India can achieve over 10 pc growth with embracing tech and innovation across sectors: FM Sitharaman
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 26 (IANS) Riding on technology and innovation across sectors, India can even achieve over 10 per cent economic growth towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Saturday. FM Sitharaman, while participating in a fireside chat organised by the IIT Madras Alumni Association here, said achieving such growth would require a lot more effort from all stakeholders. We have too many naysayers. We have too many people who have vicarious pleasure being derived if India fails. We really cannot afford that. We need to nudge these people to think positively, the finance minister noted. Hailing the growth of startups, the Finance Minister further stated that technological interventions had made a key difference in connecting agriculture producers to markets and improving productivity. Drones and aerial geospatial instruments for precision mapping of land parcels have empowered the farming community, she mentioned. FM Sitharaman also cited the use of point-of-sale (POS) machines in fertiliser distribution. Under pilot testing, the POS system recorded details of the farmer, land and crop being cultivated and provided farmers with information on the quantity of fertiliser that may be sufficient based on soil, irrigation, and crop conditions. Finance Minister also unveiled a book, titled Cashless Nation: How UPI Changed Everything, by Dr. Santanu Paul and B. Sambamurthy at Sangam 2026, the annual conference of the IIT Madras Alumni Association and IIT Madras. The book tells the inside story of Indias digital payments transformation and the conception, creation and extraordinary rise of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). FM Sitharaman last month said UPI is now operational across 11 countries, including France, Singapore, the UAE, Greece and Mauritius. From powering seamless payments in India to enabling digital transactions across borders, UPI continues to take our digital public infrastructure to the world, FM Sitharaman said. She further stated that UPI-enabled payment points have grown around 260 times since 2018, taking digital payments deeper into every corner of the country and providing greater access and convenience. FM Sitharaman also highlighted the scale of UPI transactions, saying one out of every two real-time digital payment transactions globally are taking place in India.
IIT-M & Unicorn India hit 450 cr first close for its fund; Backs 4 deep-tech startups
Website of 50th Chennai Book Fair scheduled in Jan 27 unveiled
Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Speaker JCD.Prabhakar unveiled the logo and website of the 50th Chennai Book Fair to be organized by the Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI), to be held from January 7-19, 2027, at the sprawling YMCA Ground in Nandanam in the city. The logo and website launch for the Golden Jubilee edition of the Chennai Book Fair saw addresses by A. Loyola Mani, Chairman, Tamil Nadu Textbook Corporation and Ms.Kavitha, Chennai District Library Officer, with R.S. Shanmugam, President of BAPASI, delivering the welcome address. A special video titled 50 Years of the Chennai Book Fair was screened at the gathering, which was attended by a larger number of BAPASI executive committee members, publishers, and book enthusiasts. Shanmugam said the Book Fair stands as the largest book fair in Asia in terms of visitor turnout and book sales. It serves as a vital platform for powerfully showcasing the excellence of the Tamil language to the entire world through books. We have planned to organize various new events during the upcoming Golden Jubilee year edition, designed to benefit people from all walks of life, including readers, students, the younger generation, teachers, creators, writers, entrepreneurs, and publishers. The special events line up for the Golden Jubilee edition included honoring Nobel Laureates and Multilingual Scholars, Consolidating Global Tamil Associations, having school and college students as Book Fair Ambassadors, to encourage reading among the younger generation but also to actively promote various book fair-related events on social media, in tune with todays digital world.
CREDAI Chennai and Port City Colombo explore business opportunities
Todays Gold Rate, September 26: Check Gold Rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across metro cities on September 26
Centre notifies Deendayal, JNPA, Paradip, and Mundra as mega ports
The Centre has notified the major ports of Deendayal (Kandla), Jawaharlal Nehru (Nhava Sheva), Paradip, and Adani Group's Mundra Port as mega ports. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in a gazette notification, said the central government, under sub-section (1) of section 73 of the Indian Ports Act, 2025 (27 of 2025), notified the criteria for classification of a port as a mega port; whereas major ports of Deendayal (Kandla), Jawaharlal Nehru (Nhava Sheva), Paradip, and Mundra Port, a port other than the major ports, satisfy the said criteria. India has 12 major ports and over 200 non-major ports. The 12 major ports are Deendayal (Kandla), Mumbai, Mormugao, New Mangalore, Cochin, Chennai, Ennore (Kamarajar), Tuticorin (V O Chidambaranar), Visakhapatnam, Paradip and Kolkata (including Haldia) and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.
Vaccines: Armour Against Infectious Diseases webinar to be held on September 27
The webinar will discuss childhood and adult vaccination, catch-up doses and how immunisation needs vary with age, health conditions and other risk factors
In Mumbai, sales of residential properties fell 8 per cent to 9,830 units from 10,690 units. Thane in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region saw an 11 per cent decline in sales to 16,230 units from 18,240 units, showed a report.
Four PFI members get life imprisonment for 2016 murder of Hindu Munnani leader C. Sasikumar
On September 22, 2016, Sasikumar was hacked to death in Coimbatore
Four history-sheeters among eight persons arrested for attacking youth with knife in Kodungaiyur
Four history-sheeters among eight persons arrested for attacking youth with knife in Kodungaiyur
Youth arrested for sexually assaulting 16-year-old girl near Chennai
LED hoarding, jaywalking, and traffic violations pose safety concerns near Tirusulam
Motorists say the sharp brightness from the large LED screen can distract them, particularly while approaching the signal
Housing sales fall 6% to 103K units across top 9 cities in Q3: PropEquity
Housing sales fell 6 per cent to 1.03 lakh units in the July-September quarter across nine major cities, mainly due to subdued demand and lower fresh supply of homes, according to PropEquity. Global economic uncertainties also contributed to muted buying sentiments. Real estate data analytics firm PropEquity tracks primary residential markets in nine major cities -- Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune and Kolkata. Housing sales in these nine cities fell to 1,03,170 units in July-September from 1,09,420 units in the year-ago period, according to data. New supply fell to 98,165 units from 1,00,330 units during the period under review. Housing sales generally are slow during the July-September quarter because of monsoon rains, discouraging real estate developers from launching projects. Sales improve in the December quarter on account of festive demand. To cash in on this demand, developers increase fresh supply and also offer many incentives t
From Virtual to Real: Sai Makes Seamless Transition from Sim Racing to F4
With the championship now heading to Chennai, Sai is looking forward to racing on home soil
Man arrested for allegedly raping 17-year-old girl after Instagram contact in Chennai
The News Mill
Chennai Metro Phase II To Get Its First Operational Corridor As PM Modi Set For 11 October Launch
CMRL Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for Manager, Assistant Manager and More Posts
Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) has announced 6 vacancies for Joint General Manager (Project Management Information System) under Recruitment 2026. The online application process will be conducted up to 13-10-2026 through the official CMRL website. Eligible candidates should review the detailed notification before submitting their applications.
Tamil Nadu to outsource meter reading from October amid assessor shortage
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 26 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation (TNPDCL) will begin hiring contract workers to read electricity meters from October, seeking to address a severe shortage of assessors and reduce complaints of incorrect or inflated bills. The utility has around 3.5 crore low-tension service connections across the state, including 2.5 crore domestic consumers. Meter readings are taken every two months to calculate consumption and generate bills. Against a sanctioned strength of 7,565 assessors, only 3,063 are currently available. The remaining 4,502 posts, nearly 60 per cent of the total, are vacant. TNPDCL has so far used retired Tamil Nadu Electricity Board personnel to help with doorstep assessments. It has decided to bring in additional workers through contractors to keep readings on schedule and improve their accuracy. Under a circular sent to field engineers, executive engineers may invite limited tenders for the required manpower for six-month periods. The proposals will be vetted by the superintending engineers concerned. Contract workers must have completed a degree or diploma course. The daily target for each contract meter reader will be at least 250 service connections within the Greater Chennai Corporation area and 220 in other municipal corporation areas. Readings must be captured through a mobile application using an optical probe or Bluetooth transmitter. The circular instructs contractors to take the actual reading at the consumers premises, select the correct service connection in the application and complete the assessment within the prescribed billing cycle. These steps are intended to prevent readings from being entered against the wrong account or delayed beyond the billing period. The move follows complaints about irregular assessments and bills that consumers say do not reflect their actual usage. A missed or inaccurate reading can also create confusion when consumption is adjusted in a subsequent billing cycle. Retired staff currently engaged for an honorarium of Rs 5 per assessment may be relieved if their work is found unsatisfactory. TNPDCL will also review the workload assigned to its regular assessors as it introduces the contract arrangement. The new system places responsibility on contractors to supply qualified readers and complete assessments on time. Field engineers will oversee the arrangement during the six-month contracts, while the corporation evaluates how the additional manpower affects the billing process across the state.
Chennai DMK Councillors Oppose Ward Funds for Monsoon Works, Want Them Spent On Publicity Projects
With the Northeast Monsoon approaching, several DMK councillors in Chennai have opposed the Greater Chennai Corporations decision to prioritise monsoon-related works under the first instalment of their ward development funds. The opposition surfaced at the GCC council meeting on Friday, 25 September 2026, a day after the Corporation released 30 lakh each to all 200 [] The post Chennai DMK Councillors Oppose Ward Funds for Monsoon Works, Want Them Spent On Publicity Projects appeared first on The Commune .
Chennai imposes a hefty fine for pet abandonment as part of new regulations by the Greater Chennai Corporation. Chennai Introduces 25,000 Fine for Abandoning Pets in Public Spaces
TNHB opens portal to gauge demand for proposed housing projects
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 26 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) has opened a portal for residents to indicate whether they are interested in buying homes at eight locations where projects have been proposed under its self-financing scheme. The exercise is intended to help the board assess demand before taking up the projects. Prospective buyers can visit the willingness registration page on the TNHB website and enter their preferred location, type of housing and requirements. The board has urged interested residents to submit their details. Four of the proposed locations are in Chennai: Anna Nagar, Purasaivakkam, Nandanam and Ernavur. The other sites are Gundurmalai in Cuddalore district, Ellis Nagar in Madurai, Thirumazhisai in Tiruvallur district and Vallankumaravilai in Kanniyakumari district. The proposed developments follow an announcement made during a session of the Tamil Nadu Assembly. The portal gives people an opportunity to express their preferences while the projects are still at the planning stage. Responses will provide the board with an indication of the level of interest in each location and the kinds of homes prospective buyers are seeking. TNHB has made clear, however, that submitting details on the portal is only part of a demand assessment. Registration does not amount to an application for a house and will not give anyone priority when homes are allotted. Interested residents will have to follow the formal application process once applications are invited for projects that are taken up. Those who successfully register their interest will receive an SMS with the date and other details when the board opens applications. The message will serve as an update about the application process, rather than a confirmation of eligibility or an allotment. For residents considering a TNHB home, the immediate step is therefore to record their preferences through the page at tnhb.tn.gov.in/willingness-for-upcoming-projectsAttachment.png. The board has not announced an application date for the proposed projects in the information released with the portal. The distinction between expressing interest and applying for a home is central to the exercise. The current registration will help TNHB gauge potential demand across Chennai and the other districts. Any subsequent invitation to apply will be a separate stage, with applicants required to respond when the board announces the dates and procedures. Until then, registration allows residents to make their housing preferences known to the board.
Chennai corporation sets 25,000 fine for abandoning licenced pets
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 26 (IANS) Pet owners who abandon their licenced dogs or cats on roads or in public places will face a fine of 25,000 under a Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) penalty initiative henceforth. The measure comes as the civic body continues to receive complaints about pets being left behind despite having registered owners. By linking each licenced animal to its owner through a microchip, the corporation expects to identify those responsible when a pet is found. Pet owners living within the city corporation limits are required to obtain a licence under Section 292 of the Urban Local Bodies Act, 1998, and the rules framed in 2023. Applications can be submitted online. Microchipping is mandatory for pets. The chip carries identifying information, including the owners name and address, as well as details of the animals anti-rabies vaccination. The record is also intended to help ensure that pets receive their annual vaccination. It gives the corporation a way to connect an animal found in a public place with the person who registered it. GCC launched its online pet licencing system in October last year. By July this year, it had issued licences to 78,232 pet owners. The continuing complaints about abandoned licenced animals, however, have prompted the corporation to attach a financial penalty. The 25,000 fine applies to owners who leave licenced dogs or cats on roads or in public places. Registration and microchipping, therefore, carry an ongoing responsibility: The animal remains identifiable after a licence is issued, and its owner can be traced through registration records. The corporations move places attention on what happens after a pet is licenced. A licence records ownership and vaccination details, but it does not in itself prevent an owner from giving up an animal. The provision aims to make owners accountable for animals they leave behind. Complaints of abandonment suggest that some registered pets are still being left in public areas, creating a problem the new fine is meant to address. For owners, the requirement is straightforward: Obtain the licence, keep the animals anti-rabies vaccination current and do not abandon it. For the corporation, the microchip record provides a means of checking ownership when complaints arise and applying the penalty where an owner is identified.
Samsung workers protest: Minister says T.N. govt. not trying to curb rights
In a midnight crackdown, the police had arrested 10 members of the Samsung workers union; as the workers continued their protest on Wednesday morning, more arrests were made; State Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu said the arrested workers have now been released
Samsung workers protest: Minister says T.N. govt. not trying to curb rights
In a midnight crackdown, the police had arrested 10 members of the Samsung workers union; as the workers continued their protest on Wednesday morning, more arrests were made; State Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu said the arrested workers have now been released
Light rain forecast in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal; gusty winds likely
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 26 (IANS) Parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal may receive rain through Tuesday, with thunderstorms and gusty winds, the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai said on Saturday. The weather office said the deep depression weakened early on Friday over southern interior Odisha and adjoining Chhattisgarh. By 8.30 a.m. on September 25, the system had moved north-northwestwards as a low-pressure area over southern Chhattisgarh and adjoining southern interior Odisha. On Saturday, one or two places in the Western Ghats districts and in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Vellore and Ranipet may receive light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder, lightning and winds reaching 40 to 50 kmph. Isolated light rain is possible elsewhere in Tamil Nadu and in Puducherry and Karaikal. For Sunday, the centre forecast moderate thunderstorms at isolated places in the Western Ghats districts. Other parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal could see isolated light to moderate rain with thunder, lightning and gusts of 40 to 50 kmph. The forecast for Monday indicates thunderstorms in the Western Ghats districts, Chennai and northern and central districts. It names Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Villupuram, Tirupattur, Vellore, Ranipet, Namakkal, Karur, Erode, Tiruchirappalli, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Pudukkottai and Sivaganga among the areas where rain and strong winds are possible. Isolated light rain may occur elsewhere, including Puducherry and Karaikal. Similar isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds are forecast across the region on Tuesday. Light to moderate rain at a few places is expected on September 30 and October 1. Maximum temperatures are unlikely to change substantially through September 29, although a slight rise is possible. Daytime temperatures may be two to three degrees Celsius above normal. In Chennai, partly cloudy skies are expected on Saturday, with light to moderate thunderstorms possible in parts of the city in the evening. The maximum temperature is likely to reach 35 to 36 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may be 27 to 28 degrees. Fishermen have been advised to avoid the north Andhra Pradesh coast and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal on Saturday, where winds may reach 40 to 50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph. No warning was issued for Tamil Nadu coastal waters or the Arabian Sea during September 26-29.
Three Youths Held With Ganja-Laced Chocolates on Howrah-Chennai Mail
During the searches, police found three packets of ganja-laced chocolates in each of their luggage bags.
'Avengers Endgame: Encore': Indian fans light fireworks inside Chennai theatre
Avengers: Endgame has been re-released as 'Avengers Endgame: Encore' to celebrate its seventh anniversary. Fans are excited to experience iconic moments from the film on the big screen again. Audience reactions have been enthusiastic, especially during Captain America's pivotal moment in the film. The Russo Brothers expressed their emotions about witnessing audience reactions during the film's initial release.
TDB signs agreement with Agnikul Cosmos for 200cr RDI support
4 PFI cadres get lifer for murder of Hindu Munnani leader
PTI Chennai A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court on Friday sentenced four active cadres of the banned outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) to life imprisonment for the murder of a Hindu Munnani leader in Coimbatore in 2016. The verdict marks NIAs first conviction involving PFI operatives since the government of India banned the []
VCK councillors stage walk out over placement of Ambedkars photo in Chennai Corporation council hall
Expand scope of ward funds, say councillors
Chennai Corporation moves to curb pet abandonment with 10,000 penalty
Philanthropist receives Sankara Ratna Award for contribution to eye care
The award was presented in recognition of his contribution to expanding access to eye-care and surgical services
1,671 km of stormwater drains being desilted: Chennai Mayor
Tambaram police seize 12 kg of ganja, arrest five in special drive
50th Chennai Book Fair to be held from 7 January to 19 January 2027
The website for the bookfair this year is www.chennaibookfair.com
Man gets double life term for sexually assaulting 54-year-old woman near Uthukottai
Police say no evidence yet to establish alleged child abuse at govt. school near Vandalur
Stalin trying to bring down TVK govt through shortcut, says Vijay
Tolerance is not acceptance: Tiruchi N. Siva to political rivals
Tolerance is not acceptance; tolerance does not mean we have accepted it or that we are not capable; the talented will wait for the right moment; those are the words of Anna, said Tiruchi N. Siva
Equitas issues 50,000 NCDs valuing 500cr
Tesla opens Chennai experience centre
Abandon your pet, pay 25,000 to Chennai corporation
EB meter reading to be privatised to curb billing discrepancies in Tamil Nadu
How well you know to use AI tools may determine your college grades
CPM says neither DMK nor TVK have genuine interest in Pocso case against Veeramani
11 former AIADMK ministers become TVK deputy general secretaries
ED searches 16 premises linked to Attica Gold in stolen gold, money laundering case
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at 16 locations associated with Attica Gold Pvt Limited and its affiliates. These searches took place in four cities, including Bengaluru and Chennai. Allegations involve money laundering related to stolen gold purchases and dealings. Authorities seized cash, foreign currency, gold jewelry, and silver articles as evidence. The investigation continues amid reports of key personnel avoiding cooperation during the searches.
Veeramani child rape case: HC restrains media, social media from publishing videos of crime
Directs Removal Of All Related Material Online
TVK shows 19.8cr assembly poll expense, one-tenth of DMKs
Expedite Thaneerpandal railway overbridge work: Peelamedu residents
Chennai police register case against unnamed people for sharing child rape case images, video clips
Cong functionary Ranjan Kumar questioned in Veeramani case
Child rape case: Pocso court extends custody of Veeramani
High Court Bars Airing Of Videos, Audios From R Veeramani Sexual Abuse Case
Veeramani, 84, is the founder of GEM Granites and the wider GEM Group of Companies, a prominent Chennai-based business figure. He was arrested on 29 August along with his associates, Mahendra Simhan and Shanthi, who are accused of facilitating the alleged offences at a rented house in Teynampet.
Keeladi Museum Drives Archaeology Tourism Boom in Tamil Nadu among youth
Water hyacinth remains challenge as WRD steps up monsoon works
Sivakarthikeyan's film with director Ramkumar Balakrishnan goes on floors with traditional pooja
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 25 (IANS) Popular Tamil actor Sivakarthikeyan's next film, which is being directed by Ramkumar Balakrishnan, went on floors with a traditional pooja ceremony here in the city on Friday. The film, which is yet to be titled, is tentatively being referred to as #SK27 and is being produced by well known production house Sathya Jyothi Films. Sharing a video clip of the inaugural function on its social media handles, the popular production house wrote, A powerful start to a promising story. #SK27 begins with a pooja. On floors today. Starring @sivakarthikeyan. A film by @ramkumar_dir. Produced by @sathyajyothifilms. @kayadu_lohar_official @omdop #TGThyagarajan #SendhilThyagarajan @arjun1on @saisiddharth @kalai_editor #ARajesh @praveenraja @stevenkumar_action @appoo_dir @teamaimpro @pro_barani @themugdigital. The film will feature Kayadu Lohar, who has been making waves with her performances in the superhit films 'Dragon' and 'Immortal', as the female lead opposite Sivakarthikeyan. Apart from Sivakarthikeyan and Kayadu Lohar, the film is likely to feature popular comedians Sudhakar and VTV Ganesh among others. Sources say character artistes George Maryan and Babloo Prithviraj too are likely to be seen in pivotal roles in the film. On the technical front, the film will have cinematography by one of the best in the business, Om Prakash, and editing by Kalaivanan, who was also the editor of Sivakarthikeyan's blockbuster film, 'Amaran'. Costumes for the new film are to be designed by Praveen Raja while stunts in the film are to be choreographed by Steven Kumar. Sources close to the unit of the film say that the first schedule of the film, which began in Chennai on Friday, will be for a period of 10 to 15 days. For the unaware, director Ramkumar Balakrishnan, who is directing this film, is best known for having directed the superhit Tamil film 'Parking' which walked away with three National Awards including the award for Best Screenplay and The Best Regional Movie (Tamil) at the 71st National Film Awards.
Tech can't replace on-field decision-making; need to blend with old-school methods: Zaheer Khan
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 25 (IANS) Asserting that modern cricket technology cannot substitute human presence of mind during high-pressure match situations, newly-appointed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Zaheer Khan said his coaching philosophy revolves around empowering players and balancing data with old-school, on-field adaptability. On Monday, five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions CSK announced Zaheer as their new head coach after Stephen Fleming left the role in July. Being at CSK will also mark Zaheers first stint as head coach of a cricket team. A good listener, realistic, and very empowering (as a coach). I think it's about understanding the pressures and the new dynamics of T20. The game is evolving with every year passing by, and it's about staying ahead of the curve. So, when I look back, what CSK has achieved over the years is predominantly staying ahead of the curve, understanding and adapting to different situations, Zaheer said in a video posted on the franchises YouTube account on Friday. Before coming to CSK, Zaheer served as the mentor of Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025 and was with the Mumbai Indians from 2018 to 2022 as director of cricket and later became global head of development. That's something which was standing out right throughout the years. So, it's about building on that. It's about evolving with the changing times and creating that faith within the whole group to take things forward, added Zaheer, the 2011 ODI World Cup winner. Cautioning young players against relying excessively on analytics, Zaheer stated that real-time situational awareness remains the single most critical factor once a cricketer steps onto the field. I think when you talk about youngsters, when you're looking at cricket, it's about what you do on the field. It's about how quickly you understand and adapt. One thing which I've been very vocal about in modern-day cricket is the technology playing a big role, and it's taking away a whole lot from on-ground thinking. The adaptability, the situational awareness - all those kinds of aspects that you talk about and for youngsters, it's very important to keep up with that. So, for me, it's about encouraging conversations and learning through those conversations. It's something which is, in a way, very old-school thinking. But I think if you're able to balance what's happening currently with the decision-making on the field, it'll work as a good blend to achieve something special, he added. Elaborating further on the limitations of technology, Zaheer pointed out that no software can replicate common sense or guide a player through dynamic game shifts. It's very important that you use the technology, data, and analyse things. But when it comes to actually going out there on the field and doing it, you've got to have that presence of mind. You've got to be able to layer it with various aspects, be it the pressures that play on, be it the situation, and sometimes the common sense that you have to use. It's something that goes differently with every game. Every game is not going to be comparable to the previous one with regard to a particular situation. So, I think that's something tech will not be able to take you there. You don't yet have a tech who is moving with you as the game is moving along. So, in the field, it's you who is in charge, and it's you who is going to take that decision. So, you've got to be ready with that kind of approach and attitude, he asserted. Laying out his immediate roadmap for CSK in IPL 2025, Zaheer stressed that former captain MS Dhoni's guidance will remain pivotal while working alongside a young captain in Ruturaj Gaikwad and a settled squad. Well, I think, like I mentioned, conversations and understanding. It's a settled franchise. It's been years; a lot of processes are already in place. So, MS guidance, I think, is going to be very crucial. You look at the team management's vision. That is something which is going to be equally important in how you're setting the whole vision with regard to going forward from here. It's a new setup. So, there's going to be some learning. So, you talk about all those. The young captain, how he's going to shoulder the responsibility. How he's going to empower himself and the experience in the squad. How you can make them the leaders in their own way as a think tank to take things forward for this franchise, he concluded.
ED seizes cash, jewellery from gold company premises
NIA court sends 4 to life term in 2016 Hindu Munnani spokesperson murder
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 25 (IANS) The Special Court for NIA cases, Poonamallee, Chennai, on Thursday convicted and sentenced four active cadres of the banned outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) to life imprisonment in connection with the murder of C. Sasikumar, spokesperson of Hindu Munnani, Coimbatore. The convicted individuals Sadam Hussain, Subair, Mubarak and Mohammad Rafiqul Hassan have each been sentenced to life imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 30,000, the NIA said in a statement. This verdict marks NIA's first conviction involving PFI operatives since the Government of India officially banned the organisation. On September 22, 2016, Sasikumar was hacked to death in Coimbatore. The targeted killing was executed with the clear intent to strike terror among a section of society and incite communal disruption across the region, it said. The incident sparked widespread violence across 6 districts, including Coimbatore City and Coimbatore Rural, prompting state authorities to register over 300 FIRs. The case was initially registered at Thudiyalur Police Station, Coimbatore, and was later investigated by CB-CID, Tamil Nadu. On the orders of the Central government, the case was entrusted to NIA and re-registered as RC-03/2018/NIA/DLI on January 22, 2018. Investigation established that the accused, being active members of PFI, entered into a criminal conspiracy and executed the targeted killing. After meticulous investigation, NIA filed a charge sheet and 2 supplementary charge sheets against 5 accused persons. The trial commenced in 2019, during which 75 prosecution witnesses and 2 defence witnesses were examined. The trial has now culminated in the conviction of 4 accused for offences under sections 302, 120-B and 153-A of the IPC, and sections 16, 18 and 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The Special Court acquitted one co-accused, identified as Abu alias Syed Abuthagir. NIA is currently reviewing the judgment and exploring all available legal avenues to challenge the acquittal in the appellate court.
Granite baron's dark secret: All-woman SIT hunts truth in R Veeramani Pocso case
PM Modi likely to inaugurate Poonamallee-Vadapalani phase II Metro Rail stretch on October 11
A Privilege To Take Up CSK Head Coach Role, Big Shoes To Fill, Says Zaheer Khan
Chennai Super Kings: Newly appointed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Zaheer Khan said on Friday that being at the helm of the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions is a privilege which comes with immense responsibility, adding that filling the shoes of outgoing coach Stephen Fleming will be an exciting yet challenging task for him. Zaheer, the former Indian left-arm fast bowler, was named as the new CSK head coach on Monday for IPL 2027. His immediate task will be to chalk out a strategy for the mini auction, to be held in Goa in December this year. The feeling is still sinking in, I would say. So much love and affection being shown towards me by the fans, by the well-wishers looking ahead to this special chapter in my cricketing career. It always feels very satisfying and a lot of pressure as well at the same time of responsibilities which I'll be carrying since you're talking about CSK, isn't it? Zaheer said on the franchise's official YouTube channel on Friday. It's a franchise which has the legacy, rich history of cricket and big shoes to fill in. So that's something which is going to be very challenging at the same time, exciting as well because it's just about taking the team to the level which everyone expects them to be and that's something which I'm looking forward to, the former India speedster added. Describing the appointment process, Zaheer, a member of the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning team, praised the franchise's clarity in the process of appointing him to the role and showing trust in his coaching abilities. The procedure was pretty simple, straightforward, I would say, in a typical CSK fashion. Obviously, MS has been a great force with CSK. It's been very critical in terms of understanding the direction the team should be going. The owners and the CEO, Rupa and Mr. Kasi, did have a word with me, and the conversation was very simple. We want you -- if you're available or not; the availability was checked. I said, yeah, I would love to be part of it. It would be a privilege and an honour. From then on, it was just about taking things forward and moving on with the formalities. It was as simple as that, and that gives me a lot of confidence stepping into this responsibility. It's the faith which has been shown in me and in my abilities. Obviously, the responsibilities are going to be greater. It's going to be a different challenge. But this faith is definitely something which I value a lot, and I'm looking forward to just taking things in my stride and doing my best, he added. Zaheer paid rich tributes to Fleming, under whom CSK won five titles, and his legendary partnership with MS Dhoni, which established the franchise as one of the most successful T20 franchises globally. When you talk about Fleming, it's about the consistency and the camaraderie which he's had with MS. It's something which has been very special. CSK has always been a very tough opponent whenever I've been facing them, and that's the legacy which I'm talking about -- the brand of cricket was established through years of hard work. It's about protecting that brand and taking things forward from here. So, as I mentioned, big shoes to fill. A lot of expectations that do bring a lot of pressure as well. It's going to be an exciting challenge which I'm looking forward to, he added. For Zaheer, returning to CSK feels like a homecoming, as he revealed about having spent a significant part of his formative cricket years in the city at the famous MRF Pace Foundation under Australian fast bowling legend Dennis Lillee. Well, we go a long way back; that pace foundation is something which is very dear to me. Played a huge role in my career and shaped me as a fast bowler. Spending time with Dennis Lillee there, I pretty much spent about 3 years. So, that time was something very special. The guest house was very nice. You had 10-12 fast bowlers slogging it out over the off-season for five-six months. On weekends, go for movies, make new friends -- that has been the connection. So, Chennai has always been very dear to me. Anna Nagar is where we used to stay. So, obviously, that area I'm very familiar with. Spent a lot of time there. Then, I went to the Pace Academy, which was in Egmore. The cricket ground was in a school facility. So, a lot of buzz in that area, and I did play a lot of league cricket there in Chennai. So, over the years, around that time, I was part of the MRF team. The Globe Trotters in the local league -- so, good and fond memories, lots of connections and friends there, he recalled. The guest house was very nice. You had 10-12 fast bowlers slogging it out over the off-season for five-six months. On weekends, go for movies, make new friends -- that has been the connection. So, Chennai has always been very dear to me. Anna Nagar is where we used to stay. So, obviously, that area I'm very familiar with. Spent a lot of time there. Then, I went to the Pace Academy, which was in Egmore. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The team and the fans look like a big family, and the togetherness is very special, and that's what everyone experiences when they come to Chepauk and enjoy the game of cricket. So, looking forward to all the love and adulation which this team will get as we move along. Article Source: IANS
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