KFCC Threatens Thug Life Ban Over Kamal Haasan's Remark
The release of Kamal Haasan's much-anticipated film Thug Life is now under threat in Karnataka due to a growing controversy over a remark the actor made regarding the Kannada language. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), along with Kannada organisations such as the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, is demanding a public apology from the veteran actor following his statement that “Kannada is born out of Tamil,” made during the audio launch event of the film in Chen
KFCC Threatens Thug Life Ban Over Kamal Haasan's Remark
The release of Kamal Haasan's much-anticipated film Thug Life is now under threat in Karnataka due to a growing controversy over a remark the actor made regarding the Kannada language. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), along with Kannada organisations such as the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, is demanding a public apology from the veteran actor following his statement that “Kannada is born out of Tamil,” made during the audio launch event of the film in Chen
NB.1.8.1 Covid Variant Spreads Fast, Evades Immunity
A new Covid-19 subvariant, NB.1.8.1, is drawing the attention of global health agencies due to its rapid spread and apparent ability to partially evade immune defences. This Omicron lineage strain is now spreading across multiple regions including India, China, Thailand, and several European countries, prompting increased surveillance by the World Health Organization (WHO). NB.1.8.1 has been categorized as a “variant under monitoring” by WHO, which means it carries genet
NB.1.8.1 Covid Variant Spreads Fast, Evades Immunity
A new Covid-19 subvariant, NB.1.8.1, is drawing the attention of global health agencies due to its rapid spread and apparent ability to partially evade immune defences. This Omicron lineage strain is now spreading across multiple regions including India, China, Thailand, and several European countries, prompting increased surveillance by the World Health Organization (WHO). NB.1.8.1 has been categorized as a “variant under monitoring” by WHO, which means it carries genet
Chirag Paswan Reacts to CM Posters, "Bihar Is Calling Me"
Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan has addressed the political buzz surrounding his image on posters projecting him as the “next Chief Minister of Bihar.” In an interview, Paswan said that such posters reflect the emotions of his party workers and not an official declaration from him. Speaking candidly, the Hajipur MP said, “Many times, the sentiments of workers are so strong that you cannot stop them even if you want to.&rdq
Chirag Paswan Reacts to CM Posters, "Bihar Is Calling Me"
Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan has addressed the political buzz surrounding his image on posters projecting him as the “next Chief Minister of Bihar.” In an interview, Paswan said that such posters reflect the emotions of his party workers and not an official declaration from him. Speaking candidly, the Hajipur MP said, “Many times, the sentiments of workers are so strong that you cannot stop them even if you want to.&rdq
Avoid ITR filing in 2025 if you're an NRI under this concessional tax regime
As the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing window opens for the Assessment Year 2025–26, non-resident Indians (NRIs) are being presented with a valuable opportunity to simplify their tax obligations and, in some cases, avoid filing a return entirely. Under Chapter XII-A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, NRIs who earn income from specific foreign exchange (FOREX) assets in India may opt for a special concessional tax regime that offers multiple benefits—including exemption from filing if certai
Avoid ITR filing in 2025 if you're an NRI under this concessional tax regime
As the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing window opens for the Assessment Year 2025–26, non-resident Indians (NRIs) are being presented with a valuable opportunity to simplify their tax obligations and, in some cases, avoid filing a return entirely. Under Chapter XII-A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, NRIs who earn income from specific foreign exchange (FOREX) assets in India may opt for a special concessional tax regime that offers multiple benefits—including exemption from filing if certai
Divya Spandana, Vinodhini Back Kamal Haasan in Language Row
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan found himself at the center of a heated linguistic controversy after stating that “Kannada was born out of Tamil” during the Thug Life audio launch in Chennai on May 24. The comment sparked backlash from pro-Kannada groups, with calls for a boycott and demands for an apology. Despite mounting pressure, several celebrities, including actors Divya Spandana and Vinodhini Vaidyanathan, have stepped up to support him and clarify the context of his statemen
Divya Spandana, Vinodhini Back Kamal Haasan in Language Row
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan found himself at the center of a heated linguistic controversy after stating that “Kannada was born out of Tamil” during the Thug Life audio launch in Chennai on May 24. The comment sparked backlash from pro-Kannada groups, with calls for a boycott and demands for an apology. Despite mounting pressure, several celebrities, including actors Divya Spandana and Vinodhini Vaidyanathan, have stepped up to support him and clarify the context of his statemen
Sebi Bans Arshad Warsi, 57 Others in Stock Fraud Case
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has imposed a one-year stock market trading ban on Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi, his wife Maria Goretti, and his brother for their involvement in the manipulation of Sadhna Broadcast Ltd shares, now known as Crystal Business System Ltd. The regulatory body has fined the trio ₹5 lakh each and ordered the return of ₹1.05 crore in illegal gains. According to Sebi, the group was part of a “pump and dump” scheme that artif
Sebi Bans Arshad Warsi, 57 Others in Stock Fraud Case
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has imposed a one-year stock market trading ban on Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi, his wife Maria Goretti, and his brother for their involvement in the manipulation of Sadhna Broadcast Ltd shares, now known as Crystal Business System Ltd. The regulatory body has fined the trio ₹5 lakh each and ordered the return of ₹1.05 crore in illegal gains. According to Sebi, the group was part of a “pump and dump” scheme that artif
Kerala sees record growth in remittances and NRI deposits in 2025
Kerala has reached an unprecedented economic landmark as annual remittances from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), particularly those from Kerala, have surpassed ₹2 lakh crore for the first time. Alongside this, total deposits from NRIs in the state’s banking sector have crossed ₹3 lakh crore, signaling a robust and growing contribution of overseas Malayalis to the state’s financial ecosystem. This financial influx has significantly boosted Kerala’s domestic econo
Kerala sees record growth in remittances and NRI deposits in 2025
Kerala has reached an unprecedented economic landmark as annual remittances from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), particularly those from Kerala, have surpassed ₹2 lakh crore for the first time. Alongside this, total deposits from NRIs in the state’s banking sector have crossed ₹3 lakh crore, signaling a robust and growing contribution of overseas Malayalis to the state’s financial ecosystem. This financial influx has significantly boosted Kerala’s domestic econo
Free summer train rides offered to Ravinia Festival 2025 attendees
Getting to one of the region’s most iconic outdoor summer music festivals is easier and more affordable than ever in 2025. For the fifth straight year, attendees of the Ravinia Festival can enjoy complimentary train travel to the event, simplifying the journey for thousands of concertgoers. The partnership allows anyone heading to the Ravinia Festival to ride the Union Pacific North Line at no cost, simply by presenting their event ticket to the train conductor. There is no
Free summer train rides offered to Ravinia Festival 2025 attendees
Getting to one of the region’s most iconic outdoor summer music festivals is easier and more affordable than ever in 2025. For the fifth straight year, attendees of the Ravinia Festival can enjoy complimentary train travel to the event, simplifying the journey for thousands of concertgoers. The partnership allows anyone heading to the Ravinia Festival to ride the Union Pacific North Line at no cost, simply by presenting their event ticket to the train conductor. There is no
Miss World 2025 Finale Set in Hyderabad, Sonu Sood Honored
Hyderabad is all set to host the glittering finale of the Miss World 2025 pageant, bringing the eyes of the globe to the Convention Centre at HITEX this Saturday, May 31. The grand event, which will begin at 6:00 PM, concludes three weeks of celebrations and competitive rounds that have drawn global attention to the city. Organisers have been working nonstop to perfect the venue and logistics, aiming to deliver one of the most memorable events in the history of the pageant. The main
Miss World 2025 Finale Set in Hyderabad, Sonu Sood Honored
Hyderabad is all set to host the glittering finale of the Miss World 2025 pageant, bringing the eyes of the globe to the Convention Centre at HITEX this Saturday, May 31. The grand event, which will begin at 6:00 PM, concludes three weeks of celebrations and competitive rounds that have drawn global attention to the city. Organisers have been working nonstop to perfect the venue and logistics, aiming to deliver one of the most memorable events in the history of the pageant. The main
RBI reins in JPY-linked special deposits as banks scale down premium offerings
Mumbai's financial sector has witnessed a significant recalibration as a once-popular deposit product—the Japanese yen (JPY)-linked special deposit—loses momentum following regulatory scrutiny and shifting bank strategies. These fancy financial instruments, heavily marketed to attract non-resident Indian (NRI) funds and appease analysts with attractive yield spreads, are now undergoing a correction. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reportedly advised certain banks to ensure
RBI reins in JPY-linked special deposits as banks scale down premium offerings
Mumbai's financial sector has witnessed a significant recalibration as a once-popular deposit product—the Japanese yen (JPY)-linked special deposit—loses momentum following regulatory scrutiny and shifting bank strategies. These fancy financial instruments, heavily marketed to attract non-resident Indian (NRI) funds and appease analysts with attractive yield spreads, are now undergoing a correction. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reportedly advised certain banks to ensure
Vivek Ramaswamy Faces Racist Attacks Over Anniversary Post
Indian-American entrepreneur and Republican politician Vivek Ramaswamy recently took to social media to share a heartfelt message celebrating his 10th wedding anniversary with wife Apoorva. However, what should have been a touching tribute to their love story quickly turned into a target for online hate, as users posted a barrage of racist and anti-immigrant remarks, many of them telling the couple to “go back to India.” In his anniversary post on X , Ramaswamy shared tw
Vivek Ramaswamy Faces Racist Attacks Over Anniversary Post
Indian-American entrepreneur and Republican politician Vivek Ramaswamy recently took to social media to share a heartfelt message celebrating his 10th wedding anniversary with wife Apoorva. However, what should have been a touching tribute to their love story quickly turned into a target for online hate, as users posted a barrage of racist and anti-immigrant remarks, many of them telling the couple to “go back to India.” In his anniversary post on X , Ramaswamy shared tw
Pak PM Admits BrahMos Strikes Caught Army Off-Guard
In a striking admission, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that India’s BrahMos missile strikes, carried out under Operation Sindoor, hit several targets across Pakistan before Islamabad’s military could respond. The attacks, executed on the intervening night of May 9 and 10, were India’s retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. Sharif, speaking during a visit to Azerbaijan, said Pakistan had
Pak PM Admits BrahMos Strikes Caught Army Off-Guard
In a striking admission, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that India’s BrahMos missile strikes, carried out under Operation Sindoor, hit several targets across Pakistan before Islamabad’s military could respond. The attacks, executed on the intervening night of May 9 and 10, were India’s retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. Sharif, speaking during a visit to Azerbaijan, said Pakistan had
Shashi Tharoor Slams Colombia’s Stand on Pak Deaths
Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed disappointment over Colombia's reaction to the recent Indian military operation against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Reacting to Colombia’s message of condolence for the lives lost in Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, Tharoor emphasized that there can be no moral equivalence between a nation dispatching terrorists and a nation defending itself from terror. Mr. Tharoor, currently visit
Shashi Tharoor Slams Colombia’s Stand on Pak Deaths
Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed disappointment over Colombia's reaction to the recent Indian military operation against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Reacting to Colombia’s message of condolence for the lives lost in Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, Tharoor emphasized that there can be no moral equivalence between a nation dispatching terrorists and a nation defending itself from terror. Mr. Tharoor, currently visit
San Ramon Residents Asked to Shape Mental Health Plans
San Ramon residents and others in Contra Costa County are being asked to help shape the future of local mental health and behavioral services. As the county prepares to redesign its Behavioral Health system for the 2026–2029 cycle, officials are inviting the public to participate in a survey and virtual town hall forums to gather input. The initiative is led by Contra Costa Health Services, which is seeking input on topics such as access to mental health care, substance use tr
San Ramon Residents Asked to Shape Mental Health Plans
San Ramon residents and others in Contra Costa County are being asked to help shape the future of local mental health and behavioral services. As the county prepares to redesign its Behavioral Health system for the 2026–2029 cycle, officials are inviting the public to participate in a survey and virtual town hall forums to gather input. The initiative is led by Contra Costa Health Services, which is seeking input on topics such as access to mental health care, substance use tr
Livermore Residents Happy With Life, Less With Govt
The majority of Livermore residents are satisfied with their quality of life, according to the results of the 2025 National Community Survey. The survey, conducted by the National Research Center at Polco, randomly selected 3,000 households in Livermore, with 374 responding. The results were carefully weighted to ensure diversity across age, gender, race, ethnicity, housing status, and geography. According to the findings, 95% of residents expressed satisfaction with living in Liver
Livermore Residents Happy With Life, Less With Govt
The majority of Livermore residents are satisfied with their quality of life, according to the results of the 2025 National Community Survey. The survey, conducted by the National Research Center at Polco, randomly selected 3,000 households in Livermore, with 374 responding. The results were carefully weighted to ensure diversity across age, gender, race, ethnicity, housing status, and geography. According to the findings, 95% of residents expressed satisfaction with living in Liver
Santa Clara housing market slows in spring 2025 but opens new window for buyers
Columbus-area volunteers support Kentucky tornado relief with meals and care
In response to the powerful tornadoes that swept through parts of Kentucky last week, a dedicated team of 28 volunteers from Ohio, including residents from Blacklick and New Albany, mobilized quickly to bring relief to communities left devastated by the disaster. These volunteers, affiliated with the Rapid Relief Team (RRT), the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, were among the first to arrive in some of the hardest-hit areas around London, Kentucky, delivering both ess
Columbus-area volunteers support Kentucky tornado relief with meals and care
In response to the powerful tornadoes that swept through parts of Kentucky last week, a dedicated team of 28 volunteers from Ohio, including residents from Blacklick and New Albany, mobilized quickly to bring relief to communities left devastated by the disaster. These volunteers, affiliated with the Rapid Relief Team (RRT), the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, were among the first to arrive in some of the hardest-hit areas around London, Kentucky, delivering both ess
Emerald High Hosts First Art Exhibit at Stoneridge Mall
For the first time, Emerald High School students are bringing their creativity to the public stage with a weekend art showcase at the Stoneridge Shopping Center. The exhibition will feature a variety of artwork by students enrolled in the school's drawing, sculpture, and ceramics programs. The showcase is scheduled for Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The community can visit the exhibit in the space between Sheikh Shoes and Swarovski inside the mall. I
Emerald High Hosts First Art Exhibit at Stoneridge Mall
For the first time, Emerald High School students are bringing their creativity to the public stage with a weekend art showcase at the Stoneridge Shopping Center. The exhibition will feature a variety of artwork by students enrolled in the school's drawing, sculpture, and ceramics programs. The showcase is scheduled for Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The community can visit the exhibit in the space between Sheikh Shoes and Swarovski inside the mall. I
Strawberry lovers disappointed as farms across Virginia shut down early
For over a decade, Jimmy Messick has nurtured fields of strawberries at his family-run farm in Bealeton, Virginia. But this year, the farm's lush, green rows have yielded a sobering reality. Despite years of consistent success, the 2025 strawberry season has marked a historic low for Messick and other growers in the region. Instead of thriving crops and bustling pick-your-own events lasting through early summer, fields have thinned early, forcing an abrupt end to a much-anticipated seasonal
Strawberry lovers disappointed as farms across Virginia shut down early
For over a decade, Jimmy Messick has nurtured fields of strawberries at his family-run farm in Bealeton, Virginia. But this year, the farm's lush, green rows have yielded a sobering reality. Despite years of consistent success, the 2025 strawberry season has marked a historic low for Messick and other growers in the region. Instead of thriving crops and bustling pick-your-own events lasting through early summer, fields have thinned early, forcing an abrupt end to a much-anticipated seasonal
Houston Food Bank Launches Free Summer Meals for Kids
As summer vacation begins and school cafeterias close, the Houston Food Bank is stepping in to ensure that children don’t go hungry during the break. Beginning June 2, the organization is launching its annual Summer Food Service Program, which provides free, nutritious meals to children across the Houston area. The program serves all children aged 18 and younger, as well as students with disabilities up to age 21. This initiative is vital for many families who rely on school m
Houston Food Bank Launches Free Summer Meals for Kids
As summer vacation begins and school cafeterias close, the Houston Food Bank is stepping in to ensure that children don’t go hungry during the break. Beginning June 2, the organization is launching its annual Summer Food Service Program, which provides free, nutritious meals to children across the Houston area. The program serves all children aged 18 and younger, as well as students with disabilities up to age 21. This initiative is vital for many families who rely on school m








