UNs FAO to help India draft action plan for small-scale fisheries
A three-day meeting in Chennai will bring together officials, scientists, and policymakers from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives
Light to moderate rain forecast for Chennai, surrounding districts
The RMC, Chennai had forecast rainfall till September 18 over isolated places in several districts of Tamil Nadu
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several regions in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai. Read here to know full forecast.
Chennai One app to be a reality as TN agrees to bear 1.39% platform fee
CHENNAI: The disagreement over sharing the platform fee for the proposed unified ticketing software application for public transport in Chennai, a key issue that was delaying the roll out of the system, has been resolved. The state government has agreed to bear the platform fee of 1.39% (on the ticket fare) charged by the unified Chennai One mobile app, which will integrate services of Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL), MTC buses, Southern Railway, Namma Yatri autos and cab aggregators, enabling commuters to access seamless end-to-end travel. The government is expected to pay around Rs 3 crore per year as platform fee to CUMTA that will manage the application. Trials of the Chennai One app, which began in June, have been successful, and CM M K Stalin is expected to launch it for public use shortly, official sources said. Initially, CMRL, MTC and Southern Railway had opposed paying the platform fee, citing reduced ticket revenue. A CUMTA official said, Railways, CMRL, MTC and other agencies will receive their full ticket fare credited to their accounts at the end of each day. While CMRL, MTC, Namma Yatri, and cab aggregators have agreed to proceed with the launch, Southern Railway has maintained that its trials are still under way. An official told TNIE, Several technical challenges are delaying the integration of the Railways Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) with CUMTAs unified platform. Ticketing through the app will be included only after these issues are resolved. CUMTA officials, however, remained optimistic that the problems will be addressed in the coming days. The government has deposited Rs 30 lakh as rolling funds in Southern Railways account. The railways can instantly deduct the ticket fare from the rolling deposit, which will be reimbursed from the days fare collections at the end of the day. , the official said. CUMTA has already signed a non-disclosure agreement with Southern Railway. An MoU will be signed either before or soon after the apps launch, the official added.
Power corporation fixing exposed UG cables at 700 locations
CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited is in the process of fixing of underground cables that are exposed in around 700 spots in Chennai and its peripheries, a senior official said. Speaking to TNIE after a review meeting chaired by Tamil Nadu Electricity Board chairman J Radhakrishnan on Monday, the official said, Most of the work has already been completed and the remaining will be finished soon. At least two people, including a woman conservancy worker, were killed since July after coming into contact with exposed underground cables, leading to criticisms against TNPDCL. At the meeting, Radhakrishnan directed all chief engineers to maintain sufficient stock of essential equipment to ensure quick response during heavy rains. He stressed the need to complete all pending works expeditiously. A senior TNEB official told TNIE, We have formed special teams in all 12 zones of the state to carry out pre-monsoon works. Damaged poles and power lines are being replaced on priority. We are also setting up 24x7 control rooms in every circle to monitor complaints and coordinate emergency works. Acknowledging that there are gaps in effectively coordinating with other departments involved in road-digging, which often led to the exposure of underground cables, the official assured that all issues would be sorted out before monsoon. We are holding joint inspections with Greater Chennai Corporation and Highways Department to avoid waterlogging and cable damage during heavy rains, he said.
Chennai weather: Moderate temperatures, patchy rain expected today; AQI improves
Chennai expects patchy rain today with temperatures ranging from 27.8C to 33.9C, alongside an 88% chance of precipitation. Yesterday's moderate air quality (AQI 59) is set to improve with the light showers. The week ahead forecasts varied rainfall, including heavy downpours on September 18, before conditions stabilize by the weekend. Residents should prepare for changing weather.
Tunes turn into service in Carmeni Selvam
When films are announced for a Deepavali release, the focus is mainly on their star-studded cast. This year, when director Ram Chakris Carmeni Selvam, starring Samuthirakani and Gautham Vasudev Menon, was announced as a Deepavali release, the focus was on one particular credit. The music is not credited to an individual, rather to an organisation Musicloud Studio and Technology for providing Music as a Service for the film. Explaining, director Ram says, Currently, the cost of producing a film is increasing by the day, which results in the business becoming unsafe for the producer. So, in order to back good content, the cost of production has to come down. And one of the ways to go about that was to bring down the cost of music production. Ramanujan MK, the founder of Musicloud Studio & Technology, had previously worked with Ram on Kuraiondrum Illai, headlined by Amrutha Srinivasan. We wanted to give more structure to the production of music, says Ramanujan. According to director Ram, with the use of such a service, a revenue model has been worked out between the producers of Carmeni Selvam and Musicloud Studio & Technology. Under this revenue model, everyone who is involved, like the sound engineers, instrumentalists, programmers, will receive a share of the royalty, says Ram. Giving an insight into how Musicloud Studio & Technology delivers music, Ramanujan says, Every movie has its own music. So, we, as a company, pick out specialists in each musical style, and by partnering with them, we deliver what the director wants. We are bringing in a corporate structure to music production and treating this as a project where a dedicated QC (Quality Check) team reviews the output. Understanding that this isnt reinventing the wheel, he adds, Bringing in specialists is not new, but when you have a structure, you work with high efficiency. A major part of this music production involves the rapidly evolving phenomenon of AI. I wont call AI a disruption. But I want to leverage it to create better ideas, says Ramanujan, going on to explain how AI is used in their music production. If I feed some basic progression through keys as a prompt, instead of me taking one hour to crack a tune, AI will generate some ideas to add layers to the music. Different instrumentalists and singers are brought in to finish the piece. How is it different from the mainstream structure that is already in place? For limited-budget films like Carmeni Selvam, bringing in composers with a certain brand value, and factoring in the cost of music production and their remuneration can become very expensive for any production house. So, we are a one-stop shop, he says. Speaking about his journey, Ramanujan details, I started Musicloud Studio & Technology in Bengaluru, back in 2017. I started taking up corporate projects and slowly started to build up my profile, after which I started to partner up with media houses. We provided end-to-end services like sound design, voiceovers, and dubbing. And now, we are here. Carmeni Selvam is currently set to release theatrically on October 17.
Treasure Hunting through MTC buses are now on Chennaiites bucketlist
What does it take to make a familiar place feel like history waiting to be unravelled? Apparently, it now only takes a cryptic clue, a ticking clock, and the stamina to explore. For years, Marina Beach has been a Sunday ritual, Parrys Corner, a shopping hub, Broadway, a blur of buses, and the city always in a hustle and bustle. But when these very spots turn into answers to riddles and checkpoints on a map, they suddenly transform into stages of a grand adventure. And thats exactly whats happening in Chennai today, where treasure hunts curated by corporates, communities, and even the citys governmental bodies are transforming everyday places into thrilling discoveries. Participants, who thought they knew their city inside out, are now learning that their railway station carries the second-longest name in the world, that Parrys Corner hides one of the oldest churches of the subcontinent, and that even traffic chaos and bus depots can become part of the chase. In the end, the city itself becomes the prize rediscovered one clue at a time. For many Chennaiites, treasure hunts arent entirely new. Theyve long been the highlight of college culturals, where teams dash across campuses piecing together quirky clues. Whats different now is the scale. Many private players and brands have hosted treasure hunts (or scavenger hunts) throughout the years to build a community while also promoting their brands. One of the players at the forefront of this city-wide wave is Nexus Consulting, a Bengaluru-based company that specialises in knowledge-based and activity-based events. We started out with quizzes, but people always want something different and interesting. Treasure hunts gave us a way to move out of closed rooms and create experiences that made people see their city differently, says Abid Abdulla, team lead of content at Nexus. The organisation has curated corporate hunts across the country, but Chennai holds special significance. Many of us on the team, including our founder, grew up here [Chennai], Abid explains. So when MTC [Metropolitan Transport Corporation] approached us to design a citywide bus treasure hunt, it felt like homecoming. We wanted participants not just to solve clues but to experience the city in a way that makes them pause and notice. That pause often came in surprising ways. Participants, on Auguts 30, were sent to Mount Road Bilal to buy its famous bun-butter-jam, only to be asked to capture a photo in front of Tarapore Towers a completely functioning digital clock a detail many fail to notice. Others raced through Spencer Plaza, stopping to take pictures under its dome, tracing the clue from Varanam Aayirams song. These are places we think we know, but in the rush of daily life, we hardly stop to notice them, Abid says. MTC has hosted annual treasure hunts as part of Madras Day celebrations one each in 2024 and 2025. We wanted people, especially those who dont usually travel by bus, to see the city through public transport, says Prabakar, an MTC representative. Last years hunt had such an impact that many participants returned this year too. For participants, the hunt reshaped their relationship with Chennai. Junaid Ahmed, the youngest teammate among two others in his team, says, The most exciting part was cracking the tough clues and reaching the right spot after a lot of thinking. Even the most familiar places looked completely new and adventurous. One such moment for him was noticing the Ilango Adigal statue in detail for the first time. The engravings were so intricate I had passed by it so many times, but never paid attention. The hunt made me realise Chennai has so many hidden stories, he adds. The journey was not only about places but also about people. Junaid recalls running through traffic to catch buses, laughing over missed clues, and learning to solve problems with teammates much older than him. By the end, I had made some really good friends, he says. Treasure hunts should continue because they push people to explore the city, think differently, and connect with others in a fun way. Naveenraj, another participant, echoes similar sentiments. Despite visiting Marina Beach often, he confesses he had only associated the stretch with the Kannagi statue. We missed out on the Kambar statue near Anna Square bus stop. That was surprising. Even though I had visited Marina so many times, I didnt know the little details, he admits. His team dynamics turned the challenge into joy. Each person worked on one clue, and we supported each other whenever someone needed a break, he says. For Naveenraj who had never attempted puzzles or hunts even as a child the event was eye-opening. It was like gaining a new skill. Now I want to take part every year and do better with my team, he says. For the organisers, these moments are rewarding. Its not about testing general knowledge, Abid notes. Its about creating simple, engaging clues that make people see familiar places differently. In the end, its about giving them a reason to pause and discover their city again. Looking ahead, Abid believes that hunts will continue to grow. In metro cities, people are always looking for ways to connect beyond eating out or going to the mall. Treasure hunts offer a mix of fun, learning, and community. I see them becoming part of the citys culture, a new way to experience Chennai while bonding with friends or family, he says. Following trivia nights, themed parties, heritage walks, lectures and talks, treasure hunts now join the list of every Chennaiites must-try bucket list.
If there is one element in the design process that is underrated and can make or break any space, its area rugs. They add personality and character to an otherwise gloomy setting. Choosing the right area rug not only completes the space aesthetically and visually, but it also makes it well-proportioned and harmonious with the dcor. While the colour, size, and pattern are major considerations, the weave and material type of the rug are equally important for maintenance, longevity, and durability. Here are a few rug types broken down to help you make your pick and change your spaces. Braided rugs Braided rugs are the most commonly found in departmental and home dcor stores today. They have been around since the early American colonial times, when homeowners would make their own floor coverings from cloth scraps to add warmth and protection to their spaces. These rugs are made by tying pieces of fabric together. This process of weaving makes these rugs reversible when one side gets dirty, making both sides usable. These rugs are usually made from cotton and jute and are a current favourite in modern or bohemian homes. They are not as soft as rugs made from wool, though they are deeply textured and eco-friendly. Braided rugs vary in thickness and patterns depending on the fabric used to weave them. Hand-knotted rugs Hand-knotted rugs are individually and carefully crafted by the hands of skilled rug makers using a technique passed down for over a hundred years. Thousands of knots are tied to create various patterns, making each one different from the other. These rugs bring a taste of dignity and luxury with them and can upgrade any space effortlessly. Hand-knotted rugs are made from good-quality wool or silk, making it an expensive yet exclusive addition to your spaces. With the guarantee of lasting long, and being a one-of-a-kind designed rug, they often become treasured family heirlooms. Machine-woven rugs As the name suggests, these are less labour-centric productions that are made using electronically controlled power looms. Most commonly made with synthetic fibres like nylon and polypropylene, these are economical and easy to clean since the materials used dont absorb moisture like cotton or wool. They are tightly knotted and come in a wide range of colours, sizes, and patterns. Shag Shag rugs are timeless and stylish if used optimally. They are fluffy and soft and can be made with various materials across price points. They stand out from the other weaves because of their high pile. These are loosely looped, which makes them plush, comforting, and cosy for underfoot. These are harder to maintain as dust can accumulate in the long loops. Even the best shag rugs wont do well in high-traffic areas due to their easy-to-snag loose, long pile. They make really good additions to reading corners or beside the bed for your feet to touch while you get off every morning. Hand-tufted Hand-tufted rugs are another low cost option as they are less labour-intensive too. These rugs are made by stretching a canvas, detailing a pattern, and tufting wool as per the pattern using a tufting gun. These are then finished with a layer of latex or canvas to seal the rug. The details on these rugs are not as detailed as the hand-knotted ones, but they make for a more affordable option alongside being a quick addition to your space. Maintenance tip For even wear, rotate your rug every six months. Flipping sides will still have some portion of the rug more worn out than the others, hence rotating them regularly helps with sunlight exposure, foot traffic, and furniture weight that create subtle but long-term harm.
Fake VIPs: Use of emergency beacon lamps gets rampant
Chennai Mayor reviews progress of Budget announcements
Rajalakshmi Institute of Technology launches Quantum Research Center
Higher Education Minister Govi.Chezhiaan highlighted RITs efforts in empowering first-generation learners and rural students, and described the Quantum Research Center as a visionary initiative.
Painted storks breed successfully in Adyar eco park after wetland restoration
Former lecturer at Bluru college held in ATM card cloning scam
Health officials pilot AI-aided tech for diagnosing diseases
City institute to develop systems to improve weather forecast accuracy
TN to add 350 MBBS seats for counselling
GCC to modernize 75-yr-old Saidapet slaughterhouse amid hygiene concerns
Stalin, Vijay laud SC stay on WaqfAct provisions
On Anna bday, CM pledges to uphold TNs dignity
Sengottaiyans ultimatum to EPS turns appeal as deadline expires
Elderly man found dead in car in Puducherry
CM launches Anbu Karangal scheme to support orphans
Normal rainfall during southwest monsoon, says Regional Meteorological Centre
However, these numbers are not final and are bound to change since the end of the season is September 30. Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon began its withdrawal from Rajasthan on Sunday
Ganesapuram subway to be operational soon; residents seek long-term solutions
Commuters want subway at Pattabiram railway station
Govt, corpn schools yet to get full-time counsellors
Vijay is a small boy in politics: Min
Eateries encroaching upon footpath near Anna Nagar tower draw public ire
ED restores immovable properties of jewellery to SBI in a bank fraud case
The Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation is in the process of leveraging AI for the detection of tuberculosis by analysing X-rays. AI also has a role in early detection of cancer, he says
Inconsistent Resettlement Policies Leave Evicted Families in Debt and Despair in Chennai
In Chennai, inconsistent resettlement practices have led to unequal treatment for displaced families, with benefits varying based on the evicting department and funding source. This disparity, highlighted by cases like Selvi's, fuels tensions and violates equal treatment principles.
Trichy Strips Caste Names from Streets
Trichy Corporation has initiated a citywide renaming project to remove caste-linked and derogatory names from streets and public places, spurred by resident petitions. Alternatives are being solicited, with priority given to renaming streets with Scheduled Caste references. The initiative aims to foster inclusivity, with officials gathering public input and assistant commissioners compiling lists for approval.
Greater Chennai Corporation deploys vehicles, equipment for Northeast monsoon preparedness
Madras High Court grants interim bail to Devanathan Yadav in Mylapore Hindu Permanent Fund case
Justice G. Jayachandran directs petitioner to mobilise 100 crore on his own and deposit it with the special court for TANPID cases in Chennai
Dhanush and son Linga groove to 'Enjami Thandhaane': Watch
Dhanush and GV Prakash captivated the audience at the 'Idli Kadai' audio launch in Chennai, performing 'Enjami Thandhaane' with a special appearance by Dhanush's son, Linga. The father-son duo's synchronized dance moves quickly went viral. Dhanush also shared the heartwarming inspiration behind the film, recalling his childhood struggles and the joy of affording idlis with his hard-earned money.
AMMK will never be part of an alliance with EPS as CM candidate: TTV
Chennai lawyers inducted into UKILP advisory board
Applications open for Vadapalani Andavar temples Odhuvar training course
Application forms can be collected at the temple office or found on the temple and HR and CE websites; the deadline for submission is October 13
Senior citizen run over by speeding truck in Vanagaram
The lorry driver has been arrested for causing the accident
They say the underprivileged are forced to visit private clinics on Sundays in case of emergencies; and many of them are also unaware of the services offered at Health and Wellness Centres
Install name boards of villages along highways, urge T.N. residents
Theatrekarans play handled the difficult subject of the 1971 Indo-Pak war sensitively
1971 war: Oru Vetri Thorkkadikkapattadhu staged recently in Chennai was a moving dramatisation of Indias defining moment and its heroes.
SAATA Conference 2025 returns to Chennai on Sep 19 after 13 years
Three-day event, themed Kaleidoscope of Life, set to explore transactional analysis through 28 workshops by 40 facilitators
Ex-CM Jayalalithaas former aide calls for AIADMK merger before 2026 poll
Chennai: Ousted former AIADMK interim general secretary V K Sasikala on Monday appealed for a unification of AIADMK factions before next years Assembly election. She said that party workers desired to see a united AIADMK and reiterated that the electoral prospects of the party hinged upon its merger. Everyone in the AIADMK wants the various 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 .
Dhanush reacts to a controversial 'Ilaiya Superstar' poster
Dhanush's 'Idli Kadai' is set for release on October 1, following a star-studded audio launch in Chennai. A controversial banner calling Dhanush 'Ilaiya Superstar' was quickly hidden by his team, earning praise from fans. Dhanush, dressed in traditional attire, shared that the film is inspired by his childhood and features a stellar cast with music by GV Prakash Kumar.
National Karting C'ship: Rivaan Dev Preetham Dominates In Mini Max; Sets Track Lap Record
FMSCI National Karting Championship Rotax: Mumbais Krish Gupta led a double podium for Rayo Racing as he topped the Finals in the Senior category in the fourth round of the MECO-FMSCI National Karting Championship Rotax Max Classes with SIDVIN Energy Engineering as the Presenting Sponsor and MRF Tyres as the partner sponsor, which concluded at the Meco Kartopia circuit here on Sunday. One of the highlights of the weekend was the performance of Chennai schoolboy Rivaan Dev Preetham (MSPORT) who yet again wrote his own script while dominating the Mini Max category where he swept to P1 in all the sessions that included two Heats, the Pre-Final and the Finals to consolidate his top position on the leaderboard. He leads Faridabads Yatharth Gaur (Leapfrog Racing) by 32 points after four rounds. To top it all, Rivaan set a track lap record of 57.991 seconds around the 1.2 Kms circuit in the Pre-Finals session. Krish Gupta upstaged the Senior Max field that included favourite and championship leader Bengalurus Ishaan Madesh (Peregrine Racing) who finished fourth. Krish, who started the race from fifth on the grid, made places for a win and thus, picked up crucial points. In P2 was Arjun Vijay Chheda (Crest Motorsports) from Pune. Aahil Mecklai, also from Mumbai and Rayo Racing, completed the podium in a thrilling race. Until the Final, it was Ishaan Madesh who had dominated by topping both the Heats and the Pre-Finals, but the Bengalurean, having started the Finals from pole position, got involved in an incident that saw him lose track position and finish fourth. The result notwithstanding, Ishaan continues to head the points table, albeit only two points ahead of Arjun Vijay Chheda. Another Pune youngster, Arafath Sheikh (Crest Motorsports) won both the Finals and the Pre-Final to underline his supremacy in the Junior class as did Shiv Tummala (Peregrine Racing) from Bengaluru in the Micro Max category. The Round-4 performance helped Arafath to move within 30 points of leader Eshanth Vengatesan (MSPORT) from Chennai who finished fourth in Pre-Finals and fifth in the Finals. In second position on the points table is Kozhikodes Shonal Kunimal (Birel Art India). The Championship leaders, Rivaan Dev Preetham (Mini Max), Eshanth Vengatesan (Junior Max) and Ishaan Madesh (Senior Max) have been nominated for the RMC Grand Finals to be held at the Shakir circuit in Bahrain from November 29 to December 6. Results: Senior Max (Finals 18 laps): 1. Krish Gupta (Mumbai, Rayo Racing) (16mins, 57.541secs); 2. Ajun Vijay Chheda (Pune, Crest Motorsports) (16:58.849); 3. Aahil Mecklai (Mumbai, Rayo Racing) (17:00.784). Pre-Final (16 laps): 1. Ishaan Madesh (Bengaluru, Peregrine Racing) (13:17.191); 2. Arjun Vijay Chheda (Pune, Crest Motorsports) (13:19.777); 3. Aahil Mecklai (Mumbai, Rayo Racing) (13:20.993) Junior Max (Finals 16 laps): 1. Arafat Sheikh (Pune, Crest Motorsports) (15:18.506); 2. Kiaan Shah (Mumbai, Rayo Racing) (15:20.876); 3. Kairav Roberson (Chennai, MSPORT) (15:29.883). Pre-Final (14 laps): 1. Arafat Sheikh (Pune, Crest Motorsports) (13:17.485); 2. Kiaan Shah (Mumbai, Rayo Racing) (13:23.874); 3. Rishik Rohit Reddy (Bengaluru, MSPORT) (13:24.370). Senior Max (Finals 18 laps): 1. Krish Gupta (Mumbai, Rayo Racing) (16mins, 57.541secs); 2. Ajun Vijay Chheda (Pune, Crest Motorsports) (16:58.849); 3. Aahil Mecklai (Mumbai, Rayo Racing) (17:00.784). Pre-Final (16 laps): 1. Ishaan Madesh (Bengaluru, Peregrine Racing) (13:17.191); 2. Arjun Vijay Chheda (Pune, Crest Motorsports) (13:19.777); 3. Aahil Mecklai (Mumbai, Rayo Racing) (13:20.993) Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Micro Max (Finals): 1. Shiv Tummala (Bengaluru, Peregrine Racing) (12:21.437); 2. Shiv Neel (Coimbatore, MSPORT) (12:22.231); 3. Rudra Pratap Singh (Gurugram, Leapfrog Racing) (12:24.640). Pre-Final: 1. Shiv Tummala (Bengaluru, Peregrine Racing) (12:13.427); 2. Shiv Neel (Coimbatore, MSPORT) (12:16.613); 3. Arshi Gupta (Faridabad, Leapfrog Racing) (12:16.703). Article Source: IANS
Pillar of Kalakshetra legacy Sarada Teacher passes away at 96
She was born on 15 June, 1929, on the Theosophical Society campus in Adyar; played an instrumental role in shaping and standardising the Kalakshetra methodology for Bharatanatyam
Is Pushpa Nagar Main Road a pushover?
A busy road in Nungambakkam cannot be a designated spot for dumping C&D waste
When the station lift lets you down
The Hindu Downtown seeks to find answers to unanswered questions commuters might have about lifts and escalators at railway stations in Southern Railways Chennai Division, particularly when these facilities are malfunctioning
EK Guru Street in Periamet: Whereratshave a field day
EK Guru Street in Periamet battles a host of issues ever since it was dug up; and one of the issues screeches above all others
Suicide prevention helpline launched
Those seeking help can dial toll-free number 1800 202 8760
Chennai police externment order against five criminals
CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Police (GCP) have issued externment orders against five history-sheeters barring them from entering the Chennai police limits for one year. Those named in the order are Ajay Rohan (36) of Panaiyur, Chennai; Nagendra Sethupathi (33) of Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram; Premkumar (45) of Annanagar, Madurai; Raja (42) of Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai and Selva Bharathi (26) of Thirunavukkarasu Nagar. Police said the five men, all with crime records ranging from murder for gain and revenge killings to robbery, were identified as threats to public safety and likely to intimidate witnesses in pending cases. Ajay Rohan faces three cases, Sethupathi four, Premkumar three, Raja one and Selva Bharathi two. Acting on the recommendation of the Triplicane deputy commissioner, GCP Commissioner A Arun invoked Section 51A of the Chennai City Police Act to order their removal. For the next year, the five men cannot enter GCP limits except for court or police summons. Any violation will invite strict legal action, police said.
Tamil Nadu: Survivor, mom retract statements but stepdad gets 12 years for rape
A Chennai Pocso court sentenced a 48-year-old hotel worker to 20 years in prison for repeatedly sexually assaulting his 15-year-old stepdaughter. The conviction relied on medical evidence and a tutor's testimony, even after the survivor and her mother retracted their initial statements. The special public prosecutor successfully argued the case, citing corroborative medical evidence and a Supreme Court ruling.
38-year-old man stabs wife, dies by suicide near Avadi
CHENNAI: Suspecting his wifes fidelity, a 38-year-old man stabbed her multiple times and killed himself at their home near Avadi on Saturday. The woman is under treatment at a government hospital and her condition is stable, police said. According to the Muthapudupet police, Saravanan alias Saran Raj (38) of Karimedu, a welder, had frequent quarrels with his wife, Sheela Rani (35), suspecting her of infidelity. Upset by this, Sheela, along with her nine-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter, had recently moved to her aunts house in the same locality. On Friday, Saran Raj persuaded her to return home, police said. The couple reportedly fought again the next day, when Saran Raj, in a fit of rage, stabbed Sheela on the neck, hand and abdomen with a knife, police said. Believing she had died and allegedly fearing police action, he died by suicide. Alerted by neighbours, Muthapudupet police rushed to the spot and took the couple to the Avadi Government Hospital. Doctors declared Saran Raj dead on arrival, while Sheela Rani was given first aid and referred to the Government Kilpauk Medical Medical College and Hospital for further treatment. A case has been registered and further inquiry is under way. (Assistance for those having suicidal thoughts is available on TNs health helpline 104 and Snehas suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050)
Mountain of waste at unused site irks Manali locals
CHENNAI: For the past two months, unprocessed waste is being dumped at the abandoned segregation site near the closed 10-tonne incineration plant in Chinna Mathur, Manali, according to residents. Workers of Chennai Enviro Solutions Private Limited, dump garbage at the site despite it being locked, and add to the pile of waste which has already existed there for over two years, locals alleged. The unprocessed waste, dumped over the locked sites compound wall, has left the locality reeking, sparking concerns regarding possible health hazards and the waste dump turning into breeding grounds for mosquitos and fruit flies. Adding to this, construction waste and bags of sand has also been dumped near incineration plant. However, after TNIE brought the issue to the attention of an official of the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), a portion of the waste was cleared on Sunday. Ezhilarasi R (53), a long-time resident, said, Ive lived here for 30 years. This was used as a segregation site in 2023 before operations shifted to Manjambakkam and then became ward-specific. However, for the past two years, this abandoned site has been filled with mounds of garbage. Now, non-segregated waste from five to six wards is also being dumped here. As soon as the 13 bins in the area overflow, workers throw garbage on the ground or into the abandoned site, especially in the evenings, she said, adding that earlier, at least one vehicle would clear the waste, but no lorry has come in months. The site is turning into a secondary dump yard, she added. Meanwhile, residents also reported recent fire incidents, alleging that unidentified individuals have been burning garbage in the area, worsening pollution and further deteriorating the situation. Harish, another resident, said, On Thursday around 6.30 pm, when the waste pile was unusually large, it caught fire, and fire services arrived to douse the flames. Ezhil added that similar incidents have occurred two to three times already, but it is unclear who is burning the waste. Supervisors from Chennai Enviro Solutions said, The site was closed months ago, with waste already inside. It was expected that GCC tipper lorries would clear it, but the waste has not been removed till date. When asked why workers continue to dump garbage inside, they said that they were not aware of such instances. Speaking to TNIE, an official from the solid waste management department confirmed, After the issue was brought to our attention, the garbage was removed by the concessionaire today, but due to slushy conditions, machinery could not access some portions. Those areas will be cleared tomorrow.
Most 12%, 18% items shifted to 5% GST slab, says Finance Minister
CHENNAI: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said over 90% of items in the 18% GST slab and 99% of goods in the 12% slab have been shifted to the 5% bracket under the recent tax reforms. She added that moving towards a two-slab system of 5% and 18%, along with reducing tax rates on a majority of items, would positively impact all 140 crore Indians. She was speaking at Tax Reforms for Rising Bharat, an event organised by the Joint Conclave of Trade and Industries Association. Though Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier announced that the reforms would be rolled out before Deepavali, the council decided to implement them earlier to coincide with festivals like Navaratri, when consumption is high, she said. Calling it an immediate and direct victory for every Indian, Sitharaman added that the reforms have simplified the system and reduced the tax burden. The union minister said GST registrations had more than doubled from 65 lakh in 2017 to 1.5 crore now. This shows it is not the 'Gabbar Singh Tax' as described by the opposition leader. Registrations will only increase as it is a simple and uniform tax system across the country, she said. Gross GST collections, Sitharaman added, had risen from Rs 7.19 lakh crore in 2017 to Rs 22 lakh crore now, with the centre retaining only 23% of the revenue and the rest devolved to the states. On criticism that GST was being driven solely by the union government, Sitharaman stressed that the reforms were the outcome of deliberations in the GST Council. PM Modi and I were often blamed if there were problems in implementation. But I want to give credit to the GST Council, in which all state finance ministers are members. Together, we have reduced rates for over 350 items, adopted a two-slab system, and simplified registration, which can now be completed within three days, she said. The union minister added that classification had been streamlined with similar goods grouped under the same tax slab and assured that GST would continue to evolve based on stakeholder feedback. Speaking at the event, BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran urged traders to display boards showing product prices before and after GST reduction. Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangangalin Peramaippu president AM Vikramaraja appealed to the minister to form a committee of trade organisations and convene meetings every three or six months to address issues such as harassment of traders by GST officials. Industry representatives welcomed the reforms while raising a few concerns to be addressed by the government.
The saying There is no perfection, only beautiful version of brokenness fits seamlessley in the life of the virtuoso Pandit Ravi Shankar. The maestro had shards of unforgettable moments lived to the fullest tasted every bit with passion, joy, dedication, with a tinge of tragedies and regrets. The Museum Theatre, on Friday evening, exuded the hues of this legends life through a bioplay, which seemed like a quiet conversation between the legend himself and the audience. The director Gowri Ramnarayan believes that drama thrives on conflict and paradox. She says that Pandit Ravi Shankars life had them all. Personally, Gowri was deeply fascinated by the musician and had known him since her childhood. She says, The press had focused on the tumults, triumphs, and tragedies in his life. His autobiography laid them bare. How could he not fascinate me? The main character donning the role of Pandit Ravi Shankar was a window to his self reflective journey his early life in Banaras, his relationships with his brother Uday Shankar, his learning period under his guru, his romantic relationships and obsession with women, his marital life and affairs, his dysfunctional relationship as a father, his journey towards triumph, and his last phase of surrendering. The play encapsulated the different phases of his life as a narration, in the best and simplest way to show his most vulnerable parts to the audience. In the most metaphoric way, Gowri intended the play to be minimalistic. The orchestration of the play with the music of the sitar in sweet and painful cadence, dance, and visuals, together added interpretations to the characters narrations, drawing contours to the maestros intricate emotions. Gowri says, I believe that suggestion is more powerful than a statement. I also think that every element in a play should serve multiple needs. This widens the scope of dramatic possibilities for the director and actor. Since the narrative arc in Enchantment has the protagonist reminiscing about his life, how can it not tremble with tantalising evasions, smudges, concealments, and blurrings? The presence of the Sutradar (facilitator) made the subtle conversations with the audience hearty with commentary on his life decisions, pointing out the failings and tragedies, answering the questions crossing the minds of the audience. In Gowris words, The stage manager is not only the narrator, but commentator, player of cameo roles, sometimes the voice of the heros conscience, and his subconscious psyche. His detailed musical training in Maihar under Ustad Allauddin Khan for seven years, pushed Ravi Shankar to his limits, mastering sitar and developing his unique style. This story told with music reflected not just the rigorous training, his patience, and dedication, but also a complex relationship between him and his guru. The play also hovered over his personal life that was intricately tangled with his relationships and family dynamics, through his conversations with the women in his lives. While on one side the play focused on the fraught relationship he had with himself, on the other hand, the spotlight was on his musical journey that kept soaring. The title Godfather of World Music. What else was beyond this attainment? But the maestro surrendered before all the fame and limelight. In the end, his life is just another revelation of tribulations, triumphs, bare and real. The applause echoed loudly, not just for the heights the maestro had attained, but for touching the hearts with a humane and sensitive portrayal. As Gowri puts it across, We join the maestro on his emotional journey, trying to understand how genius is born in conflicts and uncertainties, empathise with his human struggles, identify with his vulnerabilities.
A quest for games is never easy. I was in search of finding games etched on the floor. Sometimes, you are rewarded by discovering many games, and sometimes, with nothing at all. The reasons could be many the ravages of time; renovations where old stone slabs are either removed or covered over with modern, evenly cut stone, marble, or granite; pitted surfaces, making it difficult for you to see any faint engravings, therefore leaving you with only the option of looking for deep cut, clear game boards. I was once told that games may not be etched on the floors of certain temples because the grids resemble mandalas . To have them beneath the feet could offend sensibilities. This quest once took me to the city of Hyderabad, where a friend and I decided to spend a day looking for games at old temples. Hyderabad being an ancient city, I was full of hope. The Mamidipalli Balaji temple is set in a tranquil atmosphere, nestled under a group of trees. Believed to be about 500 years old, I hoped to find evidence of games here, but sadly, my search was in vain. The lovely stone pillars at the main temple echoed the memories of an old beauty, but the floor had been tiled over. The steps to the temple tank and floor of the mandapam were too pitted to find anything. We walked around in silence and absorbed the beauty of the temple. The Kishanbagh Murali Manohar Krishna Temple was another peaceful setting. Many structures in the compound were old and ramshackle, but efforts had been taken to restore the temple to its former glory. It was a beautiful temple adorned with many wonderful and whimsical sculptures. However the efforts toward restoration had resulted in new floors that bore no traces of games. The Karmanghat Hanuman Temple is set in a busy and noisy area. However, when we entered its walls, the city seemed to disappear. It is believed to have been built in 1198, in response to a dream of the Kakatiya King Prola II. The temple is a blend of South Indian and Rajasthani architecture, with intricately carved pillars and vibrant sanctums. The tiles covered the floors, and orange paint covered what was left. We were shown an epigraph that had been left unpainted in order to protect it. Games dont have the same acknowledgement because a lot of people still dont understand them. Our next visit was to the Rangabagh Ranganathaswamy Temple. This tiny temple was built among towering modern structures, but its beautifully maintained space was welcoming. But, tile covered floors disappointed us. The Ammapalle Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple is a enticing shrine set in sprawling grounds with an enormous temple tank. The steps here were pitted from lack of care and the passage of time, while the inside of the temple had clean, newly cut stone blocks. Again, we came up empty although the mood of the temple filled us with hope and peace. Hyderabad had been disappointing. But it was an old city, and I still had hope. A fusion of Rajasthani and South Indian architecture, with ornate arches, pillared halls, and intricate stucco work, the Seetharambagh Seetha Rama Temple was like a small jewel, with stunning artistic detailing on every part of the temple from the doors to the palanquin. Although parts of the temple were in shambles, it was evident that efforts to protect it were ongoing. While I did not find much in the true traditional sense, I did spot a faint etching of Puli Meka . Another aspect that fascinated me was the 3x3 arrangement of stones in the temple a grid that represents a game. Did these arrangements inspire games? What was perhaps the most important find was on the platform outside. They looked more recent and fairly amateur compared to other etchings, but a wide range of games were found there. It was clear that these had been in play till quite recently. There was a board for Dahdi , one for Ashtaa Chemma , one for Panch Kone as well as one from a battlefield strategy game I had read about but had not seen. The city still has games to be unearthed and I continue this quest.
GCC marking plaints resolved without any action, rue residents
Ilaiyaraaja accepts CM Stalins request to set Sangam literature to music
Music director A.R. Rahman, in a message, said Mr. Ilaiyaraaja had secured a special place for Tamil Nadu in the world of music. Mr. Rahman said Mr. Ilaiyaraajas Symphony would serve as an inspiration to any musician striving for excellence.
50-year-old man dies of rabies after bitten by stray dog
Udhayanidhi Stalin takes a dig at Palaniswami
DMK, its allies hit back at Vijay for flaying state govt
Vijay steps up attack on DMK, Stalin
T.N. Youth Congress rally in Chennai against Vote Chori
Trek TN expands adventure trails with 12-km Polur route
Teachers word and doctors note help convict predator
Mangrove restoration boosts flood resilience
Special teachers to train kids in Tambaram corpn schools in Eng grammar, phonetics
Nehru Ninaivu Nagar supplied foul drinking water for two months
Two youths riding triples die as bikes collide at Vaiyavoor in Kanchi district
Tax base rose after GST: Nirmala
Sivasankari sets up 2 awards to laud authors
TNTET applications rise 17% after SC mandate on teachers eligibility
Stalin to launch Anbu Karangal
Man held for 11cr GST credit fraud
Govt colleges to hold art festival from Sept 16
Elderly domestic workers surviving on delayed, insufficient pensions demand hike
The Tamil Nadu government provides a safety net for unorganised workers who have spent decades in hard, informal labour.
Dynamics of marriage in TN have changed in 50 yrs: Udhaya
Heavy rain forecast in many districts from Tuesday
Chennai has moulded my outlook: Ghatam Karthick
Over 12,000 persons attend Day 2 of Made of Chennai festival
City Police Commissioner issues externment order against five history-sheeters
The order has been issued under section 51-A of the Chennai City Police Act.
From Madras to Rangoon: Why this PSB is relevant 90 years on
Go West: Team TN diversifies investment base
