De*ath Toll Rises To 25 In Massive Fire At Goa’s Birch By Romeo Lane Nightclub
Meenakshi Chaudhary Breaks Marriage Rumours
Meenakshi Chaudhary, who impressed audiences last Sankranti with Sankrantiki Vastunnam, is gearing up for another big release this year — Anaganaga Oka Raju alongside Naveen Polishetty. With the songs and teasers already creating buzz, the actress is also simultaneously working on another project, Vrushakarma. Just as everything seemed to be moving smoothly, a sudden marriage rumour stirred up social media.
The rumour mill went into overdrive claiming that Meenakshi is set to marry actor Sushant. A few airport pictures of the two together only added fuel to the fire, and meme pages quickly took over, keeping the gossip alive for a couple of days.
Though Meenakshi chose not to comment directly, her team promptly stepped in to shut down the speculation. They clarified that Meenakshi and Sushant are simply good friends and that social media was blowing things out of proportion. They firmly denied any marriage or romantic involvement between the two actors.
Her team also requested fans and media outlets to avoid circulating baseless rumours, stating that any genuine updates about her personal life would come from them. For now, Meenakshi is fully focused on her film commitments — and there’s even a buzz that she may be exploring opportunities in Bollywood as well.
Sreeleela’s Kissik Throwback Goes Viral
Sreeleela set social media on fire with a fun throwback from the sets of “Kissik” from Pushpa: The Rule. The actress shared a series of photos and videos on Instagram, featuring candid moments with Allu Arjun and director Sukumar, much to the delight of fans. She captioned the post, “1 year of KISSIK #GRATEFUL,” with the popular song playing in the background. Within minutes, fans began resharing the clips, sending them viral across platforms.
Released in 2024, the blockbuster sequel Pushpa: The Rule starred Allu Arjun as Pushpa Raj battling new enemies, alongside Rashmika Mandanna and others. The film went on to gross over ₹1,800 crore, solidifying its place as one of Indian cinema’s biggest hits — and moments like Sreeleela’s selfie only added to the craze.
Meanwhile, Sreeleela is busy with her next big project — the period drama Parasakthi with Sivakarthikeyan, directed by Sudha Kongara. The shoot has been wrapped, she has completed dubbing, and the film — currently referred to as #SK25 — is shaping up to be a major release. With music by G. V. Prakash, cinematography by Ravi K. Chandran, and action choreography by Supreme Sundar, Parasakthi is already being touted as an epic in the making.
Telangana Rising Global Summit Set for Major Investments
After the recent success of the CII Summit in Vizag organised by the Andhra Pradesh government, the Telangana government is now preparing to host its own massive business event — The Telangana Rising Global Summit. Designed to attract large-scale investments, this summit is expected to become one of the biggest economic events Telangana has ever hosted.
Several top Indian and international companies are already on the guest list and are preparing to sign major MoUs and investment deals. The summit aims to drive growth across industrial, technology, tourism, energy, and entertainment sectors, giving a significant boost to the state’s economic expansion.
One of the biggest highlights is the announcement that TCS and TPG are planning Hypervault data centres in Hyderabad with a combined investment of ₹70,000 crore, making it one of the country’s largest tech infrastructure projects. Hyundai Motor Company is expected to set up a test track and a new manufacturing plant in Zaheerabad with an ₹8,000 crore investment, while Mahindra & Mahindra will expand its existing plant with ₹400 crore. Electronics giant Wistron is set to invest ₹1,000 crore, and Crompton Greaves will establish a new manufacturing unit in Fab City with ₹300 crore.
In the technology and pharma sectors, Aqylon Nexus and North Star will invest ₹850 crore in AI and data initiatives. Sanofi GCC is expanding its pharma operations with ₹3,500 crore, MSN is building a new R&D facility worth ₹1,500 crore, and Biological E is planning a major new R&D centre.
The summit will also shine a spotlight on tourism, entertainment, and real estate development. Foodlink is planning an integrated convention centre, expo space, and three hotels with an investment of ₹3,000 crore. Crystal Lagoons and Green Panthers will develop an urban beach and entertainment hub with ₹850 crore. Renewable energy firm Athirath Holdings will build 25 CBG plants with an investment of ₹4,000 crore, and Japan’s Lixil Group will set up a housing fixtures manufacturing facility.
The event is expected to host major industry leaders, global investors, and several celebrities including Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, Sukumar, Rishab Shetty, and M.M. Keeravani. Traditional cultural performances are also planned, making the summit not just a business event but a cultural showcase for Telangana.
Taking inspiration from N. Chandrababu Naidu, who transformed Hyderabad under Vision 2020 and has reportedly been invited to the summit, the Telangana Rising Global Summit aims to position the state as a powerful destination for global investment and growth.
Karthi’s Vaa Vaathiyaar Trailer Drops
Tamil star Karthi is gearing up for the release of his next film Vaa Vaathiyaar, directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Nalan Kumarasamy. Produced by KE Gnanavelraja under the Studio Green banner, the film is set to hit theatres in December 2025, with a simultaneous Telugu release titled Annagaru Vostaru.
The makers unveiled the trailer today, and it immediately captures attention. It establishes Karthi’s character as a devoted admirer of the legendary actor and former Chief Minister Nandamuri Taraka Ramarao garu, a passion he inherits from his father, played by Rajkiran, who is known for celebrating NTR’s films in theatres.
As the story progresses, the son grows up to become a police officer—one whose unconventional ways of handling crime repeatedly land him in trouble. Meanwhile, Sathyaraj and a group of politicians appear to be plotting a major conspiracy that sparks public unrest.
Although the trailer keeps the plot under wraps, Vaa Vaathiyaar promises an offbeat blend of dark comedy and quirky entertainment. The sharp trailer cut, powered by Santhosh Narayanan’s energetic score, raises expectations for what seems to be a wild and engaging ride.
Krithi Shetty plays the female lead, with Shilpa Manjunath, Rajkiran, Anand Raj, and Sathyaraj in key roles. The supporting cast includes Karunakaran, GM Sundar, Ramesh Thilak, PL Thenappan, Vidhya Borgia, Nivas Adthitan, and Madhur Mittal.
Verona Kicks Off Holiday Season with Festive Celebration
The holiday spirit was in full swing on Friday evening as Verona hosted its annual Hometown Holiday Kickoff. Families and residents gathered at Century School Park to enjoy a variety of winter-themed activities that brought the community together.
Attendees were treated to seasonal delights such as ice skating, steaming cups of hot cocoa, and trolley rides around the festively decorated park. The event also highlighted the charm of the community and the contributions of local businesses that make Verona a welcoming place.
Le Jordan, executive director of the Verona Area Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that the celebration aims to showcase the many free and family-friendly experiences available in the city.
A standout moment of the evening was the eagerly awaited arrival of Santa Claus, who delighted the crowd by arriving aboard a fire truck. “The people here are wonderful,” Santa said with a smile. “Verona truly feels like classic hometown America. The festivals are always fantastic.”
The festivities reached their peak when WMTV’s Kevin Corriveau joined Santa for a spirited 3-2-1 countdown, leading to the lighting of the community holiday tree and officially kicking off the festive season in Verona.
US International Student Growth Driven by Continuing Students
The Open Doors Report 2025 highlights a notable trend in international education in the United States. While the total number of international students rose to 1,177,766, marking a 4.5% increase, the number of new international enrolments fell by 7.2% to 277,118. This contrast indicates a shift in how the US is sustaining growth in its international student population.
The rise in total international students was not driven by new admissions but by students already enrolled in long-duration programs and those participating in post-study pathways such as Optional Practical Training (OPT). Participation in OPT surged to 294,253, a 21.2% increase, making it one of the largest segments of the international student population. This trend shows that more students are staying in the US to complete multi-year degrees or gain practical work experience after graduation.
With new enrolments declining, continuing students are increasingly driving growth. The international student population now relies heavily on multi-year undergraduate and graduate programs, long-duration STEM courses, and students transitioning into OPT after graduation. This indicates that while the post-pandemic surge in new admissions is slowing, multi-year programs and post-graduate work opportunities are helping maintain higher student numbers.
For US universities, this changing pattern suggests that fresh international student enrolments may grow more slowly, graduate programs and OPT-related pathways may dominate, and retention strategies could become more critical than new recruitment for sustaining revenue and enrolment growth.
Overall, the Open Doors Report 2025 reflects a system powered by internal momentum. Even as fewer new students arrive, those already in the US—particularly through OPT—are sustaining growth, marking a shift from the US being a short-term academic destination to a long-term educational and professional pathway for global students.
Telangana Woman Dies in US Fire Accident
A 24-year-old woman from Telangana, Sahaja Reddy Udumala, who had recently started her career as a cybersecurity professional in the United States, tragically lost her life in a fire accident earlier this week. Sahaja had completed her Master’s degree in Cyber Security and had been working in Albany, New York, for only a few months, according to her family.
The fire occurred on December 4 (US local time) while Sahaja was asleep in her room at around 11 AM. Two other residents managed to escape with minor injuries, but Sahaja suffered severe burns. She was initially treated at a local hospital in Albany and later transferred to a New York hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries after nearly 15 hours of treatment.
Sahaja had moved to the US three years ago to pursue higher education. Her family hails from Jangaon district in Telangana; her father is an IT professional, and her mother is a teacher. Reports indicate that several Telugu students were residing in the same building at the time of the accident.
Her uncle, Udumala Bala, the Archbishop of Visakhapatnam, has sought support from the Telangana government to facilitate the return of her mortal remains to India. Meanwhile, the Telugu community in the United States is actively supporting the family during this difficult time.
Indraja on Love, Breakups, and Her Second Innings
It’s well-known that many young men and women fall in love only to face heartbreak. Some lose themselves entirely in the intoxication of love, ending up living alone after parting ways with their partners. Heartbreak can even lead to severe depression and, in extreme cases, suicide. A recent survey highlighted that these are common consequences of intense emotional involvement in relationships.
Senior actress and host Indraja recently shared her thoughts on love and breakups during a talk show. She observed that many young people take love and breakups very lightly. When asked for her opinion, she made a striking comparison: the pain caused by betrayal in love is comparable to the intense pain a mother experiences during childbirth. She emphasized that heartbreak knows no gender—it can affect anyone, male or female. The emotional hurt is deeply personal, and only those who experience it can truly understand it. She stressed that love is not meant to be exploited; it is a part of life, and young people should remember that love is only one aspect of the journey of life.
Indraja also opened up about her own love story and interfaith marriage. She, born into a Hindu Brahmin family, married her Muslim husband after six years of friendship, which eventually blossomed into love. When asked if religion was a barrier to their marriage, she gave a thoughtful answer: “Love does not consider religion or caste. It’s about whether hearts connect. I trusted that he would always support me, and he felt the same, which is why we got married.”
Currently, Indraja is enjoying a “second innings” in her career. She is actively hosting television shows and participating in events, impressing everyone with her graceful and professional demeanor. Despite opportunities in comedy shows or roles with double-meaning dialogues, she maintains her dignity and chooses her work wisely. Indraja continues to take advantage of every opportunity in films, regardless of language, building a respected and steady career.
Sobhita Dhulipala Celebrates Anniversary and Shares Favorites
Sobhita Dhulipala recently celebrated her first wedding anniversary and shared a wedding video that instantly caught fans’ attention. She seems to be embracing this new chapter of life while staying true to her personal interests—music, podcasts, and all the things that define her vibe.
She shared some of her favorite tracks, ranging from old-school to devotional to contemporary. Highlights include Neeli Meghamulalo, Sada Nannu, Sri Ram Ramethi from her father-in-law’s 2006 biopic on musician-saint Kancharla Gopanna, Bajrang Baan-Lofi, and Manchild. The mix reflects her eclectic taste and gives fans a glimpse into her personality.
When it comes to podcasts, Sobhita’s top picks are The Diary of a CEO, Ramuism by Ram Gopal Varma, and The Business of Fashion. She describes Ramuism as raw, unfiltered, and unpredictable, covering everything from traditions, current events, love, and lust, to mobile addiction and the film industry.
Work-wise, Sobhita has an exciting lineup ahead. She is starring in the Tamil film Vettuvam and is also working on a web series. Between sharing her favorite music, podcast obsessions, and upcoming projects, she continues to keep fans engaged and eagerly anticipating what’s next.
Kriti Sanon Stuns at Red Sea Film Festival, Prepares for Cocktail 2
Kriti Sanon made a stunning appearance at the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, looking effortlessly ethereal. She wore a delicate nude gown, simple on the top and adorned with textured floral details cascading down the legs. The outfit strikes a perfect balance—subtle yet eye-catching—and her poised, calm demeanor makes the look feel even more refined.
Career-wise, Kriti is in a bright phase. Tere Ishq Mein has crossed the ₹100-crore mark, a significant milestone that reflects her steady rise in the industry. She has quietly carved out a space for herself without excessive publicity, earning respect through her choices and performances.
Up next, Kriti is shooting Cocktail 2 alongside Rashmika Mandanna and Shahid Kapoor. The combination has already generated buzz, even before the shoot wraps, making it one of the most talked-about upcoming projects.
