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Changes have caught up with the sabhas in Chennai in many ways
MSME Marketing Conclave held in Chennai
BIS Chennai gets new Deputy Director-General
9.46 kg of gold worth 11.5 crore seized at Chennai airport
Corporation allocates 89 lakh to each zone for road repair works
Tractor sales, production hit historic 1mn mark in 11 months of 2025
Woman, 34, kills self in Tiruvottiyur
Death of man sparks row; cops refute assault allegations
Woman leaves behind gold at bank; probe on
Chennai-Trichy highway upgrades stuck as TN-CMRL decision pending: Gadkari
SIR form collection nears completion in Tambaram, Avadi
Madras, 1937: When Vande Mataram first sparked a debate
Rahul, Priyanka to visit TN for poll campaign in January
GCC processes nearly 48.41 lakh tonnes of legacy waste from dumpyards
According to a press release, the Greater Chennai Corporation cleared an average of 6,300 tonnes of waste each day from all 15 zones
If an alliance is formed under TVK, it will challenge DMK: Dhinakaran
The Hindu, in association with Naruvi Hospitals, launches e-book Care and Cure
The e-book is the result of a fruitful partnership between the two institutions, based on a series of webinars, Healthy India, Happy India: Prevent Illness - Promote Wellness.
Mortal remains of man who died in Saudi Arabia brought to Tamil Nadu
HEAD: 10_Che_KS_HC SHRC POCSO case
Explained: How a temple-dargah hill in Tamil Nadu became a bone of contention
Chennai: The centuries-old religious area of Madurai, with a temple and dargah resting in close proximity, has largely remained free of any communal tensions, with both coexisting in relative harmony Tirupparankundram in Madurais hilltop region has deep spiritual importance with the Subramaniya Swamy Temple at its base, and the Sultan Sikkandar Avulia Dargah on 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 .
JioHotstar announces 4,000-crore investment plan in southern India; unveils 25 new titles
The streamer unveiled an exciting array of films, shows, and non-fiction titles in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam, and workshops for next-gen filmmakers
Uber passengers in Bengaluru can now book Namma Metro tickets on app
The feature has already been adopted in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, and Bengaluru is the latest metro city where Uber is integrating public transport into its ecosystem
AI and the evolving landscape of Chennais Margazhi Season
Classical musicians must move past skepticism when it comes to AI. It cannot replace human mastery, but can be a modern instrument for practice, planning and cultural propagation.
SOCOMEC Group, in collaboration with the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI), has launched Project Edu-Sustain - Education, Environment & Sustainability Initiative, a series of impactful CSR interventions focused on Education, Clean & Green Energy, and Zero Plastic Waste Management. The initiative aims to promote holistic and sustainable community development across Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi-NCR, contributing to a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive future. SOCOMEC and IFCCI Launch Multi-Faceted CSR Initiatives Promoting Education, Clean & Green Energy, and Zero Plastic Waste Management Reflecting SOCOMECs enduring commitment to social and environmental responsibility, Project Edu-Sustain integrates education, renewable energy, and environmental conservation to create long-term, scalable impact. Key Focus Areas: Clean & Green Energy: Installation of solar panel systems in 7 government schools across Chennai and Delhi-NCR, generating over 35,00050,000 kWh of renewable energy annually, reducing carbon emissions and ensuring energy-efficient learning environments. Education for Underserved Communities: Establishment and running of two educational centres supporting over 80 primary-level children from high-risk and underserved communities and ensure least drop out. These centres provide after-school academic support, mentoring, and creative learning spaces to strengthen learning outcomes and prevent school dropouts. Zero Plastic Waste Management: Adoption of two beaches Prabhadevi and Dadar in Mumbai under a comprehensive Zero Plastic Waste Management initiative, targeting the collection and recycling of over 15,000 kg of marine plastic waste annually. The collected plastic is upcycled into useful products, generating livelihood opportunities for local waste pickers. Awareness & Employee Engagement: Through employee volunteering, community outreach, and sustainability awareness programs, the initiative promotes environmental consciousness among students, corporate employees, and local residents. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Partnership for Goals) Project Edu-Sustain underscores SOCOMECs dedication to integrating sustainability with social progress. Leadership Speak Mr. Meenu Singhal, Regional Managing Director, SOCOMEC Greater India, stated, At Socomec, sustainability is a core part of our business strategy and culture. We are committed to advancing carbon footprint transparency, upholding ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, and advancing eco-design practices. Through Project Edu-Sustain, in collaboration with IFCCI, we bring this vision to life by integrating clean energy solutions, enabling education for underserved communities, and championing zero-plastic initiatives. These efforts are creating resilient ecosystems that empower people and protect the planet, ensuring that progress and responsibility can go hand in hand . Ms. Nida Khanam, Head of Human Resources, SOCOMEC Greater India, stated, Socomecs commitment to social and environmental sustainability extends both inside and outside the organization, fostering an inclusive and safe workplace, empowering communities through sustainable actions. Over the past few years, we have successfully collaborated with IFCCI on strategic CSR projects. We are taking this partnership forward through Project Edu-Sustain, operating two education centers for children of female sex workers, installing solar panels in seven government schools across Chennai and Delhi NCR to promote renewable energy, and adopting two beaches in Mumbai under the Zero Plastic Model to drive environmental awareness and community participation. Ms. Payal S. Kanwar, Director General, Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI) , added, We are proud to partner with SOCOMEC Group in driving projects that deliver measurable and lasting impact onboth people and the planet. Through initiatives such as solarizing government schools, empowering children fromunderserved communities, and reviving beaches through zero-plastic interventions, we are collectively buildingecosystems of change. These efforts represent a true convergence of innovation,inclusion, and sustainability. We are also deeply thankful to SOCOMEC Group for their continued partnership with IFCCIs CSR Departmentsince its inception in 2023. Their commitment to community development and sustainability hasbeen instrumental in driving impactful initiatives that empower underserved communities and promote a moreinclusive and environmentally responsible future .
Unveiling the body: Art, intimacy, and resistance intersect at an art exhibit in Chennai
How does a body change when it is intimate? What does it look like when it protests? Avtar Foundations latest exhibit Udal, meditates on the primacy of the body in art, assertion, and intimacy
CM Stalin determines target of 440 votes for DMK at his booth
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin, spearheading the My BoothVictory Booth movement, stated that the army of black and red shirts will confront the Shahs of Delhi
Emirates flight crew member caught with Rs 11.5 crore gold at Chennai airport; five held
Chennai Customs apprehended an Emirates airline crew member at Chennai Airport, seizing 9.46 kg of gold paste worth 11.5 crore. Following this, four individuals, including receivers and an accomplice, were arrested near the airport. The investigation into the gold smuggling syndicate is ongoing.
Not Scripted: Mohanlal Reveals Reality Behind Bigg Boss
Malayalam star and Dadasaheb Phalke awardee Mohanlal gets emotional remembering legendary Tollywood actor, Akkineni Nageshwar Rao at the JioHotstar's South Unbound event in Chennai. ANR was very kind to me, he tells Nagarjuna
Youth arrested for robbing a woman in Chennais CMBT
Bangkoks Fah Beer brings her inventive cocktails inspired by the bustling citys streets, to Chennai
At The Park, Chennai, Fah Beer of Bangkok bar Lost in Thaislation will whip up vibrant cocktails inspired by the city and bring her behind-the-counter zero-waste philosophy rooted in respect
H-1B, H-4 visa appointments pushed back across India as US shifts to social media vetting
Amid the US governments new social media vetting policy for H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents, appointments across consulates in India have been postponed or rescheduled, with the US Embassy issuing an advisory on the immigration process. The US Mission in India confirmed that visa appointments scheduled for December and the coming weeks had been shifted, with immigration attorneys saying many were pushed to March to allow time for the social media vetting. The embassy warned that arriving on the previously scheduled appointment date will result in your being denied admittance to the Embassy or Consulate. Mission India confirms what we have been hearing. They have cancelled a number of appointments in the coming weeks and rescheduled them for March to allow for the social media vetting. https://t.co/gjsIDxmPOX Steven Brown (@AttyStevenBrown) December 9, 2025 According to a report in TOI , H-1B and H-4 visa appointments scheduled for mid to late December at the US consulates in Hyderabad and Chennai have been cancelled, with some rescheduled to March 2026. This follows a December 4 directive from the US State Department stating that, from December 15, it will review the online activity of all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, requiring them to keep every social-media profile set to public an expansion of a measure already applied to students and exchange visitors. To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for H-1B and their dependents (H-4), F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas are instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to 'public', it had said. Underscoring that a US visa is a privilege and not a right, the department said it uses all available information in screening and vetting to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible or pose a threat to America's national security or public safety. Every visa adjudication is a national security decision, it said. The department said the US must be vigilant to ensure applicants do not intend to harm Americans and that all visa applicants credibly establish eligibility and intent to comply with the terms of their admission. The directive is the latest in a series of steps by the Trump administration to tighten immigration rules. The administration has launched a massive crackdown to check abuse of the H-1B visa programme, used largely by US technology companies to hire foreign workers. Indian professionals, including tech workers and physicians, form one of the largest groups of H-1B visa holders. In September, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation , titled 'Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers' , imposing a one-time USD 100,000 fee on new H-1B work visas, an order that could significantly impact Indian workers seeking temporary employment in the US.
RRB Junior Engineer 2025, Apply Today Before The Deadline For 2,585 Vacancies
Vacancies for RRB JE 2025 increased to 2,585 from 2,569, with notable increments in Chennai and Jammu-Srinagar regions. Correction window for applications opens December 13 to 22.
Chennai International Book Fair from January 16, open to public
CHENNAI: School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi on Tuesday announced that the fourth edition of the Chennai International Book Fair (CIBF) will be held from January 16 to 18 at the Kalaivanar Arangam. For the first time, the event will be open to the members of the public, and they could register through online, he said. This years edition will feature the organising committee of the Frankfurt Book Fair, one of the worlds largest and oldest book fairs, as the Guest of Honour, with publishers from more than 100 countries expected to participate. The three-day event will also host special literary and business sessions including a session by the French government for Tamil publishers, a seminar on Turkeys TEDA Turkiye translation grant and workshops by the Bologna Childrens Book Fair on painting, design, translation and cartooning. Sessions on textbooks with illustrations led by the Iranian government will also be held. The minister also released the CIBF logo on the occasion, and said the fair is being organised with the motto Taking Tamil to the World and the World to Tamil, reflecting the states emphasis on promoting literature and reading. The fair, jointly organised by the Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation and the Directorate of Public Libraries, will facilitate the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to translate the works of Tamil writers into foreign languages and vice versa. CIBF is positioned as a unique B2B (business-to-business) platform that brings together international conferences, publishing trade shows and literary forums.
Gang fakes accident to rob, assault motorist on Vyasarpadi flyover
CHENNAI: Police have launched a manhunt for a a six-member gang who faked an accident to rob a 27-year-old motorist of cash and jewels on the Vyasarpadi flyover. According to police, Vijay Ravi of Puzhal was driving down the flyover on December 7 when a woman riding a scooter suddenly fell in front of his car. As he stopped to assist her, she accused him of knocking her down and immediately dialled her husband. Within minutes, five men arrived, confronted Vijay and allegedly assaulted him. They forced him to transfer ` 20,000 and took his two-gram gold ring and a 15-gram silver bracelet. The gang pushed the semi-conscious Vijay into his own car, drove it to Parrys Corner, and abandoned him, police said. Later, a hospital employee alerted the Vyasarpadi police and Vijay was admitted to a nearby hospital. A case was registered under Sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt) and 309(4) (robbery) of the BNS. Police sources said it was a planned extortion and special teams are analysing CCTV footage to identify and nab the six suspects.
Two-year-old boy run over by school van in Chennai
CHENNAI: A two-year-old boy was killed after he came under the wheels of a school van at Navalur village near Tiruttani in Tiruvallur district on Tuesday. The child, G Kameswaran, had stepped out to see off his elder brother, who was boarding the van for school. Police said Kameswarans father works in a private company and his mother is a homemaker. The family has three children, including the UKG student who was being picked up from their home. As the older child boarded the van, the vehicle moved forward, running over the toddler who was standing nearby, sources said. Kameswaran sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to the Tiruttani Government Hospital, where he was declared brought dead. The van driver, identified as Stephen, has been booked under relevant sections of BNS. The Kanagamma Chatram police said the driver was assaulted by public following the accident.
JioHotstar to invest Rs 4,000 crore in the southern market
Madras HC permits PVR Inox to continue operations at Chennai airport
CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Tuesday ordered the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to allow PVR Inox Limited, multiplex theatre operator, to continue its operations in the cinema halls on the multi-level car parking (MLCP) complex on the Chennai Airport premises until the centre takes a policy decision on the issue of cinema halls on airport premises. The order was passed by Justice M Dhandapani on the petitions filed by the multiplex theatre operator seeking to quash a letter issued by the AAI on June 20, 2025 for closing the cinema halls being run on the MLCP complex. Senior counsel P S Raman, assisted by Arva Merchant, appeared for PVR Inox while Additional Solicitor General (ASG) A R L Sundaresan represented the respondent authorities including the AAI. The matter pertains to the recent decision of AAI to close down the cinema halls by prematurely terminating the lease granted to Meenambakkam Realty Private Limited, an SPV launched by Olympia Techpark Limited, to develop and run the Aero Hub on the airport premises. PVR Inox had entered into a sub-licensing agreement with the SPV for 13 years.
Plastic waste, garbage choke Ekangipuram canal in Chennai
CHENNAI: Residents of Perambur have raised an alarm over the deteriorating condition of the Ekangipuram canal, particularly the stretch beneath the Murasoli Maran flyover, where mounds of plastic waste and garbage have choked the waterway and obstructed its flow. The canal served as a primary waterway for discharging rainwater from Villivakkam, ICF, Ayanavaram and Perambur. It drains into the Otteri Nullah via the Captain Cotton Canal. However, the canal has now been blocked with plastic and other waste, often dumped by nearby residents. A resident of Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, located near the canal, said on condition of anonymity, Earlier, sanitary workers would come with BOVs to collect the daily waste. After the private contractor took over the operations and new workers deployed, they stopped covering this stretch, forcing other residents to dump the garbage inside the canal. On both sides, portions of the canal walls have collapsed, and discoloured water continues to flow in. Raghukumar Choodamani, social activist and convener of the Perambur Neighbourhood Development Forum, said raw sewage is often let into the canal, further contaminating it. Lakshmi P, a 56-year-old resident, said, Despite ministers inspecting the canal, it is only cleaned once in every six months, even though the garbage, including plastic waste, remain floating round the clock. Because of this, mosquito breeding has increased, posing serious health risks to us. Corporation officials did not offer a comment when TNIE reached out.
Bengaluru second in rooftop solar installations
BENGALURU: Bengaluru Urban was ranked second compared to other Indian metropolis in the installation of rooftop solar panels and the number of household benefiting from it, according to a report from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). But the state government officials say that Karnataka lags behind the target set by the central government for the installation of solar rooftop panels under the Pradhan Mantri-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana scheme. The ministry in its response to Bangalore South MP Tejavi Suryas question in Lok Sabha stated that there are 4,984 solar roof top installations in Bengaluru Urban and 386 in Bengaluru Rural, making it a total of 5,370 installations in BESCOM limits. The MNRE also said that 11,854 households in Bengaluru Urban and 386 households in Bengaluru Rural have benefited from the scheme. Bengaluru Urban lagged behind Mumbai covering 18,223 households under the scheme with 428 installations in Mumbai and Mumbai Suburban. As per the report there are a total of 18,99,494 installations benefiting 23,79,580 households, as on November 30, 2025 in India. Of which 13,176 installations are in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai, benefiting 41,955 households. The central government has set a target for each state to achieve in terms of number of installations and households availing the scheme. In case of Karnataka, it is 1.02 lakh consumers by March 2027. So far, around 13,000 installations have been done in Karnataka. We are trying to meet the target. Under the scheme, the Centre gives around Rs 78,000 subsidy for installation of 3 kilowatt solar rooftop panel. To boost the scheme, many state governments are giving an additional top-up subsidy like an additional Rs 10,000 per kilo watt during installation. Karnataka offers no additional top-up as money is invested in the Gruha Jyothi scheme, sources in the energy department said. Under the scheme, individual houses can install even a 1MW rooftop panel, but the maximum limit an apartment block can install is 500 kilowatt. In Bengaluru apartments which are usually installing panels utilise the power generated for common area lighting, BESCOM officials said.
107 MPs submit notice to impeach Madras HC judge
NEW DELHI/CHENNAI: As many as 107 INDIA bloc MPs, led by DMK, submitted a notice to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday, seeking impeachment of Madras High Court judge G R Swaminathan for his order of December 1 and 3 directing Subramaniya Swamy temple authorities at Thirupparankundram to allow lighting lamps on a pillar (deepathoon) near a dargah on the hill. The impeachment notice accused Justice G R Swaminathan of the Madurai bench of Madras HC of conduct that raises serious questions regarding impartiality, transparency, and the secular functioning of the judiciary. It alleged undue favouritism towards senior advocate M Sricharan Ranganathan and lawyers from a particular community, besides deciding cases on particular political ideology against the constitutional principle of secularism. Copies of the notice were also sent to President Droupadi Murmu and CJI Sanjiv Khanna. The delegation included Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Akhilesh Yadav, T R Baalu, Kanimozhi, Supriya Sule and others. On December 3, Justice Swaminathan had allowed a group of petitioners to light the lamp on the pillar near the dargah, and directed CISF protection to them. Police stopped the group from lighting the lamp, leading to a furore, prompting the Tamil Nadu government to move the Supreme Court, which admitted TNs plea.
Tamil Karkalam to take language to 1.5K north students
VARANASI: Continuing its efforts to counter the long-standing charge that the BJP promotes Hindi cultural dominance, the BJP-led union government has initiated numerous efforts to teach Tamil through multiple languages of the country, particularly through Hindi. It is evident from the theme of the Kashi Tamil Sangamams fourth edition (KTS 4.0) going on from December 2 to 17 Tamil Karkalam (Let us learn Tamil), the event is aimed at teaching Tamil to Hindi-speaking students. The roads of Varanasi are filled with flex banners showing the picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the words Tamil Karkalam along with its Hindi transliteration. Under this programme, 300 college students from Uttar Pradesh will visit Tamil Nadu in 10 batches to learn Tamil. They will attend an orientation at the Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT) Chennai, followed by Tamil language classes and cultural sessions conducted at leading institutions across the state, including IIT Madras; Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan; Shastra University, Thanjavur; Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore and Ganapathi Tulsis Jain Engineering College, Vellore. The programme ensures that young learners from North India gain direct exposure to Tamil language, heritage and contemporary cultural practices. In Varanasi, 50 Hindi-speaking teachers from Chennai trained by the Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prasar Sabha, using the textbooks prepared by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT), are teaching Tamil to Hindi-speaking students in 50 schools in Varanasi. In total, 1,500 students will learn introductory Tamil through this initiative. The classes last for a period of 15 days. In just one week, the students of PM Shri Government Queens College were able to learn how to address and greet people in Tamil. Some of them explained how they loved learning Tamil. At Namo Ghat in Varanasi, where KTS 4.0 events are going on, CICT director Dr R Chandrasekaran said that within a month or two, the institute will launch a free online course for learning Tamil through Hindi. The CICT has published a series of books for learning Tamil through Hindi, including a handbook for practising Tamil grammar, a handbook for writing Tamil letters, a glossary of Tamil equivalents for Hindi words used in day-to-day life and a book of simple conversations in Tamil.
Davies Kollannur, a beacon of hope for transplant patients, dies at 57
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Davies Kollannur, who courageously altered the course of his life three times, has now sailed beyond the horizon for the final time. Davies who survived three life threatening ordeals- two kidney transplants and a battle with leukemia disease- stood as asymbol of resilience and hopefor thousands oftransplantpatients in Kerala. The man who lived with extraordinary courage, quietly slipped away on Monday night in Thrissur, following a sudden respiratory distress at 57. He left behind a legacy that still refuses to fade. A decorated transplant sportsman, Davies won a silver medal for India at the 2011 Sweden International Transplant Games in Badminton, followed by a bronze in singles and silver in doubles at the Durban International in South Africa in 2013. He was also a two time (2003, 2006) national championin Badminton in National Transplant Games.For thousands of transplant patients inKerala, Davies was not merely a survivor, he was proof that a broken body could still carry an unbroken will. His death arrived abruptly without warning as if knowing that any hint of danger would awaken his instinct to fight. He was active even on his last day. He spoke to me around 8 pm about how his day went, said his kindred soul Jayasree CG. After that the next thing I heard was that he was gone, she said.Davies was working as a transplant coordinator at Daya General Hospital in Thrissur. Born and raised in Villadom, Kolannur Veedu, Thrissur, Davies gow up with the cultural beat of the city, Pooram procession, decorated Elephants and temple- Church grounds. After graduation, he worked as an Assistant Manager in an Italian hotel in Pune for three years. Like many young Keralites, he later moved to Saudi Arabia, workIng as a Chief Cashier in a fashion retail outlet until the first tragedy struck him at the age 30 years,when his both kidneys failed. He was forced to return home and begin dialysis. Hemet Dr TT Paul, nephrologist at West Fort hospital in Thrissur who changed his course of life later. In the late 1990s dialysis facilities were scarce in Thrissur or Ernakulam, forcing patients to travel to Coimbatore or Chennai. Davies underwent nearly 300 dialysis sessions before receiving his transplant under Dr. TT Paul on August 25, 2001. At that time transplant recipients were advised to avoid physical exertion and lead a quiet life. As Davis began gaining weight, Dr. Paul urged him to resume exercise, rekindling his lost love for badminton. Doctor reassured him that he attached kidney will not fall off, if you play badminton. Davies took up the racket and never looked back. After winning gold medals at the National TransplantGames in 2003 and 2006, he stepped onto the international stage and brought home several medals in 2011 and 2013. Impressed by his spirit, Dr. Paul and the hospital authorities invited Davies to join the West Fort hospital as a transplant coordinator in 2003, using Davies and his positive energy to utilise. Life tested him again in 2014, when he was diagnosed with leukemia. He underwent chemotherapy at CMC Vellore and Amritha Hospital in Ernakulam without taking a single day leave, determined not to abandon the kidney patients who relied on him. Later an infection left him unconscious for 15 days in West Fort Hospital. On those nights Dr. Paul, who considered Davies a son, sat by bedside readingO Henry's 'Last Leaf'. He later told Davies's friends that perhaps words might succeedwhere medicine hadfaltered. In the short story, 'Last Leaf', when a young artist falls ill and thinks that she would die when the last leaf falls from anivy vine outside her window. Then to save her and from losing hope, her neighbour, a failed artist painted a realistic leaf on the wall. Though Davies came back to life, cancer and the treatment had caused him dearly as his body rejected the transplanted kidney. On 12 January, 2016 the second time surgery took place for organ transplantation. After his discharge from hospital he rejoined for work and resumed badminton. Davies and Dr. Paul had then started workingat Daya General Hospital. On December 8, 2025 he was active. still speaking to those who needed him. Hours later, he was gone, after a sudden collapse from respiratorydistress.If he had received even the faintest warning, Davies would have survived it, Jayasree said, her voice steady but heavy. He always fought back. On Tuesday, Dr. Paul sat alone in the St. Mary's Church, Ponganamkad waiting as he had done countless times in his homesforDavies with his gentle smile and humour. But for thousands whose lives he touched, Davies hasn't vanished.
Chennai weather update: After receiving heavy rainfall for the past few days, Chennai is likely to receive light to moderate rainfall today, the IMD has predicted. The weather agency has warned of light to moderate rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal too. The minimum and maximum temperature in Chennai is likely to hover around 24 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.
On December 10, 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.
Music, mastery and magic this Margazhi at Asian College of Journalism
At the MS Subbulakshmi Arangam, a music performance doesnt need a microphone to reach every listener. The steady rhythm of the mridangam, the smooth flow of the violin, and the singers expressive voice can all travel clearly through the space, carried by balanced acoustics. The walls and ceilings are shaped to guide the music, letting every sound be heard in every corner. Soft notes, pauses, and crescendos, all remain equally warm and clear. In such an arangam , the audience doesnt just listen to Carnatic music. They are surrounded by it, feeling each moment as if its meant personally for them. And when Margazhi arrives, this auditorium feels destined for it, just as the music and the space complete each other. Driving this destiny home is Soulfest 2025, a four-and-a-half-day Margazhi festival, from December 24, featuring musicians and instrumentalists, curated by Gowri Ramnarayan, writer, journalist, and playwright. The festival starts on the first day with two solo concerts by vocalists, Vignesh Ishwar and Sikkil Gurucharan. N Vijay Siva On the second day, N Vijay Siva will be putting together a special concert. One simply has to pay tribute to Muthuswami Dikshitar in this years programme, and who better to bring his genius alive than Vijay Siva, whose guru was DK Jayaraman, DK Pattammals brother, she says. The stalwart siblings spread awareness of Dikshitars magnificence, Gowri adds. But before the special concert, Amritha Murali and Nisha Rajagopalan will be performing songs of Dikshitars disciples. This way we pay tribute to Dikshitar but also acknowledge and celebrate the songs of his disciples because he has inspired his disciples to not just remain as musicians but to compose music too. Between the two concerts, vocalist Aishwarya Vidhya Raghunath will take the stage too. Archana and Aarathi A thematic concert leads day three. Archana and Aarathi have called their concert Basha and are determined to sing in as many languages as possible. Singer Bharat Sundar will follow the duo on stage. Gowris picks this year also include two instrumental solos. One of them will be led by violinist RK Shriramkumar, the Sangita Kalanidhi designate this year, and a flautist Sruthi Sagar, both of whom will be performing in the evening and morning slots respectively, on December 27. Between the two performances, representing the Musiri school on the 125th birth anniversary of Musiri Subramania Iyer, is Brinda Manickavasakan. The festival will conclude with a performance by TM Krishna on the final day. TM Krishna What truly binds the performers for Soulfest 2025 is not just the love for music. It is the auditorium, Gowri says, concluding that almost every artiste agreed to perform because they love returning to the acoustic haven located inside the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. Tickets are available at theticket9.com https://www.theticket9.com/e/ms-subbulakshmi-voice-rang
Surf's up for Indian paddler as he gears to officiate international events
There is something about the ocean salt. It clings to the skin long after you leave the water. It settles into the lines of your palm, onto your clothes, and gets etched into your memory. And for those who grow up by the sea, the salt shapes their spirit and spine. For A Sathish Kumar, a fisherman who spends most of his waking hours by the Marina beach, salt has been his anchor and compass. It pulled him into the ocean with a board nearly 20 years ago. It invited him to national championships. It carried him across continents as Indias first representative at the World Championships and the World Cup. And in November 2025, it carried him all the way to Hong Kong. Here, he completed the Standup Paddling (SUP) International Technical Official examination at the 2025 ACC SUP Asian Championships. After acing it, he is now recognised as an International Technical Official in Standup Paddling by the International Canoe Federation (ICF). Even two weeks after the win, his smile exudes a mix of pride and gratitude. I can now officiate at the World Championship, World Cup, all international events, including the Olympics, he says. To reach this milestone, a story lies behind the scenes; one of grit, improvisation, and gathering knowledge. Like the waves hungry for the shore, he was aching to learn and achieve. Sathish learned the sports rules on racing grounds around the world. Wherever I went, I learnt the rules and regulations, he shares. His years of practice, dedication, and winning medals brought him here. The Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association recommended Sathish for the role. Parallely, he was also under the radar of ICF for his achievements. The test With the skills and knowledge he acquired, Sathish appeared for two theoretical papers on reaching Hong Kong. It covered the various nations national and international laws and regulations. He scored 100 and 92 in the theory papers, which required 80 marks for clearance. This was followed by practical sessions for two days, and on the final day, he appeared for what he calls a viva of sorts. Just like how in the IAS exam, you are asked a single question in three different ways and each of your answers is required to be distinct...this viva was like that, he says. While language was not a hurdle, the accent was difficult to follow. Sathish quips, The Chinese, Hungarian, or Hong Kong officials cut half the words. They speak English mixed with their native languages. Similar to navigating swells in the ocean, Sathish got through the exam. He says, India is slowly growing and winning medals on the world stage. Im very happy and proud that I can represent my country on such a big platform. This is one of the biggest wins for him, because, Indians are usually neglected and are not given respect. We have to fight for our roles. So, we have to be fully prepared, otherwise a lot of stories are made up to reject us or not include us. He now eyes the Olympics. But before the dream of officiating could be fulfilled, the sport had to be included in the list of events held. Sathish hopes for SUP to be included in the 2028 Olympics, as it narrowly missed inclusion in 2024, losing the only available slot to surfing. Waves of wins and wishes Standup Paddling is the worlds fastest-growing water sport in terms of accessibility, low barriers, open to all ages, and thrilling without being intimidating. You dont need to know how to swim. You dont need extreme fitness. You just need balance and have the willingness to try, Sathish says. Nationally, though, the sport has been an afterthought. The government didnt know about this sport, he points out. It was only in 2023, after Sathish met the Sports Secretary of India and explained the game, that sufficient knowledge of the game was spread. He rues, In India, only the popular sports will be pushed. Meanwhile, the state government has been encouraging the sport, but only when the participants win any medals. Tamil Nadu swept nearly 49 medals at a national competition held in 2023, securing the overall championship and cash awards that helped athletes buy their own equipment, which is the sports biggest hurdle. Most Indian paddlers majorly from the fishing communities train on second-hand boards that Sathish brings back from competitions abroad. Through his club, SUP Marina, he trains 35 youngsters on donated and refurbished boards. I started this to grow the sport. Otherwise, our children will be left behind. Excelling in the sport will help them secure higher education and jobs after, says the coach of the Indian SUP team. The sea once took Sathish to the shores of many countries. He hopes the waves now take his students, too. The sea teaches you to balance first and respond later, but never to break or resist. SUP is like this. You are in the ocean, and suddenly the wind changes, and so does the course. But the sport makes you courageous enough to face all the situations and come back to the shore as a strong person, notes Sathish, who is trying for standup paddling to be included in Khelo India, university sports, school sports, and national games. Some waters wash off. Some waters stay. And for Sathish, they didnt let him stay put; it carried him to the world and continues to do so.
Gemini Ganesan-starrer Avvaiyar brings alive temple at Thirumullaivoyal
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T.N. School Education Minister unveils logo for CIBF 2026
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Embassy Developments Sells 450+ Units Worth Rs 860 Crore at Launch of Embassy Greenshore
Embassy Developments Ltd. (NSE: EMBDL / BSE: 532832) announced the exceptional response to Embassy Greenshore, its newly launched premium residential project within Embassy Springs, North Bengalurus biggest and best-planned city. Embassy Greenshore Spanning ~14 acres and encompassing 1.55 million sq. ft. of saleable area, the development comprises 878 spacious 2, 3, and 4 BHK apartments spread across two phases. Crafted for upper-mid-segment buyers seeking an elevated living experience, Embassy Greenshore introduces a distinct product typology with larger-than-usual configurations rarely available at its price point in the North Bengaluru micromarket. The launch of Phase 1 comprised of 700 units spread over 1.34 million sq. ft. of saleable area. The project witnessed a strong market response, achieving bookings worth ~Rs. 860 crore within five days of the launch. A key differentiator is the projects meticulous master planning ensuring a high degree of privacy with no homes looking into one another and offering residents access to their own ~3-acre central park with dedicated leisure zones and access to multiple amenities spread across the podium. These features, combined with premium finishing standards, position Embassy Greenshore as North Bengalurus most compelling affordable luxury development offering an aspirational lifestyle within reach. Located in proximity to Kempegowda International Airport and key employment hubs, the project benefits from Embassy Springs integrated ecosystem of green landscapes, social infrastructure such as Embassy Academy a CBSE-affiliated school, and connectivity, reinforcing its appeal as a preferred residential destination. Speaking on the milestone, Reeza Sebastian Karimpanal, Chief Revenue Officer Residential, Embassy Developments Ltd. , said, The overwhelming response to Embassy Greenshore reflects a growing desire among homebuyers for homes that offer more more space, more privacy, more refinement. We have intentionally designed larger formats with expansive living spaces, tucked-away walk-in wardrobes, and marble finishes to deliver a sense of everyday luxury rarely seen at this price point. With a thoughtfully crafted masterplan that ensures no homes overlook each other, Embassy Greenshore offers a level of comfort and exclusivity that is genuinely new for this micromarket. Phase 2 of the project, consisting of a premium tower, will be launched by January 2026. This achievement follows the recent sell-out of Embassy Paradiso within the same township and is another step in EDLs focused growth journey, reinforcing its leadership in North Bengalurus residential market and signalling a strong start to its next phase of launches. About Embassy Developments Limited Embassy Developments Limited (formerly known as Equinox India Developments Limited and earlier as Indiabulls Real Estate Limited) (the Company) is one of Indias leading real estate developers, specializing in the construction and development of residential, commercial, and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) projects across Indian cities. With a strategic focus on Bengaluru, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), and the National Capital Region (NCR), the company also has a presence in Chennai, Jodhpur, Vadodara, Vizag, and Indore. EDL boasts a diversified residential portfolio, offering a well-balanced mix of high-value and high-volume developments across mid-income, premium, and luxury segments. Its portfolio of ready, ongoing, and future residential developments includes branded residences, uber-luxury apartments and villas, exclusive town homes, condominiums, integrated townships, senior living communities, and contemporary homes. Committed to building a resilient ecosystem, the Company actively fosters social, economic, and environmental progress in the communities it serves. The Company is listed on BSE Limited (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) and holds a long-term debt rating of IVR A- Stable from Infomerics. Disclaimer This press release is for informational purpose only and does not constitute a prospectus, offering memorandum or an offer, or a solicitation of any offer, to purchase or sell any securities of Embassy Developments Limited ( Company ) or its existing or future subsidiaries (collectively, the Group) in any jurisdiction. Any offer or solicitation will be made only by means of definitive offering documents and in accordance with the terms of applicable securities and other laws. This press release should not be considered as a recommendation or advice to any person or investor to invest or subscribe for or purchase any securities of the Group or its existing or future subsidiaries (collectively, the Group ) and should not be used as a basis for any investment decision. Recipients of this press release should conduct their own independent investigation and diligence, and/or consult their legal, tax, financial or other professional advisors as they deem fit. This press release contains certain forwardlooking statements based on current expectations, projections and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performances or events to differ materially from the results contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statement. These risks and uncertainties include the effect of economic and political conditions in India and outside India, volatility in interest rates and in securities markets, new regulations and government policies, the general state of the Indian economy, any delay in merger and the managements ability to implement the companys strategy that might impact the Group 's general business plans, its future financial condition and growth prospects. The information contained in this press release is only current as on the date hereof and is not indicative of future results. The Group is under no obligation to update these forwardlooking statements or to inform the recipientof any changes or developments arising after the date of this press release. Moreover, both express or implied press release or warranty is made as to, and no reliance should be placed on, the accuracy, fairness or completeness of the information presented or contained in this press release. Neither the Group nor any of its directors, officer, employees, advisers or representatives accept any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from any information presented or contained in this press release. Furthermore, no person is authorized to give any information or make any press release which is not contained in, or is inconsistent with, this press release. Any such extraneous or inconsistent information or press release, if given or made, should not be relied upon as having been authorized by or on behalf of the Group.
