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Swiggy Instamart's 2025 report reveals diverse quick commerce usage, from Rs 10 printouts to Rs 4.3 lakh iPhones, with a top spender reaching Rs 22 lakh. Tier-II cities like Rajkot saw significant order growth, while daily essentials like curry leaves and eggs were frequently reordered. Mondays emerged as popular gifting days, and a Bengaluru customer tipped Rs 68,600.
Indias longest double-decker viaduct to come up in chennai
CHENNAI: Indias longest double-decker viaduct, comprising a six-lane elevated highway on the lower deck and a metro corridor on the upper level, has been proposed for an 18.4-km stretch between the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) at Kilambakkam and Chettipunniyam near Mahindra City on GST Road in Chennai. The state government has granted in-principle approval to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for constructing the six-lane elevated corridor with pillars designed to accommodate a future metro line. Once completed, it is expected to be the longest double-decker viaduct in the country, and possibly the world. Currently, the longest double-decker viaduct in the metro category is a 5.6-km stretch on Kamptee Road under the Nagpur Metro project. The decision for the proposed corridor was taken at a recent meeting chaired by Chief Secretary N Muruganandam with the state highways, CMRL, NHAI and other officials last week. Tenders to be invited after revised DPR gets nod After the completion of the Airport-KCBT Metro line for 15.46 km, which is yet to receive approval from the union government, the second phase of the metro project will be taken up from KCBT to Chengalpattu, official sources said. At present, under Corridor 5 (Madhavaram-Sholinganallur) of Chennai Metro Rail Limiteds Phase II project, CMRL has constructed a 3.14-km-long, four-lane elevated flyover on Mount-Poonamallee Road between Mugalivakkam and Ramapuram (MIOT hospital). The structure also accommodates a metro line above the highway, though this stretch is yet to be opened to the public. According to sources from the NHAI, concerns over the alignment for future metro expansion along the Kilambakkam-Chengalpattu stretch have been resolved by the state government. The government has granted in-principle approval for constructing the 18.4-km elevated corridor from the KCBT to Chettipunniyam. Earlier, the proposal had included a Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) along the highway to ease congestion in the southern Chennai corridor without significant land acquisition. The state government has now agreed to share the additional costs involved in providing structural provisions for future metro expansion, a NHAI official told TNIE. The official added that the detailed project report (DPR) will be revised to incorporate the updated metro alignment. Once the revised DPR receives necessary approvals, tenders will be invited, the official said. The proposal to build the elevated corridor was first mooted in 2022, but progress was delayed due to issues related to the metro alignment for future expansion in South Chennai. The dedicated bus lane proposed on the elevated corridor is likely to be retained in the revised DPR, the official added. Originally, the project envisaged entry and exit ramps at three locations, with the total cost estimated at Rs 3,400 crore. It may be recalled that two months ago, the state government approved the extension of the Chennai Metros Blue Line from the airport to KCBT, with stations planned at Pallavaram, Chromepet, Tambaram and Vandalur. Funds were also allocated for land acquisition and utility shifting.
On December 23, 2025, gold prices in India range from Rs 13,485 per 1 gram for 24K gold and Rs 12,361 per 1 gram for 22K gold. Silver is priced at Rs 2,11,000 per kilogram. Check city-wise rates here.
Criminals claim digital arrest of girl to scam parents of 75K
Drunken man makes hoax bomb threat to CMs house
Fresh peas abound at Koyambedu
Choosing the right grass for your garden
A lush green lawn is still the dream backdrop for most Indian homes, terraces, and housing societies. But behind that soft green carpet is a very practical question: which grass should you plant? Two options commonly offered by nurseries today are carpet grass (ready lawn rolls) and Paspalum grass (often pronounced and sold locally as prosopyllum). Both are green and beautiful, but they behave very differently once they are in your soil. Carpet grass: Instant lawn for harsh sun Carpet grass is what most people picture when they think of a ready-made lawn. It usually comes as pre-grown slabs or rolls, often around 6 ft X 1 ft in size, that can simply be laid on a prepared surface of red soil. Within a day, your bare patch of earth can look like a finished, manicured lawn. These carpets are ideal for areas with intense, direct sun open terraces, front lawns without trees, or building entrances that get full-day light. Many common carpet varieties are based on warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Korean carpet lawn, which love strong sun and can handle heavy foot traffic. However, the same lawn that looks so perfect on Day one has one big weakness: water stress. Ready carpets need regular irrigation, especially in the first few weeks when they are trying to bond with the soil below and extend their roots. If watering is neglected and the carpet dries out badly, large patches can die off. Once that happens, they usually do not bounce back on their own those dead sections must be cut out and replaced with new pieces, which means extra cost and a patchy look for some time. In short, carpet grass is like instant photography: beautiful and quick, but it needs consistent care to stay that way. Paspalum (Prosopyllum): Slow starter, strong survivor The second option, Paspalum lawn grass, behaves very differently. Instead of arriving as a ready carpet, it is typically planted like paddy small seedlings or clumps are dibbled into the soil at regular spacing, and over time they spread and knit into a continuous lawn. Paspalum prefers bright light but not the harshest, full-day sun. It does well in areas with a few hours of shade, such as between buildings, under light tree cover, or east-facing gardens that get morning sun and softer afternoon light. Modern Paspalum varieties are known for their good drought and salt tolerance and their ability to recover from stress once water is available again. As climate extremes and water shortages become more common, Indian gardeners will increasingly need to match grass not just to aesthetics, but to sun, soil, and water reality on the ground. A little understanding at the time of planting can save a lot of money, heartache, and replanting later and keep our cities greener, sustainably. Which one should you choose? Think of these two grasses as two personalities Carpet grass Carpet grass is the showstopper for new projects that need an instant finished look Perfect for full-sun sites like terraces and open lawns Best for homeowners or societies ready to commit to regular watering and maintenance Paspalum Paspalum is the practical workhorse for semi-shaded or bright-but-not-scorching spaces Best for plots where water supply may be inconsistent Works for people willing to wait a few months for coverage in exchange for a more forgiving, come-back-from-stress lawn This is the crucial difference If a carpet lawn dries up, the dead patches usually need to be replaced. If Paspalum dries and turns brown, the root system often survives; with improved watering, the grass can regrow and fill in again over time. While Paspalum doesnt give you that instant before-and-after photo in a single day, it rewards patience with better resilience and lower replacement costs in the long run, especially where water supply is uncertain.
North Chennai to World Cup: Back-to-back carrom champions rise through struggle and skill
Carrom is a quiet theatre of geometry and nerve, a powdered square where whites and blacks wait their turn, and the red queen holds her breath in the middle. A flick of the finger sends intent gliding across the wooden board, and the collisions of coins echo like measured decisions. It is a game of patience and precision where control and calm take centre stage. The carrom board has always been a staple in Tamil homes and schools, often brought out between homework, during holidays, and in the evenings, teaching the players the importance of focus and precision. But on the silver screen, the game was rarely allowed this innocence. Cinema repeatedly pushed carrom into dimly lit rooms, claiming it was almost exclusively for rowdies and villains from Baashha , where gangsters gather around a board like a council of power, to Kaakha Kaakha , where villains play with casual cruelty. For every such loaded symbol that cinema fixes in place, resistance inevitably follows sometimes loud and confrontational, and other times, quiet and transformative. In the case of carrom, it is the latter: a series of powerful wins that is gently undoing decades of stereotyping. Youngsters today, especially young women from North Chennai, are reclaiming the board not merely at home or in schools, but in tournaments and games, representing the country on the world stage. And in the lineup of these youngsters stands the recent world champion, L Keerthana. After securing three gold medals at the Maldives this month and winning the World Cup, the 22-year-old returned home to a grand welcome from her neighbourhood. The scale of the victory, however, brought with it a flood of media appointments. When she sits down with CE, her answers come out polished and precise almost templated, as though carefully rehearsed so no name on her mental list of gratitude is missed. I want to thank my family, my late father, especially, for teaching me the game when I was just six years old. Then my mentor, Nithiyarajan, who motivated me and helped me get back on my feet when I was at my lowest. Then my coach, Maria Irudayam sir, Amudhan sir from the Chennai District Carrom Association (CDCA), Chief Minister MK Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, and Thiruvottiyur MLA KP Shankar. But a few questions in, away from glaring lights and watchful cameras, Keerthana begins to ease into the conversation, her guard softening, her voice opening up to reveal the person behind the victory. The high that follows a grand win is familiar to every champion, but the road that leads there is rarely shared. The path this young woman speaks of was shaped by poverty and grief and sustained by persistence, made possible by the immense support of her mentors. Multiple restarts Keerthana practised the game from a young age. She rose to represent clubs, the district, and the state, but then came the fall. Her fathers death, a failed Class 10, the loss of both studies and sport, and the Covid lockdown that pushed her family into poverty. She took up work in a steel patra unit. But a few months later, she found her way back. Despite long workdays, she either woke up before dawn to practise or would play late into the night, slowly reclaiming the game that had once slipped from her hands. Nithiyarajan says, For her, it was like what they say in Tamil, Thottil palakkam sudugaadu varaikum (Habits formed in the cradle last until the cremation ground or death). When she was young, she used to teach my son to play. I couldnt let her end her carrom career while my son was going for tournaments and games, and so, I decided to support her and take her to tournaments. With his support, Keerthana restarted, returning through a state match in 2022 and rising swiftly to the nationals in Mumbai, where she finished third. That season, Nithiyarajan stepped in to cover her expenses, and soon after, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) recognised her talent, offering a one-year contract, 2023-24, with a steady stipend that allowed her to train and play without worry. But when the contract ended, the support fell away, and poverty once again pushed her back into work. This time around, I joined as a carrom teacher at a private school, Keerthana says, adding that she restarted once again in 2025. In this stretch, she went on to win the nationals for Tamil Nadu after a decade-long gap, and then carried that momentum all the way to a World Cup victory. But Keerthana isnt the only one keeping the momentum alive. Just a year ago, Khazima M Basha became the youngest-ever womens world carrom champion. Interestingly, the two back-to-back World Cup winners have been neighbours since childhood and even played for the same club until very recently. We have known each other since we were children, and we are friends. I am really happy that she won the World Cup this year, Khazima says, adding how they didnt just share the same streets and practice halls, but a journey of friendly rivalry and mutual inspiration. Keerthana was felicitated by the CM Stalin and Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin Vada Chennai and carrom These wins from North Chennai immediately raise questions about what that region is doing differently and correctly to produce top players. Nithiyarajan points out that numerous clubs are actively introducing children to the game, and many working-class parents are seeing it as a pathway to scholarships and government job opportunities. But does this mean the talent is coming solely or to an overwhelming extent from North Chennai? Maria Irudayam, the two-time World Carrom Champion and nine-time national champion, who is now the secretary, Tamil Nadu Carrom Association, disagrees. Players are coming from across Chennai, not just from Vada Chennai. We have no numbers to prove that the talent is solely coming from Vada Chennai, either. Many players from here have played till nationals, but undeniably, the wins, especially these last two years World Cup wins, have come from the players here, he says. In fact, Maria believes that the theory of North Chennai harbouring this talent could have held even in his youth, when board rooms were everywhere. Just within two streets of his then-residence in Periamet, he recalls, there were four or five board rooms. But over time, as police began encountering individuals with criminal records frequenting these spaces, authorities started requiring licences for board rooms and with that, the harmless game of carrom gradually became tagged as a rowdys pursuit, he says. Asserting that talents are coming from across the city, he informs that the other regions producing notable carrom talent in the state include Coimbatore, Tiruchy and Madurai. Many promising juniors are coming out of Villupuram district too, he adds. Keerthana and Khazimas wins, however, have brought some state-led infrastructural support to Vada Chennai. After Khazimas win, for instance, Udhayanidhi Stalin improved the board room facility run by her father. It now runs with complete air conditioning and multiple carrom boards with stands and chairs, buzzing with up-and-coming players. Despite better infrastructure to help players, the talents emerging from Vada Chennai often share familial backgrounds similar to Keerthanas. Many children here are coming from the same kind of background as I. They are learning at clubs and trying to win big. I will continue to play my game but also teach those children so they come up in life too, she notes. And when asked how she hopes the sport will change circumstances, she speaks of a simple yet heartfelt dream: a better home, with space to display her medals and trophies. Many of my big trophies are at the club because I have no place to keep them at home. The smaller cups are all stored away in huge vessels that we dont use. I wish that I would soon shift with my family to a better house, and build a few shelves on the wall there to display my victories, she says, glancing at her wrist watch shaped and designed like a carrom board. Every tick marks the end of the time she set aside for this interview, yet with each passing second, it also seems to draw her modest dream nearer, almost as if the game itself were quietly steering her toward it.
EPCH organizes 2nd edition of Handicrafts Expo Narsapur 2025
Excelsior Correspondent NARSAPUR, Dec 22: The 2nd edition of Handicrafts Expo Narsapur 2025 organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) was inaugurated today at the International Lace Trade Centre (ILTC), Narsapur, Andhra Pradesh. The Expo was inaugurated today by Bommidi Nayakar, MLA, Narsapuram. The inaugural ceremony was graced by the august presence of Chadalavada Nagarani, Collector, West Godavari District along with Lakshman Rao Atkuri, Regional Director, O/o Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) Chennai, Ministry of Textiles, GoI, K N [] The post EPCH organizes 2nd edition of Handicrafts Expo Narsapur 2025 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Tamil Nadu removed from state buses, triggers protests
Stalin to Interact with Youth Under 'Vibe With Stalin' Program
Chennai records lower PM2.5 levels, but dust pollution remains a challenge, finds report
Several locations in Chennai recorded annual average PM2.5 level well below the national standard 40 micrograms per cubic metre; the new assessment links such lower levels to meteorological factors such as sea breeze
Tiruvallur Superintendent of Police Vivekanand Shukla said that technical and field-level investigations uncovered the true nature of the crime, which was initially projected as a case of accidental snake bite death
DMK intensifies minorities outreach
Kolkata-Based Lottery Firm Emerges Top Donor to DMK and AIADMK
Pondy Lt.Governor calls for CBI,NIA probe in drug racket
Cops refuse to file FIR in sexual harassment case for three days
AAI spends 1cr a year on flyers buggy rides to cab pick-up point
Obstacle race plays out on MC Road daily as pedestrian plaza project in limbo
New panel to coordinate sheltering, skill development of citys homeless
Man murders sister-in-law over petty fight
Duo electrocuted to death during house renovation
Bridge worth 22.41 crore in Vadaperumbakkam opened
Man stabs sister-in-law to death after dispute
Care Earth Trust to host all women birdwatching walks in the city during weekends
Walkathon to promote awareness on Diabetic Retinopathy conducted
Victoria Public Hall is restored and ready for a revival
The restoration ultimately culminates in giving back to the people of Chennai not only a monument to its past, but also access to heritage, and its glory, in the future
Tamil Nadu government employees and teachers to go on strike from January 6
JACTTO-GEO office-bearers made the announcement after holding talks with MinistersE.V.Velu, ThangamThennarasu, andAnbilMaheshPoyyamozhi. They called the negotiations disappointing
Woman cheated of 75,000 after fraudsters claim daughter in London is under digital arrest
Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to trace the fraudsters
As nurses continue protest, Health Minister Ma. Subramanian offers 723 new posts
Despite the offer from the government, nurses affiliated to the Tamil Nadu Nurses Empowerment Association have decided to continue their protest, demanding more negotiations
Youth held for issuing bomb threat to Stalins residence
HC orders strict monitoring to prevent illegal mining in TN
DMK manifesto to focus on job creation, women and farmers welfare, says Kanimozhi
Congress to try and up stakes in TN
A litter loop on a street in Chennai
People from near and far dump garbage at a patch on TVS Avenue Main Road in Anna Nagar West. Complaints to Greater Chennai Corporation usher in prompt clearance of garbage from this spot for a while. But regression to the old state is always round the corner. A permanent solution, not temporary fixes, is needed. And that would draw attention to a systemic issue, says resident Manoj Kumar Venkataramanan
TheDMKopposed SIR from the very beginning, saysUdhayanidhi Stalin
The Deputy Chief Minister says the time frame set for the exercise was insufficient, and more voters have been deleted from the rolls than expected in Tamil Nadu
Researchers develop nanoinjection drug delivery platform for breast cancer drug delivery
The researchers from India and Australia devised a nanoinjection system that delivers the anti-cancer drug, doxorubicin, directly into cancer cells
Indian Navy receives Anjadip, third ASW shallow water craft from GRSE
Delivered in Chennai, the indigenously designed warship has been constructed under a public-private partnership between GRSE and L&T Shipyard
Winners of The Hindu Deepa Kolam contest 2025 felicitated
Krishnappa Gowtham Retires From All Forms Of Cricket
Karnataka State Cricket Association: Former India all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham has called time on his professional cricket career, announcing his retirement from all formats on Monday. The 37-year-old shared the news at a special press conference held at the KSCA Media Lounge, attended by Karnataka State Cricket Association president Venkatesh Prasad, vice-president Sujith Somasundar, and secretary Santosh Menon. Gowtham featured once for India at the international level, making his lone ODI appearance against Sri Lanka on July 23, 2021. His only international wicket came in that match, when he dismissed wicketkeeper Minod Bhanuka. He rose to prominence in the Indian Premier League when he became the most expensive uncapped Indian player at the IPL 2021 auction, after being snapped up by Chennai Super Kings for INR 9.25 crore. That record later changed hands, first with Avesh Khan and more recently with Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Across his IPL career, Gowtham has turned out for Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. His final appearance in the league came in May 2024, representing Lucknow Super Giants against Sunrisers Hyderabad. In 36 IPL matches, the spin-bowling all-rounder scored 247 runs at a strike rate of 166.90, while also taking 21 wickets at an economy rate of 8.24. Beyond the IPL, he enjoyed solid returns in domestic cricket, finishing with 737 runs and 116 wickets from 32 first-class games. In List A cricket, he scored 400 runs and claimed 51 wickets in 32 matches, while his T20 career saw him amass 454 runs and take 32 wickets across 49 appearances. Across his IPL career, Gowtham has turned out for Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. His final appearance in the league came in May 2024, representing Lucknow Super Giants against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gowtham also represented India A on multiple occasions and came close to earning further international caps in other formats. Known for his resilience and fierce competitiveness, he carved out a career built on grit and determination, leaving behind a reputation as a cricketer who consistently punched above his weight against elite opposition. Article Source: IANS
GRSE delivers anti-submarine warfare SWC 'Anjadip' to Indian Navy
The Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) Anjadip is third in a series of eight such platforms being built at the shipyard. The ship was delivered to the Navy at the Chennai Port Trust.
How Tamil sci-fi writers are bringing science closer to children
New-age Tamil authors writing for children have been consciously working towards making the genre more accessible
Caf run by visually impaired chefs opens in Chennai
Blind Bake Caf, run entirely by visually impaired chefs, is redefining inclusion through enterprise. From baking hundreds of muffins a day to managing busy kitchens at corporate campuses, the caf stands as a quiet revolution where skill, confidence, and opportunity replace stereotypes
Sakib Hussain Ready For Fresh Start In IPL Bandwagon After Being Picked By SRH
Tunna Giri Cricket Academy: Sakib Hussain was at Bihars Vijay Hazare Trophy camp in Patna when Sunrisers Hyderabad picked him for his base price of Rs 30 lakh at the IPL 2026 auction. The move marks the start of a new IPL chapter for Hussain, the right-arm pacer who tasted championship glory with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2024, though he didnt get to play a single game. At the time of the auction, we were at the Vijay Hazare Trophy camp in Patna. When SRH picked me, I felt really good because the things where I had my shortcomings, I did improve on them during the IPL and implemented that in domestic games. I have made sure to leave no stone unturned in overcoming those shortcomings and do well whenever a chance comes to play in the tournament, said Hussain in an exclusive conversation with IANS. Hussains path of coming back to the IPL involved trials with Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and KKR before SRH got him in the auction. Shortly after that, he received an encouraging call from the franchise's bowling coach and former India pacer Varun Aaron. Varun Aaron told me to get ready and that I have to do well and move ahead by working hard. On hearing this, first of all, I thanked him and the SRH team for taking me in. He replied back by telling me that this is just the fruit of your hardwork. Despite not getting a game in IPL 2024, Hussains time with KKR proved invaluable, as the Gopalganj native got masterclass from some of cricket's biggest names like Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh and coach Abhishek Nayar. All of them taught me a lot of good things. Like, the way they planned, playing with a different mindset on match day, and how to judge a player, I got to learn a lot of things there, he said. Hussain also learnt a valuable lesson in KKR - that physical talent alone wouldn't separate the good from the great at a higher level. In my time of being in KKR, one big thing I learnt was cricket is a mind game. The one who thinks well plays well on the field. Everyone is talented, but the one who thinks well, plays well. In the IPL, on a daily basis, you have to think and plan about what to do. Sometimes you have to change your plan in seconds and I got to learn about how to do that. Hussains journey traces back to humble beginnings at Tunna Giri Cricket Academy in Gopalganj, where coach Robin Singh became his pillar of support through every high and low. People like Saket bhaiya, Kumar bhaiya at the academy have supported me. My coach Robin Singh is the most special person in my life. He has helped me through ups and downs, as well as been in my good and bad times. Hes supported me a lot, he said. He also credited the Bihar Cricket Association leadership - President Harsh Vardhan, Rakesh Tiwari, and Secretary Rahul - for creating pathways that helped a small-town cricketer like him to play at the highest level. They all have helped me in going from playing in a small town to such a big stage. They have supported me a lot and I would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart. Looking ahead to his stint with SRH, Hussain is eager to learn from captain Pat Cummins and other international stars in the setup. In IPL, you get a good coach and mentor who can guide you well. But everywhere you go, the main interest is in playing at any given opportunity and that aids your growth. In the Hyderabad team, a lot of legendary players like skipper Pat Cummins are present, as I will get to learn a lot and carry those lessons very well. Hussains bustling pace in his domestic performances caught the attention of IPL scouts, particularly a remarkable 10-wicket haul against Arunachal Pradesh in the first half of Ranji Trophy and taking six wickets in Bihars Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy league games in Kolkata. In matches, I just keep things simple and focus on what I want to do, which was to pick timely breakthroughs. It also helps that I never think too far and keep focus on doing things in the present moment in the match. Hussains bustling pace in his domestic performances caught the attention of IPL scouts, particularly a remarkable 10-wicket haul against Arunachal Pradesh in the first half of Ranji Trophy and taking six wickets in Bihars Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy league games in Kolkata. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Having experienced the euphoria of an IPL title with KKR, Hussain signed off by saying hes hungry to recreate that success in SRH colours. Definitely we will try to become the winning team again in the IPL next year. It will be very good to have a picture there with the trophy again on my Instagram profile. I am very excited to learn a lot and do well to win the trophy for SRH this time. Article Source: IANS
Connolly Eyes IPL 2026 Stint With PBKS As A Platform To Sharpen Spin Bowling Skills
Indian Premier League: Australia's rising left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Cooper Connolly said he is viewing his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) stint with Punjab Kings in 2026 as a crucial opportunity to sharpen his skills as a bowler by learning from elite spinners in the competition. I think I'm still developing my game with the ball. But it's super exciting. I think I'm just going to try to develop my bowling as much as I can. I think what's happened over sort of last three years is there's been a big factor in me trying to get my bowling up to speed. I feel like it's starting to slowly become a threat. It'll be nice to learn off, I guess, some guys there and watch how some guys go about it. But it's something I've been working hard and looking forward to sort of getting stuck in and challenging myself, Connolly told IANS in a virtual round table organised by the franchise on Monday. PBKS acquiring Connolly's services for Rs 3 crore in last weeks auction at Abu Dhabi, came after he hit a match-winning unbeaten 61 off 53 balls in Adelaide against a visiting Indian side in October, where he guided Australia from a precarious 132/4 to chasing 265 and grab a series win. This, though, wasnt Connollys first brush with anything related to India in his cricketing career. Connolly, who modelled his batting on former batter Shaun Marsh (who coincidentally turned out for PBKS from 2008 to 2017 in IPL) toured India with the Australia A side in September-October, where he excelled in the red-ball and white-ball games played in Lucknow and Kanpur. He also attended an intensive 12-day training camp organised by Cricket Australia at the MRF Academy in Chennai in 2023. Connolly agreed that his prior experience of being in Indian conditions should prove to be valuable when playing on different pitches and packed crowds in IPL 2026. It's very valuable. I think I've been to India a couple of times now and any chance we get to go over there is always a chance to sort of understand those conditions. I always take sort of a lot of learnings and obviously it's not as fast and bouncy as Australia, but just sort of the different sort of looking pitches and wickets that can spin. So I've taken a lot of learnings and obviously there's still going to be some time for me to learn a bit more about the conditions when I'm over there. But it's just sort of trying to understand it as quickly as I can so that I get the best out of myself when I'm out there in the middle, he added. For Connolly, who was captaining Australia in the 2022 ICC Under-19 Mens World Cup in the West Indies, his rapid ascent through international cricket has been dizzying. He remains grateful for all the chances coming his way and is keen to maximise the opportunities which can continue his impressive upward trajectory. While Connolly faces stiff competition for entering Australia's T20 World Cup squad given the team's depth, his all-round abilities and the tournament's location in India and Sri Lanka could work in his favour. Everything's happened fast over the last three years; it's been pretty surreal. I've sort of had a couple of moments recently where I've just looked back at what's happened over the last three years. But it's obviously an honour to represent your country in all three formats. I'm still 22, and there's still a lot of cricket for me to play. So, every opportunity I get at the moment, I'm just trying to make the most of it and just put my best foot forward. Connolly is particularly eager to work under PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer, whom he briefly met during the Australia A tour of India. When I was over there for Australia vs India 'A' games, I spoke to him a little bit and just watching him go about his work, he's a world-class player and even watching him in Australia, he's a star. I'm still 22, and there's still a lot of cricket for me to play. So, every opportunity I get at the moment, I'm just trying to make the most of it and just put my best foot forward. Also Read: Live Cricket Score There's obviously some guys that I haven't met yet. So I'm looking forward to getting over there and meeting them all and trying to just pick up everyone's brains and how to play in Indian conditions. But it's going to be an unbelievable tournament, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Government bus conductor harasses 12-year-old in Chennai, kin seek action
CHENNAI: The family of a 12-year-old girl staged protest outside the Valasaravakkam police station on Saturday, demanding the arrest of a government bus conductor who allegedly sexually harassed the child a day earlier. According to police, the incident occurred on Friday morning when the girl was travelling to school in a government mini bus. The conductor allegedly made obscene gestures at the girl and sexually harassed her. The girls parents lodged a complaint at the Valasaravakkam all-women police station and a case was registered. However, when the conductor was not arrested even a day after the FIR was registered, the girls family and members of women and students association staged protest outside the police station on Saturday. Officials pacified the protesters and promised action, following which the protesters dispersed.
NHRC puts UGC and UoM on notice over course offered by Chennai's Loyola college
CHENNAI: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a final reminder to the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the University of Madras (UoM), directing them to submit an additional and detailed report by January 23 in connection with allegations surrounding a foreign diploma programme offered earlier by Loyola College, Chennai. NHRC took cognisance of a complaint by AS Santhosh, general secretary of the Legal Rights Protection Forum, Hyderabad, who alleged that the diploma course with foreign collaboration was being offered without obtaining mandatory approvals, in violation of UGC regulations. The complaint claimed that students were misled into paying substantial fees and were sent abroad on visas, exposing them to potential legal and financial risks. The commission had earlier directed both UGC and the university to conduct inquiries and submit action taken reports. In August, the university submitted a report stating that the allegations were baseless. It maintained that the course Diploma in film making with AI France was introduced by the college based on its autonomous status, had the approval of statutory bodies, and was in compliance with UGC norms. However, the complainant disputed these findings, alleging that the university had failed to address mandatory UGC provisions, governing international academic collaborations. He cited an RTI reply from the university, which according to him indicated that requisite approvals were not obtained. After examining the records, NHRC directed UGC and the university to file detailed responses. When contacted, an official from Loyola College said that both UGC and the university, in their respective inquiries, had found the allegations to be baseless and had permitted the college to offer the course.
Chennai: Thiruvanmiyur depot work stalled as it crosses path with elevated corridor
CHENNAI: The proposed Rs 35-crore redevelopment of Thiruvanmiyur bus terminus in south Chennai has run into a regulatory roadblock, with the Tamil Nadu State Highways Authority flagging a direct conflict between the projects footprint and the alignment of a planned elevated road corridor. According to sources from the state highways department, key elements of the proposed bus stand and depot redevelopment would overlap with the alignment of a Rs 2,100-crore elevated corridor project being implemented under the public-private partnership (hybrid annuity) model. The corridor has a three-year construction period followed by five years of operation and maintenance, and bids have been invited, sources said. The Thiruvanmiyur redevelopment planned over 1.66 acres envisages a three-storey bus terminus with a built-up area of about 6,000 sq metres, attached to the existing depot. The design includes 13 bus bays, capacity to handle nearly 70 buses at a time, separate passenger boarding and alighting zones, ticket counters, waiting halls, crew rest rooms, medical facilities and shops, along with a separate two-storey commercial block. However, the highways authority said a detailed examination of the layout approved by the CMDA showed that structural elements such as ramps, platforms, parking areas and the depot layout fall within the elevated corridors approved alignment. The authorities warned that the bus stand redevelopment could trigger future redesigns, land acquisition complications and cost escalation for both projects. It also cautioned that uncoordinated development at a high-density transit hub like Thiruvanmiyur could disrupt long-term mobility planning. The elevated corridor is described as a critical piece of regional mobility infrastructure, aimed at easing congestion and supporting an integrated, multimodal transport strategy for the Chennai metropolitan area. The highways authority has recommended that the CMDA withhold further processing or approval of the bus stand redevelopment until a joint technical review is carried out. It has also called for a coordination meeting involving the highways department, CMDA, the CUMTA, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation and other stakeholders to explore alternative design options that do not impinge on the elevated corridors footprint. Until such coordination is completed, officials indicated that the Thiruvanmiyur bus terminus project is unlikely to move forward.
Tamil Nadu SIR: Unusual patterns in deleted electors list
Several areas show abnormal deletions in categories such as gender and for reasons such as deaths
Chennai firm CEO, Ballari jeweller played key role in Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT remand report
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Pankaj Bhandari, chief executive officer of Chennai-based Smart Creations, and Govardhan, a Ballari-based jeweller, had a key role in Sabarimala gold theft case and their involvement was revealed by the key accused Unnikrishnan Potti, the remand report said. The remand report filed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) before the Kollam Vigilance court said evidence revealing the involvement of the duo in the subterfuge were accessed during the course of the probe. The two aided in the gold theft and later tried to mask the offences committed by the main accused by giving false testimony. The two were arrested by the SIT on Friday after questioning them for hours, which revealed that the gold theft had an inter-state link. The gold-plated sheets from the Sabarimala door frame and dwarapalaka idols were taken to Smart Creations on the pretext of carrying out maintenance work. The gold from the sheets was extracted and a part of that was later sold to the Ballari-based jeweller. The SIT had earlier recovered about 400 g of gold from the Ballari jewellery, which they said was part of the booty. The SITs suspect that the rest of the stolen gold might have been sold for a high price on account of its religious value, the sources added. The SIT during the course of its investigation found that Govardhan had connected prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti with Bhandari.
Amid mourning and recollections, Sreenivasan committed to memory
KOCHI: Sreenivasan s residence in Kandanad, near Tripunithura, swarmed with mourners from Sunday morning as people from the movie industry and fans gathered in their thousands to pay their last respects to the veteran actor and writer who passed away on Saturday. Among those who paid tributes was Tamil actor Suriya, who travelled from Chennai to visit the family. I am a fan of Sreeni sir. I have followed his work, his writings, and his contributions. I pray for his soul, Suriya told reporters. Actor Jagadish, who had worked with Sreenivasan on several films, recalled Sreenivasan writing the script to his second film, Odaruthammava Aalariyam. That is when our friendship began. For me, he was a friend, brother, and mentor. Sreeni is a writer who raised the standards of humour inMalayalam cinema, he said after paying last respects. There were emotional scenes when the body was taken to the pyre, as family members, friends and co-artists broke into tears. Following prayers and rituals, filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad, a close friend and collaborator, placed a pen and paper on Sreenivasans body to mark his contributions as a writer. The last rites were performed with a police guard of honour around noon on the premises of the family residence. One of the most influential writers in Malayalam cinema, Sreenivasan had been suffering from health issues for several years. He was being taken for dialysis to a private hospital in Kochi when his condition worsened. The 69-year-old was immediately moved to the Tripunithura Taluk Hospital, where he breathed his last. Director Sathyan Anthikad consoles Dhyan Sreenivasan who broke down during the funeral service of his father Prominent movie personalities including Prithviraj, Mukesh, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Renji Panicker and Rajasenan, political leaders M V Govindan, V D Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala paid their last respects. At a commemorative meeting held later in the day, minister P Prasad, Sathyan Anthikad, CPI state secretary Binoy Viswom, actor-politician Mukesh, and representatives of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) remembered Sreenivasans legacy. Suriya pays tribute Among those who paid tributes was Tamil actor Suriya, who travelled from Chennai to visit the family. I am a fan of Sreeni sir. I have followed his work, his writings, and his contributions. I pray for his soul, Suriya told reporters
On December 22, 2025, gold prices in India range from Rs 13,485 per 1 gram for 24K gold and Rs 12,361 per 1 gram for 22K gold. Silver is priced at Rs 2,11,000 per kilogram. Check city-wise rates here.
The issue with an enabler's narrative
In a wide-ranging British press interview published earlier this month, veteran actor Judi Dench shared candid thoughts on three celebrities who faced allegations of sexual assault and battery: Kevin Spacey, Harvey Weinstein, and Johnny Depp. Of Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of two sexual assault cases and must face three more trials next year, Judi Dench said that he has been exonerated, and that she is friendly with him. Of Harvey Weinstein, who is currently imprisoned and whose offences were behind much of Hollywoods MeToo reckoning, she said, I imagine hes done his time To me its personal forgiveness. She also swooned over Johnny Depp, whom she has a crush on, and whose ex-wife Amber Heard alleged had assaulted her (they went to court over defamation, not abuse). During the height of the MeToo movement, Judi had firmly indicated that she is in the art-over-artist ethical camp, which values a persons creative output or other attributes over their moral failings. She clearly continues to feel this way. All this is said knowing that Judi Dench is 91 years old, an age at which a fairly large margin for outdated or discourteous behaviour is owed to all. While she has certain illnesses and disabilities by this point, based on her recent conversations with the press at least, cognitive impairment isnt among them. Her comments can be presumed to be about her actual values and principles, and as a public figure speaking to the media, they arent flippant. More importantly, the comments in this space here are not meant to indict her alone. Rather, they are about people who choose to defend predators in spite of the evidence, who still stack (S)he didnt do that to me against the word of survivors and victims. Predators often cultivate allies who defend and protect them, people who essentially serve as human shields, because their own reputations become tainted as they help preserve the image of the person they are supporting, either publicly or privately. The ally of a predator is often a family member, friend, fan or employee. They enable impunity for and rehabilitation of the perpetrator. They may also enable more acts of unacceptable behaviour, not just from the person they choose to believe in, but from other culprits who see such behaviour being normalised or even concealed by consensus. An enabler may be gullible, or may have trouble accepting facts that are too destabilising to their sense of self, other or the world itself, but the choice to put their weight behind a predatorial person is certainly not innocent. Upon hearing of the predators behaviour, an initial reaction of shock and disbelief, and even grief, is normal. Persistent denial, attempts to downplay the egregiousness of the situation, seemingly philosophical but fundamentally hollow expressions about forgiveness and second chances these, however, signify outright abetting. The world is full of enablers, and the insulation they provide to perpetrators is what keeps all kinds of interpersonal violence active, recurrent and without redressal. One would love to write Judi Denchs sentiments off as being out of touch with the collective conscience, but that too would only be negation of a pervasive kind of harm.
This youngster takes robotics to rural areas, propel dreams
What started as curiosity has now become a driving force for Aashik Rahman, fondly called Robo Aashik. As a kid, he was drawn towards creating electrical fixtures for his bicycle, and machines and their magic. Passionate about developing robots, building aircrafts and drones, Aashik actively participated in all national and international competitions while in college. This passion took a serious turn when he got a chance to work in DRDO under eminent scientists. Aashik and his friend partnered to integrate their curriculum into STEM education and supporting the children. While one was adept at technology, the other proficient in teaching. Aashik, the CEO of Propeller, says he wanted to be a support system for children who have a dream of building their own innovative projects. They came up with a curriculum that made technology and innovation sound simple. Ultimately, he wanted to democratise robotics learning. Subjects like robotics are considered affordable only to students from metropolitan cities, especially for schools that follow the ICSE & CBSE boards, he says. Having studied in a government school, in Tamil medium, he wanted to make robotics accessible to kids from rural India. Today, many schools have welcomed his model and have accommodated the new modules in their already existing curriculum. He says there are robotic labs in many schools. With 137 staff members, currently, Propeller functions in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, and the curriculum, Aashik says, has branched out to 497 schools. He says, listening to each kids dream and their innovative ideas amazes him. I have built a strong ecosystem where each student can achieve their dream, he says. There are different modules for each grade that mainly focuses on real-life problems. While some focus on agriculture, others discuss topics like the concerns of the fishermen community, salt water, etc, he explains. One of the biggest innovations, he recalls, was a breakthrough. With the help of his team and his students, they made a robot during the Covid-19 pandemic that could supply food and medicines to the patients in the government hospitals. They have also created a community called the Young Scientist Community that works with identifying the problems in their surroundings, and developing solutions. The education extends to college students too. He says, We have created a training programme for visually impaired students. With a base that he has been creating for 12 years, he has made robotics accessible to 3,24,000 students. He aims to extend this learning to 10 lakh students, and says that he would continue to challenge the notion that subjects like robotics, AI, and coding are restricted to students in metropolitan cities.
ThriveTN 2026 summit to be held in Chennai on January 24
300 MSMEs will be identified and supported to develop import-substitution products across the six sectors
Arappor stir highlights woes of people in resettlement colonies
TN rolls out three new hotspots for camping, glamping
Researchers develop two-layer implant to repair joint injuries
Minority colleges selection panel wont need govt nominee
Restored 137-year-old Victoria Hall to be unveiled this week by Stalin
Max India Realty unit bets big on senior living care
Antara Senior Care plans a significant expansion, developing 1.5 million sq ft annually. The company will invest 200 crore to add 8-10 new communities over the next 4-5 years. This move aims to meet the growing demand for senior living facilities in India. Antara is set to expand its presence to several new cities, including Bengaluru and Chennai.
International award given to violin maestro Annavarapu Ramaswamy
Tamil Isai Sangam awards presented
TNUHDB residents protest over poor basic amenities
Korukkupet police seize 70 lakh unaccounted cash
CMRL imposes fine on contractor as beam falls amidst moving vehicles on OMR
2 die after being hit by trains
Physiotherapist drugs, rapes 20-year-old intern
Nagercoil municipal corpn commissioner appointed PIO
Intl science conference from Jan 22-24
UVs race past cars in Indias auto exports
Sekarbabu slams H Raja for provocative dialogues
Minority Vote Calculus: Vijay's TVK In Poll Race, DMK's Christmas Outreach
In a significant political signal, the DMK shifted its annual Christmas celebrations - usually held in Chennai - to Tirunelveli in southern Tamil Nadu, a region with a substantial Christian population.
Ex-bankers make no bones about selling pet food
Social platforms go hyperlocal for top ad dollar
Tamil Nadu Launches Smooth-Coated Otter Conservation Initiative in Cauvery Delta
Tamil Nadu's forest department has launched a conservation initiative for the vulnerable smooth-coated otter in the Cauvery River delta. The program aims to study otter populations, behavior, and habitats, addressing threats like pollution and human conflict. This effort seeks to protect the species and the health of the delta's aquatic ecosystems.
Special trains between Mangaluru and Chennai to clear festive rush
Green Is A World-class Cricketer Who Is Going To Get Better With Time, Says Shane Watson
Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) assistant coach Shane Watson has hailed Australias seam bowling all-rounder Cameron Green as a world-class cricketer who, in his view, will only get better with time. Green emerged as the headline signing of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi, as three-time champions KKR secured him for a record-breaking Rs 25.20 crore. It made Green the most expensive overseas player in IPL history and the third-costliest buy in all after India internationals Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer. I'm going to initially talk from my selfish point of view, okay? I've always been a massive fan of Cameron Green. I'm an all-rounder at heart, so I know what it takes to push the limits to be the best all-rounder that you possibly can be. And I've always absolutely loved everything about Cameron Green - the way he goes about his skill set as a batter, and his incredible skill set as a bowler as well. He's got incredible height, he's got incredible skill, and I've been wanting to have a chance to be able to work with him really closely. I've had a number of conversations with him over the years, to be able to just help him wherever he needs it. But I haven't had a chance to work with him in a team and help him on his journey to be the very best that he possibly can be. Now, because of KKR, I get a chance to be able to work with him and pass on my knowledge that I was so fortunate to be able to gain throughout my playing days, playing with so many incredible players, said Watson in a video posted by the franchise on their YouTube channel on Sunday. In the run-up to the auction, there was chatter on who between KKR and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) would get Green, and the former prevailed. Watson also said Green will further grow as an all-round T20 player by being in the KKR set-up. From a KKR perspective, to be able to have someone who can bat in the top three (he has scored IPL hundreds in those positions) or if needed, he also can bat at six and seven, and power hit - he's an incredible power hitter. That makes him incredibly versatile. He is also a world-class fast bowler. He's tall, he gets bounce, and he's also got more to be able to grow from a bowling perspective. He's got Dwayne Bravo and also Andre Russell to work with, along with me, to develop his T20 bowling skills. Hes a super nice guy, he's a great team man, so look, you can see why the bids went up so high for him. We were adamant to be able to get him, because we knew the calibre of cricketer he is, and he's a young guy too. He's 26, so he's got a lot of years of IPL cricket left in him. I'm so stoked to be able to have a chance to work with him; weve certainly got a world-class cricketer who is only, in my opinion, going to get better with time, he added. KKR also got the services of New Zealand opener Finn Allen for a base price of Rs 2 crore, and Watson explained the rationale behind getting him into the squad. Finn Allen is really starting to realise just how good he is. His skill sets are unique and rare. I worked with him for three years at the San Francisco Unicorns (in Major League Cricket, USA), and I believe he hasn't reached his ceiling yet. He's nowhere near reaching his ceiling, and he's already done some pretty spectacular things on the cricket field so far. I was pretty vocal about how good he was and how big a pick he could be for us, because in the IPL, he's been an unknown entity. He hasn't played much, even though he was at RCB for a couple of seasons. KKR also got the services of New Zealand opener Finn Allen for a base price of Rs 2 crore, and Watson explained the rationale behind getting him into the squad. Finn Allen is really starting to realise just how good he is. His skill sets are unique and rare. I worked with him for three years at the San Francisco Unicorns (in Major League Cricket, USA), and I believe he hasn't reached his ceiling yet. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He can take down the best bowlers in the world and has done that throughout his career. I'm thrilled to be working with him again and continuing to support him on his journey. I know the rest of the leadership group at KKR are feeling the same way as well, knowing the incredible skill that Finn's got, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Six medical students suspended for ragging juniors at hostel in Madras Medical College
CHENNAI: Six final-year MBBS students of the Madras Medical College (MMC) were suspended on Saturday for allegedly ragging their juniors inside the mens hostel. As per sources, a complaint was received from one of the junior students (from the 2022 batch) claiming he had suffered physical and mental abuse. A preliminary inquiry was conducted by a committee comprising Dr K Shantaraman, dean, MMC; Dr J Sreevidya, vice principal and Dr Senthilkumar, warden (mens hostel) on December 15. Based on this, the six students were suspended until further orders. In the suspension order, the management said that it was evident from the preliminary inquiry that prima facie there was evidence that the six final-year students called for a meeting of kabaddi players of the 2022-23 batch in a hostel room without the authorisation of the sports committee or warden between 9 pm on December 14 and 3 am the next day. As per the statement of the six seniors, about 20 juniors were asked to come to the room to discuss a kabaddi match. The order said the seniors did not have locus standi to call such a meeting at that time of the night. A quarrel allegedly broke out between the two groups during the meeting. One student was reportedly called to the room around 1.30 am and was asked to kneel for a short period, the order said, adding that no evidence of physical assault was found in the room. Following this, the student left the college premises. Police sources said that the hostel warden lodged a missing complaint with the Chintadripet police, who later traced him to his native residence in Vellore. Police said the student left to Vellore without informing anyone as he was distressed after the incident. However, Dr Shantaraman, confirming the suspension order, said that the quarrel between the students was regarding Kabbadi, and there was no ragging involved.
Stray cattle menace: Two bikers killed in Chennai
CHENNAI: In yet another accident caused by stray cattle menace on roads, two motorcyclists, including an assistant engineer with the electricity board, were killed and two more were grievously injured on the Mannivakkam-Adhanur road near Guduvanchery in Chengalpattu district on Friday night. According to the police, a speeding van belonging to a private company rammed into two cows that suddenly crossed the road. The driver lost control in the impact and crashed into an auto and two motorbikes coming from the opposite direction. The two men riding the bikes were killed on the spot. One of the deceased was identified as S Rajkumar (52), working as an AE in TNEB, who was returning home with his daughter Sandhya. The other deceased was Venkatesan (58), who was travelling with his wife Savitha. Both the women riding pillion, and another pedestrian named Mythili were severely injured. They were taken to Tambaram Government Hospital and another private hospital in Potheri. The two cows also died in the accident. The police have registered a case.
Gasping for clean air: AQI in parts of Chennai slips to poor
CHENNAI: Even as Chennais air quality continues to hover in the moderate category, several parts of the city are experiencing unhealthy levels of pollution, raising health concerns ahead of the holiday season. On Saturday afternoon, the citywide Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 178, a reading that falls under the Moderate category according to national standards, which means individuals with lung disorders, asthma or heart disease may experience breathing discomfort. A closer look at the readings from individual monitoring stations shows that many parts of the city are experiencing much severe pollution levels. For instance, the AQI in Kodungaiyur was 274, Arumbakkam was 236 and Perungudi 219, which are classified as poor, indicating elevated concentrations of particulate matter and other pollutants in these pockets. The reading in Manali was 137 and Velachery residential area was 132, both in the moderate range. Experts say this mixed picture shows continuing challenges in mitigating emissions from vehicles, construction activities and dust, especially in the northern corridors of Chennai.While the overall city average appears moderate, ground-level exposures in several localities remain high enough to trigger symptoms among sensitive groups, said an air quality researcher familiar with the latest data. At current AQI levels, medical professionals advise residents with respiratory issues to limit prolonged outdoor exertion, especially in areas with poor readings. Children and the elderly should also exercise caution, as fine particulate matter can irritate the airways. The persistent hotspots come amid broader concerns over Chennais performance in the Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2025, where the city was ranked last among Indias million-plus urban centres on air quality management and pollution control, a reflection, officials say, of structural challenges in traffic management, dust control and enforcement. While authorities say measures such as mechanised sweeping and water sprinkling continue in key zones, environmentalists argue that greater focus on road dust mitigation, stricter vehicle emission checks and expansion of cleaner public transport is urgently needed to bring consistent relief across the city. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) told TNIE, so far, Chennai has received Rs 474.7 crore under the National Clean Air Programme and utilised Rs 384.8 crore, of which Rs 337 crore was spent on solid waste management. While a few mechanical sweepers and water sprinklers are deployed on the streets, these equipment do not adequately cover the city in its entirety. Senior government officials, however, argue that the citys PM10 levels have actually seen a marginal dip, but acknowledged that there was room for improvement.
Fire at Chennai BSNL office hits call services in TN & AP
CHENNAI: A major fire broke out on the second floor of the seven-storey BSNL telephone exchange building on Anna Salai on Saturday, disrupting telecommunication services and affecting emergency helplines. While no casualties were reported, the incident hit communication and online services to the police control room (100), ambulance service (108) and Tangedcos online payment portals, within a 2-km radius. A BSNL spokesperson said that the fire incident impacted mobile voice and data services in Chennai, the rest of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and affected calls to other operators and emergency services. Voice and data services in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and the rest of Tamil Nadu have been restored, while services in Chennai have been partially restored and further work is under way, the spokesperson added. Services to the DGPs office, the Greater Chennai police commissioners office and the Tangedco head office were also impacted, sources said. Metro water tankers pressed into service to put out blaze However, emergency services were immediately restored while work is on to fix other affected services, said BSNL officials. According to official sources, the building houses key divisions, including the landline and SIM card distribution headquarters, marketing, account and billing sections. The incident came to light around 9.30 am when employees arriving for work noticed thick black smoke billowing from the building and alerted the fire and rescue services. The Chintadripet police and forensic experts have initiated a probe to determine if an electrical short circuit or battery explosion triggered the accident. Sources said the flames were brought under control by 12.30 pm. However, the in-house fire safety equipment could not be utilised due to operational difficulties and authorities had to depend on Metro Water tankers to put out the fire, sources added. At least 13 fire tenders, including 150 firefighters from Egmore, Vepery, Kilpauk and Triplicane, were pressed into service. Officials noted that while the fire was largely contained to the second floor, smoke spread to the third, fourth and fifth floors, which were under renovation.
At 72, this Karnataka woman is racing against her age
SHIVAMOGGA: Age is just a number for B Manjamma, a 72-year-old athlete from Shivamogga. She won a gold medal in the 400m run at the 23rd Asian Masters Athletics Championship in Chennai recently. She is a perfect example of the adage, Talent never fails or has an expiry date. She has won 110 medals in all, at the state, national and international level after taking to athletics just seven years ago. Manjamma retired as lady health visitor (LHV) and in-charge nursing officer at the district health officers office in 2013 after 36 years of service. Her husband HT Devaraj, who was from Kodagu and worked at the Karnataka Handloom and Woolen Society, passed away in 2013. The loss pushed her into a deep depression. Trying to pull herself out of the dark mental hole, she started jogging in 2018 when she was 65. Since then, she has been taking part in district, state, national and international events. My 27-year-old daughter Varshini Das, a doctor in Bengaluru, is behind my achievements. She has been supporting and motivating me all these years. I also have friends supporting me and appreciating my sportsman spirit even at the age of 72. Sports associations of Mysuru and Mangaluru motivate me by inviting me to their events, she told TNSE. Sports and games improve physical and mental health. They help people, especially the elderly, to be active and attentive. Yoga, walking, meditation and sports are all essential part of this, she said. She bagged the first prize in shot put at an athletics meet in 2018 for the first time. This prompted me to continue my sports journey, she added. There is no age limit to explore your talents and skills. One must gain confidence, which will help achieve greater things. Nothing is impossible, she said. Apart from the district-level track and field events, Manjamma represented the state in Nasik, Hyderabad, Goa, Pune and Kochi. She also attended international events in Brunei, Sri Lanka Master Athletics International, South Asia Tournament in Mangaluru and South India Tournament in Udupi. Keeping herself sprightly even at this age, she had a message for the younger generation, Youngsters should keep their body and mind active. They should avoid sleeping late and eating junk food, adopt a healthy lifestyle and keep obesity at bay. They should jog, walk, meditate, practice yoga and play games to keep themselves fit. Such activities help them concentrate on academics too. This ever-enthusiastic late bloomer said, Earlier, I used to participate only in 100m and 200m races. But now, I take part in shot put, discus throw, 1 km walk, 60m race and javelin throw.
Thank you for Everything: Malayalis bid adieu to Sreenivasan
KOCHI: Sreenivasan enjoyed punctuating the tale with hearty amusement. Arriving in Thiruvananthapuram for what he believed was an acting assignment in a film by Priyadarshan, the twenty-something sought to know the nature of his role. The directors reply was blunt... as it was life-altering: There is no script. If Sreenivasan wanted to act, he would have to script it. With nothing to do back home, he stayed on the set and began writing. Both Priyadarshan and Sathyan Anthikad pushed me into the deep end of scriptwriting, he later said at an awards function, and I somehow stayed afloat without knowing how to swim. That reluctant plunge produced one of Malayalam cinemas most original voices. On Saturday, that voice fell silent. The veteran actor, screenwriter and filmmaker was 69. Ailing for long, Sreenivasan was being taken to Amrita Hospital for dialysis when his condition deteriorated. He was rushed to the Tripunithura Taluk Hospital, where he breathed his last. His cremation will be held at 10.30am on Sunday at his residence in Udayamperoor. Sreenivasans death draws the curtains on an era. Few artists chronicled the Malayali psyche with such wit, empathy and sting. Over nearly 48 years, he acted in more than 200 films and wrote screenplays that shaped the industrys golden years. His humour was never decorative; it was dissecting. With an almost journalistic eye, he teased out the hypocrisies embedded in everyday life political posturing, middle-class vanity and masculine insecurity rendering them funny, painful and recognisably human. Born on April 6, 1956, in Pattiam near Thalassery in Kannur district, Sreenivasan grew up in a modest household his father was a schoolteacher and mother a homemaker. Sreenivasan: The goat of satire Actors Mammootty and Mohanlal pay their respects to Sreenivasan at Town Hall in Kochi on Saturday. After his schooling in Kuthuparamba and Kadirur, he studied economics at PRNSS College, Mattanur, before training formally at the Tamil Nadu Government MGR Film and Television Institute, Chennai. He made his acting debut in Manimuzhakkam (1976), directed by P A Backer, and his first lead appearance was in Sanghaganam (1979), also by Backer. But it was writing that unlocked Sreenivasans true range. His debut screenplay, Odaruthammava Aalariyam (1984), announced a new idiom irreverent, observant and unafraid of puncturing social sanctimony. The mid-1980s to early 1990s marked his creative peak, when his writing, often in collaboration with Sathyan Anthikad, produced a string of enduring films including Gandhinagar 2nd Street, Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam, Varavelpu, Thalayanamanthram and the immortal Nadodikkattu. Blending humour with social insight, these films, most of which were anchored by Mohanlal, translated middle-class anxieties into movie lore with Nadodikkattu and its sequels attaining cult status and embedding their characters and dialogues deep in Keralas public memory. No film captures Sreenivasans political bite better than Sandesam (1991). A searing satire on over-politicisation, it framed Keralas bipolar politics within the confines of a family home. Polandine kurichu oraksharam mindaruthu! Dont you utter a word about Poland! his retort to Jayarams character remains lodged in the Malayali collective memory three decades on. The joke endures because the truth it skewers still stands. Sandesham earned him the Kerala State Film Award for best story and the status of Malayalam cinemas most influential political satire. As a filmmaker, he was equally incisive. Vadakkunokkiyantram (1989), which he scripted and directed, anatomised male insecurity and patriarchy with rare tenderness and landed him the state award for best film. Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala (1998) explored marital alienation and emotional estrangement, winning the national award for best film on other social issues. In these works, Sreenivasan turned the camera inward, exposing the fragile ego of the typical Malayali man he knew so well. Even as the industry changed, he adapted without blunting his edge. Udayananu Tharam, Katha Parayumpol and Njan Prakashan reintroduced his social satire to a new generation. Njan Prakashan went on to become among Malayalam cinemas highest-grossing films. As an actor, restraint was his strength he played the flawed common man with authenticity, allowing silences to speak as loudly as punch lines. Sreenivasan wore his career accolades lightly. What mattered was the work: Stories that laughed at power, and questioned piety and social mores. He is survived by his wife, Vimala, and sons Vineeth and Dhyan, both established figures in the industry. As his body was kept at Ernakulam Town Hall, the crowds that came to pay their respects reflected on the breadth of Sreenivasans reach from political leaders to ordinary film lovers who saw themselves in his characters. For nearly five decades, he gave voice to the anxieties, contradictions and quiet dignity of the common Malayali. In losing him, Malayalam cinema has lost a storyteller who laughed with society, even as he held an unflinching mirror up to it. THE LEGEND OF SREENI In an illustrious career spanning nearly 48 years, Sreenivasan acted in more than 200 films, directed two movies and wrote screenplays that shaped the industrys golden years A champion of social satire and political criticism and creator of unadulterated humour, he mirrored the Malayali community, with all its vulnerabilities, pettiness, honesty or the lack of it through his scripts. Awards and accolades Sreenivasans directorial venture Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala (1998) won the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues' Vadakkunokkiyantram (1989), which he scripted and directed, won him the Kerala state award for the best film He won the state award for best story for Sandesam (1991), and best screenplay for Mazhayethum Munpe (1995)
Sreenivasan: The goat of satire
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: How political was he? Or apolitical for that matter. Veteran writer- actor- director Sreenivasan 's political screenplays traverse mostly through wafer-thin margins of both the political and apolitical, even at times, merging the two. A master storyteller, he succeeded in capturing the subtle hues of the Malayali psyche via his scripts that almost always reflected Kerala society in its entirety, through a career that spanned almost five decades of stellar creative output. As an untiring champion of social satire, political criticism and creator of unadulterated humour, Sreenivasan mirrored the Malayali community of the 70s and 80s, with all its vulnerabilities, pettiness, honesty or the lack of it through his blockbuster scripts. Be it his first Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu , the widely popular trilogy of Nadodikkattu , Pattana Pravesham, Akkkare Akkare Akkare spread over three years, his screenplays encapsulated storylines that never failed to question the societal convictions of the day. Sandesam , one of his most popular screenplays ever, could well be the rebelliousness of a societal spectator, fed up with the existing system. Contrary to popular perception it was not mere Left bashing or revving up anti-Communist sentiments that Sreenivasan often indulged in. The astute political commentator that he was, Sreenivasan preferred to take a bird's eye view at the sore lack of inner political conviction that often runs as a leitmotif through Kerala society, cutting across all classes. Laced with vibrant political undertones, Sreenivasan's scripts often shed light on a wide variety of topics. Who can ever forget the clipped arbitrary hint of threat hidden within Polandinekurich Oraksharam Mindaruth , an evident reference to the setback faced by Communists in Poland. The ease with which he incorporated a slice of international politics into the socio-cultural-political machinations of a Kerala neighbourhood, stands testimony to his brilliance as a scriptwriter. Sreenivasan exposed pretensions of Malayalis through his satirical movies Exposing the Malayali's innate farcical hypocrisy and in-built contempt for anything and everything around him, Sreenivasan zeroed in on the deep-rooted prejudices and complexes of the Malayali psyche. In a way Sreenivasan, whose dialogues have become ingrained in the minds of Malayalis across the globe, created a kaleidoscope of frames that captured the whole of Kerala society's idiosyncrasies back in the day. Be it the Gulf migration of the 80s and 90s, spiralling unemployment, the typical work-shy youth of the times, their intricate social complexities, lack of political conviction...the list seems endless. Sreenivasan chose to tread a path that differed distinctly from many established writers, be it the legendary M T Vasudevan Nair, widely popular T Damodaran, or the mystic Padmarajan. His cinematic scripts chose to turn the searchlights on the shattered hopes and dreamy future aspirations of the burgeoning Malayali middle class. The average Malayali was ever his faithful audience, the ones he took up his pen for. How would an average Malayali remember him? Sreenivasan could well remain as the master of subtle humour for Malayali movie lovers in the years to come. LIFE AND TIMES OF A LEGEND 1956: Born on April 6 at Pattiam near Thalassery, Kannur 1976: Film debut Manimuzhakkam , directed by P A Backer 1977: Enrolled in Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu, Chennai 1979: First lead role in move Sanghaganam by P A Backer 1984: Debut as writer in Odaruthammava Aalariyam by Priyadarshan. Also married Vimala. 1989: Debut as director with Vadakkunokkiyanthram , which he also wrote himself 1998 - Won national film award for best film on other social issues for Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala Career highlights 1976 Manimuzhakkam 1977 Sneha Yamuna 1980 Mela 1984 Odaruthammava Aalariyam(also writer), Panchavadi Paalam, Akkare 1985 Mutharamkunnu PO (also writer), Punnaram Cholli Cholli (also writer), Aram + Aram Kinnaram (also writer) 1986 T P Balagopalan MA (also writer), Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam (also writer), Oru Katha Oru Nunnakatha (also writer), Dheem Tharikida Thom 1987 Nadodikattu (also writer) 1988 Pattanapravesham (also writer) 1991 Sandesam (also writer) 1993 Midhunam (also writer) 1994 Thenmavin Kombath 1996 Kalapani 2003 Kilichundan Mampazham (also writer) 2007 Arabikkatha 2011 Traffic 2018 Njan Prakasan (also writer)
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