Actor and politician Kamal Haasan has found himself at the center of a heated linguistic controversy after stating that the Kannada language was "born out of Tamil." The remark, made during the audio launch of his upcoming film Thug Life in Chennai, has angered several pro-Kannada groups and political leaders in Karnataka, sparking protests, threats of boycott, and demands for an apology. While introducing veteran Kannada actor Shivarajkumar at the event, Haasan p

A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, originally identified in China, has now reached the United States, prompting concern among health officials due to its rapid spread and high transmissibility. Detected first in travelers arriving between March and April in states including California, New York, Washington, Virginia, and Hawaii, the variant has since appeared in Ohio and Rhode Island, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The variant has become dominant i

As Covid-19 cases see a resurgence across India and the early monsoon ushers in a spike in flu infections, many are struggling to distinguish between the two. With overlapping symptoms like fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, and fatigue, it’s easy to misdiagnose or delay treatment. Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee, an internal medicine specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in New Delhi, shares how to spot the differences and why testing is key to correct diagnosis and care. T

India is witnessing a fresh surge in Covid-19 cases, with health authorities confirming the emergence of two new variants: NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. The total active case count has climbed to 1010 as of May 27, 2025, with Kerala being the worst-hit state. Public health officials are urging calm as symptoms remain mild in most cases, although hospital preparedness has been ramped up across states. The spike in infections is largely being attributed to the new sub-lineages of the JN.1 strain

India is witnessing a fresh surge in COVID-19 cases, primarily driven by a new variant identified as JN.1. According to the Union Health Ministry, 257 active COVID cases have been recorded across states, with the majority arising in Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. This variant is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia and is now spreading in parts of India, echoing similar spikes seen in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand. What is the JN.1 Variant?

A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is now emerging in the United States after becoming dominant in China and causing a significant rise in cases across Asia. U.S. health officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are monitoring the variant closely as scientists continue to analyze whether NB.1.8.1 poses greater risks in terms of transmission, severity, and resistance to existing vaccines. The variant was initially identified in Asia, particularly in Ch

In a development that has sparked intense debate in the entertainment industry, actress Deepika Padukone has reportedly been dropped from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit after she requested a 6-hour workday due to her responsibilities as a new mother. The film was set to star Prabhas opposite Padukone, but disagreements over working hours and contract terms reportedly led to her exit. According to media reports, Deepika’s agency had requested that the

In a move that could significantly change how COVID-19 booster shots are administered in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a proposal that may limit annual boosters to only high-risk groups starting in 2025. The new guidelines are expected to restrict boosters for healthy individuals under 65 unless drug manufacturers like Pfizer and Moderna conduct detailed clinical trials proving their effectiveness. The announcement was made on May 20, raising di

As Covid-19 concerns resurface across parts of Asia, the Directorate of Public Health & Family Welfare in Andhra Pradesh has issued a renewed advisory urging residents to adopt stringent safety measures. The advisory, issued on May 23, comes in response to a noticeable uptick in Covid-19 cases both within the country and globally. Citizens have been asked to remain vigilant, with a strong recommendation to avoid mass gatherings such as social functions, parties, prayer meetings,

As COVID-19 cases begin rising once again across several Asian nations, health authorities and researchers are looking into alternative forms of protection especially for people hesitant to take another jab. The recent increase in infections has been particularly notable in Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and India, with India reporting 257 active cases as of May 19, according to the Union Health Ministry. The surge coincides with the global spread of the JN.1 variant, a sublineage

In a recent development, Mumbai's King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital has reported two deaths involving patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Among them was a 14-year-old minor suffering from nephrotic syndrome and a 54-year-old cancer patient. Both individuals were also COVID-positive at the time of their death, but doctors have clarified that the fatalities were primarily due to their pre-existing critical conditions and not the virus itself. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation

As Singapore and Hong Kong witness a fresh surge in COVID-19 infections, India continues to maintain a relatively stable situation with only 257 active cases reported as of May 19, 2025. All the cases identified in India are mild and do not require hospitalization, according to the Union Health Ministry. This update was shared after a key review meeting was held involving experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, Disaster M

The ongoing tension between Manchu brothers Vishnu and Manoj took a fresh turn at the trailer launch event of the upcoming film “Bhairavam” held in Eluru. During the event, actor Manchu Manoj threw a not-so-subtle jab at his estranged brother Vishnu, referencing the viral teaser of Vishnu’s ambitious film Kannappa. Manoj commented on stage, “If you yell ‘Sivayya,’ Lord Shiva doesn’t show up.” The statement was a clear

As summer heats up and Americans continue searching for affordable entertainment, AMC Theaters is stepping up with a massive midweek offer. Beginning July 9, the theater chain is rolling out “50% Off Wednesdays,” slashing movie ticket prices in half every Wednesday for members of its AMC Stubs rewards program. Already known for its popular “Discount Tuesdays,” AMC is now doubling down on value-driven moviegoing to increase weekday attendance. This bold new pr

The Andhra Pradesh liquor scam probe has taken a significant turn with another high-profile arrest made by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), deepening the political and financial implications of the case. After the recent apprehension of Raj Kasireddy, a known associate of former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the SIT has now arrested Govindappa Balaji, the director of Bharathi Cements. His alleged involvement in the money laundering aspect of the scandal has pushed the case into a mor

The Dallas Stars took a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after defeating the Winnipeg Jets 5-2 in Game 3 at the American Airlines Center on Sunday night. Led by Mikko Rantanen, who notched a goal and two assists, the Stars capitalized on third-period opportunities and took control of the series. Rantanen, acquired in a March 7 trade with the Carolina Hurricanes, has been red-hot in the postseason, amassing 17 points (nine goals, eight assis

In a controversial move that could reshape the global entertainment industry, U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a sweeping 100% tariff on all movies made outside the United States. Trump announced the policy through a post on Truth Social, where he claimed the measure is essential to revive what he described as a declining American film industry. According to Trump, Hollywood is "dying fast" as filmmakers increasingly choose to work with international studios offering better fin

In a heartwarming gesture that has won the admiration of many across the country, actor and producer Vishnu Manchu has come forward to adopt the family of a victim of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Somisetty Madhusudhan Rao, a resident of Kummari Street in Kavali town of Andhra Pradesh’s Nellore district, tragically lost his life during the brutal terrorist assault in Baisaran Valley, Jammu and Kashmir. The terror attack, which occurred in the picturesque meadow region often referre

A relaxing night out at a local movie theater turned unexpectedly alarming after part of the ceiling fell inside one of the auditoriums in Cranford, New Jersey. The incident occurred just before 7:30 p.m. when a portion of the suspended ceiling collapsed inside one of the six screening rooms at the popular neighborhood theater. The building was open to the public at the time, with moviegoers inside, prompting a swift evacuation to ensure everyone’s safety. Fortunately, no in

The upcoming film Abir Gulaal, featuring Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor and popular Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, has found itself at the center of a growing controversy. The movie, which was originally slated to release in India on May 9, has been facing an intense public and political backlash following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, which occurred on April 22, left the nation shaken. It claimed the lives of 26 individuals, most of whom were tour