Chennai's LGBTQIA+ community has a toughcase for aqueer date
Finding a partner, being blackmailed online, fighting societal stigma - the LGBTQIA+ community in the city has done it all, in the name of love.
TN announces Sunday lockdown on January 23
In a release, the state government said the restrictions and relaxations like the operation of essential services imposed on January 16 will be in place on January 23.
Jallikattu begins at Chettipalayam in Coimbatore
Jallikattu (a traditional bull-taming event) was inaugurated by electricity minister V Senthil Balaji at Chettipalayam in Coimbatore on Friday amid Covid-19 restrictions.
Madras HC refuses to stay urban local body polls amid COVID-19 surge
Court A petitioner argued that the election should be postponed by two more months due to the rise in COVID-19 cases in the state. IANS Image: Wikimedia Commons/Yogi Balaji The Madras High Court on Friday, January 21, refused to grant an interim stay to the conduct of Urban local body elections in the state. While hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by A Nakkeeran, retired Joint Director of Health Services, the court did not allow a stay to the conduct of elections. Senior counsel S. Prabhakaran representing Nakkeeran said that given the alarming situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no urgency to conduct the Urban local body elections now. He said that nothing would happen if the elections were delayed as these civic bodies were not without any office-bearers for the past several years. The senior counsel also said that the Tamil Nadu State Election Commission (TNSEC) has not taken stock of the ground situation of the pandemic before preparing for the elections. He also said that the TNSEC does not seem to be aware of the number of surging COVID-19 cases, deaths or even on the number of containment zones in the state. S Prabhakaran said that the election should be postponed by two more months given the situation of the state and that threat to the lives of the people. Senior advocate SRL Sundaresan, representing another bunch of petitions, said that when the Supreme Court had set the deadline for holding the elections, the pandemic situation in the state was not this bad. The senior counsel wanted the elections to be postponed in the interest of public health. Senior counsel Siva Shanmugam representing TNSEC informed the court that the poll notification has to be issued by January 27 as per the orders of the Supreme Court. The counsel of the Election Commission argued that a circular on COVID-19 protocol was issued by the commission and added that all standard operating procedures followed during the rural local body elections would be in place during the urban local body elections also. The court adjourned the case to January 24 after hearing the arguments and refused to grant any interim stay.
Inspector of police, 8 copsbooked for thrashing law student in Chennai
Earlier, a police constable and a head constable were placed under suspension in connection with the case.
New mobile-based leave app for Chennai police personnel rolled out
Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin inaugurated the initiative on Friday; the app aims at eradicating delays and rejections and ensuring transparency in the leave process for the police
Puducherry reports 2,783 Covid cases, highest so far
Puducherry reported the highest number of fresh Covid-19 cases on Thursday since the outbreak of the infection in March 2020.
Chennai corporation gyms flunk fitness test
VelmuruganS is in a fix. The district-level discus thrower cant afford costly gyms and the free corporation facility on Wall Tax Road has been defunct for two years due to lack of funds and maintenance. A majority of the 160 corporation gyms are in a similar state.
IIM-Trichy to use Class X, XII score for MBA entry
For the first time, Indian Institute of Management-Trichy (IIM-Trichy) has decided to give weightage to Class X and XII marks for admission to its Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM) programme from the 2022-23 academic year.
HC bars singer, film-maker from defaming Susi Ganesan
In a reprieve to director Susi Ganesan, the Madras high court on Thursday injuncted independent film maker Leena Manimekalai and singer Chinmayi Sripada from making defamatory statements against him till further orders.
All districts in TN report more than 100 Covid cases
All districts reported more than 100 cases on Thursday when the state added 28,561 more patients into the Covid-19 registry. There were 39 deaths and by the end of the day there were 1.79 lakh active cases compared to 1.70 lakh on Wednesday.
MTC driver booked for not closing non-existent doors
Transport workers unions have erected banners at government bus depots in the city condemning the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) for acting against employees with personal bias. The corporation had booked one drivers for not closing bus doors which didnt exist.
West Bengal worker held in murder case
A migrant worker from West Bengal, who was involved in a murder case in July last year, was arrested from Saidapet by a special police team from West Bengal on Wednesday.The accused was identified as Ajijul Shaik.
Trash from Chennai's meat shops mayfuel city's clean-energy drive
The Bio-CNG plant at Chetpet can convert 100 tonnes of segregated wet waste into a maximum of 4,000 kg of Bio-CNG in a day.
Tamil Nadu MAUD minister KN Nehru asks Chennai Corporation officials to expedite development work The New Indian Express
Chennai's Semmenchery police stationunder encroachment cloud after HC seeks report
The courtdirected the government to file a detailed report ascertaining whether waterbody was encroached upon for raising the police station.
HC orders eviction notice for Chennai's Anna Nagar club over failure to pay rental arrears
The court directed the Tamil Nadu Housing Boardto revise the rent in accordance with the current market rent of the locality and collect the arrear.
IIT-Madras launchescertification course on next generation mobile wireless networks
Participants will learn about the architecture of next-generation mobile wireless networks, network infrastructure components, protocols, and applications of modern mobile wireless networks.
The
Routine health services run despite rising COVID-19 cases
Both government and private hospitals in Chennai are still open for non-COVID-19 patients unlike the previous two waves of the pandemic
Those misusing govt. emblems will face action
Police are empowered to initiate criminal proceedings: DGP
Work in progress to turn Red Hills lake into a tourism site
Projects to develop areas biodiversity and green cover are being implemented
Youth arrested for marrying minor girl in Chennai
The all-women police, Tiruvottiyur, have arrested a 19-year-old youth for marrying a minor girl and raping her. He was booked under provisions of the
Six-month course on mobile networks to be offered in February
Programme will be conducted by company floated by IIT Madras
Sri Lankan Naval vessel rams and sinks TN fishing boat, 7 fishermen rescued
Fishing PMK Founder S Ramadoss has urged the government to summon the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India and condemn the murderous attack on Indian fishermen by their Navy. IANS pti / Image for representation A Sri Lankan Naval boat rammed into a boat with Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu damaging the boat that developed cracks and sank. Seven fishermen, who were on board the sinking boat were rescued by other fishermen. The incident occurred late at night on Wednesday, January 19. The All Mechanised Boat Fishermen's association president, P. Sesuraja while speaking to mediapersons said, 450 boats from Rameswaram area ventured into the sea after 4 p.m. on Wednesday. While they were fishing near Katchatheevu, a Sri Lankan Naval boat reached the spot and rammed it into a fishing boat creating a crack in the boat, and ultimately it sank in the waters.It's a huge loss but fortunately, the fishermen raised a distress alarm, and those fishing nearby rescued them. While no lives were lost, this is a continuing phenomenon and we are driven to the wall. The State and Central governments have to take a call soon and diplomatic pressure should be mounted on the Lankans against such incidents. We will have no other way but to enter into blockades to bring this issue to the national notice. Sesuraja also said that the livelihood of the fishermen from Tamil Nadu has been badly hit as most of the fishermen are venturing to the sea from Rameswaram and Ramanathapuram areas only twice a week and this has affected the financial situation and the livelihood. It is to be noted that several fishermen from Tamil Nadu were attacked by the Sri Lankan Navy and in 2021 alone, five Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu lost their lives in the sea. Around 55 Indian fishermen are still languishing in Sri Lankan jails after they were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on charges of crossing the International Marine Boundary Line (IMBL). While 68 were arrested in December 2021 in three separate incidents on alternate days, 13 were released on bail. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has already entered into diplomatic parleys with the Sri Lankan government, but the mounting issues created by the Sri Lankan Navy is making matters worse for the diplomats to solve the problem. MP from Ramanathapuram constituency Nawas Kini has condemned the attack by the Sri Lankan Navy on the fishermen from Rameswaram. The MP in a statement on Thursday said, The inhumane attack by the Sri Lankan Navy against Tamil fishermen had been continuing. The Centre, which was giving economic assistance on humanitarian grounds to Sri Lanka, should advise the Government of the island nation to reciprocate the gesture in the same manner while dealing with fishermen from Tamil Nadu. Nawas Kini also called upon the Union government to register a strong protest before the Sri Lankan authorities against the recurring incidents of attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen. Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) Founder S Ramadoss has urged the Union government to summon the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India and condemn the murderous attack on Indian fishermen by their Navy.
Two asphyxiate to death while cleaning septic tank in Chennai, house owner booked
Death The two men were reportedly hired by a Chennai resident identified as Jayakumar of Varadharajapuram, to clean the tank at his home. Azeefa Fathima Representative Image Two men who were hired to clean a septic tank inside a house in Tambaram in Chennai died of asphyxiation due to the poisonous fumes emanating from the tank, the police in Chennai said on Thursday, January 20. The incident took place on Wednesday and the Manimangalam police have identified the victims as V Rajesh, aged 35, and A Ezhumalai, aged 40. The two workers had entered an underground septic tank of a house for cleaning at Varadharajapuram near Tambaram. When TNM contacted the Manimangalam police, they said that the incident took place at the house of one Jayakumar, located in Varadharajapuram. According to reports, Jayakumar had employed the duo for cleaning an overflowing tank, from which one load of sewage had been removed on Tuesday. When they had resumed their work on Wednesday, the suction tube was blocked and so Ezhumalai went in to clear the blockage. None of the workers had any protective equipment to guard them against the deadly fumes in the tank. According to a TNIE report, as soon as Ezhumalai entered the tank, he fainted. Rajesh, who went in to save Ezhumalai, also fell unconscious. Both died after inhaling poisonous gases. After the Manimangalam police were informed, they retrieved the bodies with the assistance of Tambaram fire and rescue services personnel. Later, the bodies were sent to the Chrompet Government Hospital for an autopsy. Manimangalam police have registered a case against Jayakumar under Sections 304-A of IPC (causing death due to negligence) and provisions of Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Rehabilitation Act. Engaging or employing a person for manual scavenging, either directly or indirectly, is a punishable offence under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013. However, there have been multiple instances where people, especially those from poor socio-economic backgrounds, continue to be forced to carry out manual scavenging. In December 2021, the Union Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry told the Parliament that the government has caste-related data of 43,797 persons identified as involved in manual scavenging, and over 42,500 of them belong to the Scheduled Castes. Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale said 42,594 (97.25%) of the people involved in manual scavenging belong to the Scheduled Castes, 421 to the Scheduled Tribes, and 431 to Other Backward Classes. While a total of 58,098 people involved in manual scavenging were identified in surveys, caste-related data was only available for 43,797 of them, he said.
DVAC sleuths raid 57 places linked to ex-AIADMK minister
DVAC sleuths commenced searches at 57 places that belonged to former AIADMK minister K P Anbalagan, his relatives and supporters in Chennai, Salem and Dharmapuri districts on Thursday morning.
Muhurtam in the metaverse? This Chennai couples wedding reception is moving into the future
Despite the futuristic world of a metaverse, this Chennai couples upcoming wedding reception has an old-fashioned focus on family
Despite two challenging years, many of the citys small, but iconic restaurants and vendors are standing strong. We follow a popular food trail to meet the people who fought back
Hari Nadar arrested from Bengaluru in actor Vijayalakshmi harassment case
Crime In July 2020, actor Vijayalakshmi said that she had attempted to die by suicide, citing his harassment as the reason. TNM Staff Screengrab | Bingoo Box The Thiruvanmiyur police in Chennai have arrested Hari Nadar, coordinator, Panangattu Padai Katchi, for allegedly sexually harassing a actor Vijayalakshmi in 2020. Hari Nadar has been arrested on charges of harassment and threatening the actor. She had attempted to die by suicide, citing his harassment as the reason. In July 2020, the actor had alleged that Nadar had harassed her, after being allegedly instigated by Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) leader Seeman. Hari Nadar alias Gopalakrishna Nadar, aged 39, hails from Tirunelveli and is the founder of the Panangattu Padai Katchi. He contested as an independent candidate from Alangulam constituency in the 2021 Assembly elections and lost. Nadar was arrested in May 2021 by the Bengaluru Crime Branch Police for allegedly cheating a businessman of Rs 7 crore under the pretext of getting him a loan of Rs 360 crore, according to a TOI report. He was then lodged at the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail. Vijayalakshmi had attempted suicide in 2020 and recovered after being admitted to a private hospital. When Thiruvanmiyur police investigated the case, the actor alleged that NTK leader Seeman, whom she claimed was in a relationship with her in the past, had instigated Hari Nadar to harass her, after which she attempted to take her own life. The Thiruvanmiyur police arrested Nadar in Bengaluru on Wednesday, January 19. He will be produced before a metropolitan magistrate court in Tamil Nadu. If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families. Tamil Nadu State health department's suicide helpline: 104 Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu) Andhra Pradesh Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930 Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584 Karnataka Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222 Kerala Maithri: 0484 2540530 Chaithram: 0484 2361161 Both are 24-hour helpline numbers. Telangana State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104 Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200 SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm) Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one. 24x7 Helpline: 9820466726 Click here for working helplines across India.
Tamil Nadu: 16-year-old girl, pregnant after rape, ends life - Times of India
Tamil Nadu: 16-year-old girl, pregnant after rape, ends life Times of India
Tamil Nadu: 3 die in wall collapse in Perambalur
Three women died after the wall of a cattle shed collapsed on them. The incident took place at Kamban Nagar in Madhanagopalapuram in Perambalur district on Wednesday
Two dead after inhaling noxious gas in Chennai
Two labourers died after inhaling noxious gases from a septic tank they were cleaning at a house in Varadharaja Puram near Tambaram on Wednesday.
TN logs 26,981 new Covid cases in last 24 hrs
At least 35 people died due to Covid-19 on Wednesday, when Tamil added 26,981 new cases compared to 23888 cases on Tuesday.
SI among 3 Chennai cops placed under suspension
Three city police personnel were placed under suspension as per orders of the commissioner on Wednesday.
Chennai: Man found dead with 2 daughters
A 44-year-old man was found dead along with his two daughters in a farm well at Maraimalai Nagar on Tuesday. Police suspect it to be a case of suicide following a family feud.
Expert panel in place for flood mitigation in Chennai: Tamil Nadu government to HC The New Indian Express
Chennaipolice sub-inspector suspended for political comment on social media post
Though the original post was no longer available, a screenshot of it from the profile named 'Sekar Sekar' indicates that it was his reply to someone else's post.
Parents irked as schools in Chennai demand full fee despite staying closed
Those who suffered loss of income may apply to the school management, which is to consider their requests and collect 75 per cent of the fees.
Two die while cleaning septic tank in Chennai
When they resumed the work on Wednesday, the suction tube got blocked and one of the deceased went into the tank to clear the blockage using an iron rod.
Wheelchair developed at IIT-Madras used for breaking Guinness record
Kamal Kanta Nayak, a youth from Odisha,completed a 213-km run on his manual wheelchair at Bhubaneswar by using NeoFly wheelchair.
ACJ-Chennai invites entries forfor investigative,social impact journalism awards
Journalists and news organisations are invited to submit entries under the ACJ Award for Investigative Journalism and KP Narayana Kumar Memorial Award for Social Impact Journalism.
HC tells Tamil Nadu govt to regulate sports associations - Times of India
HC tells Tamil Nadu govt to regulate sports associations Times of India
Chennai artist Kausalya Santhanam scoresclassic comeback oncanvas
In the second innings of her life, Kausalya Santhanam has foundher calling in art where she paints stories on household items.
Transgender Tasty Hut: Social media saves Chennaitranswoman Shaina Banu fromthird gender stigma
After enduring years of emotional turmoil and economic hardships, Shaina had found her life's purpose in March 2021 with her entrepreneurial venture - Transgender Tasty Hut.
Puducherry: No hike in fees for medical course
The Puducherry government has decided to continue with the fee fixed in 2018 and 2020 by the fee committee for the MBBS/ BDS/ BSc nursing/ B Pharm courses for the academic year 2021-22.
I dont like to be defined and categorised: Tamil writer Ambai to TNM
Interview TNM spoke to the Mumbai-based Tamil feminist author who won the Sahitya Akademi award 2021 for her short story collection Sivappu Kazhutthudan Oru Patchaiparavai. Nandhu Sundaram Author: Kunal Ray/ Wikimedia Commons/ CC BY-SA 4.0 Mumbai-based Tamil feminist author Ambai recently won the prized Sahitya Akademi award for 2021 for her short story collection Sivappu Kazhutthudan Oru Patchaiparavai (A Green Bird with a Red Neck). The news comes as a breath of fresh air for Tamil writers everywhere, as Ambai is only the fourth woman writer in Tamil to ever win the award. In an exclusive interview with The News Minute, Ambai is warm, quick to smile and takes efforts to make the interviewer feel comfortable. The writer quietly entered the literary scene in the 1960s with an adventure novel for children. She then began to write in popular magazines and later in literary magazines. She writes in both Tamil and English. Over the years, she has written short stories and essays, both equally insightful. Like some of the extraordinary women writers in Tamil before her, she also created very different women characters in a language that was unique to her. My first question to Ambai brought out a bit of her famous sense of humour. Asked if the award will help shape her writing, she said, At 77, I dont know how much more shaping I need! Also, awards can never shape nor help you as a writer. It may get you some attention for a while but will not really help you in a creative way. As a writer at 77 and with COVID around, one does not know how much of a career as a writer is left, she added. Is she a recluse? I dont enjoy giving interviews to those who have not read me. Im not a recluse, but just someone who doesnt like to be defined and categorised, she said. Then she spoke of her sisterhood with other feminist writers. The feminist movement has spread in many ways. The same groups dont exist now, we have all taken up different activities. But the feeling of sisterhood has remained, even if we are functioning in different ways in different areas, she said. Im quite thrilled with the poetry being written in Tamil, even if sometimes Im not able to understand or respond to it immediately. That they are being written with passion and not just as some kind of template writing is a very good sign, said Ambai. Asked to counter the allegation that her earlier writings stood up to scrutiny better, Ambai said, I feel a writer must never go defending what she writes. Once it is in the public sphere, it will be received in many ways, she said. And how would you like me to counter this, except by saying that these stories are as good as my previous ones? That will be a pretty ridiculous thing to do, she added. With each story or collection, one is moving towards a different area of expression. It is not always possible to identify exactly where it is moving.Life is too subtle and one cannot immediately know what is happening or where one is standing, she said. Does she expect her latest collection of short stories to do better than her previous works? My publisher has to deal with that. I have nothing to do with the marketing side. If the publisher benefits, Im happy. Kalachuvadu has been publishing me for so many years, it is time they got some benefit out of it, she said. Congratulating Ambai, Kannan Sundaram of Kalachuvadu Publications, said, We bought the complete rights to publish Ambai 20 years ago. She totally deserves the award. Among the books published by Kalachuvadu, this is only the second to win the Sahitya Akademi. Award or not, publishing Ambai is always an honour, added Kannan. Sukumaran, editor, Kalachuvadu, told me that Ambai was among the first in Tamil literature to give women a strong voice. Ambai is a part of the feminist movement of the 1960s, which had the USA as the epicentre. In Europe, writers like Simone de Beauvoir were making rapid strides in feminist theory. Ambai did this mostly via short stories, he said. Ambai said short stories continue to be her preferred format because she is able to express herself better. Has she written novellas? Or were they just, as Sukumaran put it, extended short stories? Do you mean my long stories are just long stories? Maybe they are. Why not? she shot back. Ambai has lived in Mumbai for many years. I like Mumbai much more than any other city. It has a life and energy that other cities dont have, she explained her love for the city. Sukumaran explained the importance of the award in the present context. Other women authors in the 1960s were writing stories that usually revolved around the family, that reinforced the status quo. Women were confined to the kitchen. They had to listen to their husbands. They had to stay within the limitations laid out by their family, he said. Rarely did women write a story from the womans point of view. Lakshmi, Anuthama, Komakal reduced the woman to a doll, said Sukumaran. In my opinion, the first Tamil writer to show that the woman has her needs and a life of her own was Ambai. She was one of the first to question the status quo, he added. She created a human arena in which women had space. Many people may have read Suryan. This was among Ambais early works. It was written from a female point of view, against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. Such stories were unusual and Ambai was among the first to come up with such innovative works, Sukumaran said. Saying that Ambai constantly rejuvenates and refreshes herself as a writer, he said, She is one writer who has interrogated herself in the 50 years she has been writing. She has not restricted herself just to writing. She is an outspoken critic of patriarchy at an ideological level. Through her articles and essays, she has poignantly written on feminism, he said. Sukumaran said it was surprising that the Sahitya Akademi award for Tamil has not gone to a Dalit woman yet. No Dalit Tamil woman has won it for writing quality literature. Thats yet to happen, said Sukumaran. Ambai, whose real name is CS Lakshmi, is a historian and received her PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Not only that, she has also done extensive research on the history and life of women. SPARROW (Sound & Picture Archives for Research on Women), run by Ambai, is a meticulously maintained record of womens contribution to literary and social events. Its a record of oral history, he said. Among other honours, Ambai has won the Puthumaipithan Memorial Award given by Vilakku Ilakkiya Amaippu, the lifetime achievement award from Toronto University, the Tamil Nadu governments M Karunanidhi cash reward, and an award from the University of Madras. Her short story collections include A Purple Sea; In a Forest, A Deer; Fish in a Dwindling Lake; A Night With a Black Spider; and A Meeting On the Andheri Over Bridge. Her non-fiction works include The Face Behind the Mask; The Singer and the Song; and Mirrors and Gestures. Irom Sharmilas collection of poems, Fragrance of Peace, is in Tamil, thanks to Ambai. Nandhu Sundaram is a film critic and freelance journalist who lives in a village situated in the back of beyond in Kanyakumari district.
In photos: Chennai Metro work causes traffic bottlenecks
Heavy traffic was observed at the Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Taramani on Wednesday morning.
Chennai finally gets roads that may not crumble in first rain
After years of corruption, collusion and quick-to-damage roads, Chennaiites may finally enjoy smooth rides on roads that dont wear out at the first spell of rain.
TN to showcase tableau rejected by Union govt at state celebration
Controversy The tableau chronicles the states freedom fighters like Veerathai VeluNachiyar, Poolithevan, Veerapandia Kattabomman, the Marudhu brothers, VO Chidambaranar and poet Bharathiayar. TNM Staff File photo The tableau of Tamil Nadu rejected by the Union government would be showcased in the state's Republic Day celebrations, said Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday, January 18. The tableau features contributions of freedom fighters from the state in the Independence movement. The CM also said that arrangements would be made to organise photo exhibitions in key cities of the country, taking forward an expo held recently by the state government to showcase Tamil Nadu's role in the freedom struggle. It is a matter of regret and shock that the Union government has not assigned any reason for denying Tamil Nadu the opportunity to be a part of the celebrations in the national capital, Stalin said, pointing to a letter from the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to him in this regard. The CM had sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention, on January 17, to have TN's tableau included in celebrations in Delhi and Singh's letter is in response to it. Tamil Nadu's contributions right from the Vellore revolution (1806) are very significant in the nation's struggle for independence, he said in a statement. Chronicling the sacrifices of TN's freedom fighters, including Veerathai VeluNachiyar, Poolithevan, Veerapandia Kattabomman, the Marudhu brothers, VO Chidambaranar and nationalist poet Bharathiyar, he said Tamil Nadu had designed its float to remember them and their contributions. Since TN has now been denied the opportunity to recall the contributions of such freedom fighters from the state, the tableau that was originally proposed for inclusion in the Delhi Republic Day event will be a part of state government's celebrations in Chennai on January 26, the Chief Minister said. This tableau will also be taken to Tamil Nadu's important cities so that people could take a look at the contributions of the state's freedom fighters, he added. Meanwhile, even West Bengal has decided to showcase its tableau, which was also rejected by the Union government, during Republic Day celebrations in Kolkata, a senior official told PTI on Tuesday. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had also written to Rajnath Singh contesting her state's exclusion from the Republic Day parade, and the Union Defence Minister had responded to her as well, in a separate letter, that the West Bengal tableau did not make it to the parade.We will come out with a tableau on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 125th birth anniversary during the Republic Day parade on Red Road. We have started preparations for that, a West Bengal official said. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had on Tuesday said that 12 tableaux will be displayed during the upcoming day parade, out of 29 proposals that were initially received. With PTI inputs
Tamil Nadu: Spectator gored to death in jallikattu
The conduct of the Jallikattu event in Navalur Kuttapattu village near Trichy on Tuesday had cost the life of a 24-year-old youth, the second such casualty in the district within a week.
Tamil Nadu was told to make Velu Nachiyars horse brown
Tamil Nadu will miss the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath in New Delhi on January 26, but not before it argued its case thrice, making changes to the tableau under the theme, Tamil Nadu in the freedom struggle, and failing to impress the expert committee of the ministry of defence.
Tamil Nadu registers 23,888 Covid cases, 29 deaths
After a two-day fall in the number of new infections, Tamil Nadu reported an increase to 23,888 fresh cases on Tuesday when 21 districts across the state reported an increase in their 24-hour tally. The deaths also increased to 29 taking the cumulative death toll to 37,038.
Chennai: Teen steals valuables from actors flat, held
Police on Monday arrested in Tirupur a 19-year-old house help for stealing valuables worth 1.2 lakh including a camera from the Chennai apartment of actor Nikki Galrani.
Chennai: Rowdy Binu Papachan threatens bizman, held
History-sheeter Binu Papachan, 49, who has been on the run for two years, was arrested on Thursday from Saurashtra Nagar in Choolaimedu for threatening and extorting money a businessman in Arumbakkam. Binu, who was named in 19 cases including three murder cases, was sent to jail.
Stalkers beat up girls grandfather in Chennai
A 19-year-old youth and his friend were arrested for attacking a 64-year-old man who questioned the youth for stalking his granddaughter in Avadi. According to police, Rasool Ahmed, 64, a resident of RKJ Valli Velan Nagar in Pothur near Avadi, runs a tiffin shop at Thai Nagar main road.
Leopard at Chennai zoo died because of brain haemorrhage: Postmortem
After 70 zoo staff tested positive for COVID-19, authorities started collecting nasal swab samples of big cats and fourteen samples were collected.
Delta carriers, unvaxxed elderly put on red alert list in Tamil Nadu - Times of India
Delta carriers, unvaxxed elderly put on red alert list in Tamil Nadu Times of India
COVID-19 shuts schools again in Chennai, takes toll on learning
While senior corporation officials saidthat they will have a plan in place within this week, school staff said there are only a few options available for corporation school students.
COVID-19: Tamil Nadu minister Ma Subramanian announces special booster shot camp on Thursdays
Chief Minister MK Stalin on January 10 had launched the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose drive for healthcare workers, frontline workers and people above 60 with comorbidities.
Chennai man 'slits wrist, throat' with debit card
A 25-year-old man allegedly slit his wrist and throat with a debit card at at house in Peravallur on Monday evening.
Food Help Chennai brings directory of home-cooked meals
The list, called Food Help Chennai, released on January 13, collates the data of over 100 home chefs and catering services that can deliver home-cooked meals to those unable to run the kitchen.
TRB Rajaa takes over as DMK IT wing secretary
Politics Tamil Nadu Finance Minister PTR Palanivel Thiagarajan was the IT wing secretary earlier. TNM Staff Image credit: TRB Rajaa/Facebook DMK, the ruling party of Tamil Nadu, has appointed senior leader TRB Rajaa as its IT wing secretary. Finance Minister PTR Palanivel Thiagarajan earlier served as DMKs IT wing secretary. Upon his resignation, the party appointed TRB Rajaa. The party made an official announcement on Sunday, January 16 with a statement reading, The party leader (Chief Minister MK Stalin) accepted Finance Minister PT Palanivel Thiagarajan's letter to get relieved from his post of party's (DMK) IT wing secretary as he needs to focus on govt duties. The leader accepts his letter and has decided to relieve him from the duties of IT secretary. TRB Rajaa is appointed instead of him. According to reports, Finance Minister PTR who was also heading the IT wing had to devote more attention and time to the finance department. A source from the party told Times of India that the finance department and the GST Council meetings were taking up a lot of PTRs time. In addition to this, the GST follow-up meetings too were there. Due to this, last week, PTR had reportedly stated to the party leadership that he wished to give up the party post. The leadership too, agreed to the decision. The DMKs IT wing was founded in 2017. The party had handed over the IT wing responsibility to PTR, who was the first IT wing secretary. PTR was then a two-time MLA from Madurai South, and a former banker. Subsequently, the IT wing grew to become a recognised arm of DMK. Due to PTRs preoccupation with the new position and responsibilities attached to it, the party, after a review, decided to hand over the position to three-time MLA from Mannargudi TRB Rajaa. Rajaa is also the son of senior DMK leader TR Baalu.
Two Hindu Munnani workers charged under Goondas Act for defacing Periyar statue
Violence The two had vandalised the statue by smearing it with saffron powder and garlanding it with slippers on January 8 and have been lodged in a jail in Coimbatore since. Agencies Image for representation Two Hindu Munnani workers arrested on the charge of defacing a statue of social reformer and founder of the Dravidian movement, Periyar' E V Ramaswamy or Thanthai Periyar in Coimbatore were detained under the Goondas Act, police said on Tuesday, January 18. The two had vandalised the statue by smearing it with saffron powder and garlanding it with slippers on January 8 and been lodged in jail in Coimbatore since. Considering the law and order problem likely to arise due to this, the City Police Commissioner Pradip Kumar issued a detention order, the police said. The order was served on the duo early today, they said. The duo, Arun Karthik (26) and V. Mohanraj (28) of Vellalore were arrested on January 11 after the face of a statute of Periyar at Vellalore in Coimbatore was found smeared with saffron powder and garlanded with slippers. The incident took place on January 9 and there were widespread protests across the state with the Dravidar Kazhakam (DK) and Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam (TPDK) leading the charge. There were demands from across the state to give befitting punishment to the perpetrators of the crime and the police arrested the duo on January 11 and were remanded in judicial custody at the Coimbatore central prison. It may be noted that there were similar incidents of vandalising the statues of Periyar across Tamil Nadu with the Hindu Munnani workers in most cases getting arrested for the act. In April 2021, there was tension in Coimbatore and surrounding areas after an attack on a Hindu Munnani leader, S Ramakrishnan. Ramakrishnan was attacked by two unidentified men. He was intercepted while he was returning home and hit on the head with an iron rod causing serious injuries. The two motorcycle borne assailants fled after local people rushed to the spot. With PTI and IANS inputs
2,093 Puducherry sees highest daily cases
Earlier the Union territory of Puducherry reported the maximum number of daily fresh Covid-19 cases on May 11 last year (2,049). Only thrice the daily Covid-19 cases crossed 2,000-mark. The territory reported 2,007 fresh cases on May 12 last year.
Chennai: Obstacles lurk on dark East Coast Road at night
The East Coast Road may be celebrated as the citys entertainment corridor, but driving on the stretch between Kanathur and Mamallapuram is a nightmare.
I&B Ministry issues notice to Zee Tamil on kids show that mocked PM
Controversy BJP leader CTR Nirmal Kumar alleged that obnoxious comments were made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the show. TNM Staff The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued a notice to Zee Entertainment Enterprises, seeking comments regarding the complaint filed by BJP State President of IT and Social Media Cell, Tamil Nadu, CTR Nirmal Kumar. The complaint was filed alleging that obnoxious comments were made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a Tamil reality show recently. The notice states that the Ministry has received a complaint against telecast of a TV programme Junior Super Star Season 4 on 15.01.2022 (January 15) by Zee Tamil TV channel and that the extract of the complaint was attached to the notice. Further, the letter states that ZEE is requested to provide comments on the complaint to this Ministry within a period of 7 days, failing which further action will be taken. The notice has been issued after BJP raised concerns over an episode of a reality television show called Junior Super Stars Season 4 broadcast on Zee Tamil. It was alleged that two child contestants performed a skit that was allegedly mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The skit under question was aired on January 15, and in the episode, two children dressed as the king and minister from a popular Tamil historical political satire film Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi were seen making fun of the ruler of a country named Sindhiya. Read: BJP furious over kids satire show that 'mocked PM', demands Zee Tamil remove it In the two-minute-long video of the episode which is doing the rounds on social media, the children are seen narrating the story of a king who tried to demonetise the currencies in a bid to eradicate black money, but failed in the process. The kids also go on to say that instead of eradicating black money, the 'king' merely wears jackets in different colours and roams around. The children are also seen making fun of a disinvestment scheme and the rule of the king in the country, to which the judges and others present in the audience are seen applauding. However, the BJP alleged that the show made fun of the Prime Minister over the 2016 demonetisation exercise by making fun of the fictitious king who carried out a similar exercise. Nirmal Kumar wrote a letter to the Chief Cluster Officer of Zee Enterprises Limited Siju Prabhakaran saying that the children, aged around 10, were deliberately asked to make these comments against the Prime Minister, and accused the channel of not taking any action to curtail blatant misinformation being spread against the Prime Minister. He also said that when BJP contacted the judges, they had reportedly said that it was not their reaction to the performance and that they were shocked at the edit. They claimed that their reactions at other times were edited and added here, he said. Nirmal also added that the channel had promised to remove the concerned part from its website and will abstain from retelecasting the same, following his letter.
100% of eligible TN govt school students receive first dose of vaccine
COVID-19 vaccine Across the state, 76% of students in the 15-18 age bracket have received the first dose of the vaccine. TNM Staff Image for representation Hundred percent of students between the ages of 15-18 years of age in Tamil Nadu's government schools have received the first vaccine dose, said Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian, on Monday, January 17. The vaccination drive for school students commenced on January 3. As far as government schools in Tamil Nadu are concerned, the vaccination for students in the 15 to 18 age group was inaugurated by the Chief Minister MK Stalin here on January 3, the Minister said. The drive was launched in the state on the very same day it was rolled out by the union government, and the state government has now completed inoculation for students between age 15 to 18, with regard to state-run schools, the Minister told reporters. In private schools and other institutions like the polytechnic colleges, students falling in that age group are being vaccinated continuously, he added. In total, 76% of students in the 15-18 age bracket have been vaccinated in Tamil Nadu (first dose) and it is a matter of great satisfaction, he said. The 50th mega vaccination camp would be held in 50,000 locations across the state on January 22 and people should utilise it, he said. On the opening day of vaccination, Tamil Nadu covered nearly 10% of the 33,46,000 eligible persons falling under the 15-18 age group. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu, on Monday, January 17, reported a marginal dip in fresh COVID-19 cases reporting 23,443 cases, but the active cases breached the 1.50 lakh mark and the number of deaths reported were 20, according to the state bulletin. The number of active cases, including isolation, stands at 1,52,348, while 13,551 patients were discharged. Health Minister Ma Subramanian told reporters on Monday that while fresh infections have presently seen a dip, there is a chance for some increase after Pongal holidays. Though the fresh virus cases may have risen recently, hospitalisation is less and the infections are mostly mild that does not warrant being admitted to hospital, he noted. In Tamil Nadu, 1.91 lakh beds are available and the occupancy right now is only 8,900, he said, adding that everything is available, including beds, oxygen or medicines.
TN delegation meets Amit Shah, asks Union govt to expedite assent to NEET Bill
NEET The delegation included representatives from the AIADMK, DMK, MDMK, VCK, Congress, PMK and Left parties. Inputs PTI Image: Twitter/WriterRavikumar An all-party delegation led by DMK Parliamentarian TR Baalu called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Monday, January 17, and urged him to take appropriate measures to ensure the President's assent to exempt Tamil Nadu from the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). The meeting came after several complaints were raised regarding the Union government not meeting representatives from Tamil Nadu or acting swiftly on the issue. The delegation also comprised representatives of the AIADMK. They had urged the Home Minister to direct the Tamil Nadu Governor to forward the Tamil Nadu Admission to Undergraduate Medical Degree Courses Bill 2021, seeking to exempt medical and dental undergraduate courses in the state from NEET, immediately to the President for his consideration. The Union Minister should take necessary steps to obtain the President's assent to the bill at the earliest and save the future of Tamil Nadu children, they had said. The delegation also urged the Union government to uphold the spirit of cooperative federalism. They submitted a memorandum containing the demands to Amit Shah on the occasion. The delegation included parliamentarians A Navaneethakrishnan (AIADMK), Vaiko (MDMK), D Ravikumar (VCK), Jayakumar (Congress), PR Natarajan (CPI(M)) and legislators GK Mani (PMK) and T Ramachandran (CPI). The Tamil Nadu BJP had walked out of the all-party meeting convened by Chief Minister MK Stalin on January 8 in Chennai to discuss the pending Bill, saying that NEET is against social justice. Stalin, who earlier claimed NEET affected the dreams and aspirations of the rural and poor students in pursuing medical courses, had on January 12 appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to favourably consider the state's request for exemption from NEET for students' admission to medical colleges. Since the inception of the NEET examination, students, parents, teachers, and political parties in the state have been protesting to scrap the examination. The state had also witnessed multiple instances of students death by suicide, citing NEET as the reason.
CM writes to PM after Tamil Nadu's tableau rejected
Expressing disappointment over Tamil Nadu being deprived of an opportunity to participate in the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, chief minister M K Stalin on Monday sought the intervention of PM Narendra Modi for the inclusion of the tableau that would showcase TN's freedom fighters.
TN: Man dies as bus hits car on East Coast Road
A 55-year-old man died after the car he was travelling in was hit by a bus coming from the opposite direction on East Coast Road (ECR) near Mamallapuram on Sunday, police said.
Number of fresh Covid cases dips for 2nd day in TN
The number of new Covid-19 cases dropped in the state for the second consecutive day on Monday, when the state reported 23,443 fresh cases compared to 23,975 cases it reported on Sunday and 23,989 on Saturday. Chennai, which logged 8,571 new cases, reported a drop after 28 days.
Sexual harassment: Shut schools could mean greater risk for children
Experts say intervention needed as cases of abuse rose in lockdown
Kamakoti Veezhinathan takes over as director ofIIT-Madras
Kamakoti Veezhinathan took charge as director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras on Monday, after his predecessor, Bhaskar Ramamurthi, served two terms.
Dial Chennai Corporation helplineto get Covid booster shots at home
Senior citizens are eligible for a precautionary booster shot if nine months or 39 weeks have passed since they took their second dose.
SC women to get Chennai mayor post
The post of Mayor for Chennai has been reserved for Scheduled Castes (women).
29-year-old admitted toisolation ward after testing Covid positive, kills self
On Monday morning, when doctors went to check on him, they found him dead.
Youth scripts kidnap drama to get Rs 30 lakh from father, arrested
Vadapalani police traced and nabbed a 24-year-old man in Secunderabad who staged a kidnap drama to get Rs 30 lakh from his father.
Leopard diesin squeeze cageat Vandalur zoo
Animal dies during procedure to collect Covid-19 sample; zoo director orders inquiry
Jallikattu: For thebull,against the virus
Yet, what made this year stand apart is fewer participants, and health checks for the tamers and the tamed.
Working onways to live life zero-waste
Under its resources section, the website offers ideas and literature on various aspects of sustainability.
A follow-up to her previous book, Mermaids in the Moonlight, author and illustrator Sharanya Manivannans Incantations Over Water offers many a meaning and interpretations in a war-torn world.
Chennai IMD office gets new chief
Several officials and experts TNIE spoke to blamed the RMCs failure on lack of adequate upper air data.
Tamil Nadu: Man attacked for protesting assault on dog - Times of India
Tamil Nadu: Man attacked for protesting assault on dog Times of India
TN Dalit human rights activist Evidence Kathir bags prestigious European award
Award Arokiasamy Vincent Raj, better known as Evidence Kathir, has been selected for the 2022 Raoul Wallenberg Prize given by the European Council. TNM Staff Arokiasamy Vincent Raj, better known as Evidence Kathir for his work with the Madurai-based organisation Evidence, founded and headed by him, has been selected to be the recipient of the 2022 Raoul Wallenberg Prize. Evidence works to defend the rights of Dalit and tribal people in Tamil Nadu. The organisation does critical work in a state where cases of caste violence are among the highest in the country. In recognition of their work, the European Council has conferred Kathir with this prestigious award that was founded in 2012. The Raoul Wallenberg Prize came about through the joint efforts of the Swedish government and the Hungarian Parliament in memory of Raoul Wallenberg for his efforts to save Jewish lives during the Holocaust and World War 2. Evidence collects documents in great detail of the events around caste crimes in Tamil Nadu, arranges for legal aid for families affected by caste violence as they go through lengthy judicial procedures, and even helps with challenging acquittals, when they occur all too often. In 2021, Evidence brought out a five-year report on the caste-based murders in Tamil Nadu. The report revealed sobering statistics about the state. A total of 300 murders of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe people had taken place from January 2016 to December 2020. Of these, only 13 of the accused were convicted. A whopping 229 remained with the courts with proceedings ongoing or yet to be listed. The remaining 28 were pending police investigation. Evidence, led by Kathir, has documented many of these cases, and is continuing to help the victims families get justice. On receiving the award, Kathir said, This is the first time a person from South Asia is receiving this award. It is a recognition of the 25-year-long work I have been doing. There have been multiple attempts on my life, I have been attacked many times. I dedicate the award entirely to my Dalit people, to the poor, to every marginalised community across the world. He also notes that the European council comprises of the 27 heads of member-states belonging to the European Union. To me this means that we have the solidarity of 27 countries in Europe. There would have been so many nations in consideration. That they have recognised an activist from India, from Tamil Nadu, that too in Madurai and belonging to a Dalit organisation, is a matter of pride. I hope that this award will make issues faced by Dalit people an international concern. In that way, this award is a tool. An online award ceremony will take place on January 19 and Kathir will be travelling to France later to receive the award and a honorarium of 10,000 Euros. Raoul Wallenberg, after whom the award is named, was a Swedish diplomat who helped save tens of thousands of Jewish lives during the Holocaust. He was arrested in Budapest by Soviet agents on this date, January 17, back in 1945 and subsequently disappeared. In the year 2000, the Russian prosecutors office formally admitted that Wallenberg had been held in a Soviet prison until he was executed in 1947.
Hit me until I bled: Two Chennai cops face action after students complaint
Custodial violence Abdul Rahim, 21, was stopped at MR Nagar in Chennai on Friday night and was fined by the police for not wearing a mask. Sreedevi Jayarajan Image credit: Ajilsraj/Twitter Two police officers in Chennai are facing action for assaulting a college student for not wearing a mask. Abdul Rahim (21) says that he was forcibly taken to the P6 Kodungaiyur police station and assaulted by two constables Uthirakumar and Boominathan. In his complaint, he alleges that the officers urinated on him and injured him till he bled from all parts. He adds that he was forced to wipe his blood with his own T-shirt. Abdul Rahim, a law student from Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University, Chennai alleged that he was assaulted for not wearing a mask while riding his bike on the road. However, according to the police, the assault took place after Abdul had slapped one of the constables. As per the complaint, at 11.30 pm on Friday night. Rahim was riding his bike back from his part time job at a pharmacy to his house, when he was caught at the MR Nagar vehicle check in Kodungaiyur. According to reports, Rahim quickly wore his mask on seeing the officers, and the officers asked him to pay a fine for violating the mask rule when COVID-19 cases were so high. TNM also got in touch with the P6 Kodungaiyur police to which the two constables belonged. The inspector said that it has been recorded that Abdul had been brought to the station on Friday night. An argument broke out between Abdul and the police constable Uthirakumar outside the station premises. In the heat of the moment. Abdul slapped him. It was following this that he was charged under Section 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to any person being a public servant in the discharge of his duty as such public servant). The constables were enraged after Abdul slapped Uthirakumar and they in turn beat him up, says an officer from the P6 police station. On Saturday morning, Rahim posted a video on social media along with pictures of the injuries inflicted by the police assault. In the complaint, Abdul states that he was taken to the hospital and asked to say that he had fallen down from the staircase. The complaint also states that he was not given any food in the station. His pictures show that Rahim suffered injuries near his eyes and legs. Meanwhile the two officers are under enquiry and are likely to be suspended for assaulting the student. The department inquiry is led by the Joint Commissioner of Police (West Zone) S Rajeswari. Although Rahim in his complaint stated that the officers had urinated on him, a preliminary enquiry showed that this was untrue.
Rejection of Tamil Nadus R-Day tableau disappointing: Stalin writes to PM
Republic Day 2022 In addition to Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Keralas tableaus have also been rejected and will be excluded from the upcoming Republic Day parade on January 26. TNM Staff PTI Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday, January 17, wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to question the rejection of the states tableau for the upcoming Republic Day parade in New Delhi. In the letter, CM Stalin called the rejection disappointing and asked the Prime Minister to intervene. In addition to Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Keralas tableaus have also been rejected and will be excluded from the Republic Day parade on January 26.The rejection of Tamil Nadu's tableau, that included freedom fighters VOC, Mahakavi Bharathiyar, Rani Velu Nachiyar and Maruthu Brothers, from the Republic Day Parade is disappointing. I ask that the respected Prime Minister intervene immediately and ensure that Tamil Nadu's contribution to the freedom struggle is given a place [in the parade], Stalin wrote in his letter to the Prime Minister. It is reportedly the third time in the past five years that Tamil Nadus tableau has not made it to the Republic Day parade. CM Stalins letter to the PM comes a day after Chief MinisterMamata Banerjee also questioned the Union government after the West Bengal tableau was rejected for the 2022 parade. West Bengal's tableau was to highlight the contributions of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 125th birth anniversary year. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday, January 16, wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to reconsider the decision.I have been profoundly shocked and hurt by the decision of the Government of India to abruptly exclude the proposed tableau of the Government of West Bengal from the ensuing Republic Day Parade. It is even more baffling for us that the tableau was rejected without assigning any reasons or justifications, Banerjee said in a two-page letter to Modi. According to reports, West Bengal's tableau has made it to the Republic Day parade six times since 2008. The Kerala government has also protested against the Union government's decision denying permission to the State's Republic Day parade tableau depicting social reformer Sree Narayana Guru.The Central government's decision to deny permission to the Kerala's Republic Day tableau, which contained anti-caste crusader Narayana Guru's figure, is extremely condemnable. @BJP4Keralam must state whether they agree with this insulting attitude towards Kerala's Guru, V Sivankutty, Keralas Education Minister, said in a tweet. According to reports, Keralas tableau has been rejected for the third time in past four years. The state's proposal for 2020 parade, intending to showcase Kerala's art and architecture, was rejected. In 2019, Kerala's float depicting Vaikom Satyagraha, a historic renaissance movement, was rejected. In 2021, Kerala's tableau showed the state's relationship with coir in the Republic Day parade. The BJP in Kerala has claimed that for the past few years, Keralas proposals were getting rejected due to mediocre floats. Opportunity was denied for Kerala due to its lack of homework. Kerala's presentation was being rejected for the few years due to mediocre floats, BJP state chief K Surendran said recently. Congress leader BK Hariprasad has alleged that the BJP is vindictive towards non-NDA ruled states. The BJP is having vindictive attitude towards certain states. The Centre has rejected Kerala government's tableau which was based on Narayana Guru, a philosopher & social reformer. He fought against caste-ridden society & rejecting his tableau is an insult to the spiritual guru. This smells of #BJP conspiracy, he tweeted.
Chennai, parts of TN to witness moderate rainfall till January 19
Weather Chennai recorded a dip in mercury, with the minimum temperature dipping to 22.7 degrees Celsius, much below the average of 29.3 degrees. TNM Staff Chennai and parts of coastal Tamil Nadu witnessed moderate rains on Monday, January 17 and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that rainfall in these areas will continue till Wednesday, January 19. Chennai and the adjoining districts received moderate to heavy rain on Monday, while heavy also lashed several coastal areas. IMD officials said that one or two places in Tiruvallur district would also receive heavy rainfall. Chennai recorded a dip in mercury following the downpour in many parts of the city, with the minimum temperature dipping to 22.7 degrees Celsius, much below the average of 29.3 degrees. S Balachandran, Deputy Director-General of Meteorology, Chennai, said that moderate rains may continue over a few places in the north coastal region and Puducherry. He also said that interior areas of the state will also experience moderate rains on Tuesday. The convergence of strong easterlies at the lower level and westerly winds at the upper level of the atmosphere triggered the rain over the state, the statement said. The North-East monsoon has still not withdrawn from the state and the IMD officials said that the spillover till January was not uncommon. Over the next two days, in Chennai, the sky is likely to be generally cloudy and moderate rain is likely to occur in some areas. The maximum and minimum temperature is likely to be around 29C and 24C, respectively. About two weeks ago, on December 30, Chennai saw sudden intense rainfall and according to weather bloggers, it rained more than it had in 2015. The IMD had issued a heavy rainfall warning for two days, December 31, 2021, and January 1, but the December 30 rains took everyone by surprise. Following the rains, a strong demand to upgrade weather prediction technology at IMD Chennai (Regional Meteorological Centre) has emerged. Also read: Working on improving radars and weather models: IMD chief after Chennai rains
In photos: Rain lashes Chennai and suburbs
Rainfall lashed several parts of Chennai on Monday afternoon.
17 held for sale of banned tobacco products in Chennai
Police have intensified their vigil against banned tobacco products; 25.4 kg of gutka and 300 g of maava were seized