Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Tamil Nadu has sunk to the lowest depth, says Kamal Haasan

Kamal Haasan is heading to Harvard University on February 10 where the actor-politician will take up issues plaguing Tamil Nadu at the annual Indian Conference of the University.

This will be Haasan's second time in Harvard. He had earlier spoken at the university back in 2016 where he spoke eloquently about freedom of expression.


This time "the topic is Tamil Nadu," Haasan said. "I chose to speak on it out of sheer necessity. Our state has sunk to the lowest depth. It is affecting my dignity as a man, even more as a Tamilian." He also said he yearned to see Tamil Nadu reach the heights it deserves.

He is set to start his political journey from his hometown Ramanathapuram on February 21, and them move on to Madurai, Dindigul and Sivagangai districts as well. The aim of the tour was to help him familiarize with the problems faced by residents of Tamil Nadu.

“This is a journey of discovery and learning and an opportunity for me to truly understand my people,” the actor said at the time, adding that he wanted to challenge the status quo plaguing the state. The actor said he wanted people to question mediocrity and raise the bar on governance.

Last year, Haasan announced his formal entry into politics saying he is not just focused on winning elections.  “I have larger goals, longer time frame,” he said.

More For You

Jyoti Malhotra: Travel Vlogger Arrested for Alleged Espionage

Investigations suggest that Jyoti had visited Pakistan several times

Instagram/ Indiatoday

Who's Jyoti Malhotra, the YouTuber held by India for 'spying' for Pakistan?

Jyoti Malhotra, a 33-year-old travel vlogger from Haryana, India, has been arrested on charges of espionage for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives. The arrest, made by Haryana Police, is part of a broader investigation into suspected espionage activities linked to Pakistan.

Background and arrest

Malhotra, known for her YouTube channel Travel with JO, which boasts over 385,000 subscribers, had documented her travels across various countries, including Pakistan, China, and several others. Authorities allege that she maintained regular contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives and shared sensitive information via platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat.

Keep ReadingShow less
Hyderabad fire

Firefighters carry a ladder outside of the building (blue-coloured) that caught fire in Hyderabad, India, May 18, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

Building fire in India's Hyderabad kills at least 17

AT LEAST 17 people died in a fire that broke out in a building in the Indian city of Hyderabad, officials said on Sunday.

The blaze started early Sunday morning in a three-storey building that houses a jewellery store.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lisa-Nandy-Getty

Nandy became culture secretary after Labour’s election win, following the loss of shadow culture secretary Baroness Debbonaire’s seat.. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Lisa Nandy’s role at risk as Downing Street mulls axing culture department

LISA NANDY’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) may be scrapped under plans being considered by Downing Street as part of a broader civil service efficiency drive. The move would end 33 years of a standalone department for arts and cultural matters and place Nandy’s Cabinet future in doubt.

The government is exploring reallocating DCMS policy briefs to other departments, which could result in job cuts. Cultural and arts issues may be transferred to the Communities Department, and media matters to the Business Department, The Telegraph has reported. Responsibility for the BBC licence fee remains undecided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Migrants boat

Migrants swim to board a smugglers' boat in order to attempt crossing the English channel off the beach of Audresselles, northern France on October 25, 2024.

Getty Images

Migrant dies as overloaded boat sinks in Channel; 62 rescued

A PERSON has died after a small overloaded boat sank while attempting to cross the English Channel, according to French authorities.

The incident occurred overnight from Sunday to Monday, and 62 people were rescued from the water, the Maritime Prefect of the Channel and the North Sea said.

Keep ReadingShow less
Big Strawberries, Dry Fields: UK Growers Sound the Alarm

Large size has drawn attention from across the industry

iStock

UK strawberries are unusually large this spring, but growers warn of water shortages

UK growers are reporting a bumper crop of unusually large strawberries this spring, thanks to a spell of bright sunshine and cool nights that has created near-perfect growing conditions. However, as the dry weather continues, experts are warning that water shortages could pose a risk to future harvests.

According to Bartosz Pinkosz, operations director at the Summer Berry Company, strawberry plants have benefited significantly from this year’s weather pattern. “We had the darkest January and February since the 1970s, but then the brightest March and April since 1910,” he said. “From March onwards, it was really kind of perfect for tunnel strawberries.”

Keep ReadingShow less