Monochrome landscapes and abstract photographs come together in new exhibition
Two Chennai photographers bring together monochrome stillness and abstract motion in a show at The Folly, Amethyst that invites viewers to pause and rediscover the quiet power of light
Bengalurus Leons arrives in Chennai with its OG smash burger
Raghava KK returns to Chennai with an abstract exploration of identity, loss, and reinvention
Through his new series, Figuring the Edge, at Ashvitas, Raghava KK turns his work into a meditative act of unlearning and rediscovery
Gold prices experienced a notable recovery in futures trading, rebounding from their previous slump as investors eagerly positioned themselves ahead of the US Federal Reserve's forthcoming meeting minutes. This rally, which also impacted silver prices, underscores gold's renewed allure as a safe-haven amidst looming worries about inflated tech valuations and unpredictable stock market dynamics.
Wonderla Chennai set to thrill Tamil Nadu with futuristic rides, opens December 2
Wonderla Holidays is launching its fifth amusement park in Chennai on December 2, 2025, after a decade-long journey. The 611 crore facility, spanning 64.30 acres, will feature 43 rides and is expected to create over 1,000 jobs. The park aims to blend world-class entertainment with Tamil Nadu's culture.
Zoho brings an update to its business software suite
The Chennai headquartered company said the new version emphasises unified collaboration, security and contextual awareness across more than 50 applications.
IPL: Kumble questions Jadeja trade as CSK brace for biggest rebuild in years
The recent trade of Ravindra Jadeja from Chennai Super Kings to Rajasthan Royals has stirred the pot in the IPL. Experts such as Anil Kumble and Saba Karim have expressed concerns that CSK is entering a period of significant reinvention, highlighting the urgent need to enhance their batting and bowling capabilities.
They Need To Move Beyond Their Ageing Stars: Anil Kumble On CSK Trading Out Ravindra Jadeja
Chennai Super Kings: Former India cricketer Anil Kumble discussed Chennai Super Kings' strategy behind trading Ravindra Jadeja to the Rajasthan Royals and expressed his surprise at their decision while also questioning if the all-rounder would be given the captaincy at his new franchise. Speaking on the IPL Retention Show on JioStar, Kumble talked about how CSKs rebuilding strategy after Jadejas departure, saying, CSK will likely build their batting core around captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube in the top six. They need to move beyond their ageing stars, as shown by the trade move of Ravindra Jadeja to Rajasthan Royals. Their bowling needs strengthening after releasing Pathirana. Nathan Ellis becomes crucial as their overseas fast bowler, with Noor Ahmed as the wrist spinner. They still require an Indian spinner to replace Jadeja and more Indian fast bowlers alongside Khaleel Ahmed. Another overseas fast bowler would also help balance their attack, he added. Kumble also shared that he was happy to see Ruturaj Gaikwad back at the helm after missing the previous edition of the tournament, and suggested he continue as the opening batter to provide the team with the required stability. It's great to see Ruturaj Gaikwad back as captain of the Chennai Super Kings after his injury last season. My clear advice to him is to open the batting himself. While they have Sanju Samson and the promising Ayush Mhatre, Ruturaj is best suited as an opener for CSK. His leadership and batting at the top will provide the stability the team needs, Kumble said. Kumble discussed Ravindra Jadeja's transfer to the Rajasthan Royals and the team's potential for considering him as a captaincy candidate, stating, Jadeja returning to Rajasthan Royals is a big move. Generally, CSK doesn't let go of their players, especially someone of Jadeja's quality who has had a long relationship with them. I was surprised they let him go. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson coming to CSK is certainly a great move for them. Interestingly, Jadeja has also taken a pay cut from 18 crore to 14 crore. The big question is about captaincy - could Rajasthan offer it to Jadeja? They need to find a new captain. They have several options - Riyan Parag led them in a couple of matches last season, Yashasvi Jaiswal has always harbored captaincy dreams, young Dhruv Jurel has the right temperament, and there's overseas option Sam Curran. So Ravindra Jadeja becomes another interesting possibility for their leadership role. CSKs decision to release Matheesha Pathirana, Devon Conway, and Rachin Ravindra, along with trading Jadeja to RR, indicates a significant team rebuild for the upcoming IPL auction. Former cricketer Saba Karim also discussed CSKs retention approach and expressed shock at the five-time champions releasing their ace pacer Matheesha Pathirana. I was very surprised by CSK's move to release Pathirana. They invested heavily in him, mentored him, and he delivered for them many times. He plays in global T20 leagues and has a good experience of bowling against top batters. Though he didn't end last season strongly, he's a young talent they could have worked with more. Releasing Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra was expected after their poor season, but now CSK must rebuild their entire squad and playing eleven since all three released players were regulars in their team, Karim said. CSKs decision to release Matheesha Pathirana, Devon Conway, and Rachin Ravindra, along with trading Jadeja to RR, indicates a significant team rebuild for the upcoming IPL auction. Former cricketer Saba Karim also discussed CSKs retention approach and expressed shock at the five-time champions releasing their ace pacer Matheesha Pathirana. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Sharing his thoughts what the team needs to look into heading into the auction, Karim stated, Their top order is sorted to some extent. What they actually need now is to invest heavily in good spin attacking options who can take wickets. Except for Noor Ahmad, I don't see anybody in the squad for that role. With Nathan Ellis in the lineup, it's more important for them to sort their spin combination, especially on Chennai's surfaces. And as Anil (Kumble) said, maybe another seam bowler who can pick up wickets would complete the squad. Article Source: IANS
Art of Living Wins Top National Awards for Reviving Rivers and Strengthening Water Security
Founded by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, The Art of Living has been nationally recognised for its large scale environmental leadership with two prestigious honours at the 6th National Water Awards and the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Awards 1.0 presented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India. Receiving the Best NGO for Water Conservation title along with a national recognition under the Best Civil Society category, the organisation continues to shape Indias water security and ecological resilience with impactful, community driven action. Shri Prasana Prabhu and Shri Br. Pragyachaitanya receiving the Best Civil Society Award from Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri C.R. Patil The award was received by Shri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman of Art of Livings Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Trust (AOL-SSIAST) and the Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust (AOL-SSRDP), along with Shri Br Pragyachaitanya , Chairman of Art of Livings Vyakti Vikas Kendra. The Art of Living proudly receives the Best NGO Award for Water Conservation The ceremony was graced by the Honble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, underscoring the national importance of water sustainability. She was joined by Shri C. R. Patil, Union Jal Shakti Minister, Shri V. Somanna and Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Ministers of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Ashok K. K. Meena, Secretary, Drinking Water and Sanitation, and Shri V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Water Resources and Ganga Rejuvenation. During the ceremony, President Smt Droupadi Murmu noted that climate change is disrupting the water cycle and stressed that government and citizens must work together with steady commitment toward water availability and water security. She highlighted that along with water treatment and recirculation, several industrial units have already achieved zero pollutant discharge. Reinforcing the spirit of national collaboration, Shri C. R. Patil praised the efforts of organisations contributing to Jal Sanchay and Janbhagidari . In this movement, The Art of Living has emerged as a key contributor by reviving 75+ rivers and creating more than 1,05,000 recharge structures that conserve over 174 billion litres of water. This work has improved water access for 3.45 crore people across 20,000 villages, strengthening community resilience. Aligned with the national call for shared responsibility, AOL SSRDP is driving a measurable impact on the ground. The organisation has been reducing water pollution by treating contaminated water, promoting the recirculation of processed water, and preventing further discharge of pollutants into rivers and water bodies. Through its JalShuddhi initiative, it has restored 152 polluted water bodies, strengthening groundwater recharge and urban water resilience. This includes the revival of 102 temple ponds in Chennai, 11 drains in Agra, 24 drains in Pune, and the Barapulla drain in Delhi NCR, creating clear evidence of sustained ecological healing driven by community participation and scientific intervention. Shri V. L. Kantha Rao, said that the Namami Gange Mission has become a national model for pollution control and river basin rejuvenation. In this direction, AOL-SSIAST is promoting Natural Farming in Uttar Pradeshs Kanpur and Raebareli, ensuring cleaner recharge into the Ganga. Under the Namami Gange Project, more than 4,500 farmers have been trained and about 3,500 hectares converted to chemical free cultivation along the river. This shift is reducing chemical runoff and strengthening water conservation in the basin. Till now AOL-SSIAST has trained 3 million farmers across 24 states and facilitated the planting of 100 million trees in 36 countries. On receiving the award, Chairman (AOL-SSIAST & AOL-SSRDP)Shri Prasana Prabhu said, I offer my heartfelt gratitude to the Honble President of India, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, and every volunteer and partner supporting this mission. This recognition strengthens our resolve to advance water conservation and pollution mitigation. About The Art of Living 800 million lives impacted in 180 countries 75+ rivers and tributaries revived 3 million farmers trained in Natural Farming across 24 states 100 million trees planted in 36 countries and 26 states 8,00,000+ lives transformed, with the Prison Program active in 65 countries 4,75,000+ youth trained in livelihood skills across 500 districts 1,327 free schools educating 1,00,000+ children in 2,032 villages Support the Mission ssrdp.artofliving.org/donate-ssrdp Join Us in Making a Difference AOL-SSIAST AOL-SSRDP ssiast.artofliving.org ssrdp.artofliving.org x.com/ssiast x.com/srisrirdp www.facebook.com/ssiast.artofliving www.facebook.com/SriSriRDP instagram.com/ssiast_artofliving www.instagram.com/srisrirdp www.youtube.com/@SSIAST www.youtube.com/@srisriRDP
Coconut picker to World Masters athlete Thavanur mans tale of passion rekindled
MALAPPURAM: At 54, when most people begin to slow down, Thavanur native Salim is picking up speed. A lifelong coconut picker who spent decades battling financial setbacks and personal responsibilities, he never imagined that his second innings would unfold on the athletics track. Yet today, this late bloomer stands as one of Keralas most inspiring masters athletes a national gold medallist now training his way to the 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea. Salim spent most of his life climbing coconut trees, never once imagining a future in sports. It was only after turning 50 that he rediscovered a passion he had abandoned decades earlier. In 2023, he stunned many by winning the national masters 800m title. But financial constraints kept him from participating in the Asian meet that year in the Philippines. Earlier this month, at the Asian championships in Chennai, Salim seized his opportunity. Now, he is preparing for the 2026 worlds, training relentlessly despite the financial hurdles that still shadow his journey. In my school days, I used to participate in sports events, especially long-distance running, Salim recalled. Later, I took part in amateur tournaments as well. But after marriage, the responsibilities of life forced me to quit my passion. I started a small shop, and when the business failed, I trained to become a coconut picker. Climbing coconut trees is a physically demanding task. You need a strong body for it. By my late 40s, I started working out again. I began running around 10km every day. Two years ago, a sports teacher in my village suggested that I participate in the masters meet. Thats how I rediscovered my fervour, he said. Salim with an Iranian athlete at the Asian Masters Meet At the Chennai meet, Salim clocked 2:28.81 in the 800m race (50+ category), finishing fifth and qualifying for Daegu. More than 4,000 athletes from 22 Asian countries participated in the championship, and Salims category alone had 42 competitors. Those who participated in the Asian championship were mostly from the military background. Only a few of us were civilians, Salim said. Im very happy and proud that, with all my limitations and without any professional training, I was able to qualify for the world meet. I would require around `2 lakh to participate in the world championships. I havent received any offers yet. But Im not ready to lose hope. I will continue to train with full faith, he added.
India-Bangladesh womens cricket series postponed
CHENNAI: Amidst diplomatic strain between the two countries, the womens cricket series between India and Bangladesh slated for December has been postponed. Interestingly, this comes a day after former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was handed a death sentence by a tribunal court in the country for alleged crimes against humanity. Earlier in August 2025, India had also postponed mens bilateral series to September 2026. The womens series would have been the first assignment after winning the World Cup for Harmanpreet Kaur and Co. As per the ICC Future Tours Programme, Bangladesh women were supposed to tour India for a white-ball series against India in December. As far as the Bangladesh series is concerned, it is postponed, a BCCI source told this daily. No official reason was given but it is understood that the tense diplomatic relations between the two nations could have led to the decision. The interim government in Dhaka has been demanding the extradition of Hasina who has been in India since fleeing the country last year. On the other hand, Bangladesh teams have visited India for multi-nation sporting events including the Mens Hockey Asia Cup in August and womens Cricket World Cup in October this year.
Digital bus passes to be out in 2 weeks, CUMTA issues detailed guidelines
CHENNAI: The Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) has issued detailed operating procedures for conductors, inspectors and transport officials ahead of the roll out of fully digital monthly passes for MTC buses. The new passes, available on the Chennai One app, are priced at Rs 1,000 for the gold tier and Rs 2,000 for the diamond tier. Special Officer I Jayakumar said the passes will be launched within the next two weeks. MTC currently issues passes at 54 locations. Now, commuters can access them from their homes, he said. We have also relaxed the validity of passes. The digital pass will be valid for 30 days from the date of purchase, he added. Chennai alone has about one lakh gold pass users, and CUMTA expects uptake to rise once the digital versions are introduced. Under the new system, frontline staff will check the digital pass displayed on the passengers phone, verify the photograph, and ensure that the correct category has been purchased. The gold pass will continue to be valid on all non-AC services, while the diamond pass covers AC buses as well. The system relies on real-time validation: passengers must scan the QR code or OTP sticker displayed inside each bus upon boarding, enabling journey logs to be linked to the pass. Officials have been instructed to confirm the scan and, if required, verify the bus number shown on the digital pass. Each pass displays a visible expiry date and a live timestamp to prevent misuse. CUMTA has also incorporated animated security markers that move when the phone is tilted, helping staff distinguish genuine passes from screenshots or static images. The Metropolitan Transport Corporation dominates Chennais bus transport, operating a vast network of 2,421 km. MTC services carry an average daily ridership of 31.8 lakh passengers as of 2024, supplemented by mofussil and private services that extend connectivity to peripheral regions. The corporation operates more than 690 named routes and serves 5,608 bus stops across the city. Factfile The MTC fleet has declined from a peak of 3,987 buses in 2015 to 3,352 in 2024 - a 16% drop, before recovering slightly to 3,481 in 2025 The average age of buses has risen since 2020, with around 20% of the fleet classified as over-aged The population within a 500m catchment of bus routes has grown by 18% since 2011, while the fleet has not kept pace Operational challenges include long, indirect routes, extended waiting times and overcrowding on several corridors (Source: Comprehensive Mobility Plan)
SIR helpdesks get rolling, but app outage plays spoilsport
CHENNAI: Though the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has launched electoral helpdesks for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, booth level officers (BLOs) said a prolonged server outage in the Election Commission of Indias BLO app on Tuesday left hundreds of forms pending, as they were unable to upload the details even after voters submitted their filled-in forms. According to the BLOs, the helpdesks saw better turnout in the morning but dropped as the day progressed, likely due to the rain and lack of awareness. A BLO from Teynampet zone said, Most voters are still unaware of the helpdesks, which is why the footfall remained low today in my booth. I personally called a few voters from my booth to spread the information and encourage them submit their forms. With the workload already high, we are currently only marking forms as distributed and received in the BLO app, while the detailed data entry is being done at the office in our zone. Since enumeration forms were distributed from November 7, the camps are now being set up for the residents to return filled-in forms, seek clarifications, and get help in filling them. BLOs said they have been given the 2005 electoral rolls for their respective booths, prompting many residents on Tuesday to approach the desks for assistance in locating their details. Some found it difficult to retrieve the information through the online search link, said a BLO from New Washermenpet. Several voters also arrived to submit completed forms. However, with the app server down, they could not mark the forms as received or upload any data, BLOs said. Meanwhile, several voters told TNIE they had not been informed by the authorities about the helpdesks, and that, they learned about them only through neighbours. They urged the authorities to spread more awareness. Some who missed collecting their enumeration forms during door-to-door visits also visited the desks to obtain them. At a booth in New Washermenpet, out of over 800 voters, officers identified 150 as persons who moved out of the locality, 31 as deceased, and two as double entries. In a booth in Teynampet zone, out of over 500 electors, 110 had shifted, 21 were deceased and four double entries. The helpdesks will be available at 947 booth stations in the city from 10am to 6pm until November 25.
MTC engineer dies by suicide citing harassment at workplace
CHENNAI: A 53-year-old junior engineer of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) ended his life on Monday, hours after he sent an e-mail to the office of the Director General of Police accusing two of his senior officials of workplace harassment. Yuvaraj, a long-time MTC employee from Guduvanchery who had worked at the Tambaram workshop for over two decades, alleged in the mail that he faced sustained humiliation and was denied basic service entitlements. He stated that his request for medical leave, supported by a medical board certificate for severe neck pain submitted on August 12, was rejected by the workshop manager and a senior HR officer. Yuvaraj also claimed he was placed under Section 11C of the Government Servants Conduct Rules, left without work, and remained unpaid for nearly three months. Despite multiple petitions, no internal inquiry was initiated, he stated. Hours after the mail was sent, the Tambaram Railway Police recovered Yuvarajs body from a railway track and sent it for post-mortem. MTC Managing Director T Prabhushankar said a departmental inquiry has been ordered to determine whether any lapse in handling Yuvarajs leave request contributed to his death. He added that Yuvaraj had earlier issued similar threats and that a police complaint had been filed against him in 2023. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)
Of motherhood and memories: Author with Chennai roots talks about her win
When writer Chital Mehta learned that her forthcoming novel Have You Seen Romit? had won the 2025 James Alan McPherson Prize for the Novel, she sighed deeply and cried. For an author whose work has been shaped by displacement, migration, and the resilience of people, the recognition felt like an affirmation of the stories she has spent years trying to bring into the world. Speaking to CE from her home in Delaware, USA, she reflects on a journey that began far from where she lives today. Raised in Chennai and Coimbatore, she found her earliest refuge in local libraries places that offered both companionship and possibility at a time when becoming a writer felt like a dream. It helped her navigate the uncertainties of adolescence, the constraints placed on young women, and the complex emotional terrain that would later inform her fiction. Her new novel, described by judge RO Kwon as a gripping, intensely moving portrayal of a woman whose ferocious love for her children clashes with how others expect her to behave, explores motherhood, fear, gendered expectations, and the silences that shape Indian families. The book, scheduled for release in 2026, is already being hailed for its emotional force and its unflinching look at how women negotiate identity within and often against social boundaries. In this exclusive conversation, she speaks candidly about the years-long writing process, the characters who haunted her until she gave them voice, and how winning the McPherson Prize has reshaped her understanding of belonging both personally and artistically. What follows is a conversation with a writer who has carved her own path with determination, introspection, and a steadfast belief that stories find us when were ready. Excerpts: Share some memories from your upbringing that influenced your decision to become a writer? How did these cities shape your literary journey? Becoming a writer wasnt a decision. I think it evolved naturally as I grew. I began writing my daily experiences into a journal. This became my way of understanding the world, answering the difficult questions that others couldnt, and making sense of unfair situations. My parents did everything to ensure books were available so I could read. I devoured books at my school library. I borrowed books from people who bought them because I couldnt. I was lucky as my parents never stopped me from reading novels. Reading novels in the community I grew up in was considered a bad thing because novels exposed you to stuff you didnt want your child to know. As I grew into a teenager, writing and reading became my only way of making sense of confusion, anger, and disappointment. When I look at people, I look beyond them, wondering what their story is. What was the process of developing Ushas character and her dilemmas? We all look up to our mothers for confidence and strength. Usha, although she is different, was born out of my perception of my own mother. I visualised my mother going out of her way to look for her child because its something she is capable of. In the book, Usha is flawed and is someone who yearns for societys acceptance. She wants peace in the family, and shell endure anything. But when her son goes missing, she breaks free from the cage that she has built around herself. I put myself in Ushas skin as she walked through the forests. One of the things that I did to understand Usha better was to go on long walks with her. I spoke with her inside my head as I walked. I wrote letters to her. Gender roles, especially the expectations placed on women and mothers, are central to Ushas narrative. How do you see her choices as both a reflection and a challenge to these norms? Growing up, I have seen women going out of their way to get what they want, surprising everybody. I have also seen women who abide by the rules wanting to be in the realms of the society. Usha is torn between love for her son and the need to preserve her familys honour. Yet, she chooses to do what is right in her heart. That space where things feel right to her, thats the space she goes in search of. She doesnt do this lightly. She goes through intense emotional turmoil when she chooses to walk away from her home. The motif of libraries and books as sanctuaries for young people surfaces throughout the text. What role did these spaces play in your own life and in shaping Romits identity? Even though I grew up reading and wanting to be a writer, there was nobody whom I could relate to. When I worked in Chennai as a software engineer, the local library was my refuge. I buried myself in books on weekends. Still, I never told people that I was a writer, though I filled notebooks with novel drafts. Romit, to me, is someone who has a clear idea of what he wants but is confused about the ways to get what he wants. Writing, as a profession, is confusing to many. I bring that up in Romits household about how a creative profession is often weighed with the money it brings. There is a recurring thread of silence. How did you write the silences in this story? That is probably the most difficult part. There are moments of silence in our daily lives when we go through a set of emotions. Translating silence into text isnt easy. I slipped into each of the characters and wrote from their point of view. Not everything made it into the book. But it helped me observe them in silence, in anger, in confusion. Throughout her search for Romit, Usha grows in courage, strength, and understanding. Could you share how her journey becomes less about finding her son and more about discovering herself? Ushas path toward finding herself doesnt come easily. I push her to the point where the psychological stakes are high for her. As a mother and a person, she is well aware of her flaws and strengths. She has utmost love for her children, but is that love enough for her to battle with the world and unknown terrains? What she discovers through her journey of finding Romit is how free she becomes when she breaks the boundaries she had confined herself to long ago. How did you approach writing Ushas and Vijayas relationship, and what does this friendship mean for Usha during her most difficult moments? Vijaya appeared in the sixth version of the draft. Initially, I had two youngsters helping Usha. Something about them didnt sound right. Vijaya is flawed like Usha, but in a different way. She is battling her past. Usha, who has been taught to be judgmental, opens up when she learns that Vijaya holds the key to finding Romit. Usha has always understood the world as black and white, but after meeting Vijaya, she sees the layers between the colours. The layers we dont necessarily talk about, but we all experience them when we meet someone outside of our league. These women belong to different generations, yet they come together for the same cause. Despite their differences, they remain focused on their goal. What aspects of your novel, do you hope, resonate with readers? As a reader, I find immense strength in Usha. On days when parenting is hard, I ask myself what would Usha do in this situation? Somehow, the answers appear even if I dont understand them right away. I hope that anyone reading this book finds the courage to do the things that scare them. Because, often, its the thing that scares us the most that helps us become the person we want to become. How has your creative voice changed since The Chennai Killings? The Chennai Killings taught me to embrace revision and rewriting, something I had been terrified of. Still, its only with Have You Seen Romit? that I truly found the courage to rewrite and cut words many times. I even rewrote the book from the first page. My voice had definitely changed largely. The Chennai Killings was a plot-based novel, while Have You Seen Romit? is a character-based voice-driven novel. How important is it to you to see stories like yours represented in Indian and global literary spaces? I want to read stories that talk about flawed characters, about the things that we whisper inside our houses, about characters who are everyday heroes but rarely come into the limelight. I think these are the people we connect to, even on a global level. There is so much about India that remains untapped when it comes to books. Id definitely like to see stories like mine create an impact on the global level. These are stories that talk about courage and hope. How can literary spaces and publications better support emerging voices? There is a strong need for a writing community where writers talk about craft. I want to see more discussion around the craft of writing itself. I want to see more literary agents in India who encourage work that takes risks, work that focuses more on the voice of the writer. One way this can be done is by encouraging the need to build community among writers. Writers need to connect with other writers to talk about craft and their vision. Writers spend so much time alone at the desk. It takes a toll on them as a book takes years to complete. Having a writing community where you can lean on makes the journey more manageable.
Understanding the gut-brain axis
The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is far more than a digestive organ; it is a central regulator of immunity, metabolism, and even emotional well-being. As the bodys largest interface with the external environment, the gut constantly balances two critical roles: protecting us from harmful pathogens while remaining tolerant to harmless substances such as nutrients and commensal bacteria. This delicate balance forms the foundation of what we now call the gut-brain axis. Although the gut-brain connection has surged in popularity in recent years, the idea itself isnt new. Historically, the GI system was believed to be the source of both physical and mental imbalances. Early clinicians noticed that disturbances in digestion often coincided with changes in mood, motivation, and cognition, observations that modern research now supports. Today, the gut-brain axis is recognised as a bi-directional communication network linking the central nervous system with the gastrointestinal tract through neural, hormonal, immune, and microbial pathways. The vagus nerve, gut hormones, cytokines, and the microbiota all work together to ensure that the brain and gut constantly influence each other. One of the major discoveries in this field is the role of gut microbes in producing neuroactive substances. Certain bacteria can secrete serotonin, dopamine, and aminobutyric acid (GABA) chemicals that influence mood, stress resilience, and cognitive function. The microbiome also participates in nutrient absorption, immune modulation, cholesterol metabolism, and even produces antimicrobial compounds that help maintain gut integrity. This means that when the microbiome is balanced and diverse, both the gut and brain function better. When its disrupted, through antibiotics, low-fibre diets, stress, or illness, mental health, digestion, and immunity can all take a hit. Food is one of the most powerful tools for influencing the microbiome. Diets rich in fiber, prebiotics, and fermented foods support microbial diversity, while high-fat, high-sugar, and highly processed diets can trigger inflammation and dysbiosis. Fibre-rich foods: Fuel for good bacteria Dietary fibre found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes works as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria. When these fibers ferment, they produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate and propionate, which strengthen the gut barrier, reduce inflammation, and support brain health. Research consistently shows that people with higher microbiome diversity, often driven by high-fibre diets, have lower risks of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mood disorders. Fermented foods: Natural probiotics Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha introduce live beneficial microorganisms into the gut. Regular intake can increase microbiome diversity, improve digestion, and support immunity. Certain fermented dairy products have been shown to increase levels of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, microbes associated with improved mood and gut stability. Probiotics and psychobiotics Probiotics are well known for supporting digestion and immunity, but certain strains, called psychobiotics, also influence mental health. Strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus helveticus, Bifidobacterium longum, and Bifidobacterium infantis have been shown to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms by modulating neurotransmitters and reducing inflammation. Magnesium, particularly magnesium orotate, may enhance these effects by supporting both gut function and neurotransmission. Lifestyle habits that shape gut and mood Diet is only part of the picture. Several lifestyle factors influence the gut-brain axis: 1. Fasting can increase beneficial microbes and reduce inflammation. 2. Regular exercise boosts microbial diversity and improves gut motility. 3. Quality sleep supports a healthy microbiome, while disruptions can promote harmful bacteria. 4. Chronic stress alters gut bacteria, increases inflammation, and worsens both digestive and mental symptoms. A healthy gut supports a healthy brain. By prioritising fibre-rich foods, fermented foods, probiotic-rich options, regular movement, good sleep, and stress management, individuals can nourish their microbiome and, in turn, improve mood, focus, and overall well-being. The gut-brain axis is a powerful reminder that what we eat doesnt just feed our bodies; it feeds our minds.
A lost garden and a forgotten square in Chennai
Walking down Badrians Garden, which is seeped in history, is something of an adventure today, putting life and limbs at risk
Gangs clash on road near Georgetown court, rowdies rule on Pallavan Salai
IVI screens one million school students
IVI Chief Executive Officer Vinod Daniel said that a basic eye test and a simple pair of spectacles can change a childs day and their future
When a policeman casually took a powerful bomb inside police station in Chennai
The incident involving tiffin box bomb in Tamil Nadu in 1998 is worth recalling in light of the accidental blast of seized explosives at the Nowgam police station in Jammu and Kashmir on November 14, 2025, which led to death of nine persons.
Tamil Nadu, one of Indias most urbanised and industrialised States, has been facing rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and frequent extreme weather events.
Velachery-Tambaram Road to get new green space beneath Medavakkam flyover
Bogus faculty: AU to suspend affiliation to over 100 colleges
Reconsider mega Murugan idol at Marudhamalai: HC
EPS to resume campaign by Nov-end; firm on not re-admitting OPS, TTV
Fewer than 30 toilets for 4,000 students at govt arts college
BLOs wont come to houses again, you must submit forms at camps
Work smoother in rural areas compared to urban pockets
Girl alleges sexual assault; tries to kill self
Remove encroachments around Chidambaram GH
Virtual Tumour Boards to be set up on hub-and-spoke model for improving cancer care management
MTC engineer dies by suicide over salary non-disbursal
Auto driver ferrying students dies of cardiac arrest; kids safe
Stalin to Centre: Raise TNs paddy procurement target
Avadi residents in a fix as tracing voter details challenging
Bihar SIR as proof for TN enrolment flayed
Man stabs wife to death over suspected affair
Revenue staffs SIR work boycott has limited impact
213 SC/ST students joined foreign institutes: Govt
Tamil Nadu Elections 2026: Bihar Win Fuels BJP's Ambitions Of Hitting Double Digits
Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran believes the Bihar win fuels momentum for a double-digit tally in 2026. He downplayed exits from NDA allies, stressing the focus remains on ousting the DMK due to perceived lack of development and unfulfilled promises. The party plans to highlight central government schemes and PM Modi's connect with Tamil pride during campaigns.
Third TN Rising Conclave set to draw new investments into Coimbatore on November 25
The conclave will be the 3rdregional investment summit inT.N. afterThoothukudiandHosur, deliberately shifting the spotlight away from Chennai and reinforcing our commitment to distributed growth, says Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa
90% in Tamil Nadu Feel Global Warming Effects: New Survey Reveals High Climate Awareness
Tamil Nadu residents overwhelmingly feel global warming's impact, with high awareness levels. The state faces intensifying heat, erratic rain, and rising sea levels, prompting government action. Nationwide, India grapples with severe heatwaves, droughts, and pollution, highlighting its vulnerability despite being a major emitter. Public perception is key to effective climate solutions.
A village with a temple and real estate boom onEast Coast Road
A lot of devotees visit theNithyakalyanaperumalTemple atThiruvidanthaidaily.But they are inconvenienced by lack of amenities. Chennai residents buy up land here, attracted by clean air
Centre returns Tamil Nadus metro rail proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai
SIR work preventing completion of syllabus for half-yearly exam, say school teachers
Over 68,000 teachers, anganwadi workers, noon meal works, and electricity bill readers, among others in Tamil Nadu have been deputed as Booth Level Officers
Shashi Tharoor Hails under-publicised Talent Ravichandran Smaran After Another Double Ton
Vijay Hazare Trophy: Shashi Tharoor has heaped praise on Karnatakas rising batting star Ravichandran Smaran, calling attention to his extraordinary domestic form and lamenting how players like him often remain under-recognised. Batting first in Hubli, Karnataka were rocked early at 13 for 2 and later 64 for 3, but Smaran once again stood tall, producing a career-best unbeaten 227 off 362 balls against Chennai on Monday. Remarkable. Important to draw attention to such under-publicised talents. No doubt he will have to excel in the IPL before the selectors will notice! Tharoor posted on X, after the 22-year-old struck yet another monumental double century in the Ranji Trophy. His innings, decorated with 16 fours and two sixes, formed the backbone of Karnatakas massive first-innings total of 547 for 8 declared. He was supported by Karun Nair, who crafted a solid 95 during a 119-run stand, followed by valuable contributions from Shreyas Gopal (62) and Shikhar Shetty (59). This knock marked Smarans second double century in three games and his third overall in first-class cricket, all inside his first 13 matches. He had earlier scored an unbeaten 220 against Kerala and a 203 against Punjab in January. With this latest effort, he has surged to fourth in the seasons run-scoring charts with 595 runs at an astonishing average of 119, trailing only Sanat Sangwan, Karun Nair and Arman Jaffer. This knock marked Smarans second double century in three games and his third overall in first-class cricket, all inside his first 13 matches. He had earlier scored an unbeaten 220 against Kerala and a 203 against Punjab in January. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Picked as a replacement by Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2025 and retained for IPL 2026, Smaran is yet to make his debut, but his domestic form continues to demand attention. His last 13 innings across formats read like a prodigys logbook: 76 in a VHT semifinal, a match-winning 101* in the final, a 203, 133*, 220*, scores in the 70s, 50sand now this unbeaten 227. Article Source: IANS
29-year-old with autoimmune disease successfully treated for rare recurrent stroke
Chennai Metrowater ramps up sewer upgrades to reduce pollution in waterways
Residents demand stringent action and more projects to ensure cleaner waterways
Commuters in west and north sections want night train services to be restored
Interestingly, the report has identified establishing a tram network for a length of 15.4 km connecting T Nagar, Nungambakkam, Nandanam and Light House.
Construction worker booked for killing dogs near Selaiyur
Chennai hosts a sneak peek of the Serendipity Arts Festivals milestone edition
The Serendipity Arts Festival brings its tenth-year celebrations to Chennai with a preview that highlights its expanding vision
Four arrested in Odisha for stealing gold from jewel making unit in Chennai
As much as 258 grams of stolen gold ornaments were recovered from them.
Man murders wife near Maduranthakam
The accused man Saran suspected his wifes fidelity and the couple had petty fights
Rajinikanth pays last respects to mentor Gopali at his Chennai home
Rajinikanth pays last respects to mentor Gopali at his Chennai home
Are Schools In Chennai Closed Today Due To Rain? Here's All You Need To Know
Chennai school holiday today: The southern belt of the state recorded widespread rain on Monday, and the weather department had sounded a heavy rainfall warning.
CHENNAI: With the completion of civil works and load tests on the 5-km MRTS extension from Velachery to St Thomas Mount, Southern Railway has begun preparatory activities ahead of the safety trial to be carried out by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). These preparations are being undertaken for the inspection by the Electrical Inspector General (EIG) of Southern Railway. According to official sources, Ganesh, principal chief electrical engineer (PCEE) of the zone, is functioning as the de facto EIG and will inspect the track electrification before the CRS begins its assessment. A high-speed AC trial run will be conducted on the new line. Once the EIG grants clearance, the CRS inspection will follow. The line is expected to be opened by the end of December or the first week of January, an official said. Once operational clearance is obtained, all 43 existing services between Chennai Beach and Velachery and the return services will be extended to St Thomas Mount. All trains will originate from St Thomas Mount, ensuring direct connectivity to the Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) services on the first floor and Chennai Beach-Chengalpattu suburban services on the ground floor, the official added. During non-peak hours, a few services may still terminate at Velachery for maintenance. There will be no significant changes in the timetable, the official noted. Currently, MRTS services begin at 5 am from Chennai Beach and Velachery, with the last service on either direction starting at 10.20 pm. The stretch includes Puzhuthivakkam, Adambakkam, and St Thomas Mount stations. The first and last services may be advanced and postponed by 10-15 minutes respectively once the section is extended upto St Thomas Mount. A revised timetable will be released after operational clearance, added the official. CMRLs upcoming 47-km Corridor V, running from Madhavaram Milk Colony to Sholinganallur, passes through both St Thomas Mount and Adambakkam MRTS stations. On November 7, CSIR-SERC carried out instrumentation and load testing on the elevated corridor spans. This will be followed by a trolley inspection and oscillation trials, after which a high-speed trial run will be conducted before the track is declared fit for service. Power supply works for the newly laid track are in progress and nearing completion, an official said. The final 500m of the extension, between Adambakkam and St Thomas Mount, faced 17 years of delay due to land acquisition issues. Quick rundown 5-km extension of MRTS from Velachery to St Thomas Mount has been delayed for 17 years The section includes Puzhuthivakkam, Adambakkam and St Thomas Mount stations CMRLs upcoming 47-km Corridor V (Madhavaram Milk Colony to Sholinganallur), passes through both St Thomas Mount and Adambakkam MRTS stations Principal chief electrical engineer of SR will inspect the track electrification Inspection by the commissioner of railway safety planned for second week of December All existing 86 services are planned to be extended upto St Thomas Mount from January onwards Currently, first service starts at 5 am and last at 10.20 pm in either direction
GCC sets up voter help desks at all 947 polling stations for SIR from November 18 to 25
CHENNAI: The District Election Officer (DEO) cum Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) Commissioner J Kumaragurubaran announced that electors help desks will function at all 947 polling stations across the district from November 18 to 25 as part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the states electoral roll. As per the directions of the Election Commission of India, the SIR exercise is being currently carried out across all 16 Assembly constituencies in the city. Booth Level Officers are also visiting door-to-door households to distribute and collect filled enumeration forms from voters, an official release said. To resolve doubts related to the forms and to help voters verify details from the 2005 electoral roll, help desks will operate for eight days from 10 am to 6 pm. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may visit with an accompanying assistant. The help desks will provide guidance on filling enumeration forms, clarification on documents to be attached and immediate verification of voter details through computer access, the release said. Moreover, political parties Booth Level Agents have been permitted to submit up to 50 filled forms daily before the publication of the draft roll, along with a required declaration confirming the accuracy of the information, it added.
Four sanitary workers begin indefinite hunger strike in Chennai
CHENNAI: Four woman sanitary workers from the Royapuram and Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar zones began an indefinite hunger strike on Monday at the Uzhaippor Urimai Iyakkam (UUI) office in Ambattur, demanding that they be reinstated as direct employees of the Greater Chennai Corporation and not under the Chennai Enviro Solutions Private Limited (CESPL), which has taken up the solid waste management operations in these two zones. The workers Bharathi, Jenova, Geetha and Vasanthi have vowed to continue the protest consuming nothing but water and not move from there until their demands are met. The sanitary workers of these two zones have been protesting for the past 109 days now. Police personnel have been stationed at the protest site for security, and a medical check-up was conducted by doctors from the Avadi Government Hospital to monitor the protesters health. The UUI has also deployed its own doctors, the workers said. Speaking to the TNIE , Bharathi S (39), one of the four workers, said, We do not want to continue this protest, but we have been pushed into this situation because our demands are still not being addressed by the GCC or state government. We want the chief minister to listen to us and stand with us as he always says Ungaludan Stalin. She added, I have two daughters, one studying in a government college, while the other is in a private institution where the semester fee alone is `30,000 with the deadline already nearing. Without our jobs, it has become extremely difficult. We do not want to work under CESPL because there is no job security there, she said. Earlier, on November 14, the Madras High Court had permitted the sanitary workers to continue their protest under specific conditions.
Allcargo Terminals plans a second CFS in Chennai
It plans the new facility near the Ennore-Katupalli port in North Chennai
The making of Indias 91st Grandmaster
While Indians in the chess scene are taking strides in the ongoing FIDE chess World Cup in Goa, Raahul VS of Chennai achieved a feat that he had been trying for years a Grandmaster title in the ASEAN Championship in the Philippines with a round to spare. As a result, he became Indias 91st Grandmaster. To become a Grandmaster is no mean feat. One needs three GM norms, a FIDE rating of 2500, and to play a plethora of tournaments. However, there are select international tournaments recognised by FIDE that would award the GM title, if won. That way, Raahul was crowned the GM in this event. The 21-year-old has been playing the game of 64 squares since the age of six. I think in the past five years, I would mostly be working on an average of 5-6 hours per day in chess. Recently, I have also allocated separate time for my mental health and training, which has been very helpful in the past year. All this has borne fruit with the title, he said. Raahul began playing at a class near his home, which taught many children. What started as an enjoyable hobby soon became serious. He then developed his game in a systematic manner and hasd been training for the past three months under GM Shyam Sundar at Thulir Academy. Having played several tournaments, Raahul believes that the win to bag the coveted GM title was his best show to date. There was no particular tournament (that made me play chess seriously); I enjoyed the game, and after seeing good results in state-level events, I was motivated to keep working on the game, he said. Talking about his performance in the Philippines, he shared, I had a 2700+ rating performance when I entered the last round. I think apart from two games in the event where I missed my chances, I managed to capitalise on my chances in the rest of the games. Raahul is comfortable playing on the board and does not prefer online chess. Yet, his best performance in front of the screen came in 2021, when he clinched the National Juniors Championship. I became the champion and got selected to the Asian juniors in Sri Lanka, where I became the champion, he said. Like many budding chess players, Raahul uses the chess engine to improve the quality of his game. In the current chess world, after a certain level, its really hard if we dont use the chess engines for home preparations, he reflected. And this is where Shyam Sundar steps in. He guides Raahul on how to improve his game. In the board events, Raahul has clinched the U20 Asian junior chess championship in 2021. Rewind further down the line, in 2018, he was part of the gold medal-winning team at the Asian Youth Games, winning the U16 blitz format tournament. His goal next year is to close in on the rating to 2600 and establish himself as a strong GM. Raahul believes that chess academies play a big role in a players career, and the ones he trained under over the years have shaped him into a good player. My academy has created a good environment for me to grow, and the friends with who I train are all strong players. They inspire me to work even harder. Every time I go to the academy, I not only learn my strengths but also what I lack in comparison to the others, which helps me figure out the areas in the game I should improve. All my coaches, Sunitha, Jagadeesan from the Kasparov Chess Foundation (KCF), GM RB Ramesh, GM Vishnu Prasanna, GM Swayams Mishra, and now GM Shyam Sundar have played a role in making the player what I am today, he signed off.
On November 18, 2025, gold prices in India range from Rs 12,541 per 1 gram for 24K gold and Rs 11,496 per 1 gram for 22K gold. Silver is priced at Rs 1,66,900 per kilogram. Check city-wise rates here.
Chennai-based Bharatanatyam dancers set to reclaim Draupadi
Draupadi, also known as Panchali, is one of the most powerful and tragic figures in the Mahabharata . Her life was marked by profound injustice humiliation in the Kaurava court after being gambled away by her husbands, and the relentless trials she endured as a woman navigating a world shaped by male honour, ego, and war. Over time, Draupadis story has been retold through countless texts, poems, and performance traditions ranging from classical dance and theatre to modern feminist reinterpretations each seeking to reclaim her voice, rage, and resilience. In these retellings, she emerges not merely as a victim, but as a fierce woman who challenges patriarchy and destiny alike. Acknowledging the many tellings and retellings of Draupadis story, yet choosing to create a new production because she believes there is still something more to say, is Navia Natarajan, a Bharatanatyam artiste. This whole production comes from a personal space. I had performed a smaller piece last year which was an exploration of exemplary women in Indic wisdom and at that point, something within me stirred, she says adding that as she navigated her own struggles, she began to see reflections of her life in Draupadis story her silences and questions echoing those of the ancient heroine. It was through my journey that I understood that it is easy for a womans truth to be misunderstood and how only few stand by women when the world turns away. This, she says, made her realise that she had something to say about Draupadi. For Navia, performance has never been just about the episode unfolding on stage but about the emotion that emerges through it and how we all connect to that emotion. She believes that while our circumstances may differ, the feelings they stir are often the same with only their intensity changing. As she explains, My attempt has always been for the audience to connect to that shared emotion, to feel it and receive it, rather than look for a direct reflection of their own story. A performance, especially a solo work, is not merely a retelling of an event its an exploration of what lies beneath it. That has been my intention with this piece. As she lived with the idea for this production, it evolved and deepened, shaped by the shifting circumstances of her own life. Now, after this journey of growth and transformation since March this year, the work will finally come to fruition on Wednesday, titled Draupadi Unbound. Navia Natarajans Draupadi Unbound will be staged on November 19, at 6 pm, in RR Sabha, Mylapore, for Trinity Arts Festival.
Schools, teachers are posting videos of students online: Here is why parents should be concerned
This Deepavali, amid the Hindi-speaking meme trendsetters in Swiggy Indias advertisement, appeared a small burst of Tamil storm. With her two neatly folded braids tied in bright yellow ribbons, the three-foot-tall figure that hopped in and out of the frame was none other than Siva Dharshini. The believe yourself fame gained widespread attention when classroom reels of her, shot in a government school in Madurai, started circulating online. Her confident expressions and joyful engagement won over viewers. Siva Dharshini, however, isnt the only child who pops up on our feeds. There are countless other classroom videos of children explaining math, showing off clay art, or sharing skills they learnt at school. From up north, there are even videos of children cheerfully telling the camera what they brought for lunch or even announcing who their favourite Bollywood heroes are. And just days before Swiggy Indias ad was released, another classroom video went viral: a teacher asks her students to step forward one by one and share their holiday plans. The first child says hell visit his ooru and cut a cake for his younger brother; when the teacher asks endha ooru? he innocently names his village. One by one, each child is made to repeat the same drill on camera, revealing how and where they plan on spending their holidays. What these seemingly harmless classroom videos reveal is the growing trend of Indian schools both public and private and their teachers steadily expanding the digital footprint of young students and sometimes even exposing vital demographic details that can give strangers access to these children. While theres growing discussion about why parents should think twice before posting their children online or pushing them toward the child-influencer track, far less is said about schools doing the same. Somehow, parents dont seem to recognise that the risks are no different. Do you consent? Only one out of the six parents CE spoke to said that their childs school had asked for consent before posting pictures of their child on the schools social media accounts. It wasnt a separate consent form. It was simply a multiple-choice question, says Vyas Srinivasan, a parent. The issue starts here, Stegana Jency, director of Centre for Child Rights and Development, notes. It is good if schools are asking for parental consent, but does it count if they are not allowing the parents to make an informed choice? The answer is no. The consent form, at all costs, needs to explicitly state the risks that are associated with posting photographs and videos to their openly available and accessible accounts on the Internet, she explains, adding that schools dont even include a simple note in their captions asking others not to reuse the content without authorisation even if such a disclaimer may offer little legal protection in case of mishaps. Another parent said that their childs school had a policy of not taking classroom photographs or pictures, but that they do post photos and videos from celebrations, annual day, and sports day. They dont really ask consent, but its understandable, I guess. Four other parents, meanwhile, said that their respective wards schools took classroom photos and videos that were used for internal purposes, such as the schools newsletters. But when asked whether the school had provided any documentation assuring that these photos and videos wouldnt be repurposed or that they would take responsibility if they were parents said no such assurances were given. One of them even questioned, What could possibly go wrong? A 2024 New York Times investigation found that on Telegram, groups of men were openly sharing fantasies about sexually abusing minors featured on Instagram and praising how easily the platform made such images accessible. In these exchanges, paedophiles compared Instagram to a candy store. Childrens clear photographs in these wrong hands can be even more dangerous in the face of AI, says Rahul Roy, a Machine Learning Camera Systems Engineer. Four or five years back, AI models were not as good, and they needed a huge amount of data and per-person training to generate a convincing deepfake. That was why deepfakes worked only on celebrities, because they had a significant online presence. Now, in 2025, AI models have become so much better. These state-of-the-art models only need some features of the face to generate very convincing deepfakes, Rahul warns. Vinod Arumugam, a cyber social activist, elucidates, When schools post photos or videos of children on social media, anyone who downloads it can see the location details that can pave the way to any kind of attack. When schools also post over a period of time, a lot of data becomes available to easily track a child. The classroom videos can sometimes reveal far more than intended the school they attend, its location, their class, their names, and even details on visible ID cards such as blood group or parents phone numbers. Together, this information can make families vulnerable to targeted cyberattacks too, Vinod adds. Ridicule and crime But cybercrime isnt the only danger. Children are also exposed to ridicule. Since many schools and teachers dont make active efforts to remove or report re-uploads, these videos are often reused for mockery. Even Siva Dharshini faced derision for her looks and voice. Meme pages routinely exploit childrens clips, adding comments like Bunty, tu slow hai kya? to shame those who appear shy or introverted. Children may not grasp this harassment now, but the digital trail can follow them and hurt them when theyre older, Stegana flags. She even cites a recent extreme case in which 16 children were sexually abused at a childrens home. Once the incident surfaced, their identities were put at serious risk and the media was able to trace and expose photographs of the survivors, which is in violation of POCSO, through the homes social media account. Thankfully we had them taken down quickly, but this is a clear example of how things can go out of hand in such extreme cases, she adds. And how does the vulnerability ladder work? Firstly, children are automatically the most vulnerable. Secondly, their gender often shapes the level of risk they face in cases of sexual abuse, but it doesnt end there. Class and caste also play a major role, with children from lower-income or marginalised caste backgrounds being more frequently targeted. The same hierarchy fuels ridicule too those with the least power are often attacked the most. So is it right to argue that schools should never photograph or film children? Child-rights activists, cyber-safety experts, and AI researchers say the answer is more nuanced. Stegana says, We arent asking schools and teachers to completely refrain from the practice, but are only urging them to do so safely, by protecting the identity of children wherever necessary. There is a need to evolve a protocol and bring about a clear policy to safeguard children on this front. Vinod adds that his push is towards a more integrated framework that includes four stakeholders the state, media, respective institutions, and people. The state should bring in a policy, the media should question and keep the policy in check, and the institutions and people should be more aware of the risks and abide by the policy, he said. Where AI is concerned, there is a need for the law to protect citizens better, believes Rahul. Yes, photos are being used to train AI models, but we cant prevent that. Mathematically speaking, AI models are not copying any data but using the data to learn the weights inside it so that it can come up with a probability distribution. From a technological point of view, it is good that such a tool exists, but it is up to our government and lawmakers to protect us from misuse, he concludes. Safeguard children from AI-related attacks Do not upload high-resolution photos or videos on the internet, as AI models need high-resolution photos to work on. Do not upload a photo or video which has a clear view of the face. It is harder for the model to extract features from the face if it is clicked from a different angle. There are tools to add some noise or watermark to the face, which ruins the features of the face in vector space but is very subtle to the human eye. Since AI models work in vector space, this will make it harder for the model to work with images. Tips to protect children better Blur or mask faces Avoid showing ID cards, name tags, or uniform badges Remove personal details such as notebooks, labels, timetables, or anything with names, phone numbers, or addresses Never post children answering personal questions Do not share real-time content especially when children are on a field trip Avoid capturing children in vulnerable moments Turn off location tagging and remove geotags
Chennais Museum of Possibilities shows what inclusive living can look like
Located on the State Commissionerate for Differently Abled campus on Marina Beach Road, MoP is a demonstration centre for assistive technology for people with disabilities
Kovalam teams up with NGOs to restore ponds and boost groundwater recharge
Environmental groups oppose Centres move to exempt WTE plants from Environment Impact Assessment
In its notification, the MoEFCC said solid-waste management systems play an important role in protecting environmental and human health, advancing the circular economy, and reducing air, land and water pollution.
Dog-bite crisis: How GCC tightens leash on unregistered pets
IMD forecasts new low-pressure area around Saturday
SIR in Chennai drives voters nuts; officials mum
Abhay and Anahat in India team for squash WC
CHENNAI, Nov 17: India has announced their team ahead of the 2025 Squash World Cup, which is set to be hosted in Chennai from December 9 to 14. At the last edition, Egypt claimed the title in an exciting come-from-behind victory against Malaysia with India claiming third place. Finishing the 2023 Squash World Cup with []
Families at IOG sleep on concrete, battle mosquitoes, rain, lack of water
AIADMK cadres catch up with DMKs
Outflow from city reservoirs increased to prevent flooding in low-lying areas
Pay 3L for students accidental death in college: SHRC to TN
Work order for Metrowaters smart meters due in Dec
Stalin assures govt support for orphans
Tiruvallur police arrest key handler in synthetic drug cartel
Transpersons in state fear exclusion from voters list
Ambattur bus terminus to open soon: Min
Spotted deer shot to death, 1 held
State sees 5.25 lakh dog bite cases and 28 rabies deaths so far this year
In view of the rise in cases of dog bites from 4.8 lakh last year the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine says the issue has to be tackled with inter-departmental coordination
Triplicane residents fear exclusion from list of voters
Saidapets Jeenis Road choked by unregulated parking, hawkers
Nagapattinams Palm Wall: How a Village Planted 7 Lakh Palms to Fight Cyclones and Sea Erosion
A Nagapattinam village has created a 6km living wall of seven lakh palm seedlings to protect its coastline from cyclones, sea erosion and high tides. Launched under MGNREGS in 2020, the community-led effort draws on memories of the 2004 tsunami and cyclone Gaja. With a 90% survival rate, the palm barrier is emerging as a model for climate resilience in Tamil Nadu.
Pricol to invest over Rs 500 cr in 2 years amid new business wins
No govt official should cooperate with SIR: Seeman
Arunachalam Vellayan, former chairman of the Murugappa Group, passed away at 72. Remembered for his strategic clarity and institution-building, he led the conglomerate through a period of significant expansion and organizational strengthening. His tenure saw substantial revenue growth and a disciplined approach to acquisitions and ventures.
PIL seeks security, aid for festival crowd
