Normalcy returns to Indian skies, Air India cancels six flights to carry out precautionary checks
NEW DELHI: The chaos in Indian skies on Monday night, triggered by the volcanic eruption in Ethiopia and the eastward drift of ash, subsided on Tuesday after the ash cloud moved towards China. While Air India cancelled seven of its domestic flights as a precautionary move, other airlines have reported normal operations. An Air India statement said the following six domestic flights stood cancelled on Tuesday (November 25) - AI 2822 ChennaiMumbai; AI 2466 HyderabadDelhi; AI 2444 MumbaiHyderabad and AI 2445 Hyderabad to Mumbai; AI 2471 MumbaiKolkata and AI 2472 Kolkata to Mumbai The following Air India flights have been cancelled as we carry out precautionary checks on those aircraft which had flown over certain geographical locations after the Hayli Gubbi volcanic eruption, it said. The airline had cancelled seven international flights on Monday AI 106 NewarkDelhi; AI 102 New York (JFK)Delhi; AI 2204 DubaiHyderabad; AI 2290 DohaMumbai; AI 2212 DubaiChennai ; AI 2250 DammamMumbai and AI 2284 DohaDelhi. Akasa Air had already announced cancellation of all its flights to and from Jeddah, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. It had done the same on Monday too. Indigo had diverted its flight from Kannur to Ahmedabad on Monday. Massive ash cloud drifts toward northern India as Ethiopias Hayli Gubbi erupts after 10,000 years Spokespersons from Indigo, Spicejet and Air India Express said that they had not cancelled any of their flights on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) in a statement said there was no cause for concern presently. Following the 23 Nov volcanic eruption in Ethiopia and the eastward movement of the ash cloud, MoCA along with ATC, IMD, airlines and international aviation agenciesis ensuring seamless coordination. AAI has issued the necessary NOTAM and all affected flights have been kept informed. Operations across India remain smooth, with only a few flights rerouted or descended as a precaution, it added. There is no cause for concern at this moment. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide timely updates to ensure passenger safety, the Ministry added. Air India passengers upset Passengers whose flights were cancelled took to social media to lash out at Air India for not keeping them informed for hours even after the flight was cancelled. Flyer Teekam Singh Gehlot said he had booked a ticket on his Air India flight from Mumbai to Kolkata on Tuesday. No information about cancellation of flight and boarding pass was issued, he said. Only after security checks, he learnt about the cancellation, he said billing it a horrible experience. Passenger Aswari E said, I had my booking from Dammam to Mumbai. Very pathetic service by ground staff , no clear communication. After 6 hours they brought all the passengers from immigration area and left them stranded in the departure area. Until now no one contacted me for the rescheduled flight, she said. Referring to the same flight, Ruchit Mehta added, Very pathetic treatment at Dammam Airport. No food or refreshment provided to passengers till 3 AM in the morning. No accommodation or travel allowance given to some passengers. The Air India statement added, Our ground teams across the network are keeping passengers updated on their flight status and are providing immediate assistance, including hotel accommodation. We are making every effort to arrange alternative travel at the earliest. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen situation beyond our control. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority. Ethiopia volcano eruption disrupts flights in India; ash cloud to clear by evening
ICC Chairman Jay Shah: As the full schedule for the 2026 edition was revealed at a glamorous ceremony in Mumbai, ICC Chairman Jay Shah stated on Tuesday that the return of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup to the subcontinent would spark unmatched passion throughout India and Sri Lanka Co-hosts On February 7, India will play the United States on a big night at the Wankhede Stadium to start their title defense. This will set up an exciting opening day that will also include former champions Pakistan and the West Indies in Kolkata and Colombo, respectively. It is wonderful to welcome the ICC Mens T20 World Cup back to the subcontinent so soon after a groundbreaking Womens Cricket World Cup. The passion for cricket in this region is unmatched, and fans have been waiting eagerly for another global spectacle, Shah said, while presenting the fixtures. The announcement of the fixtures brings us a step closer, and I have no doubt that the five venues in India and three in Sri Lanka will be alive with energy throughout the tournament. The T20 format continues to drive the sports global expansion and will be showcased at the LA Olympics in 2028. With that in mind, the 2026 edition will capture the imagination of millions. One can already picture the electric atmosphere at the Narendra Modi Stadium when the champions lift the trophy on 8 March. The worlds largest cricket venue the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad has been earmarked to host the final, while eight venues across the two host nations will stage matches: Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai), MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai), Arun Jaitley Stadium (New Delhi), Eden Gardens (Kolkata), the SSC and R. Pallekele (Kandy) and Premadasa Stadium (Colombo). Twenty teams will be split into four groups of five in the tournament, which will have the same structure as in 2024. Predetermined seedings will determine which two of each group advance to the Super Eights. Group A: India, USA, Namibia, Netherlands, Pakistan Group B: Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Oman Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Italy, Nepal Group D: South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE All Group B matches featuring Sri Lanka will be hosted exclusively on Sri Lankan soil. Pakistan will also play all their group games in Sri Lanka. Venue swaps have been built into the knockout phase: if Pakistan make the semi-finals or final, Colombo will replace pre-assigned Indian venues. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta, speaking at the launch, said the 2026 World Cup would usher in a new era of global, marquee cricketing events. The ICC Mens T20 World Cup is expected to usher in a new era of global, marquee Cricketing events, both in terms of the athletic spectacle and fan experiences on offer, Gupta said. We have seen six different champions in less than two decades of the tournaments history, which demonstrates the competitive nature of the competition. With 20 teams from 5 continents vying for the title in Crickets most unpredictable format and the tournament returning after a decade to its biggest market, this promises to be a feast for Cricket fans around the world. The ICC, along with its partners, are committed to delivering unmatched immersive experiences to widen and deepen fandom for the sport. Newly appointed ICC Brand Ambassador and Indias 2024 title-winning captain Rohit Sharma said being associated with the event again felt special. I have the good fortune of winning this tournament two times and can say from experience that each win in this tournament is a special one, Rohit said. I won the title in 2007 as a youngster and then lifted it as captain in 2024, but it is not just the final that I remember with as much fondness. Many other matches also stand out to me with equal fondness. Suryas brilliant catch that won us the match against South Africa in Barbados last time, Virats knock against Pakistan in Melbourne in 2022, and Yuvrajs six sixes against England in Durban in 2007 are some of the most exhilarating moments ever on a cricket field. I have the good fortune of winning this tournament two times and can say from experience that each win in this tournament is a special one, Rohit said. I won the title in 2007 as a youngster and then lifted it as captain in 2024, but it is not just the final that I remember with as much fondness. Many other matches also stand out to me with equal fondness. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India and Sri Lanka will host the T20 World Cup for the second time after staging the event in 2016 and 2012, respectively. India (2007, 2024) and England (2010, 2022) remain the only multiple-time champions, while Pakistan (2009), Sri Lanka (2014), and Australia (2021) complete the list of past winners. Article Source: IANS
You want to bring your best and play well in the World Cup: Joshna
Chennai
India To Meet Pakistan On Feb 15 As ICC Reveals Full Schedule Of T20 World Cup 2026 (Ld)
Defending champions India will take on arch-rivals Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15, 2026 after opening their campaign in the group stage against minnows United States of America at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7, 2026. India are in Group A with the Netherlands and Namibia as the other teams in the group. No country has ever defended their title in the T20 World Cup so far and hosts India will be hoping to become the first country to do so. In their remaining group stage fixtures, India will take on Namibia on February 12 in New Delhi and will round off the proceedings against the Netherlands in Ahmedabad on February 18, 2026. This will be the biggest T20 World Cup in the history of the game so far, as for the first time, 20 teams will be in the fray. The 20 teams will play 55 matches in all across eight venues in India and Sri Lanka from February 7, 2026:, ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta announced in Mumbai on Tuesday as the ICC revealed the full schedule of the tournament in the presence of ICC Chair Jay Shah, two-time T20 WC winner Rohit Sharma, India T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, newly crowned Women's ODI World Cup winner Harmanpreet Kaur and cricket administrators from India and Sri Lanka. Matches will be played at eight venues -- the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, and MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. In Sri Lanka, matches will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium, the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, and the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy. The 20 teams have been divided into four groups of five teams each. Two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 8 stage. While the focus will be on India and Pakistan in Group Apicked as the Group of Death by the event's Brand Ambassador Rohit Sharma, the Netherlands and USA, who stunned Pakistan in the previous edition in 2024, can always cause an upset or two. Group B puts Sri Lanka in a potentially challenging conflict with Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman. Australia's first match is against Ireland, while Zimbabwe's return to World Cup action begins with a high-profile match against the co-hosts. Group C, which includes Bangladesh, first-time qualifiers Italy, and Nepal, is led by two-time champions England and the West Indies. As early as February 11 in Mumbai, England will play the West Indies. Italy's participation, which is their first in the tournament, gives it a historic feel. Group D, which is arguably the hardest of the four, includes Afghanistan, South Africa, and New Zealand, the 2024 semifinalists. Canada and UAE complete the line-up, but the spotlight will firmly be on the heavyweight clashes, especially South Africa vs Afghanistan and New Zealand vs South Africa, both set for Ahmedabad. The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Eight stage, split into two groups of four. From there, the top two in each Super Eight pool advance to the semifinals before the March 8 final determines the 2026 champion. Rohit Sharma, who has played in every edition of the T20 World Cup so far, winning titles in the inaugural edition in 2007 and in 2024, said it was heartening to see so many countries playing in the T20 World Cup. It shows that our spot is growing, said the event's ICC Brand Ambassador Rohit Sharma. The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Eight stage, split into two groups of four. From there, the top two in each Super Eight pool advance to the semifinals before the March 8 final determines the 2026 champion. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India's T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav termed the event challenging and said his teammates are excited to be playing at home. Article Source: IANS
22K & 24K gold price today, November 25, 2025 across Indian cities
GCC Commissioner J. Kumaragurubaran says the tender process in this regard is under way for Tondiarpet and Anna Nagar zones. He also denies the charge of unfair labour practices being followed against conservancy workers
Anbumani to lead protest against DMK govt. in Chennai on Dec. 17
PMK leader postpones fill-the-jails protest to January 29
Under the guidance ofArul Jothi, Inspector General, Railway Protection Force, Southern Railway, intensive awareness campaigns on theft prevention and passenger safety are being conducted at Chennai Central.
Easy availability of chemicals, electric components increase IED threat: NSG after Delhi blast
NEW DELHI: The National Security Guard (NSG) alerted authorities about the recent spike in the use of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) by 'terror groups' due to easy availability of individual components and chemicals. The NSP submitted a report in this regard to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), requesting for implementation of stricter checks on such materials. Security officials said that the NSG made an assessment following the Red Fort blast and identified the easy availability of bomb-making materials as one of the primary factors leading to the recent increase in IED explosions reported from across the country. In the report, the NSG said, The rise in IED blasts in J&K is largely driven by continued cross-border infiltration, facilitated by both drones and armed militants. Notably, the 60 percent increase in high-impact, high-casualty blast incidents in 2024 compared to 2023 - despite a major reduction in casualties - indicates a strategic shift in sustaining tactics. It went on to add that the increase in the number of IED explosions in the rest of India is a concerning trend, driven by increased knowledge and increased accessibility to bomb-making materials, leading to the proliferation of disruption-focused terror activities. The NSG, along with forensic experts, collects samples of all the blasts in India and compiles data in a comprehensive and authentic manner. In the report, the NSG noted that not only do major cities continue to remain under high alert, smaller towns and districts, which are conventionally considered at lower-risk, have also experienced a concerning rise in attempts and successful detonations involving crude IEDs. The officials said commonly available chemicals and electrical components can be used to make build IEDs, enabling even untrained individuals to assemble low-grade but highly sophisticated explosive devices. The officials also noted the role of online dissemination of harmful content, saying that while many devices recovered were rudimentary, the intent behind their assembly poses a growing security concern and without tighter controls, the country may continue to see sporadic IED incidents in areas previously considered secure. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had announced that a new NSG hub would be established in Ayodhya, expanding the elite forces reach to six major hubs across the country including Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Jammu. He emphasised that NSG commandos would remain deployed round the clock, ensuring rapid response to any terror threat.
Government school students with visual, hearing disability fly to Chennai
Metro rail to run 28 six-car trains by 2028
ED arrests realtor in OSR land scam, seizes assets worth 18cr
GCC struggles to find shelter for stray dogs
Man caught trying to kidnap child
Class I-III to get new syllabus; focus on arts, sports, life skills
Chennai court accepts CCB report, closes case against dy mayor
Dy CM opens upgraded Ambattur bus terminus
GCC gets 3-week deadline to remove encroachments
Two held for sexually abusing schoolboys
Sub-registrar held for property fraud
Long LHB rakes cause mix-up in coach indicators
Hidden costs increase PG medical course fee past 16 lakh cap at universities in TN
65% yet to return SIR forms in Tambaram
Bus First is MTC campaign to boost public transport
Rowdy killed in Mandaveli, 3 held
HC quashes FIR against Aadhav for inciting violence
MBBS, BDS seats still vacant in city
EduTech Power India Awards 2025 Honour India's Rising Global Postdoctoral Researchers
A ceremony held this week in Chennai has shed light on the contributions of postdoctoral researchers, as senior academics and policy leaders emphasised the need for clearer and more sustainable career pathways in global higher education. Universities and research councils welcomed the initiative, noting that global rankings, national innovation output, and long-term economic competitiveness depend heavily on the success and retention of high-calibre postdoctoral talent. EduTech Power India Awards 2025 Honour India's Rising Global Postdoctoral Researchers Hosted by the Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan College of Engineering and Technology, Chennai in association with RAISE Global Innovation Forum, UK; MSME Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India; MIT Square Welfare Foundation; and MIT Square, London, the Postdoctoral Fellow Honouring Ceremony brought together scholars from leading institutions from India who completed their research across the UK, Europe, Australia, Thailand and many other asian countries. The event recognised fellows whose research spans priority areas including AI-driven healthcare, clean energy systems, advanced materials, biotechnology, digital education and sustainable development. The postdoctoral fellow researchers who received the honours are Dr. Phani Kumar Polasi, Dr. Kapileswar N, Dr. Judy Simon, Dr. Amirthalakshmi T M, Dr. Pavithra Guru R, Dr. Mythili R, Dr. Ancy Micheal A, Dr. Annie Micheal A, Dr. Maniraj S P, Dr. Vani R, Dr. Sumathy G, Dr. Maheshwari A, Dr. Vijayalakshmi K, Dr. Sylvia Grace J, Dr. Vigneshwari S, Dr. Prabha B, Dr. Chandu P.M.S.S, Dr. Pravin A, Dr. Refonaa J, Dr. Jany Shabu S. L, Dr. Dhamodaran S, Dr. Janani N, Dr. Nafeza E, Dr. Bakkialakshmi V S, and Dr. Veena R S. In addition, senior academic leaders were also recognised: Dr. G. R. Suresh, Principal of the Year; Dr. R. Madhusudhanan, Dean of the Year; Dr. Anandavel Vadivel, Dean of the Year; and Dr. Muthukumaran K, Social Service of the Year. As the event concluded, fellows described the recognition as encouraging, humbling, and a powerful motivator to continue pushing boundaries at a global level. Many expressed hope that such platforms will become more common across the UK research landscape. Awardees were selected for both research excellence and broader contributions to open science, industry partnerships and policy impact. Organisers confirmed the ceremony will become an annual event, with plans to expand participation globally and strengthen dialogue around improving postdoctoral support across the higher education sector.
Vijay Sethupathi Joins Silambarasan TR in Vetri Maarans Arasan
Producer Kalaipuli S Thanu unveils a special poster as Sethupathi enters the expanding Vada Chennai universe
After interrogation, Muralidharan, the arrested accused was produced before the court and remanded in judicial custody
IT employee arrested for stealing mobile phones from former company in Chennais Thoraipakkam
Muzzling of pet dogs in public places not mandatory, Chennai Corporation tells Madras High Court
Justice V. Lakshminarayanan records the submission of GCC counsel that muzzling is only an advisory and that only leashing is mandatory
Sundaram Home Finance aims to disburse Rs 120 cr in central TN
CHENNAI, Nov 25: Sundaram Home Finance has targeted to double its presence in tier 3 and 4 locations in central Tamil Nadu as it aims to make Rs 120 crore disbursements under the emerging business segment in the region, a top official said. The Chennai-headquartered company operates 12 branches in the region and has planned to scale up the number of branches to 25. Emerging business segment comprises small ticket loans of up to Rs 20 lakh and affordable housing [] The post Sundaram Home Finance aims to disburse Rs 120 cr in central TN appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Chennai-based Tropical Agro launches insecticide to tackle chewing, leaf-eating pests
Tag Hikima can fight fruit borers, Spodoptera and Lepidopteran caterpillars
Antara Senior Care Expands Footprint in Bengaluru with the Launch of a New Care Home in Whitefield
Antara Senior Care, part of the $7-billion Max Group operating a network of seven care homes nationally, has announced the launch of its new facility in Whitefield, Bengaluru. This 80-bed senior care home in Bengaluru's top IT hub and residential area strengthens the company's presence in Karnataka, where it now operates ~163 beds across Bannerghatta and Whitefield locations; nationally it now has 500 operational beds. The setup provides assisted living facility to meet seniors short- to long-term needs and specialised transition care services through geriatric-trained teams and infrastructure designed to promote independence and check loneliness. In Indias top IT hub, Bengaluru, multiple factors combine to fuel the demand for senior care solutions. The citys population is ageing faster than India -almost 11%1 of the citys residents are now 60+, they enjoy high life expectancy but are often managing multiple chronic health conditions. Theres also a change in family structures. With children living abroad, there is a rise in seniors ageing alone making adults seek specialised care solutions for their parents. The new Antara Care Home in Whitefield helps families meets these needs. Speaking about the launch, Ishaan Khanna, CEO, Antara Assisted Care Services , said, The period after hospitalisation and even the need for consistent daily care can be emotionally and logistically challenging, especially while juggling the responsibilities of daily life. Theres also a surge in the number of super seniors, aged 80+ years2, whose need for support is higher and vastly different from the more active seniors in the 60-79 age bracket. With Antara Care Homes expansion into Whitefield, we're not just adding beds, we're bringing medically supervised, dignified care to families who need trusted senior care solutions. Antara has been working dedicatedly to unlock access to specialised senior care ecosystems through geographic expansions and financial tools like TPA enabled transition careactive across all facilities in Delhi-NCR and Bannerghatta . The 80-bed Whitefield Antara Care Home offers short-, medium- and long-term living solutions for seniors who need assistance with activities of daily living as an outcome of ageing; the facility also offers short-term, clinically supervised, structured care after surgery or acute illness. It has state-of-the-art infrastructure for transition care, 24x7 nursing, specialist doctor support, geriatric-trained teams, in-house kitchen offering specialised meals planned by dieticians, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and an engaging social calendar designed to alleviate loneliness and promote mental alertness. Like all Antara Care Homes, the Whitefield facility is designed to offer care with dignity, helping residents maintain their independence with necessary support. The expansion comes at a critical time as India's senior population is set to double from ~150 million now to over 350 million by 2050 creating new care demands. Antara has been at the forefront of building material and human infrastructure that supports this transformation. Operating a network of care homes across Delhi-NCR, Chennai, and Bengaluru with 500 operational beds serving thousands of families, Antara is known for its highly trained, professional teams upskilled using in-house geriatric-training modules certified by the Healthcare Sector Skill Council of India. Its NABH-accredited facilities are at the forefront of setting the gold standard for assisted living in India. www.antaraseniorcare.com About Antara Senior Care Launched in 2013, Antara is the senior-care business of Max India Limited, part of the $7-billion Max Group. It is an integrated ecosystem for senior care, operating in two main lines of business Residences for Seniors and Assisted Care Services. Antaras first senior residential community in Dehradun, comprising nearly 200 families, caters to their social, recreational, educational, wellness, and health-related needs. In 2025, it will open its second senior living community in Noidas Sector-150, with families moving into the 340 apartments built in the first phase. Expanding its footprint in Gurugram, Antara will manage senior living residences, dedicated spaces for senior living, and primary healthcare services at Estate 360 Delhi-NCR's first intergenerational community developed by Max Estates. Antaras Assisted Care Services include Care Homes, Memory Care Home, Care at Home and AGEasy. This line of business caters to seniors, who need more immersive interventions in their daily lives due to medical or age-related issues. With 7 facilities across Gurugram, Noida, Bengaluru and Chennai, Care Homes provide long-term care to seniors who require constant medical and nursing supervision, and short-term care services for the recuperation of seniors. Its Care at Home services, offered in Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Chennai, provide well-equipped, trained professionals offering care to seniors inside their homes comfort. AGEasy, an online and offline store, focuses on senior-specific products and solutions to manage chronic health conditions at home.
BLOs ensure shifted voters stay on Chennai electoral roll
CHENNAI: Owing to significant number of voters shifting their residence away from the polling booths where they had their votes, many of the BLOs in Chennai have been issuing enumeration forms for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to them even if they have moved out of their booths or assembly constituencies, so long as they reside within the district. A section of BLOs from seven constituencies and at least three electoral registration officers in Chennai acknowledged that they have been issuing forms, even if someone had shifted out of their constituencies. They said that this is done, provided there was no objection from Booth Level Agents (BLAs) of any of the political parties and if the BLOs could verify with some documents that the particular person continued to be a resident of Chennai. One of the EROs told TNIE that this was done, with the consent of political party representatives, since large number of people had shifted out of their constituencies and to ensure that they did not get deleted from the draft rolls to be released during SIR. This is despite the chief electoral officer of Tamil Nadu stating on Monday during a press conference that enumeration forms could be issued if a person had shifted out of the polling booth, but not out of their assembly constituencies. During the initial phase of the enumeration phase, several voters who had moved to different booths or constituencies were denied forms and were asked to change their addresses through Form 8 after the publication of the draft rolls, in which their names were likely to be dropped. However, a few BLOs in constituencies including RK Nagar, Harbour, Anna Nagar, Saidapet, Velachery and ChepaukThiruvallikeni confirmed to TNIE that they have now been contacting shifted voters using the aadhaar-linked mobile numbers available on the ECIs BLO app, requesting them to collect the enumeration forms and submit it back to the same BLO. This is to ensure they are not left out of the draft rolls. Otherwise, they would have to undergo the claims and objections process later, and many of them already lack proper address proof due after shifting to their new addresses, a BLO from New Washermenpet noted. An ERO said, In some cases, people have their own houses in one constituency but reside elsewhere for various reasons. They want their vote to remain in the constituency where they own their house. In such cases, we issue the forms. However, BLOs visit their present residence to verify that they are indeed living within Chennai. The official added that forms are being provided only when the voters shift in residence is within a short distancewhich, they said, is the case in most instances. A BLO from the ChepaukThiruvallikeni constituency said, We first check whether the shifted residents have already received the enumeration form in their current constituency. If they have, we mark our copy as a double entry. If they have not, we ask them to bring their Aadhaar card and voter ID to verify whether the EPIC number on the form matches the voter ID. If it matches, we issue the form at help desks, collect it once filled, and upload the details in our BLO app. While one BLO said the filled forms collected from such shifted residents were not being digitised as per the process for now, but kept separately awaiting clearer instructions from EROs, most other BLOs TNIE spoke to said that they were digitising such forms through app. We have advised these voters to update their address during the next summary revision of electoral rolls, after the 2026 election, an official said. Another added that they can also change their address during the claims and objections process.
Two held in Chennai for sexual assault of school boys
CHENNAI: The Thirumangalam Police have arrested two men in connection with the alleged sexual assault of two school-going boys, after intoxicating them with alcohol. According to the police, official sources said the incident came to light after the parents of a 12-year-old, noticed their son returning home in a disoriented state. On hearing what had happened, they contacted ChildLine. Subsequent investigation by the police reportedly revealed that the 12-year-old was taken to the two men by another 15-year-old from the same school, who was assaulted earlier by the two men in the same manner. The boy had said that the duo recorded a video of him when he was intoxicated and used that to blackmail him. The accused were identified as one Sanjay (24) and Pari Arasan (25) were residents of NVN Nagar and worked in a private firm.
Tamil Nadu braces for Cyclone Senyar: Are schools shut on Nov 25? Heavy rain forecast for Nov 2830
Incessant rainfall has inundated residential areas in Thoothukudi and Nagapattinam, disrupting daily life. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu's north and delta districts are bracing for Cyclone Senyar, with the IMD issuing orange and yellow alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall from November 25 to 30.
Four TVK supporters held in Chennai for assault of YouTuber
CHENNAI: Four TVK supporters were arrested on charges of attacking a YouTuber outside a cinema hall in Vadapalani on November 21, after accusing him of uploading videos critical of party leader and actor Vijay. Police identified the accused as Balakrishnan, Dhanush, Ashok, and Parthasarathy - all residents of Avadi. They have been booked under BNS sections for assault, causing hurt, criminal intimidation, use of obscene language, and disturbing public order. Kiran Bruce of Mugalivakkam, a content creator, told police that the four confronted him as he exited the theatre, questioned him about his videos, threatened to kill him, and mocked his earnings, and he sustained minor injuries. Acting on his complaint, Vadapalani police reviewed CCTV footage and confirmed that the suspects were inside the theatre. They were detained, produced before a magistrate and remanded in judicial custody.
Tamil Nadu Dy CM Udhayanidhi inaugurates 377 completed projects, distributes welfare aid
CHENNAI: Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, on Monday, inaugurated 377 completed development works in Tiruvallur district, executed at an estimated cost of Rs 333.3 crore, and laid the foundation stone for 211 new projects worth Rs 137.4 crore. He also commenced the distribution of welfare assistance worth Rs 1,000.3 crore to 1.1 lakh beneficiaries. Speaking at a government function at Sundaracholapuram in Tiruvallur, the deputy CM said ration cards were issued to 2,000 people and 37,000 families received house-site pattas at the function alone. Recently, Chief Minister MK Stalin distributed 65,000 house-site pattas at a function held in Tiruvallur. In the last 4.5 years, the state government has issued about 20 lakh house-site pattas, he added. A patta is not a concession given by the government, it is your right. My greetings to everyone receiving pattas today. You can now live peacefully and securely in your own homes, he said. Udhayanidhi said under the Kalaingarin Kanavu Illam Scheme, 4,000 people received orders for constructing concrete houses. He also reiterated that from December 15, all entitled women will receive Rs 1,000 monthly assistance when the scheme is expanded to include the remaining eligible women. Identity cards were also issued today to 50,000 women members of Self-Help Groups. In Ambattur Industrial Estate, the deputy CM inaugurated the upgraded Ambattur Estate Bus Terminus, modernised at Rs 11.8 crore under the North Chennai Development Scheme, and flagged off 51 new MTC buses.
Cop assaulting businessman in Chennai caught on cam, booked
CHENNAI: A head constable from the West Mambalam police station has been booked on charges of assaulting a businessman at a textiles showroom in Pondy Bazaar. The victim, Siva (36), who runs a real estate business with his associate Tamilarasan (38), told the police the confrontation arose from a long-standing dispute over commission dues amounting to Rs 10 lakh. Both men hail from Thanjavur and reportedly had a fallout after Siva failed to pay commissions. Police said Tamilarasan had approached his friend Senthil, a head constable, seeking help to settle the dispute. Senthil visited the Panagal Park area showroom a few weeks ago, where Siva was shopping.What began as a conversation soon escalated into an argument, and Senthil allegedly slapped Siva several times. The assault was recorded on the stores CCTV cameras.
Old-age home in Chennai alleges harassment, eviction pressure by civic officials
CHENNAI: An old-age home, mainly offering care to those abandoned by their families, run by Little Drops Public Charitable Trust for the past 33 years in Koluthuvancheri, under the Iyyappanthangal village panchayat, has accused local officials of sustained harassment and pressure to evict them. They said that the move was to demolish a portion of its building, allegedly to aid a private apartment located nearby. The home has around 350 elderly residents, including around 100 who are bedridden, many of whom living there for several years. According to the trust, MSME Minister TM Anbarasan visited the site on November 14 and stressed the need for building the canal. In an e-mail complaint to the Chief Ministers Cell, the trust alleged that the minister told them to shift the old-age home elsewhere. In letters sent to the Kancheepuram collector, Padappai block development officer, Kundrathur tahsildar, Social Welfare Department, State Human Rights Commission, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority, and and local police, the trust alleged that the panchayats actions were arbitrary, illegal, and aimed at crippling their service. Residents and staff told TNIE on condition of anonymity that an apartment complex with around 10 units was built a few years ago near the home. Alleging violations in the construction, they said the builder had extended a vehicle ramp and septic tank onto the road. Unable to manage sewage due to the absence of a proper drainage line, the builder allegedly attempted to construct a drainage channel in the name of a stormwater canal, to direct the outflow into a canal located behind the premises of the elderly care home. This, the trust said, would require demolition of a portion of the home. Officials from the Iyyappanthangal panchayat have been pressurising the trust to surrender part of its patta land, staff alleged. They claimed the panchayat insisted the drainage line must pass through the homes premises for the welfare of the residents of a street. The home said the canal could instead be routed via a nearby street without affecting any buildings. They also alleged the proposed canal would function as a sewage line, as the street lacks a dedicated drainage system. Repeated attempts by TNIE to reach Iyyappanthangal panchayat president Jemila Pandurengan and the Kanchipuram collector for a comment were unsuccessful.
Mylapore's Museum Caf shut to make way for office space
CHENNAI: The Museum Caf, a unique and fully accessible space run by persons with disabilities (PwDs) atop the Museum of Possibilities at the Lady Willingdon College campus in Mylapore, has been shut down by the Commissionerate of the Welfare of the Differently-Abled, reportedly to convert the premises into an office space. Sources said Monday was the cafs last working day. The caf also offered persons with disabilities essential training opportunities, and also served as an accessible place for them to meet and interact. The Museum of Possibilities, along with the caf, was inaugurated by Chief Minister MK Stalin in June 2022 as a state government initiative. The museum showcases a range of assistive and adaptive devices aimed at enabling PwDs to lead independent lives. It was conceptualised as a space where persons with disabilities could try out new technologies and understand what best suit their needs, while also raising public awareness on accessibility and inclusive living. The caf was also functioning as a bakery and confectionary training unit for disabled students, providing them hands-on experience in a safe and inclusive setting. According to sources, NGO Vidya Sagar has been running a one-year vocational programme in restaurant and retail management using the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) cirriculum, where students undergo six months of theory training at the NGO followed by six months of industrial training at the caf. A total of 16 persons have been trained in the cafe so far of which 10 were from Vidya Sagar and the remaining six came through other referrals. Of them, five persons are working in different restaurants while one has started his own business. In a notice dated September 26, the commissionerate stated that its three-year MoU with Vidya Sagar ended on August 31, 2025. It also noted that the commissionerate has decided to run Museum of Possibilities only on the ground floor and that tenders had been invited to manage and operate the facility. The NGO was instructed to hand over the caf premises within 60 days. With the closure, an accessible, community-led space created for and by persons with disabilities will now be converted into government office space, said activists and disabled persons. The caf, which has been functioning for three years, was 100% accessible. From the light switches to the cups used there, every detail was designed to accommodate people with different kinds of disabilities. Because of this, it became a popular and safe space for wheelchair users and others with disabilities, and several events were held there, said Sathish Kumar, a wheelchair user and member of the Disability Rights Alliance (DRA). He added it was disheartening to see such a valuable space being shut down. The department should allow the caf to continue, as it would be very difficult to recreate a space like this again. It was not only accessible but also offered training that helped disabled persons to become financially independent, he said. Officials from differently abled welfare department were not available for comments.
Chennai rain alert: Chennai faces a yellow alert as the northeast monsoon intensifies, with a low-pressure area likely to form a cyclonic storm named Senyar in the Bay of Bengal. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is predicted for several Tamil Nadu districts, including Chennai, from November 25 to November 30.
Women ride their way to wheeling dreams
Even before we are born, many stereotypes are attached to us. They linger in the colours were wrapped in, the toys placed in our hands and the expectations adults whisper. Even the machines we ride have assigned gender. Somewhere along the way, a gearless two-wheeler, aka scooty, became the sensible and safe choice for women, while the heavier, more powerful motorcycle was framed as a natural extension of masculinity. The road never made these rules; society did. A woman riding a bike becomes a cultural decay, and a man choosing a scooty is teased for being less manly. But slowly, and quietly, this has begun to shift. Recently, social media has been flooded with videos and advertisements about motorcycle training communities, and most of them are dedicated specially for women, opening new lanes of confidence, independence, and long-awaited freedom for many. One such reel that has been trending with nearly 290 thousand views is of a retired 60-year-old woman from Coimbatore, who took up a two-day bike-training to fulfill her desire to ride a gear-bike, thereby ticking it off her bucket list. Hitting the road The sexagenarian was trained by Caf Cruisers, founded by Abisek Shravn, who saw a gap in training. Almost no one was focusing on creating riders, he says. Riders groups welcomed those who already knew how to ride, but rarely those who didnt. His goal became clear: build riders, not just gather them. As structured riding modules took shape from slow-speed mastery to road simulations the unexpected happened. During our early sessions, we noticed many women approaching us discreetly, he says. Today, the fastest-growing group in Caf Cruisers is women aged between 28 and 45 years, with a significant rise in women aged above 40 and 50 years. Meanwhile, Nomad Bikers Club grew out of the lack of a safe, judgment-free space for women to learn and make mistakes. The founder, Mayas journey to building a for women, by women community began with her own experiences of not having that space. Male riders have had the privilege of learning to ride a bike because one of their friends or cousins would confidently give it to them, she says. But that space is not there for women. After a difficult experience in college and later an incident with a slipping clutch downhill, Maya realised women werent just denied motorcycles; they were denied the room to make mistakes. That became her fuel. What began with Sunday free-of-cost sessions on a friends Splendor slowly expanded across 20-plus cities. My motto was that people should not go through what I went through, she says. Even if they drop the bike, its fine. That is when the fear is broken. Caf Cruisers For Fais N, founder of CRF Women On Wheels, the journey began in a moment of personal darkness. He was navigating depression when teaching a woman to ride brought him a spark of joy he hadnt felt in long. The first time I saw happiness in the eyes of a woman who learnt riding from me, something changed, he recalls. From there, the community grew into an international platform. His one-day intensive training, built on trust and full refunds if a student doesnt learn, has taken women from fearing a two-wheeler to riding across India. Age is never the problem mindset is. And we help them break that mental block, he says. These origin stories may differ, but they converge at a shared purpose: dismantling a fear that was built over decades. The first gear For many women entering these riding communities, learning to handle a motorcycle isnt just about balancing a machine; its about unlearning years of conditioning and stepping into a kind of freedom they were never encouraged to claim. Aruna, a 53-year-old from Bengaluru, trained with Nomad Bikers Club after years of travelling pillion. I realised I never got the chance to learn because nobody even showed me that was an option for women, she says. Determined to change that, she signed up for training. I was afraid of fallingbut the trainers were extremely patient. I started riding within the first 30 minutes. Today, she rents bikes and goes on mountain trips, rides her kids around, and worries far less. I am not scared of anything these days, she adds, proud that her elder daughter, too, has now joined the programme. Nomad Bikers Club For Soumya, a 32-year-old from Kochi, deciding to learn to ride with the Nomad Bikers Club was tied to healing. Widowed young, she wanted to take her son on the Bullet he loved. I was scared. The bike is heavy. How will I do it? But within two days, she was riding through the streets confidently. Now she drops her son off at school on the bike. He loves to talk about the ride to everyone, she smiles. Her brother, once doubtful, is now proud. Arpita Tibrewal, a 37-year-old yoga instructor from Coimbatore who trained with Caf Cruisers, had long dreamt of riding. The biggest fear was safety. If I hurt myself, who will handle the kids? she says. The training shifted that fear. They taught me safety procedures, gear, and things about the vehicle that were important. Riding has begun to reshape her confidence. Riding makes you feel powerfreedom is a byproduct of learning it. Her husband knows shes training, but the rest of her family doesnt. Ill tell them when I go for my first bike trip, she says. Different stories, one shared outcome: the road, once off-limits, now belongs to them. For the future As these stories multiply, the communities behind them are imagining a road that looks very different from the one they first stepped onto. For Maya, the future is not about expanding aggressively but protecting the emotional core that built Nomad Bikers Club in the first place. She doesnt want the training to become mechanical or commercialised. We can have trainers in every city, but the comfort space wont feel the same, she says. Maya imagines a future where bike training becomes as normal as tuition classes, where women dont have to pay or travel miles for the chance to learn because someone at home will simply hand them the keys. These days arent far, she says. The hype will fade, and it will just become a part of life. Caf Cruisers Abisek views the road ahead through a structural lens. To him, the impact goes deeper than women learning to balance a machine; it reshapes how families understand mobility and responsibility. His vision for Chennai is a city where riding is treated as a life skill, not a risk. What inspires him most is the cultural shift already unfolding: husbands encouraging wives, daughters pushing mothers to learn, families cheering when a woman completes her first road session. This, he believes, is how confidence spreads, quietly, through shared moments. Fais brings yet another perspective one rooted in emotional transformation. His platform grew from a place of personal healing, but the mission remains unchanged. He has seen women who once trembled at the clutch ride across Himalayan passes. If that can happen, he believes, anything can. And perhaps that is the beauty of this movement. These women are not just learning to ride; they are reclaiming space, speed, and agency, one gear at a time.
Here's how a Sunday can transform perspectives of Chennai
A red building stretching along the road opposite Marina Beach is unlikely to be missed. The Public Works Department office stands there with its long corridor of arches and an occasional splash of green from the bushes that border the pavement. If you paused for a moment to take it all in, what would you notice? The rhythm of those arches? A dragonfly prancing between the shrubs? A bus rumbling past and cutting the frame of your view? On a Sunday morning, a group decides to freeze that moment. They sit on portable stools or simply settle on the opposite pavement. Sketchbooks open. Pencils and brushes move quickly. The city slowly turns into lines, curves and blocks of colour on paper. This is the routine of Urban Sketchers Chennai (USK Chennai). With no entry fees or prerequisites, the group focuses on one mission: to come together and enjoy different pockets of the city. It is a simple effort that has made art accessible to many who once thought that galleries and studios were not for them. USK Chennai began in 2020, when filmmaker Mohan Krishnan discovered the global Urban Sketchers network, started in Seattle in 2011. Growth was quiet in the early days, especially with the pandemic pausing gatherings. Among those seeking community was Namita Prasanna, a visual communication graduate with around two decades in design. She had heard of groups like Pencil Jam in Bengaluru and yearned for something similar here. When she found the Chennai chapter, she joined, and the meets slowly became regular. By August 2023, after months of meeting around the city, we finally received recognition as an official chapter, she says. Now, every alternate Sunday, around 45 to 50 people gather at a new location. One building often has 50 different perspectives. Drawn with curiosity Choosing a spot isnt just about architectural heritage. It is also about small things like the vendor at the corner, or the sight of schoolchildren rushing by. Their sketch meets read like a visual diary. At Broadway Junction, buses and bicycles weave through the frame; outside Sir Mutha Concert Hall, music floats through windows; at the Sunshine House in Adyar, members sketched local singers and a small pop-up of art for sale. Even a busy fish market or a roadside temple becomes a subject worth pausing for. We choose locations that are a mix of heritage and everyday life. A tea shop can be as interesting as a grand building. You start seeing beauty in small things, Namita says. Some of the places they sketched no longer look the same. Adyar Gate Hotel has vanished. Besant Nagar Beach has changed. The SBI building on Mount Road is under restoration. As urban sketchers, our job is to create a reportage of how the landscape is changing. What is here today may not be there tomorrow, she says. The only rule is to sketch on location. You bring your own perspective. Some draw the whole building, some only a corner, some add the autos, the vendors or a patch of leafy shade. It is a judgement-free space where each person sees differently, and that is the beauty, Namita adds. Their meets end with a throwdown. Sketchbooks are placed on the ground, side by side, forming a colourful mosaic of styles. They take pictures. People walk around admiring each others work, not measuring talent but celebrating effort. Art shouldnt feel exclusive. Anybody can pick up a pencil and paper and join us. We have engineers, filmmakers, government employees, fourth-graders and even people in their eighties. It has made art feel approachable and joyful, Namita says. Fear fades in company Sketching in full public view can feel intimidating. That first moment when someone looks over your shoulder or asks what you are doing can make your hands shake. But it doesnt last long. In a group, there is comfort. People laugh, share techniques. Slowly, you stop worrying about who is watching. Those two-and-a-half hours become meditation, Namita says. They have sketched in places loaded with stereotypes. Busy market streets. Narrow lanes where people rarely see artists sitting with sketchbooks. We dont go by stereotypes. We have sketched in every nook of the city and never felt unsafe. People are always curious, sometimes even offering us chairs. They want to see their city through our eyes, she says. The citys art scene is spilling out onto the streets, pavements, and bus stops. And USK Chennai has emerged as one of the most inviting doors into that world. Just a few weeks ago, USK chapters from across India met in Goa for a national sketch carnival. The Chennai team returned with new friendships, techniques and people eager to join them. Next Sunday, the group will gather again at a different corner of Chennai. The intent remains the same. To look closer and tell a story through your eyes. If you wish to give the city a place in your sketchbook, join USK for their next meetup. Follow @uskchennai on Instagram for more updates.
TVK picks hyper-local issues for grassroots connect
Train pilots in Southern Railway high on fatigue, low on morale
AIADMK, DMK bat for sports to secure youth support
Court questions legality of charging 30% interest on loan to make movie
BLOs to visit homes to collect forms from tomorrow
Neither ECI nor politicos coercing BLOs; no voter will be left out: CEO
ED flags SL womans voter ID in Chennai
Gurupriya Vision Research Foundation receives award for its project Vision on Wheels
Visitors struggle for parking as bays along Elliotts Promenade are encroached
Faculty of SRIHER elected as eminent scientist member of National Academy of Medical Sciences
Fake GST invoice racket busted; kingpin arrested for siphoning 50cr
Dowry plaint: SHRC flays settlement by cop
Ex-judge to head panel for bar council election
Draft curriculum to be out in December, says Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi
He states that deliberations on the curriculum revision will go on till March 2026
OPS hints at launching a party if EPS fails to `unify AIADMK by Dec 15
Pontaq Ventures to close maiden India fund with Rs 700cr corpus
Bids invited to design beach road widening
Three Bawaria gangsters get life for ex-MLAs murder
Tamil Nadu will see coalition govt in 2026: Premalatha Vijayakanth
Inter-State racket in fake GST invoicing busted in Chennai
GST Commissioner (North)said the prime suspect who was operating an unregistered tax consultancy firm, M/s A.S. Associates, in Chennai, was arrested.
Restaurantmanager and three others held for cheating
All four arrested persons were remanded in judicial custody.
Chennai Court Awards Lifer to Three Bawaria Gang Members For Murder of AIADMK MLA
Sudarsanam was the AIADMK MLA of Gummidipoondi in neighbouring Thiruvallur district and Minister for Backward Classes Welfare when the incident took place
Drone helps police nab gangsters celebrating birthday in TN forest
Cyclone Senyar may bring heavy rainfall to north Tamil Nadu, delta districts
Dharmendra passes away: Learn The Kollywood Stories of A Bollywood Hero
Dharmendra's dedication to his craft was evident in his meticulous preparation for roles, including studying original South Indian films. He shared memorable experiences working with Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa and collaborating with Chennai stuntmen. The veteran actor, known for his charm and commitment, passed away at 89.
Three members of Bawaria gang get life in prison for 2005 murder of MLA
SHRC flays settlement by inspector, orders Rs 1 lakh compensation
ED flags Sri Lankan womans voter ID in Chennai
Congress will reach out to people horizontally and vertically: Bellaiah Naik
Grand And Heartfelt Welcome Accorded To World Cup-winning Indian Womens Blind Cricket Team
T20 World Cup Cricket: In a moment of immense national pride and celebration, the Indian womens cricket team for the blind, led by the Chairman of Cricket Association for the Blind in India, Dr. Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar returned to India, on Monday after creating history by winning the first ever Womens T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind 2025 in Colombo. The Indian team defeated Nepal in the final to lift the title in the inaugural Women's World Cup for the Blind. This landmark victory has not only elevated Indias standing in the global blind cricket community but has also inspired millions across the country. The victorious team arrived in Bangalore via Chennai, where they were greeted with overwhelming warmth, applause, and admiration. At both airports, the atmosphere was electric, filled with cheers, the crowd waving Tricolour flags, and emotional celebrations as supporters, officials, and onlookers came together to honour the champions, who have brought unprecedented glory to the nation. In Chennai, the team received a rousing and enthusiastic welcome, reflecting the admiration and respect they have earned through their grit, determination, and exceptional sporting spirit. As the team made their onward journey to Bengaluru, the celebration only grew louder and more vibrant. Upon their arrival in Bangalore, the players were welcomed with elation by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Karnataka, marking the states deep commitment to promoting inclusive sports and recognising extraordinary talent. The heartfelt gestures and warm reception underscored the governments pride in the teams achievements and their role in shaping the future of blind cricket in India, and as a tribute to the visually impaired women in making India the pioneer of inclusion through sport. The celebrations continued at Kempegowda International Airport, where the players were felicitated by the dedicated staff of IndiGo Airlines and Bengaluru International Airport (BIAL). The airport premises came alive with applause, floral greetings, and special acknowledgements, symbolising the nations collective joy in welcoming home its world champions. Upon their arrival in Bangalore, the players were welcomed with elation by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Karnataka, marking the states deep commitment to promoting inclusive sports and recognising extraordinary talent. The heartfelt gestures and warm reception underscored the governments pride in the teams achievements and their role in shaping the future of blind cricket in India, and as a tribute to the visually impaired women in making India the pioneer of inclusion through sport. Also Read: Live Cricket Score This grand homecoming stands as a powerful reminder of what unwavering dedication, teamwork, and belief can achieve. The first-ever Womens T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind is now etched in history and shall remain as a reminder of Indias commitment to gender equality and inclusion. Article Source: IANS
96.22% of the electors given enumeration forms, says Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer
ArchanaPatnaiksays the forms were distributed by the Booth Level Officers to 6.16crorevoters as part of the Special Intensive Revision. And 50% of them have returned the forms filled up. The December 4 deadline will not be extended
Tiger kills tribal woman in the Nilgiris, eats parts of body
Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurates upgraded Ambattur Industrial Estate bus terminus
Madras High Court orders clearing of encroachments on K.K. Nagar, Ashok Nagar pavements in Chennai
Chief Justices Bench also calls for a plan to relocate the public toilets, Amma canteens and electrical junction boxes situated on the footpaths
Judge Who Sought Favours Dodges In-House Probe With Retirement? Maybe Not
A high court chief justice who tried to influence a National Company Law Appellate Tribunal member in Chennai for a ruling in favour of a company has narrowly escaped an in-house inquiry due to his retirement and other reasons.
Chennai court accepts CCB report; closes case against deputy mayor M Mahesh Kumar
A Chennai court has dismissed a plea to reject a police report clearing Deputy Mayor M Mahesh Kumar and others in a case of alleged document forgery to seize a deceased partner's quarry business. The court found no offence made out, noting the petitioner's refusal to settle loans and take over the firm.
Metro commuters grouse overshuttle services
ThoughCMRLsshuttle service fromPallavaramto Airport Metro station has become a lifeline for many, commuters say inadequate regulation and cramped vehicles have detracted from the convenience it offers
ECI officials to review SIR across Tamil Nadu from November 24 to 26
Chennai: The Election Commission of India (ECI) will carry out an extensive review of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu from November 24 to 26, according to Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and State Government Secretary Archana Patnaik. The SIR process, which began on November 4, mandates that citizens submit 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 .
Chennai Senyar Cyclone Landfall time: A low-pressure area is strengthening over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to become cyclonic storm 'Senyar' next week. The India Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rainfall and strong winds for Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In Tamil Nadu, schools have been shut in many districts due to heavy rainfall.
A small fledgling library in Chennai: residents donate books, shopkeepers watch over it
This reading nook is in a space near the Marundeeshwarar temple tank that is promoted as a social congregating point. The library is a work in progress. It is currently up against the elements, owners of roadside shops coming to its rescue when it rains. It is carried to a residents house at night for safekeeping and brought back in the morning
Chennai boy breaks barriers on the track
From having hard days over mathematics in school to handling high-speed racing cars, Chennais Monith Kumaran has come a long way in life. Growing up watching multiple-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso in both his Renault and McLaren days, the sight of him zooming in the slipstreams and beating his opponents caught Moniths imagination. Years later, the 21-year-old has taken a credible step towards realising the dream by winning the rookie category (93 points) of the LGB F4 event as part of the JK Tyres National Racing Championship, which concluded at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore recently. In the third and final round, he won three of the four races to collect a total of 34 points. The LGB category is an entry-level category for single-seat open-wheel racing. The cars are powered by a 1298cc Suzuki Swift engine. Apart from enjoying the sight of Alonso dominating the track in F1, Moniths life in school was filled with doubt. He found it difficult to deal with arithmetic, and according to his father Srinivasan, Monith was often found finishing tests late. We felt he should take up open schooling after he found it difficult to calculate. The fact that he writes with his left arm invited suspicion from the teachers, he explained. It could be said that for Monith, motorsports is what makes him a rather stubborn person. On a trip to Kancheepuram in 2019, Srinivasan recalled how the boy managed to push his cause to race. He kept crying, saying, My dream is getting spoiled throughout the return trip home. There could have been skepticism and doubt surrounding Monith, considering his perceived symptoms of abnormal intelligence. A psychological test administered at a government ministry-approved institute in 2021 had concluded that Monith fell under the Borderline Intellectual Functionality. But when it came to racing, Monith seemed a different person altogether. Two months into learning the kart, he got the opportunity to participate in a national level karting tournament. I won my first Karting event at KMS in Coimbatore, and then we thought of taking the Formula 1300 car in the Novice Cup, but Covid hit, and we could not take up more races, he told CE. With the growth in the sport came the outside noise over his conduct. People, he recalled, had said certain things about it. I just push it away. My coaches tell me that when youre going to the circuit, its just you and the track. Youre alone. Just drive, drive and drive, Monith added. In his pursuit of success, he impressed Sarosh Hatoria, team principal of Ahura Racing. And after three training sessions, he selected me for the 2022 rookie championship. In my first season itself I got third in the rookie. And it was a good progress, shared Monith. This season, in a way, is a redemption for Monith. In the 2023 rookie championship, he lost the title by a point to Mehul Agarwal. He also finished third in the overall championship then. Funnily enough, I won the (rookie) title by a point this year, he added. Ganesh Prasad, five-time national motorcycle champion and Monith's coach, summed up Moniths first experience on the wheel, a rented one, as average. One thing that struck me is his ability to grasp instructions properly. He also pays attention to details. It is the passion that makes him a different person altogether on the tracks, Ganesh said. The former racer was also surprised to see how Monith adapted to weather conditions, which play a big role in races. In a Mini-max event that saw heavy rain, he was able to get the lines correctly and managed his speed well. He really embodies the meaning of being special, he added.
Green shoots of India-UK FTA already visible, says UK Minister
in Bengaluru, the Minister launched Tescos new capability centre, and in Chennai, she was part of the launch of a GCC of research firm Lloyds List Intelligence
Behind closed doors: Secret societies offer respite to Chennai's Gen Z
Gen Z lives in a strange in-between too young to fully fit into the citys traditional social circles, yet too old for the predictable caf hangouts and mall meet-ups that defined their teenage years. Their social life is scattered across group chats, half-made plans, and digital friendships that rarely translate offline. But now, quietly and almost organically, they are carving out something new: secret and exclusive social spaces where meeting people doesnt feel accidental, awkward, or overwhelming, but intentional and comforting. These are round-the-clock, invite-only micro-communities created by those who believe that connection needs curation, not chaos. One such community is Secret Affairs, the brainchild of artist Ganesh Selvaraj, aka BRWN. He decided to create a closed-circle social experience after noticing the disconnect in mainstream gatherings. I wanted to build a community where people feel a sense of social well-being. Something inclusive for the people inside, but exclusive for the people outside, he says. What began as a small circle of friends soon turned into a 1,000-strong network built on referrals, applications and approvals. Invite-only is what makes it exclusive. We choose who can attend the party, he says. New entrants fill out a form, link their Instagram profiles and wait for a screening process that checks for alignment in ideology. This approach is exactly what appeals to the party crowd. Gen Z doesnt want to just party; they want an experience. Secret Affairs Themed fun Experiences are at the heart of Secret Affairs. Every event is themed and designed to transform everyday spots into immersive settings, not just another club night. Their recent One Night in New York turned a restobar into a space complete with R&B, hip-hop and mood lighting replicating NYC. For a city still growing into non-traditional forms of socialising, this shift feels refreshing. Chennai has people who want to party, but theyre not coming out because there arent good scenes or curated experiences, he claims. Regular attendees have felt the difference. Srinithi Natarajan, a psychologist and author, has been to all Secret Affairs events. I loved the small detailing like colour bands where yellow meant youre open to socialising, she says. She also appreciates how familiar spaces feel transformed and for her, the chance to actually converse at an event is rare and valuable. For Shivani Rajiv, a social media executive, the exclusivity itself created a sense of comfort. The term invite-only got me excited because I knew the crowd was going to be a cream crowd, she says. The New York-themed night left a deep impression. It didnt feel like a typical public event. It felt warm, community-friendly and everyone brought their own vibe. Having moved to Chennai from Hyderabad, she says the experience gave her a sense of belonging in the city and felt that she has stepped into the right place for the right reasons. Be yourself While Secret Affairs builds curated energy through themed settings and selective entry, another space in the city takes a quieter approach.Chennai's Secret Strangers Club, founded by Razik Farid, focuses on intimate conversations, slow-paced bonding and judgement-free comfort. The idea sprouted from Raziks observation that OMR lacked spaces where people could simply sit down and be themselves. Everything (around OMR) felt either too commercial, too loud, or too superficial. We wanted to build a space that felt like a home: warm, curated, and real, he says. Chennai's Secret Strangers Club These gatherings are usually held at a members house, with no more than 15 strangers in one room. We dont disclose venues, members, or activities. Entry is by approval only, he says. On screening the guests, he says, We look for respectful behaviour, social compatibility, and genuine interest in our experiences. A lot of our community grows through word of mouth, but even referrals go through approval. The result is a room where conversation becomes the centrepiece. Our themes focus on freedom, connection, and storytelling, Razik says. To him, the appeal of these gatherings reflects the emotional needs of this generation. People crave authenticity In a world full of digital noise, intimate offline moments feel rare and meaningful. Riyaz, a digital marketer, attended one of their gatherings and found it freeing. Its a fun, open-minded group where you can be yourself, he says. Beyond the experience, he says the event expanded his social circle in ways he did not expect. Although each space takes a different form and tone, both point to the same shift: young adults are seeking social lives that feel intentional, not incidental.While Razik hopes to create a culture where people feel free to connect without judgement, Ganesh dreams of growing his initiative to other cities but keeping the essence selectively curated. Together, they reflect a quiet evolution in the citys social identity. For a generation searching for depth and comfort, these secret circles are offering exactly what mainstream spaces never quite managed: a community that feels real, safe, and chosen.
