 2, the space agency confirmed that India’s first solar observatory had successfully completed its first halo orbit around the Sun–Earth L1 Lagrangian point.Launched on September 2, 2023, and placed into its intended halo orbit on January 6, 2024, Aditya-L1 demonstrated its ability to maintain a complex and delicate trajectory nearly 1.5 million kilometres from Earth.Runway row: Prada vs KolhapurWhile science soared, culture sparked controversy closer to home. Italian luxury brand Prada found itself dragged into a legal battle over its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection, which featured sandals inspired by traditional Kolhapuri chappals.A public interest litigation was filed in the Bombay High Court seeking compensation for Indian artisans, arguing that Prada had copied the design without proper acknowledgment.The petitioner, intellectual property advocate Ganesh Hingmire, claimed Prada’s acknowledgment of Indian inspiration came only after public backlash.The issue escalated when LIDKAR, a government-backed Karnataka body that co-owns the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Kolhapuri chappals, issued a Rs 500 crore legal notice.The notice accused Prada of ” selling, advertising, marketing GI-registered goods…without proper authorisation or permission, which seriously violates GI rights.”Prada denied wrongdoing, saying the footwear was described simply as ” leather sandals” and did not use the term Kolhapuri or claim regional authenticity.Saiyaara sparks frenzy among GenzThe month also saw cinema collide with fandom. Mohit Suri’s romantic drama Saiyaara, released on July 18, became a cultural talking point.Featuring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the film became a talking point for its soundtrack, with viral videos showing fans dancing, singing and even tearing their shirts inside cinema halls.Unusual? Yes. But also a reminder that Bollywood’s emotional pull remains powerful, loud, and unapologetically alive.AugustPop royalty says Yes!On August 26, global pop icon Taylor Swift announced her engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce through a series of Instagram posts that instantly went viral.The caption read: ” Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married”—set the tone for a moment that captivated fans worldwide and dominated entertainment headlines.Stray dogs, Supreme Court & swift reversalThe Supreme Court stepped into a contentious civic issue.On August 11, the court took suo motu cognisance of rising dog-bite incidents and rabies deaths, directing authorities in Delhi to pick up all stray dogs and house them in shelters.The order sparked mixed reactions, with concerns raised about infrastructure and animal welfare.Within days, the case was transferred to another bench, which modified the directive on August 22, ruling that strays must be sterilised, vaccinated and released back into their territories under the Animal Birth Control Rules.Trump tariff troubleEconomics, however, casts a longer shadow.Effective August 27, India faced a steep 50% tariff on exports to the United States as trade talks with the Donald Trump administration hit a stalemate. The move threatened $48.2 billion worth of Indian exports. A draft order by the US Department of Homeland Security stated, ” The duties…are effective with respect to products of India that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 am Eastern Daylight Time on August 27.”The tariff escalation came on top of earlier measures, including a 25% reciprocal tariff implemented on August 7 and an additional 25% ad valorem duty linked to India’s oil purchases from Russia. With a US delegation’s visit to India postponed, uncertainty loomed large over bilateral trade negotiations.SeptemberH-1B shockwaveSeptember brought geopolitical tension and civil unrest into sharp focus. On September 19, the White House signed a proclamation titled ” Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers,” imposing new conditions on H-1B visas.Under the rule, employers sponsoring H-1B workers would need to pay $100,000 per petition, with the restriction applying to applicants outside the US from September 21, 2025, for a period of 12 months.The move signalled a shift towards prioritising higher-paid, higher-skilled applicants, triggering concern among Indian professionals.Scroll, protest, revolt: Gen-Z sparks Nepal chaosIn Nepal, a social media ban ignited one of the most violent uprisings in recent history. The government’s decision to ban 26 platforms on September 4 was seen as an attempt to stifle dissent.Protests erupted on September 8, and security forces responded with force, killing 19 protesters.What followed was nationwide chaos, government buildings burned, courts and parliament were destroyed, and the army was deployed to restore order. Within days, Nepal’s state machinery effectively collapsed.The viral videos of the protest was circulated worlwide and made a name on social media, inclusing India.Stampede at political rallyIndia also witnessed tragedy of a different kind!On September 27, a political rally addressed by actor-turned-politician Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu, turned deadly when a crowd surge led to a stampede that killed 39 people, the deadliest such incident of 2025.The tragedy raised serious questions about crowd management and political accountability.When the moon turned redAmid the turmoil, nature offered a moment of awe.On the night of September 7–8, a rare Blood Moon lit up skies across Asia, Australia and parts of Europe. The total lunar eclipse, the last of its kind until 2026, drew millions of viewers worldwide.NovemberIndia’s women lift their maiden ODI World CupNovember was marked by extremes. Indian sport reached a historic high when on November 2nd, the Indian women’s cricket team delivered a landmark moment by winning their first-ever ODI World Cup in front of a roaring home crowd.Led by stalwarts Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues, the team showcased skill, grit, and composure. Jemimah’s match-winning knock in the pressure-packed semi-final set the tone, while the final saw a controlled, confident performance that sealed India’s long-awaited title.Alongside cricket, Indian women athletes across football and other sports continued to shine, making 2025 a defining year for women in Indian sport.Delhi blast: Terror strikesJust days later, on November 10, the capital faced one of its deadliest security shocks in over a decade. A car laden with ammonium nitrate and TATP detonated near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort and Lal Quila Metro Station, killing at least 12 people and injuring around 20.Preliminary post-mortem reports revealed severe fractures, head trauma, and extensive internal injuries, highlighting the blast’s sheer force.For 5,178 days, Delhi’s streets had appeared deceptively calm, a long hiatus from terror since the 2011 High Court blast.But this attack exposed a dangerous evolution: what intelligence agencies now term ” IM 2.0.” Unlike its chaotic mid-2000s predecessor, this refined network operated discreetly, exploiting blind spots in the city’s security apparatus.Stranger Things season 5 returns with Upside DownPop culture enthusiasts got their long-awaited fix as Stranger Things Season 5 debuted on OTT, reigniting the excitement of the Upside Down.The first part released on November 27, 2025, with the second dropping on December 25 and the finale scheduled for New Year’s Eve.Fans were treated to new twists and challenges for Eleven and her friends, with the series quickly becoming a global binge-watching sensation.DecemberIndiGo faces major flight disruptionsEarly December saw India’s largest airline, IndiGo, grappling with a severe operational crisis. From December 2, a shortage of available pilots and crew, triggered by the enforcement of new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules that led to widespread cancellations and delays, affecting tens of thousands of passengers during peak winter travel.On December 5 alone, over 1,600 flights were grounded. The DGCA issued a show-cause notice, capped fares and ordered refunds, while CEO Pieter Elbers apologised publicly.Delhi-NCR chokes as pollution levels spikeAir pollution across the Delhi-NCR region has plunged to hazardous levels, intensifying public concern as air purifiers increasingly become a household necessity—much like water purifiers once did. As air quality continues to deteriorate, the discourse around the health risks of breathing polluted air is growing more urgent.Several social media users have shared images of their air purifier filters clogged with thick layers of dust and soot, triggering alarm over the quality of air inside homes. Adding to the concern, former DUSU president Ronak Khatri said the readings on his home air purifier were significantly worse than official data.” The AQI that appeared on checking the AQI from the air purifier at my home turned out to be more than the figures displayed by the government,” he said.Others posted stark visuals of iconic landmarks vanishing into smog. One user wrote, ” Can you believe there’s the India Gate of Delhi in this picture, hidden behind a floating veil of smoke of 500+ AQI?”Winter Session adjourns amid protests, and unfinished debatesThe Sixth Session of the Eighteenth Lok Sabha, beginning December 1, concluded after 19 eventful days marked by protests, disruptions, and confrontations between the government and Opposition.Despite passing several significant bills, debates were dominated by disputes over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, proposed replacement of MGNREGA, and the worsening air pollution crisis.The session also focused on the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram and electoral reforms. However, a proposed discussion on Delhi’s severe air pollution could not take place before the Houses were adjourned sine die, leaving environmental concerns unaddressed.Messi concludes GOAT India tourFootball legend Lionel Messi wrapped up his celebrated GOAT India Tour 2025 with a visit to Vantara, a wildlife rescue and conservation centre, hosted by Anant Ambani in Jamnagar.Arriving in Delhi on December 15 alongside former Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, Messi participated in a celebrity football match between the Minerva Messi All Stars and the Celebrity Messi All Stars.The tour drew unprecedented crowds across four major cities. Messi also interacted with young footballers, exchanging passes with Suarez and De Paul, leaving aspiring players inspired and awestruck.Dhurandhar’s bollywood buzzAditya Dhar’s action drama Dhurandhar, inspired by real incidents, follows Indian agent Hamza (Ranveer Singh) embedding within Karachi’s mafia network to dismantle terror operations. The 3.5-hour film balances immersive world-building with tight, stylish storytelling.Adding to the excitement, Akshaye Khanna’s entry song ‘FA9LA’ has gone viral, with its energetic beats and screen presence becoming a highlight for fans worldwide.Rupee hits new lowThe Indian rupee hit a record low against the US dollar on December 16, breaching the 91-per-dollar mark for the first time amid sustained foreign fund outflows and trade-related uncertainty.Through it all, India argued, adapted, mourned and marched forward.2025 was a year where news cycles felt like lived experiences and where every debate seemed personal. As the year closed, one question lingered beneath the noise: if 2025 was this turbulent, what lies ahead?Some joked online, in “2026 world ends.” India, as always, laughed and kept scrolling!End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAyodhya Faced Conspiracies But Sanatan Prevailed, UP CM Yogi Adityanath Says At Ram Temple EventIndia’s Backyard In Flux: Nepal’s Gen Z Revolt To Pakistan’s Court Chaos Shakes South Asia In 2025Army Trains Village Defence Guards In J&K In Automatic Rifles, Self-Defence | WatchLeT Deputy Saifullah Kasuri Admits India Hit Terror Camps, Threatens Kashmir After Op Sindoor StrikeTwist in Osman Hadi Murder Case: Prime Accused Blames Jamaat From Dubai, Clears India’s Role‘Remove 10-Minute Delivery Option’: Gig Workers Launch Nationwide Strike On New Year’s EvePM Modi Says 2025 Marked by India’s Commitment to ReformsHasina Extradition Demand May Redefine India Bangladesh Ties Journalist Flags Tarique Rahman’s Plans”To Build Peace That Lasts”: China Claims Credit for India-Pakistan Conflict, Follows TrumpSecurity Forces Launch Cordon-And-Search Operations In Kishtwar, Doda and Poonch123PhotostoriesHrithik Roshan’s girlfriend Saba Azad’s luxe choga suit is the traditional trend to watch this seasonPune’s Next Game-Changer: University Road Flyover Rises To Untangle One Of The City’s Worst Traffic Knots10 weird new year rituals you won’t believe existHow to make street-style Egg Chowmein for New Year eve partyChennai’s Underground Push: TBM Melagiri Punches Through Beneath Perambur’s Railway MazeThe science of longevity: Building a longer and healthier life one habit at a timeFrom Akshaye Khanna’s FA9LA memes to Ram Charan’s ‘Peddi’ dance and the Coldplay kiss-cam moment: How 2025 turned pop culture into a nonstop viral loopHow the right words can turn mistakes into learning momentsFrom Jamaica’s J-type diabetes to WHO’s reversal: A long-ignored form of diabetes gets official recognitionTV child actors who changed careers later: Erik Per Sullivan, Angus T. 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This is a representative AI image “There are two days in the year that we can not do anything, about yesterday and tomorrow,” Mahatma Gandhi once said. But between those two days lies memory, and 2025 gave India plenty to remember.It was a year of extremes. Of faith and fury, viral moments and violent turns,…

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NEW DELHI: Repolling in West Bengal’s Falta assembly constituency recorded a brisk turnout on Thursday, with more than 74 per cent of voters casting their ballots by 3 pm. Election Commission officials said polling remained peaceful across the constituency, with no reports of violence or disruption during the day.The repoll was ordered after the Election Commission countermanded the April 29 voting over allegations of large-scale EVM tampering and attempts to manipulate web camera footage at several polling booths. The commission described the earlier polling process as being affected by “severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process”.  Watch Mamata Escalates Attack, Says BJP Will Be Ousted From Power In Delhi After Bengal Poll DefeatMore than 2.36 lakh voters, including over 1.15 lakh women and nine third-gender electors, were eligible to vote across 285 polling stations in the South 24 Parganas constituency. Voting began at 7 am and was scheduled to continue till 6 pm.Tight security after EVM controversySecurity arrangements were significantly strengthened for the repoll, with 35 companies of Central Armed Police Forces deployed across the constituency. Officials said eight security personnel were stationed at each booth, double the deployment during the earlier polling. In addition, 30 Quick Response Teams were kept on standby to tackle any disturbance.Political tensions had remained high in Falta after complaints emerged that perfume substances and adhesive tapes had been applied to EVMs during the April 29 polling. Former Election Commission Special Observer Subrata Gupta reportedly found evidence of alleged tampering in at least 60 booths during a subsequent inspection.A voter speaking to ANI said the atmosphere felt markedly different from previous elections. “We were scared to cast our votes 15 years back, but not anymore,” the voter said, adding that people earlier feared being stopped by “goons” outside polling stations.Political battle intensifies in FaltaThe constituency, located in Diamond Harbour, has become a key political battleground between the BJP and the TMC. Although six candidates remain officially in the contest, TMC nominee Jahangir Khan recently announced he would not fight the election, calling it a personal decision.Falta has largely remained a TMC stronghold since 2001, except for a brief CPI(M) victory in 2006.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPulwama Mastermind Hamza Burhan Killed By Unknown Gunmen In Pakistan-Occupied Jammu And KashmirAbhishek Banerjee Gets Interim Relief From Arrest Over Alleged Amit Shah Remarks’Thin Line Between Defamation & Criticism’: Delhi HC On Raghav Chadha’s Personality Rights PleaPrashant Kishor Shifts To Patna Ashram, Targets Nitish Kumar For Son’s Bihar Cabinet PositionIndia At UN Accuses Pakistan Of ‘Barbaric’ Kabul Hospital Airstrike During RamadanIndia Pushes Nuclear Expansion And SMR Manufacturing In Major Talks With US DelegationRs 600 Crore Railway Land Clearance In Mumbai Triggers Violence During Eviction DriveBengal Orders Mandatory Singing Of ‘Vande Mataram’ In All Recognised Madrasahs Across StatePM Modi Returns From Europe, Calls Crucial Ministerial Meeting Amid West Asia CrisisTMC Faces Double Setback As MLAs Skip Protest And Councillors Resign In Two Municipalities123PhotostoriesSuccess quote of the day by Bill Gates: “I choose a lazy person to do a hard job, because…”5 beautiful and popular aquarium fish for beginners5 gut health secrets behind India’s glowing skin obsession5 gentle blessings of naam jap for a peaceful mind and heart“It felt like a panic attack”: The overlooked pulmonary embolism symptom doctors want people to recognise soonerJacqueline Fernandez gave Cannes 2026 a lesson in couture excess with a dramatic bow and left no crumbs10 hottest places in India today and things travellers should know before visitingSattu Sharbat to Milk with Sugar: Ministry of Ayush recommends general food measures to fight heatwaveBest plants to grow in India before the monsoon arrives8 Indian villages that feel straight out of a fairytale and are perfect for a slow travel escape123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Indian rupeeFalta VotingUK NET MigrationElon MuskTN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonIPL Match TodayPappu SanaPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

NEW DELHI: Repolling in West Bengal’s Falta assembly constituency recorded a brisk turnout on Thursday, with more than 74 per cent of voters casting their ballots by 3 pm. Election Commission officials said polling remained peaceful across the constituency, with no reports of violence or disruption during the day.The repoll was ordered after the Election Commission countermanded the April 29 voting over allegations of large-scale EVM tampering and attempts to manipulate web camera footage at several polling booths. The commission described the earlier polling process as being affected by “severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process”. Watch Mamata Escalates Attack, Says BJP Will Be Ousted From Power In Delhi After Bengal Poll DefeatMore than 2.36 lakh voters, including over 1.15 lakh women and nine third-gender electors, were eligible to vote across 285 polling stations in the South 24 Parganas constituency. Voting began at 7 am and was scheduled to continue till 6 pm.Tight security after EVM controversySecurity arrangements were significantly strengthened for the repoll, with 35 companies of Central Armed Police Forces deployed across the constituency. Officials said eight security personnel were stationed at each booth, double the deployment during the earlier polling. In addition, 30 Quick Response Teams were kept on standby to tackle any disturbance.Political tensions had remained high in Falta after complaints emerged that perfume substances and adhesive tapes had been applied to EVMs during the April 29 polling. Former Election Commission Special Observer Subrata Gupta reportedly found evidence of alleged tampering in at least 60 booths during a subsequent inspection.A voter speaking to ANI said the atmosphere felt markedly different from previous elections. “We were scared to cast our votes 15 years back, but not anymore,” the voter said, adding that people earlier feared being stopped by “goons” outside polling stations.Political battle intensifies in FaltaThe constituency, located in Diamond Harbour, has become a key political battleground between the BJP and the TMC. Although six candidates remain officially in the contest, TMC nominee Jahangir Khan recently announced he would not fight the election, calling it a personal decision.Falta has largely remained a TMC stronghold since 2001, except for a brief CPI(M) victory in 2006.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPulwama Mastermind Hamza Burhan Killed By Unknown Gunmen In Pakistan-Occupied Jammu And KashmirAbhishek Banerjee Gets Interim Relief From Arrest Over Alleged Amit Shah Remarks’Thin Line Between Defamation & Criticism’: Delhi HC On Raghav Chadha’s Personality Rights PleaPrashant Kishor Shifts To Patna Ashram, Targets Nitish Kumar For Son’s Bihar Cabinet PositionIndia At UN Accuses Pakistan Of ‘Barbaric’ Kabul Hospital Airstrike During RamadanIndia Pushes Nuclear Expansion And SMR Manufacturing In Major Talks With US DelegationRs 600 Crore Railway Land Clearance In Mumbai Triggers Violence During Eviction DriveBengal Orders Mandatory Singing Of ‘Vande Mataram’ In All Recognised Madrasahs Across StatePM Modi Returns From Europe, Calls Crucial Ministerial Meeting Amid West Asia CrisisTMC Faces Double Setback As MLAs Skip Protest And Councillors Resign In Two Municipalities123PhotostoriesSuccess quote of the day by Bill Gates: “I choose a lazy person to do a hard job, because…”5 beautiful and popular aquarium fish for beginners5 gut health secrets behind India’s glowing skin obsession5 gentle blessings of naam jap for a peaceful mind and heart“It felt like a panic attack”: The overlooked pulmonary embolism symptom doctors want people to recognise soonerJacqueline Fernandez gave Cannes 2026 a lesson in couture excess with a dramatic bow and left no crumbs10 hottest places in India today and things travellers should know before visitingSattu Sharbat to Milk with Sugar: Ministry of Ayush recommends general food measures to fight heatwaveBest plants to grow in India before the monsoon arrives8 Indian villages that feel straight out of a fairytale and are perfect for a slow travel escape123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Indian rupeeFalta VotingUK NET MigrationElon MuskTN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonIPL Match TodayPappu SanaPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

NEW DELHI: Repolling in West Bengal’s Falta assembly constituency recorded a brisk turnout on Thursday, with more than 74 per cent of voters casting their ballots by 3 pm. Election Commission officials said polling remained peaceful across the constituency, with no reports of violence or disruption during the day.The repoll was ordered after the Election…

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Robert Vadra New Delhi: A Delhi court on Wednesday took cognisance of charges against businessman Robert Vadra in a money laundering case linked to the Shikohpur land deal in Gurgaon, directing him and eight other accused to appear on May 16, reports Koushiki Saha.ED’s prosecution complaint (equivalent to a chargesheet), filed in July 2025, characterised the deal as a sophisticated scheme to generate and layer proceeds of crime, with Vadra as the main beneficiary. Vadra has denied any wro-ngdoing, calling the case “political vendetta” against him and his family, including his wife, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.Besides Vadra, summonses were issued to Kewal Singh Virk, Skylight Hospitality LLP, Sky Light Realty Pvt Ltd, Real Earth Estates LLP, Blue Breeze Trading LLP, North India IT Parks LLP, Lambodar Art Enterprises India LLP and SGY Properties Pvt Ltd (previously Onkareshwar Properties Pvt Ltd). The court, however, did not summon another accused, Satyanand Yajee, saying there was no material to proceed against him.The case stems from a Feb 2008 transaction in which Skylight Hospitality, where Vadra was earlier a director, purchased 3.5 acres of land in Shikohpur for Rs 7.5 crore. The company sold the land to DLF for Rs 58 crore in Sept 2012.Additional sessions judge Sushant Changotra, while examining ED’s prosecution complaint, underscored the “very narrow” scope of inquiry at this stage, saying the court was only required to broadly scrutinise the documents and satisfy itself that prima facie, there were “sufficient grounds for proceeding further with the case”.The court noted that Vadra, as the “major shareholder and primary director/partner”, had allegedly played an active role in offences under sections 3 and 4 of PMLA.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India In Talks With Many Countries Over Hormuz’: MEA Amid US’ Naval BlockadeTamil Nadu elections 2026: Freebies war heats up between DMK, AIADMK & rivals’Not Shehbaz Sharif’: Ex-Minister Fawad Chaudhry Calls Asim Munir ‘De Facto Leader Of Pakistan’TCS Row Explodes: Horrific Details Of Sexual Abuse, Conversion Claims Rock India’s CorporateWomen’s Reservation Bill A ‘Trick’ To Hike Lok Sabha Seats? | Delimitation | Slam Dunk With TehseenIndia Bloc Backs Women’s Reservation But Opposes Delimitation, Flags Risk Of Political Power Shift‘Completely Unacceptable’: Jaishankar Slams Attacks On Merchant Shipping At Azec Plus MeetWomen’s Quota Bill: Govt Clarifies 850-Seat Lok Sabha Plan, Opposition Flags Delimitation ConcernsIndian Delegation To Visit Washington Next Week To Resume Talks On India-US Trade DealDelimitation Row Escalates As TN CM Stalin Warns Of Statewide Protests123Photostories8 ’90s baby names making a comeback with Gen AlphaChef Vikas Khanna makes it to 100 Most Influential People of 2026: 5 success lessons to learn from his culinary journeyFrom growing up in a conservative family to shooting her debut music video without informing them: Naagin 7’s Kanika Mann opens up about her journeyChandigarh’s Billionaire Lanes: 5 premium regions where the city’s rich live6 desi Indian dishes among Top 32 Rice Puddings in the WorldRanveer Allahbadia’s girlfriend Juhi Bhatt is redefining traditional wedding dressing with contemporary elegancePriyanka Chopra recommends this must-try street food from Mumbai, and it’s not Vada PavFrom ‘Fleabag’ to ‘Arrested Development’: Some of the best dark comedy dramas to add to your watchlist5 iconic modern architectural buildings in India shaping contemporary cityscapesCountries named after people you probably didn’t know about123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTaylor Swift Wedding DressCanada Citizenship GarbaUK Migrant Gay ClaimsCBSE Class 12 ResultNirav ModiOmar Tricolour RowKargil Statehood DemandIPL Points TableIran crude oilMeenu Batra

Robert Vadra New Delhi: A Delhi court on Wednesday took cognisance of charges against businessman Robert Vadra in a money laundering case linked to the Shikohpur land deal in Gurgaon, directing him and eight other accused to appear on May 16, reports Koushiki Saha.ED’s prosecution complaint (equivalent to a chargesheet), filed in July 2025, characterised the deal as a sophisticated scheme to generate and layer proceeds of crime, with Vadra as the main beneficiary. Vadra has denied any wro-ngdoing, calling the case “political vendetta” against him and his family, including his wife, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.Besides Vadra, summonses were issued to Kewal Singh Virk, Skylight Hospitality LLP, Sky Light Realty Pvt Ltd, Real Earth Estates LLP, Blue Breeze Trading LLP, North India IT Parks LLP, Lambodar Art Enterprises India LLP and SGY Properties Pvt Ltd (previously Onkareshwar Properties Pvt Ltd). The court, however, did not summon another accused, Satyanand Yajee, saying there was no material to proceed against him.The case stems from a Feb 2008 transaction in which Skylight Hospitality, where Vadra was earlier a director, purchased 3.5 acres of land in Shikohpur for Rs 7.5 crore. The company sold the land to DLF for Rs 58 crore in Sept 2012.Additional sessions judge Sushant Changotra, while examining ED’s prosecution complaint, underscored the “very narrow” scope of inquiry at this stage, saying the court was only required to broadly scrutinise the documents and satisfy itself that prima facie, there were “sufficient grounds for proceeding further with the case”.The court noted that Vadra, as the “major shareholder and primary director/partner”, had allegedly played an active role in offences under sections 3 and 4 of PMLA.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India In Talks With Many Countries Over Hormuz’: MEA Amid US’ Naval BlockadeTamil Nadu elections 2026: Freebies war heats up between DMK, AIADMK & rivals’Not Shehbaz Sharif’: Ex-Minister Fawad Chaudhry Calls Asim Munir ‘De Facto Leader Of Pakistan’TCS Row Explodes: Horrific Details Of Sexual Abuse, Conversion Claims Rock India’s CorporateWomen’s Reservation Bill A ‘Trick’ To Hike Lok Sabha Seats? | Delimitation | Slam Dunk With TehseenIndia Bloc Backs Women’s Reservation But Opposes Delimitation, Flags Risk Of Political Power Shift‘Completely Unacceptable’: Jaishankar Slams Attacks On Merchant Shipping At Azec Plus MeetWomen’s Quota Bill: Govt Clarifies 850-Seat Lok Sabha Plan, Opposition Flags Delimitation ConcernsIndian Delegation To Visit Washington Next Week To Resume Talks On India-US Trade DealDelimitation Row Escalates As TN CM Stalin Warns Of Statewide Protests123Photostories8 ’90s baby names making a comeback with Gen AlphaChef Vikas Khanna makes it to 100 Most Influential People of 2026: 5 success lessons to learn from his culinary journeyFrom growing up in a conservative family to shooting her debut music video without informing them: Naagin 7’s Kanika Mann opens up about her journeyChandigarh’s Billionaire Lanes: 5 premium regions where the city’s rich live6 desi Indian dishes among Top 32 Rice Puddings in the WorldRanveer Allahbadia’s girlfriend Juhi Bhatt is redefining traditional wedding dressing with contemporary elegancePriyanka Chopra recommends this must-try street food from Mumbai, and it’s not Vada PavFrom ‘Fleabag’ to ‘Arrested Development’: Some of the best dark comedy dramas to add to your watchlist5 iconic modern architectural buildings in India shaping contemporary cityscapesCountries named after people you probably didn’t know about123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTaylor Swift Wedding DressCanada Citizenship GarbaUK Migrant Gay ClaimsCBSE Class 12 ResultNirav ModiOmar Tricolour RowKargil Statehood DemandIPL Points TableIran crude oilMeenu Batra

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Wednesday took cognisance of charges against businessman Robert Vadra in a money laundering case linked to the Shikohpur land deal in Gurgaon, directing him and eight other accused to appear on May 16, reports Koushiki Saha.ED’s prosecution complaint (equivalent to a chargesheet), filed in July 2025, characterised the deal…

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‘Absolute peak internet culture’: Netizens react to Samay Raina’s comeback on OTT with Alia Bhatt and Sharvari for ‘India’s Got Latent’ Season 2 premiere

‘Absolute peak internet culture’: Netizens react to Samay Raina’s comeback on OTT with Alia Bhatt and Sharvari for ‘India’s Got Latent’ Season 2 premiere

Netizens react to Samay Raina’s comeback on OTT with Alia Bhatt and Sharvari for ‘India’s Got Latent’ Season 2 premiere (Image Credits: Instagram) Nearly a month after a photo of ‘Alpha’ actresses Alia Bhatt and Sharvari on the sets of Samay Raina’s ‘India’s Got Latent’ sent the internet into a frenzy, the mystery is finally…

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Jose Mourinho ‘in final negotiations’ for sensational Real Madrid return 13 years after exit: Reports

Jose Mourinho ‘in final negotiations’ for sensational Real Madrid return 13 years after exit: Reports

Benfica’s manager Jose Mourinho attends a press conference at Stamford Bridge, London, Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, ahead of the Champions League soccer match against Chelsea. (Steven Paston/PA via AP) Jose Mourinho is closing in on a dramatic return to Real Madrid, with the Portuguese manager now strongly linked with a second spell at the Santiago…

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NEW DELHI: MK Stalin on Wednesday unveiled a series of welfare promises and development plans at a DMK rally in Tiruchirappalli, positioning them as key offerings ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.Addressing party workers and voters in central Tamil Nadu, the DMK chief sought support for party candidates while highlighting his government’s track record and outlining fresh commitments if voted back to power.He said Tiruchirappalli would be developed on par with Chennai, signalling a push to decentralise growth beyond the state capital. Stalin also used the platform to contrast Tamil Nadu’s law and order situation with BJP-ruled states, asserting stability under his leadership.The Chief Minister reiterated that his government had fulfilled major assurances, including fare-free bus travel for women, and pointed to welfare measures aimed at education, agriculture, and women’s empowerment as central to the DMK’s electoral pitch.What CM Stalin promised ahead of pollsThe Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme will be extended to cover students up to Class 8.The sugarcane procurement price will be increased to Rs 4,500 per tonne.Paddy will be procured at Rs 3,500 per quintal if the DMK returns to power.Pumpsets will be provided to 20 lakh farmers to support irrigation needs.Women beneficiaries will receive a monthly assistance of Rs 2,000.College-going students will be given financial aid of Rs 1,500 per month.Women will be provided with coupons worth Rs 8,000 to purchase home appliances of their choice.Around 9 lakh students will continue to receive Rs 1,000 per month for higher education support.Tiruchirappalli will be developed with projects such as a major library, TIDEL Park, and an Olympic Academy.Infrastructure in the region will be expanded with initiatives including mini stadiums, schools, and drinking water projects.Stalin said his administration had ensured that “TN has no caste riots, communal violence seen in BJP-ruled states, mob violence seen in UP, or continued violence in Manipur,” while urging voters to back the DMK for continuity in governance and welfare delivery.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDonald Trump Backs US-India Ties, Says Sergio Gor, But Hormuz Risk Puts India In Strategic DilemmaIran War Impact Hits India: Commercial LPG Prices Rise, Airfares Set To Surge As Fuel Costs DoubleIndia Conducts Ex Dweep Shakti, Tri-Service Drill To Boost Coastal And Island DefenceHow An Indian LPG Tanker Took An Unusual Route To Escape Strait Of HormuzTrump Ready To End Iran War Despite Hormuz Blockade?; Iran’s Oil Revenues Soar Thanks To Trump’s War’India’s Silence Helpful To US, Israel And Gulf States’: Former Deputy NSA Pankaj Saran On Iran WarBig April Financial Reset: New Rules For UPI, ATM, PAN, FASTag, Railway Booking To Impact Daily Life’Like Political Vultures’: PM Modi Slams Congress For ‘Spreading Fear’ Amid West Asia CrisisFallen Leaves To Cooking Fuel: IIT Bombay Develops Indigenous Technology To Tackle LPG Crisis‘One Roti’ For Survival? Pakistani Cleric Stuns India, Reveals Kashmir’s Dark Insurgency Secret123Photostories5 Interesting Facts About Manali’s Hidimba TempleTV co-stars who fell in love on set: Dominic Fike and Hunter Schafer, Penn Badgley and Blake Lively and more8 reasons why Finland keeps ranking as the World’s Happiest CountryDifficult people in your life could be aging you faster: New research reveals the toll— 3 psychology-backed tips to fight backMom-to-be Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya’s TV journey: From the city of Bhopal to the land of dreams6 of the world’s most vegetarian-friendly countries to exploreTop 7 tallest buildings of Singapore defining the city’s skylineApril’s Full Moon 2026 Love Predictions for each zodiac signHow to handle sibling tantrums during summer holidaysThe greatest TV rivalries of all time: ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘Sherlock’ and more123Hot PicksIncome Tax Changes from April 1stPost office small savings schemesNASA Artemis IIAmazon treeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingNeeraj ChopraSjoerd MarijneSam KonstasVaibhav SooryavanshiUS Iran WarKolkata Assembly ElectionBihar Temple NewsRavindra JadejaDrake Maye InjuryBank Holiday this week

NEW DELHI: MK Stalin on Wednesday unveiled a series of welfare promises and development plans at a DMK rally in Tiruchirappalli, positioning them as key offerings ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.Addressing party workers and voters in central Tamil Nadu, the DMK chief sought support for party candidates while highlighting his government’s track record and outlining fresh commitments if voted back to power.He said Tiruchirappalli would be developed on par with Chennai, signalling a push to decentralise growth beyond the state capital. Stalin also used the platform to contrast Tamil Nadu’s law and order situation with BJP-ruled states, asserting stability under his leadership.The Chief Minister reiterated that his government had fulfilled major assurances, including fare-free bus travel for women, and pointed to welfare measures aimed at education, agriculture, and women’s empowerment as central to the DMK’s electoral pitch.What CM Stalin promised ahead of pollsThe Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme will be extended to cover students up to Class 8.The sugarcane procurement price will be increased to Rs 4,500 per tonne.Paddy will be procured at Rs 3,500 per quintal if the DMK returns to power.Pumpsets will be provided to 20 lakh farmers to support irrigation needs.Women beneficiaries will receive a monthly assistance of Rs 2,000.College-going students will be given financial aid of Rs 1,500 per month.Women will be provided with coupons worth Rs 8,000 to purchase home appliances of their choice.Around 9 lakh students will continue to receive Rs 1,000 per month for higher education support.Tiruchirappalli will be developed with projects such as a major library, TIDEL Park, and an Olympic Academy.Infrastructure in the region will be expanded with initiatives including mini stadiums, schools, and drinking water projects.Stalin said his administration had ensured that “TN has no caste riots, communal violence seen in BJP-ruled states, mob violence seen in UP, or continued violence in Manipur,” while urging voters to back the DMK for continuity in governance and welfare delivery.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDonald Trump Backs US-India Ties, Says Sergio Gor, But Hormuz Risk Puts India In Strategic DilemmaIran War Impact Hits India: Commercial LPG Prices Rise, Airfares Set To Surge As Fuel Costs DoubleIndia Conducts Ex Dweep Shakti, Tri-Service Drill To Boost Coastal And Island DefenceHow An Indian LPG Tanker Took An Unusual Route To Escape Strait Of HormuzTrump Ready To End Iran War Despite Hormuz Blockade?; Iran’s Oil Revenues Soar Thanks To Trump’s War’India’s Silence Helpful To US, Israel And Gulf States’: Former Deputy NSA Pankaj Saran On Iran WarBig April Financial Reset: New Rules For UPI, ATM, PAN, FASTag, Railway Booking To Impact Daily Life’Like Political Vultures’: PM Modi Slams Congress For ‘Spreading Fear’ Amid West Asia CrisisFallen Leaves To Cooking Fuel: IIT Bombay Develops Indigenous Technology To Tackle LPG Crisis‘One Roti’ For Survival? Pakistani Cleric Stuns India, Reveals Kashmir’s Dark Insurgency Secret123Photostories5 Interesting Facts About Manali’s Hidimba TempleTV co-stars who fell in love on set: Dominic Fike and Hunter Schafer, Penn Badgley and Blake Lively and more8 reasons why Finland keeps ranking as the World’s Happiest CountryDifficult people in your life could be aging you faster: New research reveals the toll— 3 psychology-backed tips to fight backMom-to-be Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya’s TV journey: From the city of Bhopal to the land of dreams6 of the world’s most vegetarian-friendly countries to exploreTop 7 tallest buildings of Singapore defining the city’s skylineApril’s Full Moon 2026 Love Predictions for each zodiac signHow to handle sibling tantrums during summer holidaysThe greatest TV rivalries of all time: ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘Sherlock’ and more123Hot PicksIncome Tax Changes from April 1stPost office small savings schemesNASA Artemis IIAmazon treeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingNeeraj ChopraSjoerd MarijneSam KonstasVaibhav SooryavanshiUS Iran WarKolkata Assembly ElectionBihar Temple NewsRavindra JadejaDrake Maye InjuryBank Holiday this week

NEW DELHI: MK Stalin on Wednesday unveiled a series of welfare promises and development plans at a DMK rally in Tiruchirappalli, positioning them as key offerings ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.Addressing party workers and voters in central Tamil Nadu, the DMK chief sought support for party candidates while highlighting his government’s track record…

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After building a tech empire, Mark Zuckerberg is feeding his cows beer and macadamia nuts, and the goal is to create world’s highest-quality beef

After building a tech empire, Mark Zuckerberg is feeding his cows beer and macadamia nuts, and the goal is to create world’s highest-quality beef

After building a global tech empire with Meta, Mark Zuckerberg has turned his attention to a far more unusual project: raising cattle. The Meta chief executive recently revealed that he is feeding his cows roasted macadamia nuts and even beer as part of an ambitious effort to produce what he calls “the world’s highest-quality beef”….

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In 1856, a group of quarrymen in Germany tossed aside a few ‘deformed’ bones and accidentally discovered Neanderthal 1

In 1856, a group of quarrymen in Germany tossed aside a few ‘deformed’ bones and accidentally discovered Neanderthal 1

Miners in Germany’s Neander Valley unearthed peculiar bones in 1856, revealing evidence of a distinct human type. Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons Picture a cave made up of limestone, wet, and dark, situated in the valley of Neander in Germany. The year is 1856, and there are people excavating through the sediment layer in the cave…

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