MS Dhoni shares update on IPL 2027 availability after missing out entire 2026 season due to injury
Former Chennai Super Kings captain and star cricketer MS Dhoni hasnt quite decided on his availability for the IPL 2027 season. The keeper-batter, however, has kept the door open, indicating that his chances of returning...
As many as 24 companies will turn ex-record date for dividends, stock splits and rights issues during the week starting October 26. Key names include Shriram Finance, CRISIL, Cyient, Chennai Petroleum and L&T Technology Services.
Gold, silver prices today, 25 October: Check the retail price of 18K, 22K and 24K gold and 999 Fine silver in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai today.
RSS to Conduct Route Marches in Tamil Nadu Following Court Approval
The RSS is set to hold route marches in Chennai and across Tamil Nadu after receiving court approval for 128 locations. RSS to Conduct Route Marches in Tamil Nadu Following Court Approval
TN clears 50,000 free power connections for farmers; over 3 lakh still await supply
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 25 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu government has approved 50,000 new agricultural electricity connections this year, providing relief to farmers awaiting power supply for irrigation, while committing to subsidise their electricity consumption. The Energy Department has issued a government order authorising the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) to implement the programme. The approval follows a proposal submitted by the utility after Electricity Minister C.T.R Nirmal Kumar announced the initiative during the Assemblys budget session in August. Of the connections approved, 20,000 will be provided under the normal category, with the government meeting the entire cost. Another 3,372 connections will be issued through the self-financing scheme, under which farmers deposit the amount required for their sanctioned electricity load. The largest share, comprising 25,282 connections, has been allocated to the Tatkal fast-track scheme, which offers applicants a shorter waiting period. The remaining 1,346 connections will be provided under various government schemes. The government will subsidise the recurring electricity consumption charges for the additional connections, estimated at Rs 127.56 crore. TNPDCL will bear the installation expenditure, which is expected to be around Rs 750 crore. The allocations cover connections under different payment and application arrangements, while extending the states free electricity policy to the agricultural consumers brought into the network through the programme during the year. Tamil Nadu provides free electricity to agricultural consumers as a policy measure, compensating the distribution utility through government subsidies. Around 24 lakh agricultural electricity connections across the state currently benefit from the arrangement. In the 2025-26 financial year, the government released more than Rs 7,000 crore towards the subsidy for free agricultural power. The newly approved connections will add to the number of beneficiaries covered by the continuing support programme. The decision comes against the backdrop of a substantial backlog of applications. More than three lakh farmers are still waiting for agricultural electricity connections, highlighting the continuing demand for access to power for farming operations. The previous DMK government provided 1.70 lakh free agricultural connections between 2021 and 2026. Despite those additions, the waiting list has remained sizeable. The latest approval sets out the number of connections to be released under each category, and the financial responsibilities of the government and TNPDCL. Its implementation will bring another 50,000 agricultural consumers into the electricity network, although a significant backlog will remain.
Chennai reservoirs record significant boost in storage after nine days of rain
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 25 (IANS) Nine days of sustained rainfall have boosted Chennais drinking water reserves, adding nearly one thousand million cubic feet (TMC) to the six reservoirs supplying the city as the northeast monsoon gathers strength. Combined storage rose by 984.98 million cubic feet (mcft), from 4,485.68 mcft on October 15 to 5,470.66 mcft on October 24. The reservoirs now hold 41.38 per cent of their total capacity of 13,222 mcft, improving the citys water availability ahead of further monsoon rainfall. The additional water amounts to approximately 27.89 billion litres. This is equivalent to nearly 29 days of the current withdrawal from reservoirs, or about 23 days of Chennais total daily supply when other sources are included. The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) supplies 1,237.71 million litres a day (MLD), including 61.29 MLD for industries, bulk consumers and municipal requirements. Reservoirs contribute 968.41 MLD, accounting for approximately 78 per cent of the overall supply. Other sources include two desalination plants at Nemmeli, which together provide 200 MLD. Quarries contribute 28 MLD, wells and borewells supply 16 MLD, sources in the added areas provide 14 MLD, and Porur contributes another five MLD. Red Hills registered the largest increase among the six reservoirs, reinforcing its position as a major source of drinking water for Chennai. Its storage climbed by 539 mcft, from 1,876 mcft on October 15 to 2,415 mcft in the latest figures provided. The reservoir has reached 73.18 per cent of its capacity of 3,300 mcft. Its gain accounts for more than half the overall increase recorded across the six waterbodies during the period. Chembarambakkam also recorded a substantial improvement, with storage rising from 1,319 mcft to 1,497 mcft. Veeranams reserves increased from 526.68 mcft to 677.56 mcft, making it another significant contributor to the improvement in combined storage. Poondis storage rose from 412 mcft to 490 mcft, while Cholavaram increased from 120 mcft to 144 mcft. Kannankottai-Thervoy Kandigai recorded a smaller gain, with its reserves moving from 232 mcft to 247 mcft. The widespread gains have strengthened the reservoir network on which Chennai depends for most of its daily water requirements. However, combined storage remains below half the total capacity, leaving considerable room for further replenishment during the northeast monsoon, even after the recent spell of persistent rain across the region.
How Good You Are On Paper Hardly Matters: MS Dhoni Reveals How RCB Have Leapfrogged CSK
Indian and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni spoke on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)'s rise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with back-to-back wins in the past two years and the downfall of his franchise.
RSS to hold route marches across TN today after Madras HC's permission
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 25 (IANS) The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will hold route marches in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, following a Madras High Court order permitting the organisation to conduct processions at 128 locations across the state on October 25 and November 2. Seven locations in Chennai and its suburban areas have been identified for Sundays marches: Tiruvottiyur, Kolathur, Egmore, Korattur, Ayyappanthangal, Medavakkam and Chromepet. The processions form part of the organisations annual Vijayadashami observances, during which uniformed volunteers participate in marches and public meetings. In Egmore, the procession is scheduled to begin near the Ramada Hotel at 4 p.m. and conclude near the Rajarathinam Stadium. A public meeting will be held at the concluding venue, according to the programme announced by the organisation. The Kolathur march will start at 3 p.m. near the Kamaraj statue at Peravallur. The organisation has announced separate starting times and venues for the processions, with participants assembling at the designated locations before the marches begin. The courts permission followed a petition filed by RSS State secretary Jagadeeshan after the Vijay government denied approval for the proposed events. Hearing the petition, the High Court allowed marches at the 128 locations on the two specified dates. The organisation had sought permission for the statewide programme as part of its centenary celebrations. Founded on Vijayadashami in 1925, the RSS completed 100 years in 2025 and is now marking its entry into its second century through programmes in different parts of the country. Vijayadashami holds particular significance for the organisation because it commemorates its founding. Its annual observances traditionally include processions involving volunteers in uniform, followed by gatherings at which speakers address participants and supporters. According to the RSS, route marches have been organised in Tamil Nadu for about seven decades. Permission for these events has, however, been the subject of disputes between the organisation and the state authorities in previous years. During the tenure of the previous DMK government, the organisation approached the courts after permissions were refused. It subsequently conducted marches after securing judicial clearance, including through proceedings before the Supreme Court. Sundays events will take place under the latest High Court order. The remaining processions covered by the permission are scheduled for November 2, completing the organisations planned programme across the states 128 approved locations.
Five-day fishing ban from today as TN braces for heavy rain
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 25 (IANS) Fishermen have been prohibited from venturing into the sea for five days from Sunday following a warning about a possible cyclonic storm developing over the Bay of Bengal, while heavy rain and gusty winds are forecast across several parts of Tamil Nadu. The restriction will remain in force until October 29. The Chennai weather departments forecast indicates that rainfall will be widespread initially, with conditions expected to improve over much of the state towards the end of the period. According to an earlier weather bulletin, a low-pressure area that lay over the Comorin region and adjoining southern Tamil Nadu and Kerala on October 22 was positioned over the southeast Arabian Sea and neighbouring Lakshadweep region at 8.30 a.m. on October 23. The bulletin also referred to an atmospheric circulation extending from the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep region towards the northern Tamil Nadu coast through Kerala, at approximately 1.5 kilometres above sea level. Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and winds reaching 40-50 kmph is likely at isolated places in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Perambalur, Ariyalur and Tiruchirappalli districts during the initial phase of the forecast. Several other interior and coastal districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam, could also receive rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. Similar conditions are forecast for Puducherry and Karaikal. On Monday, isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Madurai, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram and Pudukkottai districts, along with thunderstorms, lightning and winds of 40-50 kmph. Heavy rainfall is also forecast at isolated places in several districts, including Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore and Tiruvannamalai. Puducherry and Karaikal could experience similar weather. Other parts of Tamil Nadu may receive moderate rainfall at some places, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds. Rainfall is expected to ease on October 27, with isolated light to moderate showers likely in Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Ramanathapuram. Elsewhere in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, isolated light rain is forecast. On October 28 and 29, isolated light to moderate rainfall is likely over the state's southern coastal districts. Generally, dry weather is expected across the remaining parts of the state and in Puducherry also during these two days.
Deepavali countdown: an address for mindful festive shopping in Chennai
A thought to keep as Deepavali shopping is likely to gain momentum this week: by buying products at Mathi Experience Store in Nungambakkam, a flagship initiative of Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women, one would be helping women self-help groups
Andhra braces for very severe cyclonic storm; Odisha activates disaster mitigation machinery | LIVE
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places in Tamil Nadu's Chennai, northern, delta and western districts
Modification in pavement goes unnoticed in Nanganallur
Readers Write: B. Ramachandran notes that on a section of Sixth Main Road, from a confectionery to Independence Day Park in Nanganallur, the pavement has been fitted with ramps to facilitate easy parking and vehicle movement.
Readers Write: Rajagopal J K, a reader, says the road has not been widened in the past four decades and is in dire need of this exercise
Historic Performances at National Junior Athletics Championship in Chennai
Four new records were set during the second day of the National Junior Athletics Championship in Chennai, showcasing remarkable talent. Historic Performances at National Junior Athletics Championship in Chennai
SRM Medical College holds national geriatric summit
Workers clear drains without adequate safety gear in Chennai
The concern comes in the wake of the deaths of two workers who allegedly inhaled toxic gas while cleaning GCCs 20-foot-deep stormwater drainage sump in Kodungaiyur
Association questions DPH over gag order for govt. doctors
Citizens and experts discuss ways to boost Chennais climate resilience
Participants discussed the importance of strengthening heat action planning, improving public awareness and using research and local data to identify vulnerable communities
Corporation RDCs inspect drain cleaning across Chennai
Delay in government order for free bus travel causes difficulty for men with disabilities
Woman killed in hit-and-run case on ECR in Neelankarai
Residents flag safety risk as silt removed from canals piles up along city roads
Residents complain of rats and snake skins found in sludge after desilting work; Mayor R. Priya had earlier said that leaving silt unattended on roadsides would defeat the purpose of desilting
Heavy rain to hit Chennai, northern, delta and western districts on Sunday: IMD
Isolated places in Theni, Dindigul and Madurai districts are likely to get extremely heavy rainfall and have been issued red alert; Till 8.30 a.m. on Saturday, rainfall occurred at around 80% places over Tamil Nadu
Hero Cycles bags free-cycle tender, bid 115 crore above budget
Elderly woman knocked down by luxury car in Chennai; driver on run nabbed
Thai Airways To Operate Additional Daytime Flights From Chennai
The airline, which currently operates daily flights between the two cities during the night, will operate the additional services four days a week Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Couple found dead at Ambattur home
Tamil Nadu govt staff warned against approaching CM Cell, ministers for personal grievances
Four launch pads to be operational by 2029, says Isro chairman Narayanan
80-crore stormwater drain to ease flooding in Korattur
Health Department to create four Regional Director of Medical Education posts
The creation of an Additional DME (Research) post at the directorate in Chennai has also also been proposed for coordinating and strengthening research activities, says a recent official communication from the Directorate of Medical Education and Research
Welcome Move For Aviation Sector: Vijay Gets Rare Praise From Centre
Vijay's government had yesterday cut the value added tax (VAT) on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) from 29% to 16% at Chennai airport and to 1% at other airports in the state.
T.N. awaits Centres response to letters regarding Chennais existing and proposed airports
The State governments letter in August asked the Centre to replace the AAI as the airports operator; in September, it sent a letter asking for a pre-feasibility study on two sites Gummidipoondi and Cheyyur shortlisted for Chennais second airport
Sumangala Steel commits 2.8 crore for scholarships for 70 engineering students
A total of 70 students received scholarships at the fourth edition of Sumangala Steels Ungal Kuzhandayum Aagalaam Engineer initiative
When safety slips through a gaping hole
A recent fatal accident at the Thirumayilai MRTS railway station has once again highlighted the huge gaps in the maintenance and safety of MRTS stations in Chennai. With the Railway Board giving the go-ahead for handing over the service to CMRL, this report throws light on what needs to be done
ISRO will not be privatised, says chairperson Narayanan
Contributions from private companies should not be misinterpreted as privatisation of the space agency, says the chairperson
Ward 126 councillor launches QR code and helpline number for residents to raise rain-related issues
Potholes, chaotic turns snarl key link road in Zamin Royapettah
While a new traffic arrangement has eased congestion at Vels College junction on the PallavaramThoraipakkam Radial Road, commuters continue to face delays on a crucial link road in Zamin Royapettah owing to potholes and unregulated vehicular movement
Singing in the 346th anniversary of St Marys Church
Singing in the 346th anniversary of St Marys Church
Five-day inclusive art festival from October 28
More than 270 artists to take part in Tattva 2026 - V-Excel Educational Trusts flagship event
Five-day inclusive art festival from October 28
More than 270 artists to take part in Tattva 2026 - V-Excel Educational Trusts flagship event
8th National Convention Of Sri Sathya Sai Schools Begins
The inaugural proceedings began with Vedic invocations by students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute, Chromepet, Chennai: Reports
Bay drama may boost citys rain chances before a monsoon break
NE monsoon turns play area at Nageswara Rao park into pond
The North East Monsoon has started a series of tests for the newly renovated Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore, and in the first round, the indiscriminately concreted green facility has fared poorly in two sections: the childrens play area and, to some extent, in the pathways, say residents
Thousands stranded as signal panel fault disrupts train services
DMK, AIADMK will never join hands: Dhinakaran
Chennai Metro commuters urge longer hours, more trains on Phase 2
Chennai hospital organises pink walk to raise breast cancer awareness
The participants converged at a community hall in Velappanchavadi, where oncologists and community workers engaged with the participants over awareness and early detection of breast cancer
CSI Chennai Diocese organises anti-drug run in city
RSS march: TN police should not behave like Procrustes, says HC
IPL 202IPL 2027: Head coaches of all 10 teams, know their names in one click
The complete list of head coaches for all 10 teams in IPL 2027. Find out which veterans are responsible for coaching Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and other teams.IPL 2027 All 10 Teams' CoachesEvery team in the IPL dreams of winning the trophy, but having strong players isn't enough to...
RSS march: Tamil Nadu police should not behave like Procrustes, Madras high court says
Kumaran Nagar bus terminus in Kolathur needs sprucing up
Readers Write: N. Kothandan highlights the poor upkeep of Kumaran Nagar bus terminus
Saidapet subway is poorly maintained
Readers Write: Vanitha Paulchamy points out the sorry state of the pedestrian subway at Saidapet railway station
Tree falls near school in Ashok Nagar; a lucky escape for students
Readers Write: Mohammed Yusufdeen highlights the need to prune the trees
Waterlogging is a new problem on Karukku Old Road in Ambattur
Readers Write: K N Srinivas points out that until two years ago, Karukku Old Road never witnessed inundation even during heavy downpours
CM Vijay gets rare praise from Centre over Tamil Nadu govt's decision to reduce VAT on aviation fuel
Centre has appreciated Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay over his government's decision to reduce Value Added Tax (VAT) on aviation turbine fuel (ATF). Tamil Nadu reduced the rate from 29 per cent to 16 per cent at Chennai and one per cent at all airports in the state.In a gazette notification, the government said that the reduction of VAT on ATF will come into effect on the midnight of October 31/ November 1 and shall remain in force for a year upto the midnight of October 31, 2027.
Nepali man stabbed by roommate in Perungudi
Three years without its annual temple car festival, nearly a year without access to the main sanctum, and no publicly communicated timeline for the completion of renovation work. These are the latest grievances raised by devotees of Arulmigu Sridevi Periyapalayathamman Temple in Meenambakkam, Chennai, where allegations of financial mismanagement and poor maintenance had already surfaced [] The post 3 Years Without a Car Festival, 1 Year With Sanctum Shut: What Is Happening At Meenambakkam Sridevi Periyapalayathamman Temple? appeared first on The Commune .
The much-awaited Jailer 2 has lived up to expectations and is enjoying a phenomenal run at the box office. The film has been loved for its mass-appealing moments, Nelson's expert direction, Rajinikanth's towering presence and much more. The performances by the supporting cast and actors making cameo appearances have also received appreciation. One of them is Apeksha Porwal. She appears in the second half, and in the climax, she, along with her gang of girls and their suave leader, Hrithik Roshan, helps Rajinikanth's character eliminate the baddies. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Apeksha spoke about her Jailer 2 experience, working with some of the biggest names in Indian cinema and a lot more. How has your life changed after Jailer 2's release? How are things going for you? More than anything, it's the love that is coming in from the masses that has made me so full of gratitude. I knew it was a big film. Yet, the appreciation I have received in hordes has gone above and beyond my expectations. Did you get a chance to watch it in cinemas? (Smiles) Yes, of course. I was not going to miss this one! I watched it in Hindi, but it was like a party as it was a single-screen theatre. Everybody was screaming and hooting. I actually watched it twice. Once, I went alone quietly on the first day to gauge the audience's reaction. Then, I went again with my friends, and it was a crazy experience. How did you bag the film? I have been practising martial arts for the past couple of years. So, I do a bunch of things like katana (sword training), nunchucks, kickboxing, etc. Somebody from the team had come across my katana videos. They knew of this girl who was an actor and also practised martial arts. That's how they approached me for the role. At first, I wasn't sure if it was real or not! But then I had a word with them, and it turned out to be genuine. I went to Chennai and had a meeting with Nelson sir. After the meeting, I got a call confirming that I had bagged the role. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Apeksha Porwal (@apeksha_porwal) You have posted a picture with Rajinikanth. What did you both talk about? He's the sweetest and incredibly humble. You've grown up hearing the name Rajinikanth, and he's like this mythical legend. Being the superstar that he is, I wasn't sure if I could approach him and speak to him. On my first day on the set, I shot for the climax action scene. Ramya Krishnan, S J Suryah, Vidya Balan and others were also present along with Rajinikanth sir. Hence, I kept to myself and focused on the action that I had to perform. But Rajini sir's presence was very comforting. Every time he would walk past, he would smile and say, 'Good morning'. And not just to me. He was respectful towards the entire crew. It speaks volumes about the stardom and legacy he has built over the years. You also share screen space with Hrithik Roshan It was great to work with him. He's extremely focused and dedicated when he's doing a shot. He knows exactly what he's doing. He's also a director's actor. He worked very collaboratively with Nelson. We spoke very briefly between shots. He's kind and a good person. I spoke to Ramya Krishnan ma'am at length as I am a huge fan of Baahubali. We spoke for at least 15-20 minutes, and she was very kind. Mithun sir was also great. There's a shot where I have to knock the gun out of his hand. That was my first shot, and I was like, 'Oh my God! This is how I am starting' (laughs)! Nelson's films have a lot of humour. Is he funny in real life too? He's very funny and witty. I mean, imagine the kind of setup he's working on. The film is mounted on a huge budget of hundreds of crores. Yet, he was the coolest and calmest person on the set. To manage a set like that and still be so calm and focused on his vision all the time is commendable. At the same time, he's super-fun and chill between takes. I would sit with him near the monitor. We would laugh and have a very good time. He also has a dark, witty sense of humour. Many people felt that you and the rest of the girls should have had more screen time. Also, Jailer 2 ends with the promise of a third part. So, is Jailer 3 happening? I guess we'll get to that. I can't comment on it right now (laughs). As for the screen time, it's nice to leave the audience wanting more, na? What's next? Are you open to doing more Pan-India films? I am already working on two films, both in lead roles and in the Hindi film industry. The door's open now, and let's see what offers pour in. I'm just going with the flow. Also Read: Nora Fatehi shares off-dance-floor moments with Masaka Kids from sets of Jailer 2 song Bindaas: I still cant get over them
Todays Gold Rate in India October 24: Gold prices up in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru
22, 24 carat Gold prices up across metro cities on October 24
Gold, silver prices today, 24 October: Check the price of 18K, 22K and 24K gold and 999 Fine silver in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai today.
Santhanam's 'Love Bite' unit wraps up shooting
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 24 (IANS) Actor Santhanam, who plays the lead in director Selvin Raj Xavier's next film, 'Love Bite', has now announced that shooting for the film had been wrapped. Taking to his X timeline, Santhanam wrote, Its a WRAP for #LoveBite. Biting soon in theatres this December. The actor also shared a video clip that contained BTS clips shot on the sets of the film. The video ended with a clip showing the entire unit wrapping up the shoot of the film with a cake cutting ceremony. It may be recalled that the makers of the film had announced the title of the film in May this year. Creative Producer Archana Kalpathi of AGS Productions had taken to her X timeline to make the announcement. She had then said, Thrilled to announce our upcoming film featuring the immensely talented iamsanthanam Sir and our own director @selvinrajxavier. It will be a super fun wild ride from the house of #Ags with an incredible team of actors and technical crew #LoveBite. #AGS29 #KalpathiSAghoram #KalpathiSGanesh #KalpathiSSuresh@archanakalpathi @aishkalpathi @iamsanthanam @selvinrajxavier @Ags_production @thinkmusicindia. Actor Santhanam had taken to his X timeline to express his happiness on working in this new film. The actor had said, Very happy to associate with @Ags_production and @selvinrajxavier for my next film. @archanakalpathi @aishkalpathi. The film features actress Aparna Das, who came in for a lot of praise for her performance in the critically acclaimed romantic entertainer 'Dada', as the female lead. For the unaware, director Selvin Raj Xavier is best known for his horror comedy film 'Conjuring Kannappan', which, incidentally, was also produced by AGS Entertainment. The film featured actor Sathish in the lead and had gone on to emerge a superhit. Sathish had played the titular role of Kannappan in the film, which ended up being a laugh riot. It not only set the cash registers ringing at the box office but also came in for critical acclaim. The title poster of 'Love Bite' that was announced in May gave one the impression that this film too would be a horror comedy like 'Conjuring Kannappan'. The title poster had showed a graveyard with several hands emerging out of graves.Some graves were seen empty and the title was written in a fashion that gave the impression that the film would deal with the dead. In all, the title poster made it evident that the film would be a horror comedy.
Democracy vs mobocracy: BJP plans nation-wide campaign
Bigg Boss 20: Rohit Shetty questions Lovepreet Gill, Scouts closeness
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 24 (IANS) Filmmaker Rohit Shetty questioned Lovepreet Gill about her relationship with fellow contestant Scout on the reality show Bigg Boss 20, pointing out that their physical closeness, including Scout massaging her legs, hands and neck, could be perceived differently by viewers outside the house. In a promo shared by the channel on Instagram, Rohit stepped in for hosting duties, and Salman Khan had prior commitments. The filmmaker asked Lovepreet about her bond with Scout. Lovepreet maintained that she considers Scout a brother, while Rohit said their interactions were looking absolutely wrong from an outsiders perspective. When he's massaging your legs, massaging your hands, massaging your neck. Love, that doesn't look right. You tell Scout to massage your back. He's massaging your calves. It's not looking good at all, Rohit said. To which, Scout chimed in: I do, Mahi di too. Rohit replied: Scout! What you see outside, what you feel outside, that's what I'm telling you. It's looking absolutely wrong. The 20th edition of Bigg Boss started on September 6. It has a diverse lineup of 16 celebrity contestants including names such as MC Mary Kom, Kanika Mann, Mahhi Vij, Kushal Tanwar, Arishfa Khan, Qazi Touqeer, Asif Khan, Aamrapali Dubey, Uditi Singh, Tanmay Singh aka ScoutOP, Rohed Khan, Yung DSA and Love Gill. Bigg Boss is an Indian Hindi-language reality television show of the Bigg Boss franchise in India that airs on Colors TV. It is based on the Dutch format of Big Brother. The 20th edition started on September 6. Rohit is known for making action comedy and masala films. His breakthrough came with the first installment of the comedy film franchise Golmaal, starring Ajay Devgn, Tusshar Kapoor and Arshad Warsi, which became a sleeper hit. He tasted further success with franchise included Golmaal Returns, Golmaal 3 and Golmaal Again, each of which went on to rank among the highest-grossing films of the year. Rohit returned to the action genre with Singham after eight years of his debut action thriller Zameen, which also starred Devgn in the lead. Later on, it expanded into the Cop Universe with Singham Returns, Simmba and Sooryavanshi. His other notable successes include All the Best: Fun Begins, Bol Bachchan and Chennai Express; the latter became the highest-grossing Hindi film, surpassing 3 Idiots at that time. Apart from film directing, he is also seen as a host for the stunt-based reality adventure show Khatron Ke Khiladi.
Govt Cuts VAT on ATF to 1Pc at Regional Airports, 16Pc for Chennai
The Tamil Nadu government has reduced the Value Added Tax (VAT) on Aviation Turbine Fuel for scheduled domestic airlines at airports across the State, excluding Chennai.
Music composer Anirudh Ravichander and Kavya Maran, CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad, are set to tie the knot in November 2026. Following the destination celebration, a grand reception will be hosted in Chennai. High-profile invitees include political figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sonia Gandhi, Tamil Nadu CM Vijay and others. Read on!
Tamil Nadu plans short term power purchases to meet winter demand
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 24 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) has invited bids to purchase electricity through short-term arrangements between November and January, anticipating supply shortages and seeking to reduce its dependence on costly purchases. The utility has approached power traders and generators for supplies covering both round-the-clock requirements and specific periods of higher demand. The proposed procurement is highest for January, when the corporation has sought substantially larger quantities than in the preceding two months. A TNPDCL official said the corporation expected shortages in November and January and had initiated procurement preparations in advance. Securing supplies through the tender process would help the utility avoid buying electricity at higher rates, the official said. According to the tender notice, electricity will be procured at TNPDCLs receiving points under nine arrangements, with three separate supply requirements specified for each month. These comprise round-the-clock supply and additional purchases for two six-hour periods: midnight to 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. to midnight. For November, the corporation has sought 600 MW of round-the-clock electricity. It also intends to purchase an additional 400 MW during each of the two designated six-hour periods to supplement the continuous supply. The procurement requirement falls in December, for which TNPDCL has proposed buying 300 MW throughout the day, alongside an additional 200 MW each during the midnight-to-morning and evening-to-midnight periods. January carries the largest requirement, with the utility seeking 1,200 MW of round-the-clock supply. An additional 800 MW has been proposed for each of the two six-hour periods, reflecting the greater supply gap anticipated that month. Under the tender conditions, the minimum quantity offered from each source must be 20 MW. Participating traders and generators are required to bid for all three supply arrangements applicable to each month. The notice further stipulates that the quantity offered under the peak-hour arrangements must be at least 60 per cent of the round-the-clock quantity. This condition links the additional supply offers to the continuous power committed by bidders. The structure allows TNPDCL to combine a steady electricity supply with additional purchases during the specified hours. The quantities sought vary across the three months, with December requiring the least procurement and January the most. The advance tender is intended to address the anticipated shortages while giving the corporation greater scope to manage its power purchase costs.
Schools closed in six taluks of Nilgiris district in TN; Coimbatore bars special classes amid rain
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 24 (IANS) Schools in six taluks of the Nilgiris district were declared closed on Saturday following rain since Friday night, as wet weather continued across several parts of Tamil Nadu. District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya issued the order covering all schools in Udhagamandalam, Coonoor, Kotagiri, Kundah, Gudalur and Pandalur taluks. The holiday was announced in view of the continuing rainfall in these areas. In neighbouring Coimbatore district, the Collector announced a holiday for all categories of schools and directed managements against conducting special classes on Saturday. The instruction was issued amid forecasts of heavy rain, with schools told not to bring students in for additional teaching sessions. The directive applies to all types of schools across the district, the announcement said. The announcements came as rain affected the western districts and several central and southern parts of the State, bringing waterlogging to roads and disrupting travel in some localities. According to the weather information cited in the report, a low-pressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal. The weather department indicated that the system could strengthen into a cyclone and move towards the Andhra PradeshOdisha coast, while Tamil Nadu could experience heavy rainfall. In Pudukkottai, heavy showers lashed urban areas for more than half an hour, bringing a marked change in the weather and cooler conditions. Tiruchirappalli city and its suburbs also received heavy rain. Water accumulated on several roads, making movement difficult for motorists and slowing traffic through affected stretches. The downpour left commuters negotiating waterlogged sections as rain continued across the region. Thanjavur witnessed a sudden spell of rain in the evening after a sunny morning. The showers brought relief to farmers, who welcomed the rainfall and its potential contribution to groundwater recharge. Rain in different parts of Karur Corporation similarly brought cooler conditions. However, overflowing rainwater on roads in Pallapatti caused inconvenience to residents and road users. In Theni district, widespread showers were reported from Andipatti, Bodinayakanur, Periyakulam and Cumbum. Thick fog covered the Bodimettu hill road, reducing visibility along the mountain stretch. Rain was also reported across the western belt, including the Nilgiris and Coimbatore, prompting the school-related announcements. The Nilgiris order specifically covered the six named taluks, while Coimbatores announcement included an express instruction that special classes should not be held during the holiday.
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