India office leasing rises 7 pc to 54.4 million sq ft in Jan-Sep: Report
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 28 (IANS) Office space leasing across India's top seven markets rose 7 per cent year-on-year to 54.4 million square feet in the first nine months of 2026 because of sustained occupier expansion, demand from global capability centres and growing uptake by flexible workspace operators, a report showed on Monday. According to a report by property consultant Colliers, Grade A office demand in the third quarter reached 18.7 million sq ft, a record high for a third quarter in recent years and 7 per cent higher than the previous quarter. The demand was also up 9 per cent from a year earlier, it added. City-wise, Bengaluru led leasing activity during January-September with 15.7 million sq ft, accounting for 29 per cent of total demand, while Hyderabad followed with 9.4 million sq ft, up 47 per cent year-on-year. Meanwhile, Delhi-NCR recorded 8.3 million sq ft of leasing during the period. Mumbai, Pune and Chennai saw demand of 7.1 million sq ft, 6.9 million sq ft and 6 million sq ft, respectively. Moreover, five of the seven markets recorded annual growth in leasing during the nine-month period, according to the report. The report further noted that annual office transactions across the major markets could reach 75-80 million sq ft in 2026. With cumulative Grade A space uptake already at 54.4 million sq ft, and demand prospects looking strong in the final quarter, we are well poised for a stronger 2026, said Arpit Mehrotra, managing director, office services, Colliers India. In addition, flex space leasing continued to gain momentum, rising 37 per cent year-on-year to 12.6 million sq ft in the first nine months. Apart from that, conventional leasing was largely unchanged at 41.8 million sq ft. Technology companies accounted for nearly 16 million sq ft, followed by banking, financial services and insurance firms and engineering and manufacturing companies. Meanwhile, new office supply rose marginally to 41.7 million sq ft in January-September. However, overall vacancy stood at around 16 per cent at the end of the third quarter, Colliers said.
TN: Tight security in Madurai for CM Vijays visit today
Digital Desk | Madurai, Sep 28 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Police have put a five-tier security arrangement in place at Madurai airport for Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijays visit on Monday. Security has also been stepped up along the roads he is expected to use during his engagements in the city. Police personnel have been stationed on both sides of the road from the airport to Government Rajaji Hospital, CM Vijays first stop after his scheduled arrival at 11 a.m. Sniffer dogs have been used to inspect the airport complex, while the Central Industrial Security Force and local police were checking vehicles before allowing them onto the premises. Drone flights have been prohibited during the visit. Barricades have been erected near the airport and in Mandela Nagar, Avaniyapuram and Chinthamani to control access along the Chief Ministers route. Security arrangements extend beyond the airport corridor to the Gandhi Museum, the Government Tourist Office and the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Police are expected to regulate traffic as the convoy moves between venues, with temporary restrictions possible on the roads it uses. After the hospital programme, the convoy is expected to pass Anna Bus Stand and the Collectors Office on its way to the Gandhi Museum. From there, the planned route to the Government Tourist Office includes Law College, Rajamuthiah Mandram, Race Course and the Forest Department office. In the evening, CM Vijay is expected to travel from the tourist office through Goripalayam, Nelpettai and Keezhavasal to the Meenakshi Amman Temple. His return route towards the airport is planned via Kamarajar Road, Munichalai, Ganesh Theatre junction, Vaigai South Bank Road, Ring Road and Viraganur junction. The arrangements cover a route through several busy parts of Madurai, as well as the airport and venues on the Chief Ministers schedule. Barricades and vehicle checks are in place at key points, while personnel deployed along the roads will manage the convoys movement through the city. Police have made similar tight arrangements for the return journey to the airport after the temple visit. CM Vijays Madurai programme includes the launch of the Thaai Maaman Gold Ring scheme for children born in government hospitals and the reopening of the Gandhi Museum after its renovation at a cost of about Rs 10 crore. Following lunch and a break at the Government Tourist Office, he is scheduled to visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple at 5 p.m. before flying back to Chennai.
Heavy Rain Alert for Tamil Nadu: Chennai Braces for Thunderstorms
Tamil Nadu is set for heavy rainfall over the next three days, with Chennai expecting thunderstorms and moderate rain. Heavy Rain Alert for Tamil Nadu: Chennai Braces for Thunderstorms
The Chennai ITAT deleted an 85.30 lakh tax addition on cash gifts after the taxpayer produced gift deeds, ITRs and financial statements, while all five donors confirmed the gifts. The tribunal said the initial burden under Section 68 was discharged.
Australian PM plans India visit in December, says he and PM Modi have built strong personal ties
Digital Desk | New York, Sep 28 (IANS) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he plans to visit India in December with a business delegation, calling the economic partnership underused despite a rapidly strengthening relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Albanese said the visit would include a business event in Mumbai and conclude with a cricket match in Chennai. He disclosed the plans during a discussion at the Asia Society in New York with former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd. And in December, on the way back to Florida, in this case, the G20 is taking place, I think, December 14, 15, hosted by President Trump. And on the way, Im going to India, Albanese said. Were doing a day event. I like that. Mirroring the Gday LA event with the Business Council of Australia with a whole lot of businesses Ill be taking there to Mumbai, he said. The visit would finish with a cricket event in Chennai, involving teams from the Australian states of Victoria and Western Australia, Albanese said. It will finish with, as things in India always does, with a cricket match, he said. Albanese said the two countries shared democratic and Commonwealth ties, as well as links in education and sport. Australian universities were establishing a presence in India, he added. Theres a lot more we can do though. It has been underutilised, the relationship and partnership, but both PM Modi and myself are very keen on rectifying that, he said. Albanese said Indias economic and demographic rise made the relationship increasingly important for Australia. India will be the third largest economy in the world. They already have the largest population in the world, he said. He also credited PM Modi with expanding access to electricity and energy across India. To give Prime Minister Modi credit, more people have been connected with access to energy in India under his reign than has occurred in any decade, in any country or any region in human history, Albanese said. The Australian leader said he and PM Modi had built a strong personal relationship. Each had visited the others country twice during Albaneses tenure as prime minister, he said. He is someone who we have a strong relationship with. I think theres a lot more can be done in our economic partnership, Albanese said. He recalled joining PM Modi at a large community gathering in Australia and the enthusiasm generated by the Indian diaspora. The good thing for me was that Prime Minister Modi asked them to cheer for me, Albanese said, drawing laughter from the audience. Rudd said Australias relationship with India had gone from strength to strength. He cited expanding bilateral ties and cooperation among India, Australia, Japan and the United States through the Quad. Albanese placed the India relationship within Australias broader engagement across the Indo-Pacific. He said Canberra had strengthened ties with the United States, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea and Pacific island nations while managing its major trading relationship with China. The countries are also members of the Quad alongside Japan and the United States. Their cooperation covers maritime security, critical technologies, resilient supply chains, health and disaster response. Australias large Indian-origin community and growing education links have added depth to the strategic partnership.
Tamil Nadus next leap must prioritise speed over subsidies
Walkathon held to raise awareness of heart health
Centre for Mental Health, Social care and Livelihoods launched
Tamil Nadu govt exempts law and order from RTI, backtracks after furore
Work on storm-water drain near Virugambakkam canal to be completed in 2 weeks
GCC Commissioner G.S. Sameeran inspects development works under way at the canal, including the construction of retaining walls and removal of silt and waste, at an estimated cost of 30 crore
MSSRF sets up water ATM at Perungudi heat study site
The foundation is conducting a four-year longitudinal study across four sites in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to assess the impact of heat on physical and mental health
Customers flock banks in Chennai on Sunday
Senior citizen killed after tree branch falls on him in Royapettah
On Karur stampede anniversary, Udhayanidhi hits out at Vijay
Electric barriers replace manual gates on key Chennai rail routes
Chettinad mansions, built two centuries ago, tell a story of local, sustainable architecture
The research will be published as a lead paper in The Spine Journal
TNPDCL proposes appointment of private contractors for assessing electricity meters
Renowned Sanskrit scholar Mahamahopadhyaya R. Krishnamurthy Shastri passes away in Chennai
Chandrayaan missions, space crew module to be displayed at science centre
Pulicat fishermen urge T.N., Andhra govts. to demarcate fishing grounds using GPS
Youth murdered over obscene messages in Chennais Mangadu; two held
The accused duo was arrested following confession and later lodged in prison
Chennai Corporation to set up Amma Canteen at Omandurar hospital
The Corporation has sought the government approval to establish the Amma Canteen
TNPCB tells NGT Sun Pharma did not implement proposed expansion in Chengalpattu
The company obtained environmental clearance from the Centrefor increasing its production. TNPCB said the company, however, had not got the Boards consent to operate for the expansion
GCC anti-rabies drive: Over 1L dogs vaccinated
Woman dies a week after set ablaze
Man killed for harassing friends girlfriend, two held
60 sensors to track noise pollution across Chennai this Diwali
Private school corruption case: CCB searches four places in Kallakurichi district
Record-high breeding for non-native birds at Pallikaranai marshland
The governor can have a lawyer, but not a parallel constitution
1.6 lakh candidates appear for TNPSCs Group I exam
Women's football team to make historic Kolkata debut with two friendlies against Russia
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 27 (IANS) The Indian women's national team will play their first-ever international matches in Kolkata, taking on Russia in two friendlies at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on October 8 and 11, 2026, during the FIFA Women's International Match Window, the AIFF announced on Sunday. The fixtures will be India's first international matches since they were crowned champions of the SAFF Women's Championship for a record-extending sixth time in June 2026. The October window will provide 69th-ranked India with an opportunity to test themselves against a strong European opposition. Russia are ranked 27th in the world. It will also mark India's first appearance in West Bengal since the 2016 SAFF Women's Championship, which was held in Siliguri and saw the Blue Tigresses lift the title. That remains the only previous occasion on which the Indian women's national team has played in the state. The Russian women's national team last travelled to India in 1994 for the eight-nation Jayalalitha Cup in Chennai. India were eliminated in the group stage, while Russia, who were placed in a different group, went on to finish runners-up. The October fixtures will be the third and fourth meetings between India and Russia. Their previous two encounters both came in international friendly tournaments in neutral venues. India suffered a 0-8 defeat to Russia at the Turkish Women's Cup in 2021, before losing 0-2 at the Pink Ladies Cup 2025 in the UAE. Indian women's national team head coach Crispin Chettri said, Playing against quality opposition is always valuable for the development of the team. We have already faced Russia at the Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai, where we lost 2-0, so these matches will give us another opportunity to test ourselves against a strong side. While results are important, we also have to look at these games with a long-term vision. It is important to give opportunities to upcoming players, expose them to high-level opposition and continue developing a squad that can perform at the international level in the future, he added. The Blue Tigresses have been training in Kolkata since September 18. Chettri will finalise and name the squad closer to the matches. Having Kolkata host these matches will also be a huge opportunity for the players. They will not only get to play against a quality team like Russia, but, hopefully, in front of a good crowd as well. Experiencing the expectations and atmosphere that come with playing in front of fans is also part of their development. These are the habits and experiences we need to build if we want to compete at a higher international level, he said.
Chennai home buyers increasingly prefer 3-BHK homes
Ahmedabad recorded the highest preference for 3-BHK homes at 57%, followed by Chennai and Delhi-NCR at 53% each and Hyderabad at 52%
Southern Railway has asked the Tamil Nadu government to relocate 43 TASMAC liquor outlets near railway stations and tracks in Chennai and neighbouring districts, citing safety concerns, trespassing deaths, accidents and passenger complaints. The railway has flagged issues including people entering railway premises, track crossings, disturbances and littering, while TASMAC has said finding suitable alternative locations remains a challenge.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay announces Rs 50 lakh for Asian Games silver medallist Abhay Singh
Chennai Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Sunday announced a Rs 50 lakh incentive for squash player Abhay The post Tamil Nadu CM Vijay announces Rs 50 lakh for Asian Games silver medallist Abhay Singh appeared first on Bilkul Online .
Top Shotgun Coach Probed For Conflict Of Interest In Range Deal
A national shotgun coach, involved in India's Asian Games preparations, is under scrutiny by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for alleged conflict of interest. The complaint, filed by an unsuccessful bidder, concerns the coach reportedly seeking a contract to build a shooting range in Chennai. This probe could impact the coach's participation in the upcoming Asian Games, while the NRAI states it has no knowledge of such activities.
Veterinarians from across India attended a hands-on canine tracheal stenting workshop in Chennai, showcasing fluoroscopy-guided deployment on cadavers and live dogs.
KSRTC To Run Special Inter-State Services for Festive Season
Special services would operate between October 14 and November 14 from various cities in Keralam to Bengaluru, Mysuru and Chennai and vice versa, in view of the Mahanavami, Vijayadashami and Diwali festivals
A pedestrian signal is needed at MM Nagar Municipality Office Road junction
A pedestrian signal is needed at this junction where GST Road Service Lane and Maraimalai Nagar Municipality Office Road intersect
Southern Railway seeks shifting of 43 TASMAC outlets near stations, tracks
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 27 (IANS) Southern Railway has asked the Tamil Nadu government to relocate 43 Tasmac liquor outlets near stations and tracks in Chennai and neighbouring districts, citing trespassing deaths, accidents and repeated complaints of nuisance from passengers. The Chennai railway division first wrote to the state-run liquor retailer in September 2024 and again in May 2025. Having received no response, it took the matter to the chief secretary in July this year, according to railway sources. The identified outlets are spread across Chennai, Tiruvallur, Vellore, Tirupattur, Ranipet and Kanchipuram districts. Railway officials have flagged locations, including Royapuram, Korukkupet, Perambur, Jolarpet, Villivakkam, Avadi, Ennore, Thiruvalangadu and Nandiambakkam. Officials said people drinking near the shops sometimes enter railway property, cross tracks at vulnerable points, travel dangerously on trains or sleep on platforms and inside coaches. They have also reported harassment of women passengers, disturbances to railway staff, littering, theft and tampering with railway assets, including copper signal wires. Commuter representatives said passengers have faced problems near stations at Ambattur, Tiruvallur, Avadi and Tambaram Sanatorium. At Ambattur, some customers allegedly take liquor onto suburban trains and occupy coach floors. The subway at Tiruvallur has reportedly become a drinking spot, leaving women reluctant to use it after dark. In Avadi, groups gathering near an outlet on Station Road affect access to the station, a hospital and a temple. Tasmac officials, however, have said finding replacement premises was difficult. The corporation has considered shifting more than 100 outlets across Tamil Nadu, but several proposed sites met with residents objections or proved unsuitable. At least seven shops near railway facilities have been closed or moved in recent months. The TVK government recently closed 717 Tasmac outlets within 500 metres of educational institutions, places of worship and bus stands. A Tasmac official said there was no specific rule on the distance between liquor shops and railway tracks. The official said several states were considering guidelines because more than 17,000 liquor outlets were situated near tracks nationwide. An official of a Tasmac workers association suggested that the Railway Board seek court directions on suitable rules. The railway wants the outlets shifted to reduce risks around busy passenger corridors.
Spruce up the area outside Youth Hostel in Adyar
S. Ganapathi Sankaran points out that residents of Indira Nagar Second Avenue Service Lane in Adyar are living amidst an uneasy atmosphere
TN govt exempts law and order department from RTI Act
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 27 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu government has issued an order exempting the law and order wing of its Public Department from the Right to Information (RTI) Act, restricting public access to a broad range of records concerning policing, protests and security. The government has designated the wing as an organisation engaged in intelligence and security work. The order means applicants may no longer obtain many of the records held by the wing through routine RTI requests. It does not, however, make every piece of law and order information held elsewhere in the government unavailable. The affected records include papers on the appointment of commissions of inquiry into law and order incidents, communal and caste clashes, police arrests and custody, deaths of prisoners, and the receipt of police investigation reports. Records of monthly law and order review meetings held on the Chief Secretarys instructions, as well as special meetings convened to address particular situations, are also covered. Such meetings can bring together officials to assess unrest, review policing arrangements and decide what action the administration should take. The order extends to material prepared for answers to law and order questions in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. It also covers records concerning demonstrations by students, farmers and political party workers, along with allegedly defamatory articles, news clippings and speeches that come under the wings scrutiny. The governments stated position is that all information relating to law and order cannot be made public. Its decision gives the wing a wider basis for refusing requests for records that it handles, including material on incidents that have attracted public attention. The exemption has limits under the RTI Act. Section 24(4) permits a state government to exempt an intelligence or security organisation by notification, but information concerning allegations of corruption or human rights violations is not excluded. Requests involving alleged human rights violations require the approval of the State Information Commission and must be answered within the period specified by the Act. The notification must also be laid before the state legislature. The practical effect will depend on how the department applies the order to individual requests. Applicants seeking information about custodial deaths or police conduct, for example, may still invoke the Acts provisions concerning alleged human rights violations. The scope of the notification could therefore become a point of dispute when such requests are decided.
Youth murdered by friends over obscene messages in Chennais Mangadu
The accused duo was arrested following confession and later lodged in prison
No pavements on this stretch of GST Roadin Potheri
This section of Potheri region witnesses heavy vehicular movement. It needs safe pavements for pedestrians, specifically from the exit service lane in Potheri to the entry service lane in Mettukuppam
CM Vijay to launch one-gram gold ring scheme for newborns
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay will launch the Thaaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam, a welfare scheme, on Monday, under which the government will provide a one-gram gold ring to babies born in state-run hospitals. Sources here on Sunday said the CM will arrive in Madurai to launch the scheme at the Government Rajaji Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
CM Vijay may sign faith declaration before September 28 visit to Madurai Meenakshi temple
Digital Desk | Madurai, Sep 27 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is likely to offer prayers at the Meenakshi Amman Temple on September 28 on his first visit since taking office. Temple officials said he may be asked to sign a declaration affirming his faith in Hinduism before entering the inner shrines. The proposed temple visit is scheduled for 4 p.m., after he launches a newborn scheme at Government Rajaji Hospital and opens the renovated Gandhi Museum. Police, however, said only the hospital and museum events were on the official itinerary so far, and that a temple visit would depend on Vijays decision. Temple officials said entry to the shrines of the Goddess and Lord Sundareswarar is restricted to Hindus. They cited a Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court ruling that permits non-Hindus to worship after making a declaration. CM Vijay, who is Christian, would either submit a declaration stating his faith in Hinduism or sign an application to that effect, the officials said. The final arrangements have not been announced yet. The Chief Minister is expected to arrive by private aircraft at 11 a.m. Barricades have been installed along both sides of the airport road for his reception, and he is likely to greet supporters from an open-top vehicle. His convoy will then travel via the Ring Road to Government Rajaji Hospital, where he will launch the Thai Maman Gold Ring Scheme for babies born in government hospitals. At 1 p.m., CM Vijay is scheduled to inaugurate the Gandhi Museum, renovated at a cost of Rs 10.25 crore. He will then go to the Circuit House for lunch and a short rest. Officials have reportedly been told to remain prepared in case he makes an unscheduled stop at a government office on the way. If the temple visit goes ahead, its administration plans to receive him with a traditional poorna kumbham welcome. Devotees may be barred from entering the temple from the afternoon until he leaves, with an official announcement on the arrangements expected on September 27. CM Vijay is scheduled to leave Madurai for Chennai at about 5 p.m. after completing his engagements. Police are making security arrangements along the routes to the hospital, museum and temple ahead of the visit.
SIT seeks more officers for POCSO probe against granite baron Veeramani
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 27 (IANS) More senior officers may be brought into the investigation of the POCSO case against Gem Group chairman R. Veeramani, with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) seeking additional personnel of Deputy Superintendent of Police rank. Each of the SITs four members has suggested one or two officers, sources said. The names will be reviewed before appointments are confirmed, with an order expected in the next few days. Four people have been arrested in the case so far. P.C. Thenmozhi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police with the Central Crime Branch, leads the all-woman team. Its other members are Disha Mittal, Joint Commissioner of Police, law and order, West; J. Mutharasi, Superintendent of Police and media relations officer; and V.V. Geethanjali, Deputy Commissioner of Police, crime against women and children. The request to expand the team comes as police contest bail applications filed by two associates arrested with Veeramani. Chennai Police told a special POCSO court that the two could interfere with evidence, influence witnesses or leave the country if granted bail. The court is scheduled to hear their petitions on September 29. The associates police custody ends on Sunday, when they will be produced before the court for further orders. Veeramani and the two associates were arrested on August 29, nearly 11 months after the case was registered in October 2025. The allegations against Veeramani concern the sexual assault of a minor. The case is being investigated under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. A fourth accused, Ganesan, 45, a former employee, was arrested on September 22. Police allege that he possessed a video purportedly showing Veeramani sexually assaulting a minor but failed to report it to the authorities. The request for more officers comes as the SIT continues its investigation and prepares for the next stage of the case. Each members suggested names will be considered before any appointments are made. Police have not announced when the scrutiny will be completed or which officers may join the team. The immediate court proceedings concern the two associates custody and their pending bail pleas. Investigators have raised concerns about protecting evidence and witnesses; the court will assess those objections when it takes up the petitions on September 29.
Karur stampede left an indelible scar, says Vijay on first anniversary
In a post on X, Mr. Vijay recalled the tragic incident at Velusamypuram in Karur on September 27, 2025, in which 41 people were killed in a crowd crush at a political rally addressed by him.
Holiday Rush, By-poll Campaign Gridlock Clog Chennai-Tiruchy NH
With temperatures remaining high during the day, passengers stuck inside vehicles have been facing additional discomfort as traffic crawls through the affected stretches.
At Mudichur, birders chanced upon a Java sparrow while having gone there in the hope of seeing another bird species. The Java sparrow is a breeding resident in parts of Indonesia. And this particular individual is likely a captive bird that had slipped out of a cage, raising questions about the sordid side of the pet trade
Karur stampede: Anatomy of the tragedy at Vijays TVK rally in Tamil Nadu
The organisers had announced that TVK president Vijay would speak at 12 p.m.; the crowd began to assemble from 9 a.m., but he did not arrive at the scheduled time.
Chennai Worker Killed in Wage Dispute in Nalgonda
According to police, a group of daily wage workers from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, had come to Nalgonda for work at a new Chennai Shopping Mall under construction in the city. They were temporarily staying in Meerbagh Colony.
At Nehru Market in Sydenhams Road, Periamet, there is more to the tarpaulin shops than their name suggests. Their range includes camp tents for the outdoor-oriented and shade nets for those with a green thumb. With the NE monsoon (when they are a tad busier) just weeks away, a look at what helps these shops cope with changing buyer behaviour
Chennai Corporation plans 98.25-cr. overhaul of command centre
GCC to bring more surveillance cameras,flood sensors, rain gauges, pump-monitoring units under its integrated monitoring centre over five years; it also proposes three regional ICCCs
Sanitation workers to receive 50 as food allowance daily
Stormwater drain desilting works to be completed by Oct 10, says MAWS Secretary
Desilting is also progressing in Buckingham Canal at 18 locations, Cooum River at 14 locations, and internal canals in Coimbatore, Trichy, and Madurai, according to the MAWS Department Secretary.
Construction worker dies after falling on transformer in Chennai
TNPDCL proposes 63 paise surcharge on industries buying power from 3rd parties
TN orders third-party audit of ambulance services ahead of renewal
Pune-based charitable trust to restore 10 ancient temples in Tamil Nadu
A 13th century sluice inscription found during desilting of Medavakkam tank
Greenfield shipyard in Thoothukudi: a southern port to development
The proposed mega greenfield shipyard in Thoothukudi will bring more benefits than the eye can see, not just to the district but also to the entire southern region
54 pilots graduate from Flying Instructors School at AFS Tambaram
IIT Madras invests 55 crore in four deeptech startups working in space tech, quatum applications
Power outage triggers road Blockade in North Chennai
School headmaster arrested for sexual harassment of student, suspended
Three women held for vandalising traffic barricades on 100-Feet Road
New sports turfs, anganwadi, community facilities coming up in Egmore
Central Railway announces 418 special trains from Mumbai, Pune for Diwali
The services include special trains connecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) with Gorakhpur, Chennai, Bengaluru, Latur, Nagpur and Kolhapur, besides services from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), Hadapsar, Pune and Nagpur to destinations in several states
Sewage woes continue to plague Putlur lake as STP is 'half-efficient
HC dismisses plea by MGRs legal heirs for share in assets
Families of temple staff who die while on duty entitled to compensation, says HC
Bike stunt: Teen arrested for wheeling videos on social media
TN to reform assistant professors recruitment exam; Descriptive-type questions likely to be dropped
Social Media Friend Held For Teen Abuse In Chennai
A 19-year-old man was arrested in Chennai for allegedly sexually abusing a 16-year-old girl he befriended on social media. Police acted swiftly on the mother's complaint. The article also mentions a separate arrest of a school principal under the POCSO Act and clarifies another ongoing investigation.
Three women arrested for vandalising traffic barricades
Sanitation workers to get cash allowance instead of free breakfast
We look at the prospects of Tata Chemicals, Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited, Avenue Supermarts and Shakti Pumps India
If I cut my hair, its an issue: Chennai mayor Priya speaks out against cyber bullying
Veeramani child rape case: EPS says CM Vijay is telling blatant lie, TVK govt had delayed arrest
Plea in HC challenges Tasmac tender for empty liquor bottle collection scheme
CPI urges Tamil Nadu to drop plan to outsource electricity meter reading
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 26 (IANS) The Communist Party of India (CPI) has urged the Tamil Nadu government to withdraw its reported plan to outsource electricity meter reading and billing assessment and demanded regular recruitment to fill vacancies. In a statement, CPI state secretary M. Veerapandian said reports indicated that the electricity board had decided to engage a private contractor for the work for six months, beginning in October. He called on the government to reconsider the decision before it takes effect and clarify how billing accuracy will be maintained for all consumers. The power department has described the move as a temporary response to a shortage of staff and a way to ensure that consumers receive accurate bills without delays. Veerapandian said those concerns should be addressed by strengthening the departments own workforce rather than handing the work to a private firm. He warned that outsourcing billing assessment could lead to irregularities and increase costs for consumers. The statement did not explain how the contract would affect tariffs or specify the number of vacancies to be filled. Veerapandian also questioned the use of staff shortages as a reason for contracting out the work when many people are seeking employment. He urged the government to identify vacant assessor and accounts-related posts in the electricity board and fill them permanently through recruitment. Regular recruitment, he said, would offer unemployed applicants a route to stable public employment while allowing the utility to retain direct responsibility for reading meters and preparing bills. It would also give the department a longer-term answer to staffing gaps instead of relying on successive short contracts, he argued. The CPIs Tamil Nadu state executive committee asked the government to follow reservation rules and social justice principles in any recruitment drive. It said permanent appointments made through proper scrutiny would serve both job seekers and electricity consumers. The statement comes amid reports that the utility intends to begin the contracted work in October. Veerapandian asked the government to halt the process and announce steps to fill the vacancies. The party said it wanted billing services to remain under the direct control of the public electricity system and for staffing needs to be met through government appointments.
Nayanthara & Vignesh Shivan call their twin boys the 'heart beats of our lives' as they turn 4
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 26 (IANS) Power couple Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan's little munchkins, Uyir Rudro Neel N. Shivan and Ulag Daiwik N. Shivan, turned 4 years old on Saturday. Commemorating the special occasion, Nayanthara and Vignesh uploaded a fun video of the twins entertaining everyone with their energetic dance. They expressed their gratitude for having their sons in their lives in a heartfelt post that read, (Red heart emoji) the happiness , the blessing , the meaning , the music , the vibe , the emotion , the Uyir and the Ulag of our life (red heart) happy birthday to U 2 ! #Uyir #ulag the heart beats of our lives (Red heart emoticons) @nayanthara #HBD #UYIRULAG (sic). Every minute , every second amma & dada thank God for blessing us with U2 (Red heart emoticons) love you 2 (Red heart emoticons), they added. Nayanthara and Vignesh welcomed twin baby boys via surrogacy in 2022. Announcing the arrival of their little ones on Instagram, Vignesh had written, Nayan and Me have become Amma and Appa. We are blessed with twin baby boys. All our prayers, our ancestors' blessings combined with all the good manifestations have come together in the form of two blessed babies for us. Need all your blessings for our Uyir (Life) and Ulagam (World). Life looks brighter and more beautiful. God is double great. After being in a relationship for a long time, Nayanthara and Vignesh finally got married in a traditional ceremony on 9 June 2022 in Chennai. Work-wise, Nayanthara will be seen leading Sundar C's forthcoming devotional thriller 'Mookuthi Amman 2'. A sequel to the 2020 Tamil fantasy-comedy 'Mookuthi Amman', the film will also see Regina Cassandra, Abhinaya, Yogi Babu, Khushbu Sundar, Urvashi, and Ajay Ghosh in crucial roles. The film is expected to be out in theatres on November 6 during Deepavali.
Chennai: DMK Complains Against Vijay and Aadhav Arjuna Over Model Code Violation
The DMK alleged that both TVK leaders violated the Model Code of Conduct during a campaign meeting in Madurantakam.
Madras HC Sets Aside FMSCI Election Process
FMSCI held its AGM in Chennai on Friday but could not proceed with the election owing to the court order: Reports
