U.S. Consul General in Chennai Mariana L. Neisuler recently held separate meetings with TVK government ministers, discussing agricultural trade and possible areas of cooperation with the United States. Neisuler met TVK Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare R. Vinoth and discussed U.S. government priorities relating to bilateral trade in the agricultural sector. View this [] The post Chennai: US Consul Meets TVK Govt Ministers As Washington Raises FCRA Objections And Seeks Farm Market Access appeared first on The Commune .
At Chennais Vyasarpadi, this reading circle makes books accessible
In a vibrant push to foster a reading culture, Chennais Vyasarpadi is witnessing a transformation through a reading circle organized by NGO Aarvam.
Rahane Joins Amsterdam Flames As Marquee Player For Inaugural ETPL
European T20 Premier League: Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has signed with the Amsterdam Flames as the franchise's marquee player for the inaugural edition of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), set to begin on August 26. On July 30, Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket and all formats. Rahane represented India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is for India, while his final international appearance came against the West Indies in a two-game Test series in July 2023. Cricket has given me so much, and Ive always believed that players have a responsibility to leave the game stronger than they found it. Europe is entering an exciting phase and has the potential to become one of crickets most promising frontiers. What impressed me about Amsterdam Flames is the ambition to build something meaningful that creates a lasting impact both on and off the field. Im excited to work alongside the management to build a successful franchise while helping inspire the next generation and strengthen crickets future across Europe, Rahane said in a statement issued by the tournament on Friday. Rahane is currently in England as a commentator for the Hundred. Steve Waugh, the former Australia captain whos the co-founder and Chief Cricket Officer of Amsterdam Flames, welcomed Rahane into the set-up. Ajinkya Rahane represents everything you want in a professional cricketer - skill, resilience, humility and leadership. Throughout his career he has earned enormous respect across the cricket world, not only for his performances but for the way he has conducted himself on and off the field. Ive seen first-hand the composure and leadership he brings under pressure, and those qualities help shape winning cultures. His experience, leadership and character will be invaluable as we build Amsterdam Flames into one of Europe's premier cricket clubs. In the IPL, Rahane played 212 games for six teams and amassed 5367 in the tournament, including captaining Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2025 and 2026 seasons and being a tournament winner with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2023. Abhishek Bachchan, Co-owner of the ETPL, highlighted the significance of Rahane's signing for the upcoming league. Ajinkya Rahane joining Steve Waughs Amsterdam Flames is a significant moment for both the franchise and the ETPL and another important milestone in our vision to accelerate the growth of cricket across Europe. Players of Ajinkyas calibre not only raise the standard of the competition but also inspire and mentor the next generation of European cricketers. We are delighted to welcome him to the ETPL family. Abhishek Bachchan, Co-owner of the ETPL, highlighted the significance of Rahane's signing for the upcoming league. Ajinkya Rahane joining Steve Waughs Amsterdam Flames is a significant moment for both the franchise and the ETPL and another important milestone in our vision to accelerate the growth of cricket across Europe. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Ajinkyas professionalism, experience and leadership perfectly align with our vision of building a franchise that competes at the highest level while making a lasting contribution to the growth of cricket across Europe, he said. Article Source: IANS
Pujara's 'fanboy moment' with SRK
Former Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara shared memorable anecdotes from his IPL career, including a 'fanboy moment' meeting Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan and Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood's humorous refusal to bowl to him in the Chennai Super Kings nets.
Hazlewood Refused To Bowl To Me In CSK Nets, Recalls Pujara
Chennai Super Kings: Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara revealed a light-hearted moment involving Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood during their time together at Chennai Super Kings (CSK), recalling how the quick jokingly refused to bowl to him in the nets after battling him endlessly in Test cricket. Having spent hours facing Hazlewood during India's memorable Border-Gavaskar Trophy series victories in Australia in 2018/19 and 2020/21, Pujara shared the humorous exchange with Hazlewood during his time of being with CSK in the IPL. During the Australia series in 2018 and 2021, I played a lot against Josh Hazlewood. Then I got picked by CSK. The first time I went to bat in the nets, Hazlewood refused to bowl to me. He said, 'I won't bowl to him.' Even though he was my teammate, he refused. He joked that he had bowled to me far too much over the previous few months before the IPL, so he wasn't going to bowl to me again. He was kidding, but he actually didn't bowl to me, said Pujara on JioHotstar's series 'Cheeky Singles'. Reflecting on his early IPL career, Pujara, who played 103 Tests for India, also recalled experiencing a fanboy moment when meeting Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner, actor-producer Shah Rukh Khan, though he noted that team culture and cricket development remain a player's primary priority over celebrity presence. He joked that he had bowled to me far too much over the previous few months before the IPL, so he wasn't going to bowl to me again. He was kidding, but he actually didn't bowl to me, said Pujara on JioHotstar's series 'Cheeky Singles'. Also Read: Live Cricket Score You want to be there because of the environment the franchise creates, the opportunity to learn from legendary players, play alongside them, and improve your cricket. That is what matters, he added. Article Source: IANS
Solinas Integrity Raises $5.5 Million in Series A1 Funding Led by Mela Ventures
The Chennai-based, IIT Madras-incubated deep-tech company deploys robotics and AI to transform Indias underground water and sanitation infrastructure
Chennai Love Story | Song - Guruthunda
Watch the song 'Guruthunda' from Telugu movie 'Chennai Love Story' starring Kiran Abbavaraam and Sri Gouri Priya. 'Guruthunda' is sung by Haricharan and Shruthika Samudhrala and music of the song is given by Mani Sharma. Lyrics of 'Chennai Love Story' song 'Guruthunda' are written by Anantha Sriram. To know more about 'Guruthunda' song from Kiran Abbavaraam and Sri Gouri Priya starrer 'Chennai Love Story' watch the video.
Chennai Real Estate 2026: 8 localities to buy a home for living, rental income or future growth
Chennai Actress Murder: Her Body Was Found In Pieces But Her Head Was Never Seen Again
The investigators identified her through two tattoos, and a grieving mother's recognition, which transformed an anonymous collection of body parts into a woman whose story could finally be told
PR Sundar, an Indian-born DMK-supporting Dravidianist, Singapore citizen and self-styled stock market analyst, has been arrested by the Chennai Police following a sexual harassment complaint filed by a woman news anchor, as reported in The New Indian Express. Hewas arrested by a special team of the Ice House police in Bengaluru on Wednesday, 5 August [] The post DMK-Supporting Dravidian Stock, Self-Styled Stock Market Analyst PR Sundar Who Violated SEBI Norms, Wrote Vulgar Tweets, Arrested In Sexual Harassment Case appeared first on The Commune .
IIT Madras incubated deep tech firm Solinas Integrity raises funds for expansion
Job fair for persons with disability held
School Education Department working out plans to set up helplines, mobile app to tackle drug abuse
Minjur desalination plant to be partially operational soon
City hospital launches diabetic foot care clinic
4 persons arrested for taking away car after assaulting its driver
Commuters demand lift, parking space at railway station in Gummidipoondi
They complain about the slow progress of its renovation under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.They also seek adequate passenger amenities and an increase in the speed limit on the loop line
Viksit Bharat 2047: Indias MedTech Aspirations to Lead the Global Market for Quality Devices
From prognosis to diagnosis, from safe delivery to critical brain & cardiac bypass surgery, from simple fracture to complex knee implantation, advancements in MedTech industry across the world has supported the medical fraternity to save lives and better the conditions of living. In India, the land of Susruta, Med Tech is considered a strategic sector and the Government of India is invested in its growth. Driven by policy backing, cost advantages and capital inflows the sector is currently valued at approximately $1620 billion with $4 billion in exports. From consumables to a number of high-end medical equipments are manufactured in the country. Domestic manufacturing jumped from about Rs 39000 Cr in 2019-20 to over Rs 80,000 Cr in 2025-26. Indian Medtech sector has had good presence of multinational companies from USA and Europe, manufacturing imaging & diagnostic equipment since a number of years. Now in the last decade, Indian companies have also entered the radio-diagnostic and radiotherapy equipment manufacturing. Further, the growth of the sector has been wide spread and expanding to tier 2 and tier 3 cities also. Some of the distinctive MedTech Products Manufactured in India Company Major Products Primary Manufacturing Plant Meril Life Sciences Heart valves, stents, robotics, IVD Vapi, Gujarat Poly Medicure Ltd. IV cannula, infusion therapy, dialysis Faridabad, Haryana Transasia Bio-Medicals Clinical chemistry, hematology, IVD analysers Daman & Uttarakhand Trivitron Healthcare Imaging, laboratory diagnostics, ICU equipment Chennai, Tamil Nadu Allengers Medical Systems X-ray, C-arm, cath lab, radiology equipment Mohali, Punjab Skanray Technologies Ventilators, anaesthesia workstations Mysuru, Karnataka Appasamy Associates Ophthalmic microscopes, phaco systems, IOLs Chennai, Tamil Nadu Agappe Diagnostics Clinical chemistry reagents Kochi, Kerala BPL Medical Technologies ECG, patient monitors, defibrillators Bengaluru, Karnataka J. Mitra & Co. Rapid diagnostic kits, ELISA Okhla Industrial Area, New Delhi G. Surgiwear Absorbable sutures, meshes Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh Biorad Medisys Orthopaedic Implants knee, hip replacement system Pune, Maharashtra Panacea Medical Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Linear Accelerators (LINAC), Cobalt-60 Teletherapy Systems, Brachytherapy Systems, Radiotherapy Accessories Bengaluru, Karnataka Medical devices are the key items of capital investment as well as operating expenses in hospitals, clinics and diagnostic labs. Share of domestic demand more than doubled from 20% in 2022 to 45% in 2025, growing at an annual rate of over 40%. The industry has the potential to reach $30 billion by FY2030, capturing a 1012% global market export share by 2047. Government is actively encouraging Domestic companies to target import-dependent segment. Under PLI Scheme for medical devices 27 greenfield projects have been commissioned and 55+ products are manufactured. Under Medical Devices Park Scheme, three parks across Greater Noida, UP; Ujjain, MP; and Kanchipuram, TN are expected to be operational by early 2027. The Department of Pharmaceuticals is proposing to fast-track 8-10 high-value medical devices, like MRI systems and their components, pacemakers, continuous glucose monitoring devices, advanced ultrasound machines etc with extra support via indigenization and research and development. Key products of MNCs and Indian Companies commissioned under PLI Company Products Envision Scientific Private Limited Stents, PTCA Balloon Catheter GE BE Private Limited PET Detector Nipro India Corporation Private Limited Dialyzer Omron Healthcare Manufacturing India Private Limited Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor Philips Global Business Services LLP MRI Coils Siemens Healthcare Private Limited CT Scan and MRI Varex Imaging Manufacturing India Private Limited Digital X-Ray Flat Panel Detector The focus now is on deepening value chain localization particularly in high-end medical devices and imaging equipment, by developing a strong component manufacturing ecosystem and increasing domestic value addition from the current level of around 25% to 4045%, For the long term the Government plans of building an innovation eco system with strong academia-industry linkage through NIPERs. Government, industry and academia collaboration is important because it turns excellent theories into enduring capabilities, not mere ideas on paper. Quality, branding and reputation is a significant factor for not just domestic growth but also to compete globally. There is a need to invest more in to research and development with strong focus on improved safety, enhanced efficacy, increased affordability. In the last 6 years, Government has brought the medical device regulation at par with the global regulatory best practices, With the strengthening of the medical device vertical in the Central Licensing Authority (CDSCO), the quality of regulation would only improve in the days to come. As the nation marches towards Viksit Bharat@2047, the MedTech sector provides a rather distinct opening to bring together cost gains, innovation, and scalability for sustained momentum. The payoff wont be limited to better access for affordable healthcare at home; it will also help Indian manufacturers become trusted suppliers across international markets. India has historically maintained leadership in the consumables and disposables segment of medical devices. Made in India products have found way into countries across the world. Now the roadmap is to build upon Indias potential as a leader in precision engineering and cost-effective medical devices and to establish it as a choice global supplier of quality, affordable medical devices. (The Author is Secretary, Dept of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers. Courtesy: PIB)
Businessman held for sexual harassment
Govt. orders action on TNHB land redevelopment issues
Stock market consultant held in sexual harassment case
History-sheeter held after mother complains of assault
Commuters and cop nab man who snatched gold chain from woman at railway station
Tamil Cinema Embraces Bengaluru Slang, Reflects Evolving Urban Culture
TN agriculture budget goal: More irrigation, more grain
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Calls Meeting on Delimitation for August 8
Chennai, August 6: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister S. Joseph Vijay has convened a consultation meeting with all Members of Parliament from the state to discuss the central governments proposed delimitation process and its potential impact on Tamil Nadu. The meeting is scheduled for August 8 at 3 PM at Kalaiyavanar Arangam in Chepauk, Chennai, and ... Read more Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Calls Meeting on Delimitation for August 8
200 sandalwood and 300 teak trees illegally cut at Tanuvas research station nearChennai
Climate change, told through Kattaikkuttu
IIT-M startup Solinas raises $5.5 mn, led by Hero Ventures
Indias pumped storage project pipeline swells to 24 GW
Chennai metro achieves 24th tunnel breakthrough in Phase II project
Plea to operate weekly, tri-weekly express trains daily from Kanniyakumari to Chennai
Senior National Shooting Coach Under SAI Scrutiny; NRAI Denies Allegations
A top national shotgun coach, who is part of India's preparations for the upcoming Asian Games, is under scrutiny following allegations of a conflict of interest over the award of a contract to build a shooting range in Chennai
Tamil Nadu Budget 2026: Healthcare spending continues to rise in State
However, the health announcements in the Budget fell short to address the need to increase manpower
Military Engineer Services in Chennai gets new chief
Nine arrested for stabbing Chennai man to death in Coimbatore
Chennai court issues NBW against DMK's K Ponmudi in hate speech case
A Chennai court issued a non-bailable warrant for former minister K Ponmudi. He failed to appear in a criminal case concerning alleged hate speech. The case involves remarks made about women and religious groups in April 2025. His petition for medical exemption was dismissed due to lack of records. The trial was directed to proceed within six months by the high court.
Chennai-based Qubit founder shares journey after leaving Rs 1 crore US job to launch startup
Vivek Thiruvengadam left a Rs 1 crore US job to start Qubit Fitness in India. He returned with his family after fourteen years abroad and began with savings. The entrepreneur launched his venture in January 2021 without an office or team. His business expanded over six years, achieving financial goals and personal satisfaction. Thiruvengadam credits consistency and patience for his entrepreneurial success.
Vikra Ocean Tech builds underwater robots for inspection, survey and defence work
The Chennai-based company makes remotely operated vehicles, autonomous surface vessels and crawling robots, along with the cameras and lighting that go on them.
Tamil Nadus Chief Minister Unveils Inclusive Development Budget for 2026-27
Chennai, August 6: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay congratulated Finance Minister N. Mari Wilson and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister R. Vinoth on the presentation of the revised budget for 2026-27 and the agriculture budget. He emphasized that these budgets are designed to promote inclusive development and strengthen the livelihoods of all segments of society. ... Read more Tamil Nadus Chief Minister Unveils Inclusive Development Budget for 2026-27
Tambaram police bust gang trafficking ganja through India Post parcels
Investigation revealed that turmeric powder had been sprinkled over the contraband to mask its odour during transportation, while the parcels were allegedly presented as consignments of turmeric
Kauvery Hospital and Chennai International Airport jointly inaugurated the HeartSafe Initiative, with the installation of 13 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across the airport to strengthen its ability to respond swiftly to sudden cardiac emergencies. An AED is a portable, easy-to-use device that analyses the hearts rhythm and, when necessary, delivers a controlled electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat. Kauvery Hospital and Chennai Airport inaugurated the HeartSafe Initiative by commissioning 13 AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) at the airport The initiative was inaugurated in the presence of Mr. Raja Kishore, Director, Chennai International Airport, and Dr Manivannan Selvaraj - Founder and Managing Director Kauvery Group of Hospitals, along with senior officials from the airport and Kauvery Hospital. Kauvery Hospital has been operating 24x7 emergency medical services at Chennai International Airport through four clinics strategically located at T1 Arrival, T2 Departure, T2 Security Hold Area (SHA), and T4 Arrival. The service is staffed by a dedicated team of 49 healthcare professionals, including emergency physicians, nurses, paramedics and support staff, who provide prompt medical assessment, stabilisation and emergency care to passengers, airport personnel, airline crew and visitors. The clinics are further supported by two fully equipped ambulances stationed at the airside and cityside, ensuring rapid emergency response and timely patient transfer when required. Each clinic manages approximately 80-100 patients a month, bringing the total to an estimated 320-400 patients across all four clinics. These include medical emergencies, onboard in-flight emergencies, walk-in consultations, and patients requiring stabilisation and transfer to higher centres. On average, 5-10 of these patients present with cardiac-related conditions, most commonly chest pain, palpitations and high blood pressure, underscoring the critical need for rapid cardiac response capabilities within the airport environment. The addition of AEDs further strengthens this comprehensive emergency care ecosystem, ensuring that life-saving intervention is available during the critical first few minutes of a sudden cardiac arrest. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Raja Kishore, Director, Chennai International Airport , said: Chennai International Airport is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for every passenger, visitor and employee. The installation of the Automated External Defibrillator is an important step towards strengthening our emergency medical preparedness. We appreciate Kauvery Hospital for its continued partnership through the 24x7 airport medical clinics and for extending its expertise to enhance our capability to respond swiftly during medical emergencies. Together, we are creating an airport ecosystem where timely intervention can help save lives . Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Manivannan Selvaraj, Founder and Managing Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals , said, In a sudden cardiac arrest, every minute without treatment reduces the chance of survival. When high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is started immediately and an AED is used within the first few minutes, survival rates improve significantly. Through the HeartSafe Initiative, we have installed 13 AEDs to enable faster life-saving intervention. However, emergency preparedness is about more than just installing AEDs. It requires the right people, the right training and the right systems. At Chennai International Airport, Kauvery Hospitals 24x7 emergency clinics are staffed by experienced emergency physicians, skilled nurses and trained paramedics, supported by advanced medical equipment. The addition of AEDs further strengthens our emergency response capability, helping create a safer environment where passengers, visitors and airport personnel can be assured of rapid, life-saving care when every second matters . The installation of the AED reflects the shared commitment of Chennai International Airport and Kauvery Hospital to creating a safer environment for millions of passengers, employees and visitors who pass through the airport each year. Beyond providing immediate access to advanced emergency equipment, the initiative also underscores the importance of increasing public awareness about recognising cardiac arrest, performing CPR and using an AED until professional medical help arrives.
Tamil Nadu Budget 2026 promises fresh push for Cooum, Adyar rivers restoration in Chennai
The government would invite global tenders, prepare detailed feasibility and project reports to transform the rivers into citys defining landmarks
The Tamil Nadu government has been pursuing the proposal to create a Metro Rail connectivity from Hosur in Krishnagiri district till Bommasandra in Karnataka with the Centre and the Karnataka government.
IITM-incubated deeptech startup Solinas Integrity raises $5.5M
Founded by Divanshu Kumar and Moinak Banerjee, Chennai-based Solinas builds robotics and AI systems that inspect, clean, and digitise underground water and wastewater infrastructure, solving problems of water leakages, contamination, and manual scavenging.
Gold price today: On August 6, 2026, gold prices surged dramatically throughout India, as Tanishq and Malabar Gold & Diamonds displayed increased rates. The Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association confirmed the striking rise in both gold and silver values, impacting major metropolitan areas such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. Consumers were quick to notice these changes in pricing on Thursday.
Chennais Pelathope hosts namma theru our design to preserve cultural heritage amid urban development
Organized by architect Shreya Krishnan, the event highlights the communitys cultural identity and seeks to integrate heritage into urban planning for Pelathopes future.
M K Stalin slams TVK govt, calls agriculture budget empty for ignoring drought-hit farmers
President of the DMK, M K Stalin, voiced his discontent regarding the agricultural budget released by the Tamil Nadu government. He contended that the budget disregards the ongoing drought challenges and lacks support for delta farmers. According to Stalin, the focus is misplaced, concentrating on renaming previous initiatives rather than addressing farmers' genuine concerns. He emphasized that DMK MLAs will continue to champion farmers' rights throughout the assembly proceedings.
What to see at Contemporary Now 2026 in Chennai: Exhibitions, talks and artist walkthroughs
From August 8 to 25, Contemporary Now transforms Chennai into a city-wide gallery, bringing together 66 artists, seven leading galleries, exhibitions, talks, workshops and artist walkthroughs across museums and cultural spaces
21 MPs urge TN governor to restore Tamil anthem convention at official events
Rosary in Assembly, prayers at Tirumala: Personal faith marks Tamil Nadu's budget sessions
Tamil Nadu ministers' personal faith expressions during budget presentations drew attention this week. Finance minister Marie Wilson carried a rosary into the Assembly before presenting the revised Budget. Agriculture minister R Vinoth offered prayers at Tirumala temple before tabling his budget. Vinoth faced criticism for carrying a budget document outside the state. The events sparked discussions on secularism and government document confidentiality.
How Chennais Zifo Open Quiz outlasted sponsors, a pandemic and changing times
Chennais iconic Zifo Open Quiz returns this Independence Day, bringing with it 33 years of trivia, tradition and fierce competition
Tamil Nadu Agriculture Budget Highlights: Farmers AI Scheme, Vetri Farmers Award and many more
The state finance minister outlined a USD 1.5 trillion economy goal by 2031. Significant allocations were made for school modernization and digital learning initiatives. The government also proposed new residential schools and a law college. Measures to address state finances and welfare schemes were also detailed.
Solinas Integrity, an IIT Madras-incubated climate deep-tech and robotics company, today announced a USD 5.5 million Series A1 funding round led by Hero Enterprise Partner Ventures and co-led by Mela Ventures, with participation from Luthra Group. Existing investor SBI Ventures, through the SVL-SME Fund, doubled down on its position, alongside continued backing from Rainmatter and 8X Ventures Fund I. The round follows Solinas's Series A, led by SBI Ventures through the SVL-SME Fund (Neev II) in May 2024, and underscores the deepening alignment between India's climate-tech innovation ecosystem and global sustainability-focused capital. Team Solinas Integrity, robotics startup incubated at IIT Madras, backed by Hero Enterprise, Mela Ventures, SBI Ventures, Rainmatter, Luthra Group and 8X Ventures Founded by Divanshu Kumar and Moinak Banerjee, Solinas builds robotics and AI systems that inspect, clean, and digitize underground water and wastewater infrastructure, solving problems of water leakages, contamination & elimination of manual scavenging . Its technology is deployed across 35+ cities and 15+ states in India, with expanding operations in the Middle East, helping utilities run safer, smarter networks. Solinas has come this far by proving that the technology & the model works, city after city, contract after contract, at a sizable scale. As we enter our next phase, we have the leadership team as well as the backing of mission aligned institutional investors in place to build Indias largest tech company in the underground asset management space. From here, were also planning to extendinto adjacent, highstakes sectors starting with Oil & Gas and Defence, where the same discipline around critical, unseen infrastructure applies , said Divanshu Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO of Solinas Integrity . Solinas will use the fresh capital to scale aggressively deepening penetration in existing markets while expanding into new states and municipal corporations across India, and building out its international footprint with a strategic focus on the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The company will also accelerate development of next-generation robotic inspection and cleaning technologies, strengthen its AI-powered software and asset management platforms, and expand its industrial solutions portfolio positioning Solinas as India's first end-to-end value creator for underground infrastructure, engineered to global technology standards. Solinas is targeting Rs. 100 crore in revenue by FY28, driven by growth in its core water and sanitation business alongside continued momentum in industrial asset management. Commenting on the fundraise, Sunil Kant Munjal (Chairman, Hero Enterprise) , At Hero Enterprise, we have long believed that India's most consequential infrastructure challenges will be solved not by incremental fixes, but by bold, technology-first thinking. Solinas Integrity embodies exactly that conviction, a team that has taken the hardest problem in urban infrastructure, underground water and wastewater networks, and reimagined it from the ground up with robotics. Their work directly addresses water security, worker safety, and the long-term resilience of our cities. This investment reflects our commitment to backing entrepreneurs who are building for India's future with both scale and purpose. Commenting on the fundraise, Krishnakumar Natarajan (Managing Partner, Mela Ventures): Current methods of maintaining Indias water infrastructure are manual, hazardous, time-consuming, and costly, with virtually no visibility into what lies beneath. Solinas is changing that through a vertically integrated robotics platform that maps underground infrastructure, diagnoses issues, and delivers end-to-end solutions. At Mela Ventures, we have followed Divanshu and the teams journey for four years, and their growth has been remarkable. Backing fearless founders solving globally hard problems from India is core to our investment philosophy, and Solinas is one of the best examples of that, Krishnakumar Natarajan, Managing Partner, Mela Ventures. Commenting on the fundraise, Akshay Panth (CIO, Neev Funds, SBI Ventures Limited) said, Solinas Integrity has done what few deep-tech companies manage - translating genuine engineering innovation into repeatable commercial traction at the exact intersection of water security, worker safety, and climate resilience. This follow-on reflects Neevs conviction that technology-led transformation in underserved infrastructure sectors is where India's next decade of impact will be built . Kumbhat Advisors, led by Akash Sethia, served as Exclusive Financial Advisor to the transaction. About Solinas Integrity Solinas Integrity, founded by Divanshu Kumar and Moinak Banerjee and incubated at IIT Madras, is a climate deep-tech company transforming the management of urban water and wastewater infrastructure. Through its proprietary robotics, AI-powered analytics, and digital asset management solutions, the company enables utilities and municipalities to inspect, clean, digitize, and manage underground networks more efficiently. The company is also leveraging its robotics and AI capabilities in the industrial sector, where it already works with leading automotive, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing companies for asset inspection and management, providing a strong foundation for further expansion in the industrial infrastructure market. Its innovations, including robotic inspection platforms and the Manhole Cleaning Robot, are helping drive safer, smarter, and more sustainable sanitation operations. Recognized and honoured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Solinas solutions have been deployed across 35+ cities and 15+ states in India, enabling large-scale inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of underground water and wastewater systems. The company has worked with leading urban utilities and municipal bodies including Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), Sangli, Miraj Municipal Corporation, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation, Tripura Jal Board, Greater Chennai Corporation, and Noida Authority. To date, Solinas has executed 100+ projects, identified over 25,000 defects across underground networks, and served 20+ industrial clients. Its technology supports significant reductions in water loss, saving up to 600,000 litres per kilometre of inspection per day while lowering operational costs by up to five times.. About Hero Enterprise Partner Ventures Hero Enterprise Partner Ventures is the investment arm of Hero Enterprise, led by Chairman Sunil Kant Munjal. Rooted in over six decades of entrepreneurial legacy, Hero Enterprise channels the groups deep industrial heritage into backing the next generation of transformative businesses. Headquartered in New Delhi, Hero Enterprise Partner Ventures invests across growth-stage and deep-tech ventures that are entrepreneurial in nature, sustainable in scope, and potentially global in scale. The Investment Office focuses on companies with innovative business models and technologies that embed the principles of inclusive growth, with particular interest in climate resilience, clean infrastructure, applied AI, and impact-driven sectors. Hero Enterprise seeks to partner with founders building enduring enterprises that create measurable value for India and the world. About Mela Ventures Mela Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on DeepTech, EnterpriseTech, and ClimateTech companies. With a portfolio spanning GalaxEye, Mindgrove, Vunet, and other category-defining startups, Mela Ventures focuses exclusively on the B2B technology segment, with a sharp eye for category creators building scalable solutions to globally relevant problems. Melas Managing partners are Krishnakumar N and Parthasarathy NS, who previously founded Mindtree, a multi-billion-dollar IT services leader. www.melaventures.in About SVL-SME Fund SVL-SME Fund (Neev II) - is a private equity fund managed by SBI Ventures Limited, (a subsidiary of State Bank of India; and manages ~INR 300 Bn across different strategies including climate-tech investments, real estate and Fund of funds). Neev II aims to bridge the private equity gap required for Indias transition towards climate resilience and low emissions. The fund invests growth capital in high impact and commercially attractive business models across priority sectors including clean energy, circular economy, energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure. sbiventures.co.in/funds-managed/neev-fund-ii
Tamil Nadu Government Launches Training Program for 22,500 Electric Vehicle Technicians
Chennai, August 6: The Tamil Nadu government is set to initiate a specialized skill development program aimed at training 22,500 individuals in electric vehicle (EV) servicing over the next five years. This initiative will include 12,500 mechanics who work roadside on two-wheelers and four-wheelers. The government is preparing the states traditional automotive workforce for the ... Read more Tamil Nadu Government Launches Training Program for 22,500 Electric Vehicle Technicians
Heavy Rain Alert for Four Districts in Tamil Nadu
Chennai, August 6: The Meteorological Department has issued a warning for heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds in parts of four districts in Tamil Nadu on Thursday and Friday. Additionally, moderate rainfall is expected in several other districts over the next few days. According to the weather forecast, heavy rain is likely in Coimbatore, Theni, ... Read more Heavy Rain Alert for Four Districts in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadus First Agricultural Budget: Farmers Anticipate Loan Waivers and MSP Announcements
Chennai, August 6: Tamil Nadus Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, R. Vinod, is set to present the states separate agricultural budget for 2026-27 in the assembly on Thursday. Farmers are hopeful for significant announcements regarding crop loan waivers, higher minimum support prices (MSP), and measures to address climate-related challenges. This agricultural budget comes a ... Read more Tamil Nadus First Agricultural Budget: Farmers Anticipate Loan Waivers and MSP Announcements
Beyond Frontiers Trust launched in Chennai
The Trusts outreach model includes screening and early diagnosis, provision of medicines, referrals to higher centres, maintenance of health records and follow-up consultations
Dr. M. S. Swaminathan Award for Environment Protection 2026 presented to two women
8g gold for brides, health and biz schemes bring cheer to women
TN looks at booze to give economy a high
Vijay Govt Is Betting On Additional Revenues From Revised Liquor Pricing, Better GST Compliance And New Land Guideline Values, Besides Savings Through Controlled Spending
TVK takes budget bus to villages ahead of local body elections
Tamil Nadu seeks centres nod for three Chennai metro extensions
Vijay govt puts vetri stamp on welfare schemes, retains blueprint of DMK & AIADMK
Youth, education, and sports at centre of economic vision
TN allots 13,561 crore to transport sector, to induct 1,000 AC electric buses in Chennai
13 Automated External Defibrillators installed at Chennai airport
State selection committee publishes MBBS, BDS ineligibility list
TN budget 2026-27: CM Vijays MAWS dept gets budget hike, eyes restoration of Cooum & Adyar rivers
Global tenders will be called for, says finance minister
Contempt of court no more rare, laments HC; summons 2 IAS officers
Thangam Thennarasu flays budget, says it exposes govts fiscal inefficiency
Freshworks posts GAAP profit in Q2 after rejig; revenue up 16%
TN govt plans Olympic Centres in 10 locations
Real-time mineral monitoring system to curb illegal mining: Govt
Tamil Nadu budget 2026-27: The repair has begun, finance minister says
Give bill for every purchase; maintain queue, HC tells Tasmac
Tamil Nadu budget: Vijay plays uncle, bro in balancing act
Inspector suspended after being arrested for extortion
MK Stalin Critiques TVK Governments First Budget as Disappointing
Chennai, August 5: MK Stalin, the leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, has labeled the TVK governments inaugural budget as disappointing. He stated that the budget lacks innovative thinking and fails to present a visionary plan for the states future. Stalin accused the government of ignoring major ... Read more MK Stalin Critiques TVK Governments First Budget as Disappointing
New England Test Coach Stephen Fleming Approaches Hussey For Batting Coach Role: Report
While Australian David Saker: Newly-appointed England red-ball head coach Stephen Fleming has approached former Australian batter Michael Hussey to join his support staff as the team's batting coach, said a report by 7News Australia on Wednesday. Fleming, who was handed the reins of the Test side recently after the sacking of Brendon McCullum, reached out to Hussey, 51, to gauge his interest in taking up the role. The report also said although no formal contract has been offered yet by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Hussey remains Fleming's primary choice for the position. Hussey is currently coaching Welsh Fire in 'The Hundred' and is yet to make a decision regarding his availability for the assignment. He also serves as the batting coach of five-time IPL winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where Fleming had been the head coach since 2009. The potential appointment would see a remarkable Ashes reunion 14 years after Hussey last played for Australia in 2013. Fleming and Hussey share a long-standing professional relationship spanning over 15 years, having first played together for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, before working together as coach and assistant coach at the franchise. Fleming, the former New Zealand captain, is scheduled to officially take charge of the England side during their three-match Test tour of South Africa in December. Former England batter Marcus Trescothick will serve as interim head coach for the upcoming three-Match Test series against Pakistan, starting August 19 at Headingley. The potential appointment would see a remarkable Ashes reunion 14 years after Hussey last played for Australia in 2013. Fleming and Hussey share a long-standing professional relationship spanning over 15 years, having first played together for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, before working together as coach and assistant coach at the franchise. Also Read: Live Cricket Score As of now, Simmons is a bowling consultant at CSK and had been Indias bowling coach when they won the 2011 Mens ODI World Cup and even worked in the South Africa set-up. Article Source: IANS
Udhayanidhi calls Tamil Nadu budget a big zero, EPS asks what happened to TVKs poll promises
Udhayanidhi criticised the TVK govt saying that they indulged in only changing the names of the schemes and projects of the previous DMK govt.
Tamil Nadu CM Honors Commonwealth Medal-Winning Athletes
Chennai, August 5: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay honored athletes from the state who won medals at the Commonwealth Games 2026. The ceremony took place at the Secretariat on Wednesday, where the CM presented checks totaling 80 lakh to medalists Raja Muthupandi, Praveen Chitrawel, and Selva Prabhu. To establish Tamil Nadu as Indias ... Read more Tamil Nadu CM Honors Commonwealth Medal-Winning Athletes
TN Budget Eyes Cross-Border Metro Rail Link with Karnataka's Bommasandra
In his Budget address, the minister stated that the construction of Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail Project, spanning 118.9 km across three corridors at an estimated completion cost of Rs 63,246 crore, is progressing at full speed
Tata Projects bags Rs 670 cr order from RMZ for Chennai commercial project
Tata Projects secured a Rs 670.24 crore order from RMZ. This contract is for the main civil works of a commercial development. The project involves complete core and shell construction for the Chennai site. It includes civil, structural, and architectural works for the development. This order adds to RMZ's growing Chennai property portfolio.
Tamil Nadu unveils new interest subsidy scheme for women SHGs
