Contemporary Now Edition III brings 66 artists to Chennai
The exhibition, which begins on August 8, will celebrate artistic practice and dialogue
BJP Criticizes Tamil Nadu Budget as Visionless, Supports All-Party Meeting on Cauvery Issue
Chennai, August 8: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tamil Nadu units chief spokesperson, Narayanan Tirupati, harshly criticized the states budget on Friday, labeling it as visionless. He stated that there is no clear plan to reduce the growing debt burden or to create productive assets. Additionally, he emphasized that Tamil Nadus interests in the Cauvery ... Read more BJP Criticizes Tamil Nadu Budget as Visionless, Supports All-Party Meeting on Cauvery Issue
VIT Chennai inks MoU on technology training with Malaysian state-owned firm
After a delay of year and half, CMRL completes tunnel between Purasawalkam and Kellys
Residents opposition and the delay in building the shaft at Kellys caused a significant setback for tunnelling in this stretch; the work to construct the downline track will begin in the third week of September.
Cess to make liquor costlier in TN
T.N. reiterates introduction of MMR vaccine under UIP
Padma Lakshmi shares 1977 Chennai summer photo
Lakshmi is the creator, host, and executive producer of the docuseries Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi. She has received 16 Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
15 new judges named for Madras high court; status of nine others unknown
Elderly woman murdered for gold jewellery near Tiruvallur
After protracted delay, plaza at Chennai airport gets nod, likely to be opened in 2 weeks
The second cab-pick up point will be made available after the plaza opens; officials say AAI headquarters has asked them to make preparations for the inauguration
Three-day food processing expo gets under way in Chennai
Organised by the CII Southern Region, Foodpro 2026 features over 250 exhibitors and events such as conferences, live demonstrations, and product launches
Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has suggested that Mumbai Indians should seek a major return if they decide to trade captain Hardik Pandya. It is not being understood that three franchises, including Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings are heavily interested in the all-rounder, but the three-time champions could be slightly ahead in the negotiations.
Reneonix builds recycling infrastructure to turn used glass into factory-grade raw material
The Chennai-based company runs collection, sorting, processing and reporting for packaging brands and manufacturers, and raised Rs 1.7 crore in a pre-seed round in February 2026.
DMK to skip Tamil Nadu CM Vijays all-party MPs meeting on delimitation
After prolonged delay, portfolios of Puducherry cabinet led by Rangasamy announced
RBI employee missing after jumping into Adyar River; search continues
Vijay urges PM to fast-track Godavari-Cauvery-Gundar river link project
Vijay invites TN MPs for all-party meeting on delimitation
Fracture in AIADMK deepens: Rebel camp meets WRD minister N Anand, seeks separate bloc in assembly
Puducherry launches WhatsApp helpline to resolve sanitation issues
World Breastfeeding Week celebrations conclude at Stanley Medical College Hospital
Chennai The makers of director Kishore Rajkumars upcoming romantic comedy Coimbatore Mapillai on Friday revealed that actress Anna Ben plays The post Anna Bens character in Kishore Rajkumars romantic-comedy Coimbatore Mapillai revealed! appeared first on Bilkul Online .
Central Prison 1 Chennai Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline for Social Case Work Expert Posts
Central Prison 1 Chennai has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for 1 Social Case Work Expert post. Eligible candidates with the required Social Work, Social Science, Sociology, Criminology, or related qualifications can apply offline by 31 August 2026. The honorarium is Rs. 15,000 per month.
Cheteshwar Pujara Recalls Josh Hazlewood Refused To Bowl To Him In CSK Nets, Reveals Reason
Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara revealed a light-hearted moment involving Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood during their time together at Chennai Super Kings.
Four-year-old boy killed as speeding car knocks down two-wheeler near Mambakkam
Tamil Nadu tables bill to levy 'Environmental and Social Welfare Cess' on alcohol
U.S. Consul General in Chennai Mariana L. Neisuler recently held separate meetings with TVK government ministers, discussing agricultural trade and possible areas of cooperation with the United States. Neisuler met TVK Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare R. Vinoth and discussed U.S. government priorities relating to bilateral trade in the agricultural sector. View this [] The post Chennai: US Consul Meets TVK Govt Ministers As Washington Raises FCRA Objections And Seeks Farm Market Access appeared first on The Commune .
At Chennais Vyasarpadi, this reading circle makes books accessible
In a vibrant push to foster a reading culture, Chennais Vyasarpadi is witnessing a transformation through a reading circle organized by NGO Aarvam.
Rahane Joins Amsterdam Flames As Marquee Player For Inaugural ETPL
European T20 Premier League: Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has signed with the Amsterdam Flames as the franchise's marquee player for the inaugural edition of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), set to begin on August 26. On July 30, Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket and all formats. Rahane represented India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is for India, while his final international appearance came against the West Indies in a two-game Test series in July 2023. Cricket has given me so much, and Ive always believed that players have a responsibility to leave the game stronger than they found it. Europe is entering an exciting phase and has the potential to become one of crickets most promising frontiers. What impressed me about Amsterdam Flames is the ambition to build something meaningful that creates a lasting impact both on and off the field. Im excited to work alongside the management to build a successful franchise while helping inspire the next generation and strengthen crickets future across Europe, Rahane said in a statement issued by the tournament on Friday. Rahane is currently in England as a commentator for the Hundred. Steve Waugh, the former Australia captain whos the co-founder and Chief Cricket Officer of Amsterdam Flames, welcomed Rahane into the set-up. Ajinkya Rahane represents everything you want in a professional cricketer - skill, resilience, humility and leadership. Throughout his career he has earned enormous respect across the cricket world, not only for his performances but for the way he has conducted himself on and off the field. Ive seen first-hand the composure and leadership he brings under pressure, and those qualities help shape winning cultures. His experience, leadership and character will be invaluable as we build Amsterdam Flames into one of Europe's premier cricket clubs. In the IPL, Rahane played 212 games for six teams and amassed 5367 in the tournament, including captaining Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2025 and 2026 seasons and being a tournament winner with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2023. Abhishek Bachchan, Co-owner of the ETPL, highlighted the significance of Rahane's signing for the upcoming league. Ajinkya Rahane joining Steve Waughs Amsterdam Flames is a significant moment for both the franchise and the ETPL and another important milestone in our vision to accelerate the growth of cricket across Europe. Players of Ajinkyas calibre not only raise the standard of the competition but also inspire and mentor the next generation of European cricketers. We are delighted to welcome him to the ETPL family. Abhishek Bachchan, Co-owner of the ETPL, highlighted the significance of Rahane's signing for the upcoming league. Ajinkya Rahane joining Steve Waughs Amsterdam Flames is a significant moment for both the franchise and the ETPL and another important milestone in our vision to accelerate the growth of cricket across Europe. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Ajinkyas professionalism, experience and leadership perfectly align with our vision of building a franchise that competes at the highest level while making a lasting contribution to the growth of cricket across Europe, he said. Article Source: IANS
'Ready for humiliation for TN's sake': CM Vijay defends proposed Bengaluru trip on Cauvery issue
Hazlewood Refused To Bowl To Me In CSK Nets, Recalls Pujara
Chennai Super Kings: Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara revealed a light-hearted moment involving Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood during their time together at Chennai Super Kings (CSK), recalling how the quick jokingly refused to bowl to him in the nets after battling him endlessly in Test cricket. Having spent hours facing Hazlewood during India's memorable Border-Gavaskar Trophy series victories in Australia in 2018/19 and 2020/21, Pujara shared the humorous exchange with Hazlewood during his time of being with CSK in the IPL. During the Australia series in 2018 and 2021, I played a lot against Josh Hazlewood. Then I got picked by CSK. The first time I went to bat in the nets, Hazlewood refused to bowl to me. He said, 'I won't bowl to him.' Even though he was my teammate, he refused. He joked that he had bowled to me far too much over the previous few months before the IPL, so he wasn't going to bowl to me again. He was kidding, but he actually didn't bowl to me, said Pujara on JioHotstar's series 'Cheeky Singles'. Reflecting on his early IPL career, Pujara, who played 103 Tests for India, also recalled experiencing a fanboy moment when meeting Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner, actor-producer Shah Rukh Khan, though he noted that team culture and cricket development remain a player's primary priority over celebrity presence. He joked that he had bowled to me far too much over the previous few months before the IPL, so he wasn't going to bowl to me again. He was kidding, but he actually didn't bowl to me, said Pujara on JioHotstar's series 'Cheeky Singles'. Also Read: Live Cricket Score You want to be there because of the environment the franchise creates, the opportunity to learn from legendary players, play alongside them, and improve your cricket. That is what matters, he added. Article Source: IANS
Solinas Integrity Raises $5.5 Million in Series A1 Funding Led by Mela Ventures
The Chennai-based, IIT Madras-incubated deep-tech company deploys robotics and AI to transform Indias underground water and sanitation infrastructure
What a water-wise city would look like and how India can get there
Durban and Bhubaneswar have protected water access for low-income households. Las Vegas and Bengaluru use higher tariffs to discourage excessive consumption. Seoul and Guwahati have strengthened planning rules to protect floodplains. Windhoek and Chennai show that treated wastewater can become a reliable source of water
Chennai Love Story | Song - Guruthunda
Watch the song 'Guruthunda' from Telugu movie 'Chennai Love Story' starring Kiran Abbavaraam and Sri Gouri Priya. 'Guruthunda' is sung by Haricharan and Shruthika Samudhrala and music of the song is given by Mani Sharma. Lyrics of 'Chennai Love Story' song 'Guruthunda' are written by Anantha Sriram. To know more about 'Guruthunda' song from Kiran Abbavaraam and Sri Gouri Priya starrer 'Chennai Love Story' watch the video.
Chennai Real Estate 2026: 8 localities to buy a home for living, rental income or future growth
Chennai Actress Murder: Her Body Was Found In Pieces But Her Head Was Never Seen Again
The investigators identified her through two tattoos, and a grieving mother's recognition, which transformed an anonymous collection of body parts into a woman whose story could finally be told
PR Sundar, an Indian-born DMK-supporting Dravidianist, Singapore citizen and self-styled stock market analyst, has been arrested by the Chennai Police following a sexual harassment complaint filed by a woman news anchor, as reported in The New Indian Express. Hewas arrested by a special team of the Ice House police in Bengaluru on Wednesday, 5 August [] The post DMK-Supporting Dravidian Stock, Self-Styled Stock Market Analyst PR Sundar Who Violated SEBI Norms, Wrote Vulgar Tweets, Arrested In Sexual Harassment Case appeared first on The Commune .
IIT Madras incubated deep tech firm Solinas Integrity raises funds for expansion
School Education Department working out plans to set up helplines, mobile app to tackle drug abuse
No announcement of jobs, assistance in Budget disappoints persons with disabilities
Minjur desalination plant to be partially operational soon
City hospital launches diabetic foot care clinic
4 persons arrested for taking away car after assaulting its driver
Commuters demand lift, parking space at railway station in Gummidipoondi
They complain about the slow progress of its renovation under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.They also seek adequate passenger amenities and an increase in the speed limit on the loop line
Businessman held for sexual harassment
Govt. orders action on TNHB land redevelopment issues
Temple thefts reported in Tiruvottiyur and Gummidipoondi
Stock market consultant held in sexual harassment case
History-sheeter held after mother complains of assault
Commuters and cop nab man who snatched gold chain from woman at railway station
Tamil Cinema Embraces Bengaluru Slang, Reflects Evolving Urban Culture
TN agriculture budget goal: More irrigation, more grain
200 sandalwood and 300 teak trees illegally cut at Tanuvas research station nearChennai
Climate change, told through Kattaikkuttu
Udhayanidhi Challenges CM Vijay on Cauvery Water Dispute in Tamil Nadu
Chennai, August 6: In Tamil Nadu, opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin has challenged Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to answer questions regarding the Cauvery water dispute. He accused the three-month-old Tamil Nadu government of failing to address farmers concerns. Speaking to reporters after Agriculture Minister R. Vinod presented the states first agricultural budget in the Assembly, ... Read more Udhayanidhi Challenges CM Vijay on Cauvery Water Dispute in Tamil Nadu
IIT-M startup Solinas raises $5.5 mn, led by Hero Ventures
Indias pumped storage project pipeline swells to 24 GW
Chennai metro achieves 24th tunnel breakthrough in Phase II project
Plea to operate weekly, tri-weekly express trains daily from Kanniyakumari to Chennai
Senior National Shooting Coach Under SAI Scrutiny; NRAI Denies Allegations
A top national shotgun coach, who is part of India's preparations for the upcoming Asian Games, is under scrutiny following allegations of a conflict of interest over the award of a contract to build a shooting range in Chennai
Tamil Nadu Budget 2026: Healthcare spending continues to rise in State
However, the health announcements in the Budget fell short to address the need to increase manpower
Military Engineer Services in Chennai gets new chief
Fresh controversy hits India's shooting setup
A top national shotgun coach, involved in India's Asian Games preparations, is under investigation by the Sports Authority of India for alleged conflict of interest related to a contract for building a shooting range in Chennai.
Nine arrested for stabbing Chennai man to death in Coimbatore
Chennai court issues NBW against DMK's K Ponmudi in hate speech case
A Chennai court issued a non-bailable warrant for former minister K Ponmudi. He failed to appear in a criminal case concerning alleged hate speech. The case involves remarks made about women and religious groups in April 2025. His petition for medical exemption was dismissed due to lack of records. The trial was directed to proceed within six months by the high court.
Chennai-based Qubit founder shares journey after leaving Rs 1 crore US job to launch startup
Vivek Thiruvengadam left a Rs 1 crore US job to start Qubit Fitness in India. He returned with his family after fourteen years abroad and began with savings. The entrepreneur launched his venture in January 2021 without an office or team. His business expanded over six years, achieving financial goals and personal satisfaction. Thiruvengadam credits consistency and patience for his entrepreneurial success.
Vikra Ocean Tech builds underwater robots for inspection, survey and defence work
The Chennai-based company makes remotely operated vehicles, autonomous surface vessels and crawling robots, along with the cameras and lighting that go on them.
Tamil Nadus Chief Minister Unveils Inclusive Development Budget for 2026-27
Chennai, August 6: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay congratulated Finance Minister N. Mari Wilson and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister R. Vinoth on the presentation of the revised budget for 2026-27 and the agriculture budget. He emphasized that these budgets are designed to promote inclusive development and strengthen the livelihoods of all segments of society. ... Read more Tamil Nadus Chief Minister Unveils Inclusive Development Budget for 2026-27
Kauvery Hospital and Chennai International Airport jointly inaugurated the HeartSafe Initiative, with the installation of 13 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across the airport to strengthen its ability to respond swiftly to sudden cardiac emergencies. An AED is a portable, easy-to-use device that analyses the hearts rhythm and, when necessary, delivers a controlled electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat. Kauvery Hospital and Chennai Airport inaugurated the HeartSafe Initiative by commissioning 13 AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) at the airport The initiative was inaugurated in the presence of Mr. Raja Kishore, Director, Chennai International Airport, and Dr Manivannan Selvaraj - Founder and Managing Director Kauvery Group of Hospitals, along with senior officials from the airport and Kauvery Hospital. Kauvery Hospital has been operating 24x7 emergency medical services at Chennai International Airport through four clinics strategically located at T1 Arrival, T2 Departure, T2 Security Hold Area (SHA), and T4 Arrival. The service is staffed by a dedicated team of 49 healthcare professionals, including emergency physicians, nurses, paramedics and support staff, who provide prompt medical assessment, stabilisation and emergency care to passengers, airport personnel, airline crew and visitors. The clinics are further supported by two fully equipped ambulances stationed at the airside and cityside, ensuring rapid emergency response and timely patient transfer when required. Each clinic manages approximately 80-100 patients a month, bringing the total to an estimated 320-400 patients across all four clinics. These include medical emergencies, onboard in-flight emergencies, walk-in consultations, and patients requiring stabilisation and transfer to higher centres. On average, 5-10 of these patients present with cardiac-related conditions, most commonly chest pain, palpitations and high blood pressure, underscoring the critical need for rapid cardiac response capabilities within the airport environment. The addition of AEDs further strengthens this comprehensive emergency care ecosystem, ensuring that life-saving intervention is available during the critical first few minutes of a sudden cardiac arrest. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Raja Kishore, Director, Chennai International Airport , said: Chennai International Airport is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for every passenger, visitor and employee. The installation of the Automated External Defibrillator is an important step towards strengthening our emergency medical preparedness. We appreciate Kauvery Hospital for its continued partnership through the 24x7 airport medical clinics and for extending its expertise to enhance our capability to respond swiftly during medical emergencies. Together, we are creating an airport ecosystem where timely intervention can help save lives . Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Manivannan Selvaraj, Founder and Managing Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals , said, In a sudden cardiac arrest, every minute without treatment reduces the chance of survival. When high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is started immediately and an AED is used within the first few minutes, survival rates improve significantly. Through the HeartSafe Initiative, we have installed 13 AEDs to enable faster life-saving intervention. However, emergency preparedness is about more than just installing AEDs. It requires the right people, the right training and the right systems. At Chennai International Airport, Kauvery Hospitals 24x7 emergency clinics are staffed by experienced emergency physicians, skilled nurses and trained paramedics, supported by advanced medical equipment. The addition of AEDs further strengthens our emergency response capability, helping create a safer environment where passengers, visitors and airport personnel can be assured of rapid, life-saving care when every second matters . The installation of the AED reflects the shared commitment of Chennai International Airport and Kauvery Hospital to creating a safer environment for millions of passengers, employees and visitors who pass through the airport each year. Beyond providing immediate access to advanced emergency equipment, the initiative also underscores the importance of increasing public awareness about recognising cardiac arrest, performing CPR and using an AED until professional medical help arrives.
Tamil Nadu Budget 2026 promises fresh push for Cooum, Adyar rivers restoration in Chennai
The government would invite global tenders, prepare detailed feasibility and project reports to transform the rivers into citys defining landmarks
The TVK government aims for 131 LMT food grain production by 2026-27. New farm ponds and borewells will expand irrigation coverage significantly. Micro-irrigation systems will further enhance water use efficiency for crops. The government also plans to boost yields of fruits and vegetables. Farmers will receive uninterrupted free power supply for agricultural needs.
The Tamil Nadu government has been pursuing the proposal to create a Metro Rail connectivity from Hosur in Krishnagiri district till Bommasandra in Karnataka with the Centre and the Karnataka government.
IITM-incubated deeptech startup Solinas Integrity raises $5.5M
Founded by Divanshu Kumar and Moinak Banerjee, Chennai-based Solinas builds robotics and AI systems that inspect, clean, and digitise underground water and wastewater infrastructure, solving problems of water leakages, contamination, and manual scavenging.
Gold price today: On August 6, 2026, gold prices surged dramatically throughout India, as Tanishq and Malabar Gold & Diamonds displayed increased rates. The Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association confirmed the striking rise in both gold and silver values, impacting major metropolitan areas such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. Consumers were quick to notice these changes in pricing on Thursday.
Chennais Pelathope hosts namma theru our design to preserve cultural heritage amid urban development
Organized by architect Shreya Krishnan, the event highlights the communitys cultural identity and seeks to integrate heritage into urban planning for Pelathopes future.
M K Stalin slams TVK govt, calls agriculture budget empty for ignoring drought-hit farmers
President of the DMK, M K Stalin, voiced his discontent regarding the agricultural budget released by the Tamil Nadu government. He contended that the budget disregards the ongoing drought challenges and lacks support for delta farmers. According to Stalin, the focus is misplaced, concentrating on renaming previous initiatives rather than addressing farmers' genuine concerns. He emphasized that DMK MLAs will continue to champion farmers' rights throughout the assembly proceedings.
21 MPs urge TN governor to restore Tamil anthem convention at official events
Rosary in Assembly, prayers at Tirumala: Personal faith marks Tamil Nadu's budget sessions
Tamil Nadu ministers' personal faith expressions during budget presentations drew attention this week. Finance minister Marie Wilson carried a rosary into the Assembly before presenting the revised Budget. Agriculture minister R Vinoth offered prayers at Tirumala temple before tabling his budget. Vinoth faced criticism for carrying a budget document outside the state. The events sparked discussions on secularism and government document confidentiality.
Tamil Nadus TVK Government Unveils First Agricultural Budget Focused on Soil Health and AI Services
Chennai, August 6: Tamil Nadus Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister R. Vinoth presented the first agricultural budget of the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) government in the assembly on Thursday. The budget aims to enhance farming productivity, protect soil fertility, and expand technology-based services for farmers. While presenting the agricultural budget for 2026-27, Vinoth stated that ... Read more Tamil Nadus TVK Government Unveils First Agricultural Budget Focused on Soil Health and AI Services
How Chennais Zifo Open Quiz outlasted sponsors, a pandemic and changing times
Chennais iconic Zifo Open Quiz returns this Independence Day, bringing with it 33 years of trivia, tradition and fierce competition
Tamil Nadu Agriculture Budget Highlights: Farmers AI Scheme, Vetri Farmers Award and many more
The state finance minister outlined a USD 1.5 trillion economy goal by 2031. Significant allocations were made for school modernization and digital learning initiatives. The government also proposed new residential schools and a law college. Measures to address state finances and welfare schemes were also detailed.
Solinas Integrity, an IIT Madras-incubated climate deep-tech and robotics company, today announced a USD 5.5 million Series A1 funding round led by Hero Enterprise Partner Ventures and co-led by Mela Ventures, with participation from Luthra Group. Existing investor SBI Ventures, through the SVL-SME Fund, doubled down on its position, alongside continued backing from Rainmatter and 8X Ventures Fund I. The round follows Solinas's Series A, led by SBI Ventures through the SVL-SME Fund (Neev II) in May 2024, and underscores the deepening alignment between India's climate-tech innovation ecosystem and global sustainability-focused capital. Team Solinas Integrity, robotics startup incubated at IIT Madras, backed by Hero Enterprise, Mela Ventures, SBI Ventures, Rainmatter, Luthra Group and 8X Ventures Founded by Divanshu Kumar and Moinak Banerjee, Solinas builds robotics and AI systems that inspect, clean, and digitize underground water and wastewater infrastructure, solving problems of water leakages, contamination & elimination of manual scavenging . Its technology is deployed across 35+ cities and 15+ states in India, with expanding operations in the Middle East, helping utilities run safer, smarter networks. Solinas has come this far by proving that the technology & the model works, city after city, contract after contract, at a sizable scale. As we enter our next phase, we have the leadership team as well as the backing of mission aligned institutional investors in place to build Indias largest tech company in the underground asset management space. From here, were also planning to extendinto adjacent, highstakes sectors starting with Oil & Gas and Defence, where the same discipline around critical, unseen infrastructure applies , said Divanshu Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO of Solinas Integrity . Solinas will use the fresh capital to scale aggressively deepening penetration in existing markets while expanding into new states and municipal corporations across India, and building out its international footprint with a strategic focus on the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The company will also accelerate development of next-generation robotic inspection and cleaning technologies, strengthen its AI-powered software and asset management platforms, and expand its industrial solutions portfolio positioning Solinas as India's first end-to-end value creator for underground infrastructure, engineered to global technology standards. Solinas is targeting Rs. 100 crore in revenue by FY28, driven by growth in its core water and sanitation business alongside continued momentum in industrial asset management. Commenting on the fundraise, Sunil Kant Munjal (Chairman, Hero Enterprise) , At Hero Enterprise, we have long believed that India's most consequential infrastructure challenges will be solved not by incremental fixes, but by bold, technology-first thinking. Solinas Integrity embodies exactly that conviction, a team that has taken the hardest problem in urban infrastructure, underground water and wastewater networks, and reimagined it from the ground up with robotics. Their work directly addresses water security, worker safety, and the long-term resilience of our cities. This investment reflects our commitment to backing entrepreneurs who are building for India's future with both scale and purpose. Commenting on the fundraise, Krishnakumar Natarajan (Managing Partner, Mela Ventures): Current methods of maintaining Indias water infrastructure are manual, hazardous, time-consuming, and costly, with virtually no visibility into what lies beneath. Solinas is changing that through a vertically integrated robotics platform that maps underground infrastructure, diagnoses issues, and delivers end-to-end solutions. At Mela Ventures, we have followed Divanshu and the teams journey for four years, and their growth has been remarkable. Backing fearless founders solving globally hard problems from India is core to our investment philosophy, and Solinas is one of the best examples of that, Krishnakumar Natarajan, Managing Partner, Mela Ventures. Commenting on the fundraise, Akshay Panth (CIO, Neev Funds, SBI Ventures Limited) said, Solinas Integrity has done what few deep-tech companies manage - translating genuine engineering innovation into repeatable commercial traction at the exact intersection of water security, worker safety, and climate resilience. This follow-on reflects Neevs conviction that technology-led transformation in underserved infrastructure sectors is where India's next decade of impact will be built . Kumbhat Advisors, led by Akash Sethia, served as Exclusive Financial Advisor to the transaction. About Solinas Integrity Solinas Integrity, founded by Divanshu Kumar and Moinak Banerjee and incubated at IIT Madras, is a climate deep-tech company transforming the management of urban water and wastewater infrastructure. Through its proprietary robotics, AI-powered analytics, and digital asset management solutions, the company enables utilities and municipalities to inspect, clean, digitize, and manage underground networks more efficiently. The company is also leveraging its robotics and AI capabilities in the industrial sector, where it already works with leading automotive, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing companies for asset inspection and management, providing a strong foundation for further expansion in the industrial infrastructure market. Its innovations, including robotic inspection platforms and the Manhole Cleaning Robot, are helping drive safer, smarter, and more sustainable sanitation operations. Recognized and honoured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Solinas solutions have been deployed across 35+ cities and 15+ states in India, enabling large-scale inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of underground water and wastewater systems. The company has worked with leading urban utilities and municipal bodies including Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), Sangli, Miraj Municipal Corporation, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation, Tripura Jal Board, Greater Chennai Corporation, and Noida Authority. To date, Solinas has executed 100+ projects, identified over 25,000 defects across underground networks, and served 20+ industrial clients. Its technology supports significant reductions in water loss, saving up to 600,000 litres per kilometre of inspection per day while lowering operational costs by up to five times.. About Hero Enterprise Partner Ventures Hero Enterprise Partner Ventures is the investment arm of Hero Enterprise, led by Chairman Sunil Kant Munjal. Rooted in over six decades of entrepreneurial legacy, Hero Enterprise channels the groups deep industrial heritage into backing the next generation of transformative businesses. Headquartered in New Delhi, Hero Enterprise Partner Ventures invests across growth-stage and deep-tech ventures that are entrepreneurial in nature, sustainable in scope, and potentially global in scale. The Investment Office focuses on companies with innovative business models and technologies that embed the principles of inclusive growth, with particular interest in climate resilience, clean infrastructure, applied AI, and impact-driven sectors. Hero Enterprise seeks to partner with founders building enduring enterprises that create measurable value for India and the world. About Mela Ventures Mela Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on DeepTech, EnterpriseTech, and ClimateTech companies. With a portfolio spanning GalaxEye, Mindgrove, Vunet, and other category-defining startups, Mela Ventures focuses exclusively on the B2B technology segment, with a sharp eye for category creators building scalable solutions to globally relevant problems. Melas Managing partners are Krishnakumar N and Parthasarathy NS, who previously founded Mindtree, a multi-billion-dollar IT services leader. www.melaventures.in About SVL-SME Fund SVL-SME Fund (Neev II) - is a private equity fund managed by SBI Ventures Limited, (a subsidiary of State Bank of India; and manages ~INR 300 Bn across different strategies including climate-tech investments, real estate and Fund of funds). Neev II aims to bridge the private equity gap required for Indias transition towards climate resilience and low emissions. The fund invests growth capital in high impact and commercially attractive business models across priority sectors including clean energy, circular economy, energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure. sbiventures.co.in/funds-managed/neev-fund-ii
Tamil Nadu Government Launches Training Program for 22,500 Electric Vehicle Technicians
Chennai, August 6: The Tamil Nadu government is set to initiate a specialized skill development program aimed at training 22,500 individuals in electric vehicle (EV) servicing over the next five years. This initiative will include 12,500 mechanics who work roadside on two-wheelers and four-wheelers. The government is preparing the states traditional automotive workforce for the ... Read more Tamil Nadu Government Launches Training Program for 22,500 Electric Vehicle Technicians
Heavy Rain Alert for Four Districts in Tamil Nadu
Chennai, August 6: The Meteorological Department has issued a warning for heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds in parts of four districts in Tamil Nadu on Thursday and Friday. Additionally, moderate rainfall is expected in several other districts over the next few days. According to the weather forecast, heavy rain is likely in Coimbatore, Theni, ... Read more Heavy Rain Alert for Four Districts in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadus First Agricultural Budget: Farmers Anticipate Loan Waivers and MSP Announcements
Chennai, August 6: Tamil Nadus Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, R. Vinod, is set to present the states separate agricultural budget for 2026-27 in the assembly on Thursday. Farmers are hopeful for significant announcements regarding crop loan waivers, higher minimum support prices (MSP), and measures to address climate-related challenges. This agricultural budget comes a ... Read more Tamil Nadus First Agricultural Budget: Farmers Anticipate Loan Waivers and MSP Announcements
Beyond Frontiers Trust launched in Chennai
The Trusts outreach model includes screening and early diagnosis, provision of medicines, referrals to higher centres, maintenance of health records and follow-up consultations
Dr. M. S. Swaminathan Award for Environment Protection 2026 presented to two women
TN govt schools to get clubs against drugs, cleaner hostels

