Starbucks gives Chennai a space to explore coffee through craft and storytelling. Buy 15 different roasts from across the world, then drink a cocoa birds eye chilli latte here
Chennai Customs 'Bribery' Row Reveals an Old Rot in Indian Bureaucracy
Prawin Ganesans X post sparks Chennai Customs scandal, raising questions on corruption and import compliance.
Online Instruments Pvt. Ltd. Expands to Chennai, Hyderabad & Dubai with New Experience Centres
For over three decades, Online Instruments Pvt Ltd has been at the forefront of Indias system integrator and AV landscape, consistently growing through its product innovations and solutions that transform workplaces, educational institutions, retail, and entertainment environments.
22, 24-carat Gold prices rise across Indian cities on October 6
PMK founder Ramadoss hospitalised for regular medical examination
Tamil Nadu opens second mahout village at Anamalai Tiger Reserve
According to an official release, the village has been developed at a cost of 5.4 crore and comprises 47 staff quarters for mahouts and elephant caretakers
Bomb squad declares threat email to The Hindus Chennai office a hoax
The email, sent at 8:45 a.m., was addressed to the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police and The Hindus Readers Editor
Thaman on cloud nine after Sachin Tendulkar tells him, You have great bat speed!
Chennai: One of Indias top music directors Thaman, who is also known to be a fantastic cricketer, is now on cloud nine as one of the sports iconic legends Sachin Tendulkar has told him that he had great bat speed! Taking to his X timeline on Monday, Thaman posted a picture of himself with 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 .
Kilambakkam railway station, skywalk inauguration pushed to January 2026
CHENNAI: The opening of Kilambakkam railway station and pedestrian skywalk linking it to Kilambakkam Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) has been postponed to January next year, forcing commuters to face hardship during the festive season. Commuters heading to the bus terminus, located nearly 25 km from Chennai, are spending between Rs 300 and Rs 500 on auto rickshaws and cabs to board mofussil and SETC buses. Additionally, with no foot overbridge in place, hundreds of commuters continue to risk their lives by crossing GST Road on foot to access the bus stand. The construction of the halt station, which began in September last year with a 12-month deadline, has been delayed by both CMDA and the southern railway. Despite repeated claims from officials that all bottlenecks have been cleared, progress of the railway station remains minimal. The 450-metre pedestrian skywalk across GST Road, intended to connect the station with KCBT, has also made no headway, and remains incomplete in front of the bus terminus. The state government has transferred Rs 20 crore to the railways for developing the station. Southern Railway has blamed the CMDA for the delay in completing the skywalk, which has in turn stalled station works. One platform has been completed with shelters. Work on the 400-metre-long island platform is under way, with earth-filling finished. At the Urapakkam end, foundation work for installing shelter is in progress, said a spokesperson of Chennai railway division. The official added CMDA has laid the foundation for a foot overbridge (FOB) at the down platform (Tambaram-Chengalpattu side), while preliminary work at the island platform has also begun. Once CMDA completes the FOB, pending platform works will be taken up, he said. According to CMDA officials, pillars for the FOB have already been installed at the MTC bus stand. The skywalk across GST Road can only be taken up during festival holidays. We plan to complete one section after Ayudha Pooja, and the other after Deepavali. The FOB will be linked to the railway station and completed by January, they said. KCBT handles nearly 2 lakh commuters on weekends and festival days. But apart from MTC buses, there is no other public transport to access the terminus for those travelling to the delta, northern, and southern districts. S Rajarathinam, a commuter from St Thomas Mount, said, Fearing traffic congestion, I reached the bus stand two hours ahead of the scheduled departure of my SETC bus. I spent Rs 400 just to get there. The government should not have shifted the terminus without ensuring proper public transport connectivity.
Kerala police to take legal opinion on Sabarimala gold-missing case
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state police have decided to seek legal opinion before taking a call on its course of action in the missing of gold-plated panels from Sabarimala dwarapalaka idols. So far, the police have received three complaints on the matter, said a senior police officer. An officer told TNIE that legal advise needs to be obtained since there were some confusion in the whole episode. The complaints received were of varying nature and raised various demands. One of the complainants demand is to probe the incidents that took place in Sabarimala from 1990s. Hence, we decided to seek legal opinion on the complaints and take further action based on it, the officer added. The officer did not accept or deny the scope of the state crime branch taking over the probe once a case is registered, but sources said being a specialised agency, the CB might be roped in owing to the gravity of the issue. Currently, the devaswom vigilance is conducting the probe and expected to file its report before the High Court soon. The state government will also inform the court about its readiness to conduct the probe by the local police or the Crime Branch. As per the Travancore Devaswom Boards documents, the dwarapalaka idols were among the properties that were layered with gold in 1999. Records showed that 30.3kg of gold was used for the gold covering the sanctum, including the dwarapalaka idols, roof, steps and certain portions of the wall in 1999. The gold plating was sponsored by businessman Vijay Mallya. Congress to cash in on Sabarimala gold plate row However, when the plates covering the idols were sent for maintenance to Chennai in 2019, the entries in the register did not mention any gold. They state that 14 copper panels were sent for repair. The maintenance was sponsored by priest-turned-businessman Unnikrishnan Potti, the central figure in the current controversy. The Chennai-based company, which did the repair work, said recently that it received pure copper panels for gold plating. Devaswom vigilance to file report soon Currently, the devaswom vigilance is conducting the probe and expected to file its report before the High Court soon. The state government will also inform the court about its readiness to conduct the probe by the local police or the Crime Branch.
Sardar Patel Road to be widened at a cost of 45 crore
The work is to be taken up in two phases, with phase 1 running to a length of 1.70 km from IIT Madras to Raj Bhavan to be the first
TDB vigilance interrogates Potti for 2nd consecutive day
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Unnikrishnan Potti, the controversial sponsor of the gold plating at the Sabarimala temple, was questioned by the vigilance wing of the Travancore Devaswom Board for the second consecutive day on Sunday. It is learnt that officers sought information about his financial dealings. Potti, a priest-turned-businessman, was entrusted by the TDB in 2019 and this year with the gold plating of the panels covering the dwarapalaka idols on either side of the sanctum of the temple. Potti is learnt to have told the vigilance that he did not misuse the panels to make money. There were allegations that Potti collected money by exhibiting the panels at Bengaluru and Chennai. According to Potti, he received copper plates for gold plating in 2019, a claim that has put the TDB in a fix. For the panels given to Potti were supposedly gold-plated ones donated by businessman Vijay Mallya in 1999. During interrogation, Potti said he did the gold plating in 2019 using his money and some donations from friends. After the interrogation, Potti told reporters that truth will prevail. Everything will be proven before the High Court, he said. Potti did not respond to specific questions regarding his involvement.
Chennai weather: Rain expected today; AQI remains moderate
Chennai expects a warm Monday with patchy rain and a high of 34.2C. Yesterday's air quality was moderate at AQI 65, with today's light showers potentially aiding improvement. Residents should carry umbrellas for morning walks and exercise caution during afternoon commutes. The week ahead promises consistent moderate temperatures and continued rain, with heavier downpours expected on October 7th and 8th.
As we enter October and Navratri is behind us, the festival of Deepavali begins to take on a larger-than-life significance. Shopping, planning, parties, and the ethics and safety of bursting crackers become an integral part of the festival. Deepavali is not just a festival of lights and pujas, but also a time of play. On this day, people used to indulge in games and gambling as part of the celebration a custom that seems to become more widely spread as the years go by. Many of our festivals have moorings not only in prayers and rituals, but in music, dance, and games, and these can sometimes be seen as metaphors for a more important lesson in life. From ancient times, dice games that are referenced in scriptures, to playing card parties, the tradition of gaming during Deepavali has evolved considerably. But where did it all begin? The belief is that the tradition of playing dice games is rooted in Hindu mythology, with stories of Goddess Parvati playing dice with Lord Shiva. There is also a belief that she played dice on Deepavali night and declared that whosoever gambled on this auspicious night would be blessed with prosperity throughout the year. But is this a really divine sanction for gambling? The dice games were popular between Shiva and Parvati. The Shiva Puranam describes an intense game of dice between them, in which Shiva loses everything until Vishnu intervenes to rig the dice in Shivas favour. And therein lies the critical lesson in this game and perhaps divine sanction for those who internalise this message. The game conveys the message that luck is beyond mortal control and lifes outcomes are as unpredictable as a game of dice, and so there needs to be humility on winning and caution in gambling. To me, it is a chance for us to understand that life is an interplay of choice and chance. We can only do our best what is in our control but the results are not in our hands, and the element of luck often has a role too. Perhaps this luck can be influenced by divine intervention. In some ways, this is echoed in the Gita , Chapter 2, Verse 48, when Krishna exhorts Arjuna to be steadfast in the performance of his duty and abandon attachment to success and failure, for after all, luck and therefore the results are not in our hands. There is also a belief that the duality of Shiva and Parvati playing gives rise to the cosmos, with one commentary believing that when Shiva loses, the duality becomes more pronounced, leading to life as we know it, with the duality of sexes. So, this Deepavali, remember, the game is not about the gamble, but a metaphor for life itself, and probably a glimpse into how our life actually began.
Two persons killed in accidents on Chennai - Bengaluru Highway
Alexander Smith to receive 2025 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize
Rush after long holiday chokes GST Road
Search on as lion goes missing inside safari zone at Vandalur Zoo
The incident has led to temporary closure of the zoneas a precautionary step; officials say its not unusual for lions to wander within the safari area
Times to empower women on the road in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu exhibits a female labour force participation rate significantly above the national average, bolstered by education and progressive public policies. Despite this, women's representation in the state's transport sector is a mere 5.56%, hindered by safety concerns and inadequate facilities.
165cr T Nagar steel flyover fails to ease festive traffic congestion
Experts call for early screening, healthier lifestyle to curb sudden cardiac deaths among youth
Private Players Milk The Cash Cow of Tamil Nadus Rapidly Growing Dairy Sector
IIT-M finds way to break down chemicals in non-stick cookware
Velachery-Perungudi stretch to turn weekend health corridor
14-year-old Yugan becomes youngest trap shooter to win Asian gold; Olympic medal for India next goal
Four men arrested for peddling drugs at Choolaimedu, Chennai
Youth dies during marathon run near Kotturpuram
Man held for threatening tea shop workers in Chennai
As rain returns to Chennai, waterlogging tags along
Factory worker killed in road accident near Thiruvallur
Sankaracharya visits Kapaleeshwarar temple
Metrowater warns sanitary workers of action for violations
TN cyber cops arrest three in Delhi in SIM box scam
Lion refuses to return to shelter at Vandalur zoo; search teams formed
Virudhunagar has highest solar power potential in state
Schools in Tamil Nadu directed to take monsoon preparatory measures
Rahuls call to Vijay has no bearing on legal move
Oil spills in oceans a collective responsibility: Coast Guard DG
Elite force to patrol city coast from Oct-end to protect turtles
Making auto engineers machine-ready for the future
SaaS consolidates as AI adoption & talent war intensifies
Harnessing the untapped power of steam efficiently
Legacy two-wheeler giants ride ahead in Indias electric race
Coast Guard begins 10th national level pollution response exercise
The two-day event includes an ocean exercise off the Chennai coast on Monday. The 27th edition of the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan meeting was also inaugurated
AIADMK starts door-to-door survey on DMKs promises
Smoke from AC coach of express train near Arakkonam causes panic
History-sheeter arrested for bid to murder youth in Villivakkam
Rajakilpakkam residents oppose sudden demolition of bus shelter
2 UP men posing as delivery agents held for burglary
Light rains forecast for Chennai and surroundings on October 6
T.N. government is establishing a home in Chennai and Madurai in the name Aran, which will serve as immediate shelter for transgenders who have left their homes, enabling them to continue their education and work
Tamil Nadu government to hold International Vallalar conference in Chennai: Sekar Babu
HR&CE Minister Sekar Babu said the Chief Minister had allocated 99.99 crore for establishment of the Vallalar International Centre in Vadalur
Tamil Nadu CM Stalin inspects ongoing storm water drain work in Chennai
Mr. Stalin inspected the changing of drinking water pipes being undertaken by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board in areas in Alwarpet and areas on T.T.K. Road
Two tunnel boring machines (TBM) will create twin tunnels for a distance of nearly 650 metres between Thiruvanmiyur and Indira Nagar.
Contract worker dies after inhaling toxic gas in manhole
CHENNAI: A 37-year-old contract worker engaged in sewer network improvement works for the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) died after inhaling toxic gas inside a manhole at Tirupati Nagar 1st Main Road, Kolathur, on Saturday. Another worker and the site supervisor suffered injuries while attempting to rescue him and have been admitted to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. The deceased, K Kuppan (37) of Kallakurichi, is survived by two young sons. The injured were identified as T Shankar (40), a worker from Kallakurichi, and S Hariharan (28), site supervisor from Mettukuppam in Chennai. Speaking to TNIE, a senior metro water official said the workers were involved in brownfield improvement works to upgrade the existing sewer network by replacing the smaller diameter pipelines with larger ones. This work involves laying new pipelines at a depth of 2-3.5 metres alongside the existing network, which runs about 5.5 metres deep. Once the new pipelines are ready, household connections are gradually shifted, the official said. The incident happened on Saturday afternoon, when Kuppan entered the existing sewer manhole to check some blockage and provide connections, notably without proper safety gear, which led to toxic gas inhalation and his death. The machine hole itself was around 3.5 metres deep, which made the situation worse, the official said. He further noted that the works were being carried out by a private contractor, and not directly under CMWSSBs operations and maintenance (O&M) staff. Our O&M workers are well-trained and no longer enter manholes manually. In fact, no such incident has occurred in recent years in Chennai under our teams. But in this case, the construction workers, engaged by the private contractor, entered the live manhole without our supervision, he said. The official added that contractors are regularly sensitised that any work inside a live manhole should only be undertaken under the supervision and assistance of metro waters O&M field staff. Unfortunately, this protocol was not followed on Saturday, and the workers entered suddenly, which resulted in a persons death, he said. Police and Fire and Rescue Services personnel rushed to the spot, retrieved Kuppans body, and sent it to Stanley Government Medical College and Hospital for autopsy. An FIR has been registered. With inputs from Rajalakshmi Sampath
Plea seeks reprobe into crash involving ex-dy speakers son, cops reply sought
CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has directed the police to file reply to a petition moved by expelled AIADMK leader Va Pugazhendi seeking a direction to police to reinvestigate the case registered over a fatal accident involving former deputy Speaker of TN Assembly Pollachi Jayaramans son J Praveen. Justice N Senthilkumar, while hearing the petition on Friday, asked the police to file the reply in four weeks and accordingly, adjourned the case. Advocate R Thirumoorthy appeared for the petitioner. According to the petitioner, Praveen was involved in the road accident that occurred on October 4, 2016, at Adhiyur Privu Bridge falling under the Perumanallur police station in Tiruppur district. A woman was killed in the accident when Praveens car collided with another one. The judicial magistrate court in Avinashi, on January 31, 2024, pronounced judgment in the case sentencing him to one year imprisonment. On an appeal, the Principal Sessions Court suspended the sentence. The petitioner alleged that the probe by the Perumanallur police was biased and compromised and appears to have been influenced by the accuseds political background. Key aspects relevant to the cause of death have been either intentionally omitted or improperly handled with serious lapses. He said a representation was submitted to the Perumanallur police on July 16, but it was rejected on August 9. He prayed for the HC to set aside the impugned order passed by the Perumanallur inspector rejecting his representation. Pugazhendi sought the court to order the respondent authorities to hold reinvestigation.
GCC Mayor inspects ongoing infra works at Tondiarpet
CHENNAI: Greater Chennai Corporation Mayor R Priya conducted an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in the Tondiarpet zone on Saturday. She directed the officials to expedite the construction of a new flyover at Ganeshapuram subway, which is being built at a cost of Rs 226.55 crore. The flyover, designed as a four-lane, two-way facility, spans 678 metres in length and 15.2 metres in width. A special 58-metre bowstring bridge is under construction across the railway tracks. Priya also reviewed the restoration of the railway pond at Goodshed Road. Once holding 27,720 cubic metres, the pond is being redeveloped to increase its capacity to 89,370 cubic metres. In addition, she inspected the strengthening work at Kodungaiyur main canal, aimed at preventing flooding by building a retention wall. In Vyasarpadi, Priya also inspected the construction of a new sports complex at a cost of Rs 1.48 crore. The GCC has also announced that the public can call 1913 or send a WhatsApp message to 9445061913 to request the removal of bulky household waste, including sofas, beds, clothes, and furniture. After registration, the request will be assigned to the official concerned, and the items will be cleared every Saturday. The waste will be safely disposed of at the corporations incineration plant.
Sabarimala Karma Samithi lodges theft complaint related to gold cladding row
KOCHI: The Sabarimala Karma Samithi has lodged a police complaint alleging that the loss of gold cladding at the hill shrine amounts to theft, criminal breach of trust and organised looting. In the complaint lodged with the Sannidhanam police, Samithi general convenor S J R Kumar said the police should register a criminal case and probe the role of the Travancore Devaswom Board, its officials, Smart Creations, Chennai, and the people who received the stolen goods. Vishva Hindu Parishad state general secretary Anil Vilayil has also filed a similar complaint with the Sannidhanam police. It is well evidenced that gold cladding was done at the temple under the sponsorship of Vijay Mallya in 1999. However, the devaswom board handed over the gold-cladded copper plates to Unnikrishnan Potti for repair in violation of the established norms. Now, it has come to light that there was a reduction of 4.541 kg from the original weight of 42.800 kg when the claddings were returned, said the complaint. It is evident that the decision to repair the gold-cladded plates at Smart Creations, Chennai, was taken without inviting a tender and the material was handed over to Unnikrishnan Potti without following the procedure, it said. Move to avoid open tender suspicious, says complaint So, the entire procedure was part of a criminal conspiracy involving TDB officials and temple thieves, the complaint stated. Kumar said the gold claddings disappeared and they were substituted with gold-plated copper in 2019-20. It is a clear case of theft which happened with the knowledge and connivance of the TDB officials. It is also on record that two officials accompanied Unnikrishnan Potti to Chennai to hand over the materials to Smart Creations, he said. The complaint said it is relevant to note that Potti, who was instrumental in the loss of gold in 2019 was again entrusted with the responsibility of gold covering of the dwarapalaka idols in August 2025, even without informing the Sabarimala Special commissioner. As per the Devaswom manuals, the TDB is not empowered to take the gold-cladded plates outside the Sabarimala temple. Any repair work has to be conducted at Sannidhanam only. It is irrational to entrust the temple property with Potti who has no experience in gold cladding or gold plating works. The decision to avoid an open tender is suspicious, say the complainants. The complaint said the Devaswom officials who are the custodians of the temple property have permitted to steal the gold plates by entrusting the works with Potti. He has substituted the gold claddings with gold-plated copper sheets, which amounts to criminal breach of trust, cheating and criminal misappropriation. In these circumstances, the police should ensure justice to the devotees of Lord Ayyappa by investigating whether the TDB and its officials could be accused of criminal breach of trust or organised theft, said the complaint, a copy of which has been mailed to the state police chief.
Gouthams gambit: Kerala's 15-year-old making rapid moves up the chess ladder
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When 15-year-old Goutham Krishna H decided to rub shoulders at the senior national level for the first time, his competitors included 21 chess players ranked above him. Unmindful of the odds, the international master (IM) from Thiruvananthapuram put up an impressive show of talent and grit to emerge as the first runner-up at the 62nd National Senior Chess Championship held recently in Andhra Pradesh. Goutham scored an impressive nine out of 11 points, narrowly missing the title on a tie-break. Had he won, Goutham would have become the youngest champion, a record currently held by grandmaster (GM) Akash Ganesan, and previously by Viswanathan Anand. In round nine, Goutham showcased an exceptional endgame, capitalising on a rare error by GM Abhijeet Gupta, a five-time Commonwealth and former national champion. Gouthams dedication and talent has also qualified him for more international tournaments. And, he wants to get better. I hope to join the ranks of Anand and Akash, who became senior national champions at the age of 16, said Goutham, a Class X student of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Kodunganoor. He currently has an International Chess Federation commonly referred to by its French acronym FIDE rating of 2407 and a GM norm under his belt. Two more GM norms and a rating above 2,500 would earn Goutham the title of grandmaster. In May, Goutham was in supreme form at the third International Chess Tournament in Kuwait. The prestigious event involved 329 players from across the globe, including 30 GMs. Despite being seeded 30th, Goutham demonstrated remarkable poise and panache, securing second place and a cheque for 9,000 US dollars. Goutham, who was crowned national champion in the under-12 category in 2012, displayed keen interest in chess from early childhood. He was initially trained by Anand J S. Later, Sreejith G S, a former chess player and FIDE-certified instructor became his his full-time mentor. Srinath Narayanan, a GM from Chennai, has also taken him under his wings. Unlike many others his age, Goutham is a regular school-going student and balances his passion for chess with his studies. However, he is on the lookout for a sponsor who would fund his training as well as expenses to participate in international events, said Sreejith, who has mentored many young players. Gouthams father Hari is an architect with the public works department and mother Simitha is employed in a private firm. His elder brother Dev Shankar, a former chess player, recently completed his higher studies in Canada.
Residents complain of poor waste management by contractor
Pulicat fishermen demand long-term solution as silt threatens lake, livelihoods
Smart water ATMs to come up in more locations in Chennai
Officials say the machines are being installed in 10 more locations, including Broadway, Padi junction, GKM Colony, Kolathur, Tholkappia Poonga, and near Government Stanley Hospital
Challenges Faced by Tamil Nadu's Frontline Workers During Cyclones: A Deep Dive
Frontline workers, including electricity board staff, firemen, and sanitation workers, face immense risks and public hostility while serving during cyclones and monsoons. They brave electrocution, dangerous rescues, and unsanitary conditions, often working long hours without proper gear or appreciation. Despite personal sacrifices and fear, these dedicated individuals continue their vital service to the community.
Campaign conducted to create awareness on prostate cancer
Reviving Heritage: The Intricate Legacy of Chettinad Jewellery Unveiled
Jewellery designer Meenu Subbiah unveils a unique collection - Pettagam - at Karaikudi, showcasing the Nagarathars' intricate 17th-18th century jewellery. After three decades of research, her models highlight their global gem sourcing, prosperity, and distinctive motifs like the crab in Thirumangalyam. The exhibition aims to revive lost arts like close setting and preserve this rich, undocumented legacy for public appreciation.
Tambaram residents complain of street dog menace after sunset
GCC launches weekly doorstep collection drive for bulk waste
Followed due process in levying 54.45 lakh penalty on CPCL: Pollution Control Board
While monsoon is almost here, GCC allows road cuts till Oct 15
Haphazard parking, squatters an endless problem on 800m Anna Salai stretch
Political rallies and tragedy: from the pages of a novella
Vazhga Vazhga, authored by Sahitya Akademi award winner Imayam, is about a crowd that gathers at the election rally of a female politician and the chaos that ensues
Govt. orders detailed probe into Coldrif issue
Activists seek guidelines to regulate participation of children in political rallies
Mayor takes stock of work on bridge in Tondiarpet
Miscreants send hoax bomb threat via email to 8 places in Chennai
Habeas corpus only applies for illegal detention, says HC
Governor says poverty, social discrimination persist in TN
Call for more seats returns in Congress
Annamalai leaves for Delhi, skips state-level party meeting
Nearly 2000 farmers died by suicide in TN in three years: Anbumani Ramadoss
CDSCO launches inspections of drug manufacturing units in six states after cough syrup deaths
NEW DELHI: The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has initiated risk-based inspections of drug manufacturing units in six states following the collection of 19 samples, including cough syrups, antipyretics, and antibiotics, in the wake of child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan allegedly linked to contaminated cough syrups. The inspections cover manufacturing units in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, where the 19 drug samples were produced, sources in the health ministry said. The aim of the inspections, which began on Friday, is to identify gaps that may have led to drug quality failures and to suggest process improvements to prevent such incidents in the future, the ministry added. A multidisciplinary team comprising experts from the National Institute of Virology, Indian Council of Medical Research, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, CDSCO, and AIIMS-Nagpur continues to analyse the samples to assess the causes of deaths in and around Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh. So far, six samples tested by CDSCO and three by the Madhya Pradesh Food and Drugs Administration (MPFDA) were found free of Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG), chemicals known to cause severe kidney injury. However, these tested samples were not from the two suspected cough syrups, including Coldrif, which remain under investigation. At the request of the Madhya Pradesh government, the Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration tested Coldrif syrup samples from the Sresan Pharma facility in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The results showed DEG levels beyond permissible limits, leading the Tamil Nadu government to ban the sale and order removal of the syrup from the market. Inspections were also conducted at Sresan Pharmas manufacturing facility in Sunguvarchathram, Kanchipuram district, with samples collected for analysis. The Madhya Pradesh government has also requested Himachal Pradesh authorities to test the other suspected cough syrup. On Saturday, the Madhya Pradesh government banned Coldrif syrup, following reports of nine child deaths due to suspected renal failure since September 7. Currently, 13 children, including eight from Chhindwara and Nagpur, are undergoing treatment. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that the sale of Coldrif and other products from the manufacturer has been banned, a state-level investigation team has been formed, and strict action will be taken against the guilty. Kerala has also suspended the sale of Coldrif syrup following concerns raised by other states, though preliminary inquiry revealed the flagged batch was not sold in the state, Kerala Health Minister Veena George clarified. Separately, tests on cough syrups from a Chennai-based company found adulteration, prompting authorities to halt production and demand explanations. In Rajasthan, the state has suspended the drug controller and halted distribution of all 19 medicines from Jaipur-based Kaysons Pharma, following the deaths of 11 children (nine in Madhya Pradesh and two in Rajasthan) allegedly linked to contaminated syrups. Distribution of all other cough syrups containing Dextromethorphan has also been suspended. An expert committee is being constituted to investigate the issue. The Drug Controller General of India advised that cough syrups should only be given to children above five years, and never to those under two years. Drugs potentially harmful to children and pregnant women will now carry clear warning labels. In Uttarakhand, joint teams from the health department and Food Safety and Drug Administration are conducting raids at medical stores, wholesale drug vendors, and hospital pharmacies across all districts. According to the Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Ltd (RMSCL), over 10,000 Kaysons Pharma drug samples have been tested since 2012, with 42 failing quality standards. As a precaution, the supply of all 19 medicines from the company has been suspended. The Union Health Ministrys DGHS issued an advisory stating that cough and cold medications should not be prescribed for children below two years. For children above five, usage should follow careful clinical evaluation, strict dosing, minimal duration, and avoidance of multi-drug combinations.
Fire & rescue dept clears 4,390 firecracker shops ahead of festive season
Three held for faking death to sell land worth 2 crore
Man hacked to death during drunken brawl
Two held for stealing cars under guise of installing sun-control film
Man held for hoax bomb call, cops probe link to other threats
Toxic fumes kill man cleaning drain
Man held at airport for hiding 65L
