Chennai News
View News by News Source
IndiGo chaos in Chennai: Airport issues list of all flights cancelled today
IndiGo cancellations Chennai airport: In the first week of December, IndiGo -- Indias largest airline -- has faced a never-before-seen operational crisis marked by widespread flight cancellations and delays. The disruption has not only affected thousands and thousands of passengers across India, but has also drawn regulatory scrutiny and shaken investor confidence in the airline.
Chennais Vivekananda College was prepared to face Cyclone Ditwah
RamakrishnaMissionVivekanandaCollege installs a floodgate thanks to the contribution from alumni
IndiGo cancels hundreds of flights from Delhi to Mumbai and Chennai on Friday; shares in air pocket
IndiGo has cancelled all Delhi departures until midnight due to ongoing internal operational challenges, leading to widespread nationwide disruptions. Over 400 flights were cancelled on Friday alone, with significant delays at major airports. The airline is seeking a two-month exemption from new duty-time rules to restore stable operations by February 10, 2026.
Speed certificate: Poonamallee-Porur metro corridor may get delayed
CHENNAI: The Chennai Metro Rails push to open the first stretch of its Phase II corridor in December, from Poonamallee to Porur, is facing a key regulatory bottleneck, with the mandatory speed certificate from the Railway Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) still pending. The certificate, issued by the Railway Board, is essential before the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) can inspect the line. Without it, the final safety audit required for commercial operations cannot begin, according to Chennai Metro Rail sources. Metro officials, who have been working to meet an ambitious commissioning deadline, say they are in constant touch with both the Railway Board and the CRS office in Bengaluru to prevent further delays. The western corridor is expected to be a crucial link for commuters travelling between Poonamallee and Chennais expanding southern belt, and is projected to lift ridership sharply once operational. Usually, the speed certificate is provided within a month. Now, it is taking time. We are closely following with the Railway Board and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs with letters and discussion, a CMRL official said. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs official dealing with Urban transport projects could not be reached by TNIE. Despite the regulatory lag, CMRL maintains that civil works, systems integration and station readiness remain on track. However, officials acknowledge that the holdup could compress the testing and fine-tuning window before the line opens to the public. CMRL completed safety certification trials for the new Phase-II rolling stock between Poonamallee Bypass and Porur Junction stations. The trials-conducted by an independent RDSO team began on August 16, 2025 and assessed passenger comfort, traction performance and braking systems at speeds up to the design limit of 90 km/h. The RDSO team certified that the trains design and construction meet the standards required for safe stopping distances even when fully loaded. CMRL officials noted that the trials were completed ahead of schedule, citing this as evidence of improvements in rolling-stock quality and adherence to safety norms. For now, however, the corridors opening depends on when the Railway Board issues the awaited speed certificate a timeline which, officials say, remains outside CMRLs control.
Dealer-point registration gets off the mark in Chennai, but vehicle sales enter slow lane
CHENNAI: After initial reluctance, the state has fully implemented dealer-point registration for new non-transport vehicles, eliminating the need for physical inspection by motor vehicle inspectors at regional transport offices (RTO). While the new system for registering cars, two-wheelers, and jeeps has been rolled out in about 95% of RTOs, the number of vehicles registered in the state has come down since December 1. According to the Vahan database, the state recorded an average vehicle registration of 6,400 per day in November. However, since December 1, the figure has plummeted to 3,231 registrations per day. Officials from the transport commissioners office denied any reluctance in processing new vehicle registrations at RTOs, asserting that the revised procedure has been fully implemented across all offices. The sale of new vehicles typically slows down in December every year. Under the new system, dealers must upload vehicle details, including insurance, invoice, and other documents. These details are verified at the RTOs and approvals are issued without delay, a senior official told TNIE. Sources said the registration of new vehicles has been delayed at a few RTO offices in Chennai and suburbs, as some officials demanded dealers to pay RTO charge a bribe which was previously collected from vehicle buyers by dealers. Registrations in such cases were allegedly put on hold. However, officials have denied these allegations. Meanwhile, transport commissioner R Gajalakshmi has sought daily and weekly updates on new vehicle registrations after receiving complaints about non-compliance with her directives. Dealers also informed TNIE confusion prevailed in a few locations over whether vehicles purchased before December 1 but not yet registered would be brought under the new procedure.We clarified to the officials that physical inspection should not be conducted from December 1, regardless of the purchase date of the vehicle. The RTOs later agreed and approved the registrations, a dealer said. While most states have already waived physical inspection for newly built non-transport vehicles, Tamil Nadu continued physical verification at RTOs. Later, the state government formed a technical expert committee, and based on its recommendations, the transport commissioner directed RTOs to follow the new procedure.
Take action on safety lapses at new Wonderla theme park in Chennai
CHENNAI: Following the frequent mishaps reported at the newly-opened Wonderla theme park in the Thiruporur area, VCK MLA S S Balaji has urged the Chengalpattu collector to initiate immediate action over recurring operational glitches and safety concerns at the theme park. In a letter to the collector, Balaji said several videos circulating on social media showed rides coming to an abrupt halt mid-air, leaving visitors stranded, raising serious questions about the parks safety protocols. In his letter, he highlighted that the management had promised international-standard safety systems and said the public complaints contradicted those claims. No major accident has occurred yet, but repeated breakdowns pose a serious threat to thousands of families and children visiting the park every day, he said. Balaji urged the administration to conduct a comprehensive audit of all rides, mechanical and electrical systems, verify statutory clearances and assess the adequacy of first-aid and emergency evacuation measures. He also requested that uniform safety standards be enforced across all theme parks in the district, including MGM. Seeking a detailed Action Taken Report at the earliest, the MLA said proactive intervention would help avert potential mishaps and restore public confidence.
Anna Nagar kid sexual assault: SIT completed probe, filed chargesheet, cops inform Madras HC
CHENNAI: Police have informed the Madras High Court that the charge sheet in the Anna Nagar child sexual assault case has been filed in the trial court following completion of the probe by the special investigation team (SIT) and witness examination will commence soon. The submission was made by Additional Public Prosecutor A Damodharan before the division bench of justices P Velmurugan and M Jothiraman on Thursday when a 2024 habeas corpus petition (HCP) filed by the victims mother came up for hearing. The APP also informed the court that the victim was paid an interim compensation of Rs 4 lakh as per the earlier directions of the court. Since he sought time for filing the status report on the matter, the bench adjourned the hearing to December 9. The incident of child sexual assault and the subsequent shoddy probe by the local police led the HC to initiate suo motu proceedings and order a CBI probe. However, on an appeal, the Supreme Court struck down the order for the CBI probe and constituted the SIT led by a DIG rank officer. The SIT arrested a woman inspector for excesses and procedural lapses in the initial phase of the investigation. The parents of the victims had alleged that the inspector was acting in support of the actual accused and had thrashed them to name some other person.
Suspended cop among two held in drug cases in Chennai
CHENNAI: Two men, including a suspended Tripura police constable, were arrested in two separate drug cases at Periamet and Thiruvanmiyur for possessing ganja and methamphetamine. In Periamet, the police, along with the Anti Narcotics Intelligence Unit (ANIU), acting on tip-off, arrested 31-year-old Amit Debbarma, a suspended police constable of the Tripura police department, and seized 20.15kg of ganja from his bag. The police team was conducting surveillance near Pallavan Salai, opposite the Central Railway Station, on Wednesday when they spotted Debbarma with a bag acting suspicious and searched him, finding ganja concealed inside. He was arrested and remanded in judicial custody on Wednesday. Initial inquiry revealed that Amit was suspended from the department for his alleged involvement in a ganja case in Tripura, police said. In the other case in Thiruvanmiyur, a 37-year-old man was arrested for allegedly possessing 54.69g of methamphetamine in his car. Acting on a tip-off, the police and ANIU intercepted the vehicle near the RTO signal on Wednesday and recovered the drugs. The accused, Syed Kabir Taj Meeran of Injambakkam, was taken into custody along with the car and an auto. The police said he had sourced the methamphetamine from Bengaluru. He was produced in court on Thursday.
Chennai weather: City sees heavy rain, relief expected from Friday; key points
Chennai experienced unpredictable weather with sudden showers and overnight downpours, causing waterlogging in several neighborhoods due to Cyclone Ditwah's impact. While some areas received heavy rainfall, others saw lighter spells, with temperatures dipping below normal. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for multiple districts, warning of continued instability.
On December 4, 2025, gold prices in India range from Rs 12,965 per 1 gram for 24K gold and Rs 11,884 per 1 gram for 22K gold. Silver is priced at Rs 1,90,900 per kilogram. Check city-wise rates here.
Indias real test starts against Belgium in quarterfinals
FIH Mens Junior World Cup Chennai, Dec 4: All boxes ticked so far in a relatively easy pool campaign, the real test for India will start when they take on Belgium in the quarterfinals of the FIH Mens Junior Hockey World Cup here on Friday. Placed in Pool B alongside Chile, Oman and Switzerland, India []
Irelands players celebrate after scoring a goal during the FIH Hockey Mens Junior World Cup 2025 match against Switzerland, at Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, in Chennai, on Thursday. Ireland won the match 5-3. (PTI)
Puducherry polls: TVK to fly solo as AINRC tie-up talks fail; multi-cornered contest looms
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) will contest the 2026 Puducherry elections independently after alliance talks with AINRC failed. TVK's decision sets the stage for a multi-cornered contest, with the incumbent NR Congress-BJP front facing challenges from DMK, Naam Tamilar Katchi, and TVK. Vijay is set to launch his campaign in Puducherry next week.
Indigo flight disruptions cause mayhem at airport
Teacher rapes girl; headmaster and staffer arrested for cover-up
A fort in the midst of a forest was a secret training ground for cavalry and elephants
In the early 1700s, KingChellamuthu Vijayaragunatha Sethupathywas gifted 200 horses by a Muslim businessman fromThondi.He built a fort in a dense tropical thorn forest, about 70 km fromRamanathapuram. Here,Sankarapathi, one ofHyder Alis commandants, trained these horses. Impressed by the tutelage, the king named the fort after him
Jawaharlal Nehrus language of optimism and equality at the Madras Corporation
Aware that language was a politically sensitive issue in Tamil Nadu, the Prime Minister gave a promise in a speech in 1963that any idea that any one language can dominate over others or, what is called linguistic imperialism, is totally unrealistic. He also rejected the notion that one language would hamper the growth of the other language
Centre blames TN for delay in railway projects in state
Ambedkar-Kalaignar Fellowship launched for T.N. students at SOAS
CMRL walkways are dark, dirty, dangerous
Pay 20,000 to woman, child left behind by govt bus crew
Custodial death: SHRC orders 3 lakh compensation to kin
Over 2 cr. recovered from online fraudsters in November
Sengottaiyan reposts deleted Jaya image greeting post debate
Carcasses of 2 jumbos, a calf found in pvt forest in Vellore
Suzlon to build 3 blade mfg facilities, modernise factories to ramp up scale
With Rs 100cr raise, Planys eyes defence market, production facility
Veerappan hunt: TN sanctions 2.6cr relief for families of victims
Illegal parking virus infects service roads on citys IT corridor
Two juveniles among 3 held for 7K theft from temple
4 lakh compensation paid to Anna Nagar rape victim: TN
AVM Saravanan, Legendary Tamil Cinema Producer, Dies at 86
Renowned producer AVM Saravanan (1939-2025), a pillar of Tamil cinema, passed away at 86. Known for his gentle demeanor and unwavering principles, he guided AVM Productions with a focus on strong scripts and treating everyone with respect. His legacy includes nurturing talent and ensuring the success of numerous iconic films, embodying his motto: 'Efforts never fail'.
GCC cancels tender to outsource conservancy operations in Tondiarpet, Anna Nagar
The civic body cites administrative reasons/issues for the cancellation and announces that a revised tender that focus on improving services in the two zones will be floated
Can't give 'mango' to either PMK faction: EC
Parties Intrigued by Uncollectible Forms
Chennai district figures on top of the number of uncollectible forms list with 12.73 lakh of the total 40.05 lakh voters not returning the forms, accounting for 2.73 per cent
Three elephant carcasses found in private forest near T.N.A.P. border
A post-mortem suggested that the animal may have slipped from an elevated area while searching for water. The elephant was believed to have died at least six weeks earlier
Chevalier awardee Thota Tharani felicitated in Chennai
Eminent personalities from diverse fields came together and hailed the veteran art directors remarkable skill in stage art direction
Chennai Airport continues to suffer fresh wave of disruptions
CHENNAI: Chennai International Airport suffered a fresh wave of disruption on Thursday, with dozens of flights delayed or cancelled through the early hours, as operational difficulties continued to ripple through. Between midnight and 9am on December 4, at least 13 arriving flights and 11 departures recorded delays ranging from 18 minutes to more than three hours, according to internal airport movement logs. Indigo, which operates the largest number of domestic flights, faced the bulk of the disruption, with several of its Airbus A320 and A321 services significantly behind schedule. Inbound traffic was hit hardest in the early hours. Flights from Kolkata, Kochi and Patna saw delays of more than two hours, with one service from Hyderabad (6E6007) arriving nearly four hours late. International services from Singapore, Doha, Dubai and Kuwait also landed behind schedule, with delay durations spanning 30 minutes to close to two hours. Departures were similarly affected. Indigo's early-morning Delhi service (6E0456) pushed back more than three hours late, while departures to Kolkata and Port Blair saw delays of over two hours. Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways services experienced moderate delays, indicating that the operational disruption extended across both domestic and international carriers. The morning irregularities escalated into a wider schedule breakdown, prompting a wave of cancellations across the day. At least 26 departuresmostly operated by Indigowere cancelled for operational reasons, affecting services to key metros including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Pune and Hyderabad, as well as regional centres such as Coimbatore, Guwahati, and Visakhapatnam. Some international short-haul routes, including those to Colombo and the Andaman Islands' Veer Savarkar Airport, were also withdrawn from the day's roster. Arrivals were similarly thinned out, with at least five inbound flights scrapped, including services from Indore, Mumbai, Kochi, Jaipur and Ahmedabad. 'Could not live up to promise,' says IndiGo CEO amid hundreds of flight cancellations, delays
Call for advanced medical innovations in veterinary sector
Multidisciplinary research is need of the hour to bring new innovations for animal health and productivity, says Dr. D.V.R. Prakash Rao, chairperson and managing director of Chennai-based Prakash Foods & Feed Mills
IndiGo cancels several flights, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at Chennai airport
When I scrolled past some posts on X that the actor and politician Jaya Bachchan had given bad advice on marriage, I first presumed that she had said something regressive. It was nave on my part because this presumption was on the basis that it was women whom I saw making these remarks. Id forgotten momentarily that women too can be patriarchal agents. As it turned out, Bachchan had made a progressive, still-controversial, statement during a live interview at the recent We The Women conference in Mumbai. She said that she would prefer for her grand-daughter Navya Nanda, who is in her late 20s, to not get married, as marriage is an outdated institution. Just enjoy life, she told the audience, to applause, as per a clip that has circulated on social media. That applause was not echoed online, of course. Many, who have criticised Bachchan for her comments on marriage, claim she must have arrived at her opinion because her own marriage of over 50 years to fellow actor Amitabh Bachchan is an unhappy one. But such judgement is just cruel. If her marriage is unhappy, then it is like many (many!) marriages, and shes being candid in her view of the institution so that others may sidestep pain. If her marriage is not unhappy, then she has clearly observed the institution at play in many forms and many others tales, and come to a conclusion that has long been a feminist position. The truth, not that its any of our business, probably lies somewhere in between: the Bachchans have had a marriage of many textures, and she is forward-thinking enough to recognise that the institution itself has flaws and that her granddaughters generation has more choices in how to tackle these than her own did. She wants her granddaughter, and presumably all women who have the agency to, to consider those choices. Some of us have chosen or will choose marriage in our lifetimes, even knowing the data the many scientific studies and even more headlines that indicate that life as a woman within heterosexual marriage can be extremely challenging. It would be foolish to make that choice so without understanding that the statistics paint a picture that our own personal love stories wish to contradict. The kinds of marriages we make, or break, depend on how we execute those contradictions. One can be hopeful, but its better to take such leaps of faith in a well-considered way. Navya Nandas grandmother clearly encourages her to do exactly that. It is to the publics benefit that she didnt conceal her views behind the formulaic, PR-finessed lines that may have been expected of her. It is generous of Bachchan, whose industry is based on illusions and whose stature in the world is one which begets constant scrutiny, to offer hard-won wisdom that flies in the face of not only the patriarchy but also the established norms of a life in the spotlight. Those who pretend that marriage is easy, make other marriages harder. Those who dont invite more authenticity into how they live their lives and lead by example, not just serve as cautionary tales.
SRIHER hosts conference on cold atmospheric plasma
The aim of the event was to introduce young scientists to practical skills, new ideas, hands-on experience, and exposure to an emerging technology with applications in healthcare and agriculture
International congress on nuclear medicine begins in Chennai
The four-day event, organised by The Society of Nuclear Medicine, India, aims to spread awareness on the specialty and scale up its services in India
Erode court sentences 18 Bangladeshi nationals to two years imprisonment for illegal stay
AVM: a movie production house close to Chennaiites
A movie enterprise launched by M. Saravanans father A.V. Meiyappan, AVM was a powerful brand, known for both the star-driven tentpole films and the tiny ones riding on fine scripts and good word-of-mouth reviews
Inside Snapchats Chennai Creator Connect: How the platform is winning Gen-Z India
From viral Tamil creators to AR-led trends, Snapchat outlines why Chennai is central to its growth story
Does This Viral Video Show Chennai Submerged After Cyclone Ditwah? No!
This video is from Kolkata in September 2025, not from Chennai after Cyclone Ditwah
Balakrishna hopes Akhanda 2 teaches Sanatana Dharma, celebrates Chennai roots
Balakrishna hopes Akhanda 2 teaches Sanatana Dharma, celebrates Chennai roots
As chaos over mass cancellations continues, an IndiGo flight from Madinah to Hyderabad was diverted to Ahmedabad on Thursday following a bomb threat, PTI reported. PTI reported that the aircraft landed safely at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport around 12:30 pm, and all passengers and crew were deboarded for a thorough inspection, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 4) Atul Bansal said. Bansal said an email sent to IndiGo claimed a bomb had been planted on the aircraft. As Ahmedabad was the nearest airport, the pilot sought an immediate landing as a precaution. Local police rushed to the airport to assist the CISF and NDRF after receiving the alert. Nothing suspicious was found during the initial search, officials said, says the PTI report. IndiGos operational disruptions continued for a second day on Thursday, with widespread cancellations across major airports after more than 200 flights were scrapped on Wednesday amid crew shortages and a slowdown in the SITA check-in software. IndiGo hit by fresh wave of cancellations, day after scrapping over 200 flights While the airline did not share day-specific numbers, airport sources told TNIE that Delhi saw 91 cancellations (44 departures, 47 arrivals), Bengaluru around 70, Mumbai 86, and Chennai 26. Hyderabad reported 18 cancellations, with more expected through the day, prompting flyers to complain of delays stretching up to 12 hours and poor communication. Airport authorities in Jaipur, Chennai and Delhi added seating, counters and support staff to manage crowds. Aviation data earlier showed IndiGo had cancelled 1,232 flights in November, including 755 due to crew and FDTL constraints. Sources also pointed to an ongoing Emirates recruitment drive in Delhi and Mumbai, adding pressure on IndiGos staffing. IndiGo said the disruptions were caused by multiple operational challenges and that stabilisation measures will remain in place for 48 hours. The DGCA has summoned the airline today to present its mitigation plan.
Two schoolboys from Chennai document Plaintive cuckoo at Odiyur lake
In the north-eastern parts of the country, this bird is anything but rare; and in South India, it is not seen except as an occasional vagrant; records here are as scare as a hens teeth. Against this backdrop, recently Amoggh Vjay Chatty, a Grade X student of PSBB Millennium in Semmanchery and Aaditya S Rajesh, a Grade XI student of Maharishi Vidya Mandir in Chetpet, spotted and photographed a Plaintive cuckoo at Odiyur lake
SPR Construction Private Limited (SPR) has secured Rs. 750 crore of investments from funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. (Oaktree), one of the worlds leading alternative investment managers, with USD 209 billion in assets under management. This investment marks a major milestone for SPR City - Chennais largest integrated township - and reinforces global investor confidence in the projects strong fundamentals. Oaktree Capital Invests Rs. 750 Crore in Market of India at SPR City, Boosting Chennai's Largest Township The funds will accelerate the completion of SPRs flagship developments: The Market of India, and The Mall of Madras, together expected to redefine not only Chennai but also Southern Indias Shopping and Trade Landscape. This investment is projected to unlock value for 3.5 million sq. ft. of commercial assets, mainly covering: Mall of Madras Coming with 6-Screen Cinema & over 300+ Branded Stores Market of India comprising 3000+ units serving categories like Gems & Jewellery, Electronincs, Building material, Textile & Acessories, Imported items, Packed foods & Multiple commodities This investment is a very small fraction of the asset value expected to be unlocked in the next 812 months. This funding also allows full repayment of existing Altico Capital debt on the project. Combined, the two assets will form the largest multi-commodity trade and shopping destination across South Asia (SAARC nations). As per trends, any commercial place generates direct employment for one person and indirect employment for three people for every 100 sq. ft. With this analogy, 3.5 million sq. ft. of Market of India and Mall combined will generate direct employment for 35,000 people and indirect employment for over 100,000 people, thus transforming the socio-economic landscape of not only North Chennai but the entire Southern India, in terms of trade and shopping. Why Oaktree Invested Oaktrees decision follows extensive due diligence conducted by leading global advisors including Deloitte (financial & tax), AZB Partners (legal & title), Knight Frank (technical & cost), and Planmaxx (mall advisory & feasibility). The key factors influencing the investment include: Strong asset coverage and high sales visibility The rapidly rising prominence of the Perambur Mill area, located just 4 km from Chennai Central drawing parallels to Mumbais Lower Parel mill transformation SPRs leadership in delivering high-rise and integrated township developments in Chennai SPR has previously raised capital from JM Financial, Piramal, and LIC Housing, all of which have been fully repaid due to the projects robust revenue generation. The partnership with Oaktree further enhances SPRs credibility with institutional investors, lenders, and homebuyers, ensuring timely delivery of the next phase of SPR City. With over 55% of retail space already leased and strong progress across residential and commercial components, SPR City is poised to emerge as the transformative growth hub of North Chennai. www.sprindia.com .
Hes Carrying On From Ranchi: Gavaskar Says Kohlis Ton In Raipur seemed Inevitable
Chennai Super Kings: India legend Sunil Gavaskar broke down Virat Kohlis century in the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur, saying it never looked like Kohli would miss out on a hundred. From the very first ball he faced, Gavaskar felt the star batter was simply continuing the rhythm he found in Ranchi. Kohli continued his fine form from Ranchi, where he played a 120-ball 135-run knock in the first ODI to help India win, and went on to score his 84th international century, the 53rd of his ODI career, in Raipur on Wednesday. To be honest, at no point did it look like he wasn't going to get a hundred. From the first ball he faced, it felt as if he was carrying on from Ranchi. He got off the mark with a hook for six, a shot he doesn't often play in the air, which showed the confidence from his previous hundred. After that, unless something unfortunate happened, the hundred always seemed inevitable, Gavaskar said on JioStar. Kohli also stitched a humongous 195-run third-wicket stand with Ruturaj Gaikwad as the Chennai Super Kings skipper also got to the three-figure mark, his first-ever in ODIs. The partnership with Ruturaj was excellent. Ruturaj's first ball was a tough bouncer from Jansen, coming right after he had dismissed Jaiswal. He managed to put it away for four, and you could immediately see Kohli go down the pitch to comfort him. Ruturaj would've been nervous after getting out to a brilliant catch earlier, and whatever Kohli told him clearly lifted him; the next ball he played very confidently off the front foot, said Gavaskar. Gaikwad, however, also credited Kohli for guiding him fantastically on his way to hitting his maiden ODI century and added that it was dream to bat with the batting stalwart. Sometimes, it's not just about your own runs; it's about how you help your partner. Their running between the wickets, the communication, it was wonderful to see a senior player guiding a younger one at such an important stage, Gavaskar added. But, Kohli and Gaikwad's centuries were eclipsed by a clinical and collective effort from South Africa, as the visitors registered a series-levelling four-wicket win in the second in Raipur. Sometimes, it's not just about your own runs; it's about how you help your partner. Their running between the wickets, the communication, it was wonderful to see a senior player guiding a younger one at such an important stage, Gavaskar added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The ball feels like a bar of soap. Even when you try for a strong return to effect a run-out, it slips out of your hand. That's why if you win the toss in Indian conditions, you always want to bowl first, so you don't have to deal with a wet ball when defending. So yes, the toss made a big difference, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Veteran Tamil film producer AVM Saravanan passes away
Chennai: A.V.M. Saravanan, veteran film producer and managing force behind the iconic AVM Studios, passed away early Thursday morning at the age of 86 due to age-related ailments. He had been under treatment for several months and breathed his last at 5.30 a.m. at his residence inside the AVM Studio premises in Chennai. Saravanan, the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Tamil Nadu farmers get Rs 12,764 crore under PM-Kisan in 6 years
The Union government has disbursed 12,764 crore to Tamil Nadu farmers under the PM-Kisan scheme since 2019. Additionally, over one crore rural households in the state have received tap water connections through the Jal Jeevan Mission, a joint initiative with the state government.
After another day of deluge, more showers likely for TN and Puducherry
Puducherry led the rainfall charts on Wednesday with 23 cm, followed closely by Chennai with 22 cm
Kollywood producer A V M Saravanan passes away at 86; industry pays tribute
Veteran Kollywood producer AVM Saravanan, who helmed AVM Productions and delivered numerous hits, passed away at 86 due to age-related ailments. His production house, founded by his father, has been instrumental in Tamil cinema, featuring iconic stars and producing popular television series. Saravanan was also recognized for his leadership and contributions, leading many films to prestigious awards.
Agent trafficking people to Myanmar for cyber scam held in Chennai
CHENNAI: The Cyber Crime Wing of the Tamil Nadu police, in an important breakthrough, has arrested a key operative of an international job fraud and human trafficking network that was operating between India, Thailand and Myanmar, mainly taking people to cyber scam compounds operating out of the junta-ruled Myanmar. The arrest was made when the individual, whose identity is yet to be revealed by the police, tried to escape by blending with a group of 29 victims who were rescued from cyber scam compounds in Myanmar, and were being repatriated to India. As many as 395 Indians were rescued recently after the junta raided KK Park in Myawaddy, reportedly a cyber crime hub, adding to the 465 people brought back from similar compounds earlier. The arrest was made as part of Phase II of the ongoing Operation Blue Triangle to crackdown on the cyber crime network, the police said. The suspect and his associate had allegedly lured a man from Tamil Nadu with a fake tele-caller job offer in Bangkok, collected money for travel and visa arrangements, and then facilitated his kidnap upon landing in Bangkok. The victim was handed over to Chinese cyber criminals and was later taken to a cyber-scam compound in Myanmar, assaulted, confined and forced to create fake social media accounts. Rs 5.40 lakh was extorted from his family members for his release. The agent was traced and arrested based on an FIR registered at the State Cyber Crime Investigation Centre (SCCIC). His arrest followed field investigations, forensic checks and interrogation of returnees in Delhi and Chennai, which exposed a wider network of agents operating across Tamil Nadu.
Deadline for pet licence extended till December 14 in Chennai
CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Corporation has extended the deadline for obtaining pet licences to December 14, after the recent rainfall in the city. As of Wednesday, a total of 91,711 pets have been registered on the GCCs portal, and 45,916 licences have been issued. The civic body had initially set November 23 as the deadline, but after facing criticism from pet owners over long queues at GCC pet clinics for microchipping and glitches in the portal, it was extended to December 7. Now, in view of the rainfall caused by the remnants of Cyclone Ditwah, the deadline has been pushed further to December 14. Pet owners can visit any of the six GCC pet clinics located in Thiru-Vi-Ka nagar, Pulianthope, Lloyds Colony, Nungambakkam, Kannamapet and Meenambakkam, and the animal birth control centre in Sholinganallur, for anti-rabies vaccination and microchipping, both mandatory for obtaining a licence.
GCC drops plan to privatise waste management in two zones
CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Corporation on Wednesday announced the cancellation of the global tender floated for outsourcing solid waste management (SWM) operations in the Tondiarpet and Anna Nagar zones. The decision was taken to incorporate additional requirements that were missing from the original tender document, sources said. Four contractors AG Enviro Infra Projects Pvt Ltd, Delhi MSW Solutions Limited, Shj Environment Co LLC - Beeah, and Sumeet Facilities Limited had submitted their bids as of November 28. However, the city corporation noted that both zones are among the citys most densely populated areas having narrow interior streets, large commercial establishments, high-rise residential buildings, burial grounds, parks, and playgrounds, requiring high-quality cleanliness operations. The GCC official sources said the corporation also received repeated requests from residents and elected representatives to include services such as burial ground maintenance, park upkeep, and playground management within the contractual scope, citing their direct impact on citizens daily lives. Claiming that the original tender document no longer aligns with current operational demands, sources said the GCC has thus decided to cancel it, and a new one with revised service components, updated financial estimates and enhanced work specifications will be issued. The cancellation comes amid ongoing protests by sanitary workers in Royapuram and Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar zones against privatisation of solid waste operations in these zones.
Flats on Pallikaranai marsh: Madras HC to study ground truth report
CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Wednesday said it would take a decision on the public interest litigation petition filed by an AIADMK advocate against construction of a residential complex allegedly on the Pallikaranai marshland after perusing the report of the ground truthing exercise, which is aimed at determining the boundaries of the marshland. Stating that the Supreme Court had directed undertaking ground truthing, the first bench of Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan said, We have asked for the report. If that report comes, we will decide what to be done on the matter. The bench said it has to balance both sides as it cannot set its eyes to one side, and so is awaiting the report. The petition filed by advocate J Bezhnev alleged that Brigade Enterprises Limited was given environmental clearance for constructing a high-rise residential building complex with four blocks in Perumbakkam village, on the Pallikaranai marshland, on January 20, 2025, by the state environment impact assessment authority. Within three days, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority issued permission for the construction. Advocate General P S Raman, representing the government, informed that 99.4% of the ground truthing exercise has been completed and the remaining work will take just a days time; the ground truthing work is being done by the Tamil Nadu Wetland Authority in conjunction with the authorities of the Union government. Once the work is completed, the report will be filed in the court, he said, adding that the next stage is to identify the zone of influence and decide what activity can be permitted in this area. Senior counsel P Wilson, appearing for the Tamil Nadu Wetland Authority, submitted that the ground truthing exercise has been completed and a report has been submitted in the Supreme Court. The identification of digital boundary and delineation of the wetland are yet to be conducted. The next date of hearing was posted to December 11.
Joyride turns nightmare at Wonderla Chennai
CHENNAI: At least 12 passengers were stuck about 30 feet in the air for 20-30 minutes after a sudden power cut halted a roller coaster mid-ride at the newly inaugurated Wonderla amusement park in Thiruporur, 56 km south of Chennai, on Tuesday. Rescue personnel climbed the structure and assisted each rider down once power was restored, sources said. Videos of the stalled coaster, widely shared online by visitors, intensified concerns over safety at the Rs 611-crore park inaugurated on December 1 by Chief Minister MK Stalin. The 64-acre facility, which houses over 43 attractions including Indias first B&M inverted roller coaster Tanjora, witnessed multiple ride malfunctions within hours on its opening day, sources said. Several visitors said amusement park officials gave vague or delayed explanations about the disruptions, leading to tense exchanges at the venue. Wonderla MD Arun Chittilappilly issued an apology on Instagram while acknowledging the unexpectedly large turnout. Despite bad weather, more than 2,000 people visited the park on day one, he stated.
North Chennai bears brunt, more rain likely
CHENNAI: With Ennore recording nearly 15 cm of rainfall in nine hours ending 5.30 pm on Wednesday, several areas have been inundated with rainwater entering the houses. Some other parts of North Chennai including Mullai Nagar in Vyasarpadi, Perambur, Kumaran Nagar in Redhills, and a few other parts of the city continued to face water inundation due to the rains since Monday. Residents of Ennore, especially those from Ward 1 VOC Nagar, Sathyavani Muthu Nagar, Ulaganathapuram, Kamaraj Nagar and surrounding areas told TNIE that water entered around 60 houses from the afternoon following incessant showers. When they attempted to reach the GCC relief centre at Kathivakkam Government High School, they found it locked; it was opened only later in the evening, they said. Senbagum I (59) of Sathyavani Muthu Nagar said that despite the area having stormwater drains, water kept entering homes. Even sewage drains are overflowing. No pumps have been arranged to clear stagnant water, no food is being distributed, and power has been cut. We are not able to step out of our houses. All three streets in Sathyavani Muthu Nagar are facing the same situation, she said, adding that the locality usually does not face such flooding. Karima A (39) of VOC Nagar said water had entered homes up to 1.5 ft or above, damaging appliances including washing machines and refrigerators. Another resident questioned the lack of swift relief despite three days of heavy rain in Ennore. In Perambur, Venkatraman Street, Bharathi Road, Subramanian Street, Patel Road, Nelvayal Lane, Rajeswari Street and Ramakrishnan Street were flooded with sewage, said Raghukumar Choodamani of the Perambur Neighborhood Development Forum, calling the situation horrible. Kumaran Nagar in Red Hills saw knee-deep water with fire and rescue services personnel using boats to rescue residents. Stagnation that began Tuesday worsened on Wednesday, sources said. In Mullai Nagar, Vyasarpadi, where stagnant water had been almost cleared using at least three heavy duty pumps each earlier on Wednesday, the situation turned to severe inundation again with 2-3 feet of waterlogging later in the day after rains resumed in the afternoon. The pumps were being operated continuously as of 7 pm on Wednesday to drain the area. Pumps were also deployed at Pattalam, where waterlogging was relatively minimal. All 22 subways remained open after Ganesapuram subway was cleared. In T Nagar, Habibullah Road, Dr Nair Road and Pushpa Nagar Main Road in Nungambakkam saw waterlogging, though stagnation began receding by evening. GCC said 6.25 lakh food packets had been distributed since Monday and 103 medical camps were conducted on Wednesday.
Water discharge from Red Hills reservoir, a key drinking water source of Chennai, increased on Wednesday evening as its storage touched 96% of its capacity
Schools shut in Chennai, Tiruvallur amid heavy rainfall
Chennai and Tiruvallur districts announced school closures on Thursday as heavy rain from Cyclonic Storm Ditwah continued to flood several areas and disrupt normal life
Chennai and surrounding districts experienced heavy rainfall for the third consecutive day on Wednesday, despite forecasts indicating the worst has passed. While a depression weakened and made landfall, cloud convergence over the region led to intense showers, particularly in Tiruvallur and North Chennai. Mild showers are expected Thursday, with clearer skies anticipated from Friday.
The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings for very heavy rainfall in coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala, with schools in Chennai and Tiruvallur closed due to incessant rain. Meanwhile, parts of North India are experiencing cold wave conditions and dense fog, impacting mobility and traffic. The IMD has warned of cold wave conditions for Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and north Rajasthan.
Cyclone Ditwah has brought heavy, persistent rain to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, prompting school closures in Chennai and Tiruvallur. IMD predicts continued light to moderate showers with isolated heavy spells as the system weakens into a low-pressure area.
Madras Art Weekend reimagines the city through art
In Chennai, art is not merely something that hangs on walls; it drifts through salt-sweet sea breeze, stains fingers with filter coffee brown, echoes from temple corridors, and hums along the tracks of a metro line cutting through old neighbourhoods. The city itself is a living canvas. It is this sentiment that Madras Art Weekend (MAW) returns to celebrate, where Madras and art are nearly synonymous, each reshaping and reimagining the other. In its fourth edition, the theme for Madras Art Weekend 2025 is Madras Reimagined, asking a pertinent question: how do we preserve the memory of a city while sculpting its future? The annual festival, founded by Upasana Asrani, has evolved into a highly anticipated cultural event in Chennais creative calendar, bringing together artists, designers, architects, gallerists, collectors, and audiences. Madras Art Weekend is a festival for the city and for its people. It celebrates the spirit of Chennai and its creative pulse, says Upasana, reflecting on the journey since MAW began in 2022. What started as a niche space for contemporary art has since transformed into a movement that now shapes and mirrors Chennais cultural imagination. The festival has grown from strength to strength, year after year, evolving into a massive movement. People have been eager to be part of it, and it has now become an annual legacy of the city of Chennai, she says. The theme was conceived after months of conversations across the artistic ecosystem, which Upasana refers to as cultural custodians. MAWs visual identity, this year, was conceptualised with branding collaborators Whoa Mama Design, who worked closely with the festival to give shape to a narrative rooted in the cinematic, emotional, and historical layers of the city. We wanted to look at Madras through the lens of its past as well as its future, and the idea of Madras Reimagined emerged, she says. This edition expands its creative geography far beyond a single venue. While the VIP preview and Gallery Exhibit at Taj Coromandel remain the central showcase, featuring leading galleries such as Saralas Art Centre, DakshinaChitra Museum, Memeraki, among others, the festival spills into the city through collaborations with spaces including Raw Mango, Gallery Veda, Lakshana, and others. MAW has built a growing community through year-round engagement. We dont wake up a month before and scramble to put a programme together. We host events every month to stay connected with our community, Upasana notes. This includes collector home tours, studio visits, gallery collaborations, and digital storytelling formats that take audiences behind the scenes of the art-making process. Among the most anticipated additions this year is the Art Vandi, created in collaboration with NalandaWay Foundation. It is a mobile art van that has travelled through rural pockets, carrying art materials to children in remote communities. The vandi has enough art material for students to come in and do workshops with facilitators, says Upasana. Schools and institutions across Chennai have been invited to engage with the programme, reinforcing the festivals intent to plant seeds for the next generation of makers. The programming also includes a special workshop with Rainbow Fish Studio led by Sara Vettet, alongside a dynamic line-up of panel discussions, exhibition walkthroughs, and performances that bring together industry leaders, celebrated designers, architects, and artists from across the country, culminating in a poetic closing performance by Lekha Washington at Wild Garden Caf, Amethyst. For someone stepping into Madras Art Weekend for the first time, Upasanas message is simple: Explore all the parallel shows happening across the city, and then come to Taj, where all the galleries are exhibiting. Come, soak in the art, experience it. She reflects with quiet emotion, sharing that she is dedicating this edition to her late mother, whose support shaped her journey, and to her guide and mentor, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi. MAWs commitment to inclusivity is visible in its educational and social outreach initiatives last years effort saw Chennais art community contribute supplies to students of Government College of Fine Arts, and this year, the festival hopes to fund the education of two deserving art students. In this edition of MAW, Chennai does not gaze nostalgically backwards; it walks forward with its history at its side. Madras Art Weekend 2025 unfolds across venues in Chennai, with the Gallery Exhibit at Taj Coromandel open to the public from today until December 6. Visit @madrasartweekend on Instagram.
On December 4, 2025, gold prices in India range from Rs 13.059 per 1 gram for 24K gold and Rs 11,971 per 1 gram for 22K gold. Silver is priced at Rs 1,91,100 per kilogram. Check city-wise rates here.
The last month of the year is here, and it brings with it rains and a pleasant weather. How about a cup of hot chocolate to enjoy the season? Chennais cafes have been stirring decadent happiness with cocoa for a few years now, and CE has made its list of spots you must visit for a quick pick-me-up. Nolita Can a regular melted chocolate and milk/water mixed with a sweetener taste like a warm hug in a mug? The answer is yes. It is served in a pot and a cup at the citys very own Nolita. Across its branches, the Hot Velvety Nutella hot chocolate is a hug. It is thick and creamy, with the goodness of hazelnuts, appealing to all audiences and served aesthetically for the perfect Instagram picture. Arunima, head of operations at Nolita, says, Nutella hot chocolate tastes like liquid dessert, with just enough sweetness to keep you going back for one more sip. She suggests, One sip of the Hot Velvety Nutella paired with a bite of our flaky croissant pizza, a recent launch, takes you straight to a cosy heaven, total bliss every time. Priced at Rs 325/- plus tax, you too can enjoy this sweet comfort at your homes by ordering from Swiggy and Zomato. If missed, grab milk, cocoa, sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon, heat it up, give it a quick whisk, and boom, you have a cosy hot chocolate ready in minutes, shares Arunima. Writers Cafe Writers Cafes hot chocolate is made with Belgian dark chocolate, full-fat milk, and high-quality dairy cream. Its served warm with fresh cream and a shortbread biscuit, for a truly indulgent experience. Its priced at Rs 165 plus tax, and we dont offer delivery on Swiggy or Zomato as we believe its best enjoyed in the caf. We dont have a Christmas-special version this season just our classic. For anyone making hot chocolate at home, we recommend using pure chocolate and full-fat milk for a rich, comforting cup, shares Padu J, brand development manager, Writers Caf. Madras Interval Chennai never sits out on a trend, especially when it is Insta-worthy. This winter, Chennaiites feeds are overflowing with New York Citys famous Smores Hot Chocolate, brought to the city by Madras Interval in Teynampet. We wanted to bring something thats trending in New York to Chennai this Christmas. Chennai people love to catch onto trends, so we thought, why not bring the viral hot chocolate here? says Mohanaraman, CEO of Madras Interval. Priced between Rs 250 and Rs 300, they offer different flavours of molten, glossy hot chocolate poured thick and slow, each cup crowned with a perfectly torched marshmallow ring that melts into the drink like snowfall meeting fire. The recipe was meticulously developed with the help of their chef, using imported ingredients and premium hotel-grade cocoa to closely replicate the viral New York experience. Sandys Chocolate Laboratory Sandys hot chocolate is their signature creation, crafted from a closely guarded recipe perfected over the years to deliver a rich, indulgent cup, a drink they take pride in introducing to Chennais hot chocolate culture. They offer five varieties of hot chocolate, each in milk, dark, or white chocolate options. Priced between Rs 320 and Rs 380 depending on your pick, its designed to offer premium quality at a fair rate. Unlike many cafs, Sandys does offer delivery on Swiggy and Zomato, so you can enjoy it from anywhere. This season, theyre also gearing up to reveal a Christmas-special hot chocolate, promising a festive twist to their beloved classic. For those making it at home, they recommend keeping it simple, equal parts cocoa powder, milk, and cream, gently heated and whisked for a smooth finish, with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. For us, hot chocolate is more than a drink; its a tradition. We introduce a new version every Christmas and another in summer, so theres always something exciting on the menu, shares Adarsh Tripathi, manager, Sales and Marketing at Sandys Kitchen & Chocolate Laboratory.
Another year ends. Another begins. Looking back at the year must be a mixed bag of emotions for athevast majority. Gathering up the months that comprised both tears and bliss, accolades and failures and to sift through them all, often becomes an annual ritual in the belief that we can step into the new year with lessons learnt. Unfortunately, we rarely try to address the silent killer within us all Stress! A holiday at the end of the year to a destination that fits into ones budget is mandatory. Trekking, sightseeing, vacationing by the beach, looking up historical relics you name it, and there would be a tourist operator with the right package for you. Once out there, wearing outfits that befit the surroundings, you indulge in every activity offered, for no trip on earth is ever planned to simply rest your tired soul. You fill your days to make the most of the vacation. You sincerely believe that you have done the needful for the stress that life puts you through everyday and then, come back all rejuvenated enough to take on the same stress. Nothing actually changes. Artists, on the other hand, live the ideal stress-free life, you may falsely assume. For, isnt art often recommended as a therapy to relax, to cure, and to pause amid your busy days? Artists must then be leading lives that are on eternal vacation mode. Nothing can be further from the truth. Art as a hobby may be calming indeed, but once adopted as a career, it is definitely as demanding as any other. Art history is replete with stories of burnouts consuming the lives and sanity of too many creative minds. The Scream is one of the most recognisable artworks in history. The creator of it also had moments of these terrifying screams erupting within him. In 1908, on the brink of exhaustion, Norwegian artist Edvard Munch had a nervous breakdown, which was attributed to stress and overwork. An intense creative drive that translated into 106 art exhibitions in 17 years, led to his mental collapse, along with alcohol abuse, which were short fixes for his weariness. The worlds beloved artist, Vincent Van Gogh, may have left us a legacy of his bright sunflowers and starry nights, but his manic periods of painting, when he worked with such furious frenzy, ultimately led to depression and his early death by suicide. In recent years, the extremely talented and popular Japanese Manga artist, Kentaro Miura, died at the age of 54, due to a rare medical condition caused by hypertension. The long hours of intense, meticulous work, often combined with impossible deadlines and an excess of creative energy, can prove to be more lethal at times than any corporate assignment. The solitary practice that art is, does not provide the comfort of having fellow workers alongside to help unwind or distract oneself. Stress is a frightening reality today. A vacation may be a temporary solution, but reorganising life with the emphasis on mental health is the only way forward. Let this be the resolution for the year that beckons us all!
Indias growth is not as robust as indicated by the headlines: Former Chief Economic Advisor
Sitheri lake chokes on toxic waste
Complex surgery performed at city hospital to remove screwdriver from mans skull
Cyber cops nab key agent who trafficked youths to Myanmar
TN to get high-res satellite imagery to modernize, digitize land records
Labour department freezes migrant worker survey
Deadline for microchipping pet dogs extended to Dec. 14
Conservancy workers stage protest to press demands
CCB arrests man for forging land documents in Neelankarai
Vijay blames incomplete drains for waterlogging
HC impleads 40 firms to curb plastic use in hill stations
Resonia to enter into JV with IIT-M startup Amber Wings
PLI scheme drives 43,000 jobs in solar module manufacturing
IIT Madras crosses 500 deep-tech incubations
Govt reconstitutes BC Commission with new members
Take Kalaignar as role model, CM to persons with disabilities
Scuffle at Thiruparankundram in Madurai; prohibitory orders imposed; 2 cops injured
