Chennai News

Explained: How a temple-dargah hill in Tamil Nadu became a bone of contention

Chennai: The centuries-old religious area of Madurai, with a temple and dargah resting in close proximity, has largely remained free of any communal tensions, with both coexisting in relative harmony Tirupparankundram in Madurais hilltop region has deep spiritual importance with the Subramaniya Swamy Temple at its base, and the Sultan Sikkandar Avulia Dargah on the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Uber passengers in Bengaluru can now book Namma Metro tickets on app

The feature has already been adopted in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, and Bengaluru is the latest metro city where Uber is integrating public transport into its ecosystem

T Nagar welcomes The Perch cafe, a place to savor coffee and connection

AI and the evolving landscape of Chennais Margazhi Season

Classical musicians must move past skepticism when it comes to AI. It cannot replace human mastery, but can be a modern instrument for practice, planning and cultural propagation.

SOCOMEC and IFCCI Launch Multi-Faceted CSR Initiatives Promoting Education, Clean & Green Energy, and Zero Plastic Waste Management

SOCOMEC Group, in collaboration with the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI), has launched Project Edu-Sustain - Education, Environment & Sustainability Initiative, a series of impactful CSR interventions focused on Education, Clean & Green Energy, and Zero Plastic Waste Management. The initiative aims to promote holistic and sustainable community development across Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi-NCR, contributing to a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive future. SOCOMEC and IFCCI Launch Multi-Faceted CSR Initiatives Promoting Education, Clean & Green Energy, and Zero Plastic Waste Management Reflecting SOCOMECs enduring commitment to social and environmental responsibility, Project Edu-Sustain integrates education, renewable energy, and environmental conservation to create long-term, scalable impact. Key Focus Areas: Clean & Green Energy: Installation of solar panel systems in 7 government schools across Chennai and Delhi-NCR, generating over 35,00050,000 kWh of renewable energy annually, reducing carbon emissions and ensuring energy-efficient learning environments. Education for Underserved Communities: Establishment and running of two educational centres supporting over 80 primary-level children from high-risk and underserved communities and ensure least drop out. These centres provide after-school academic support, mentoring, and creative learning spaces to strengthen learning outcomes and prevent school dropouts. Zero Plastic Waste Management: Adoption of two beaches Prabhadevi and Dadar in Mumbai under a comprehensive Zero Plastic Waste Management initiative, targeting the collection and recycling of over 15,000 kg of marine plastic waste annually. The collected plastic is upcycled into useful products, generating livelihood opportunities for local waste pickers. Awareness & Employee Engagement: Through employee volunteering, community outreach, and sustainability awareness programs, the initiative promotes environmental consciousness among students, corporate employees, and local residents. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Partnership for Goals) Project Edu-Sustain underscores SOCOMECs dedication to integrating sustainability with social progress. Leadership Speak Mr. Meenu Singhal, Regional Managing Director, SOCOMEC Greater India, stated, At Socomec, sustainability is a core part of our business strategy and culture. We are committed to advancing carbon footprint transparency, upholding ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, and advancing eco-design practices. Through Project Edu-Sustain, in collaboration with IFCCI, we bring this vision to life by integrating clean energy solutions, enabling education for underserved communities, and championing zero-plastic initiatives. These efforts are creating resilient ecosystems that empower people and protect the planet, ensuring that progress and responsibility can go hand in hand . Ms. Nida Khanam, Head of Human Resources, SOCOMEC Greater India, stated, Socomecs commitment to social and environmental sustainability extends both inside and outside the organization, fostering an inclusive and safe workplace, empowering communities through sustainable actions. Over the past few years, we have successfully collaborated with IFCCI on strategic CSR projects. We are taking this partnership forward through Project Edu-Sustain, operating two education centers for children of female sex workers, installing solar panels in seven government schools across Chennai and Delhi NCR to promote renewable energy, and adopting two beaches in Mumbai under the Zero Plastic Model to drive environmental awareness and community participation. Ms. Payal S. Kanwar, Director General, Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI) , added, We are proud to partner with SOCOMEC Group in driving projects that deliver measurable and lasting impact onboth people and the planet. Through initiatives such as solarizing government schools, empowering children fromunderserved communities, and reviving beaches through zero-plastic interventions, we are collectively buildingecosystems of change. These efforts represent a true convergence of innovation,inclusion, and sustainability. We are also deeply thankful to SOCOMEC Group for their continued partnership with IFCCIs CSR Departmentsince its inception in 2023. Their commitment to community development and sustainability hasbeen instrumental in driving impactful initiatives that empower underserved communities and promote a moreinclusive and environmentally responsible future .

Unveiling the body: Art, intimacy, and resistance intersect at an art exhibit in Chennai

How does a body change when it is intimate? What does it look like when it protests? Avtar Foundations latest exhibit Udal, meditates on the primacy of the body in art, assertion, and intimacy

Emirates flight crew member caught with Rs 11.5 crore gold at Chennai airport; five held

Chennai Customs apprehended an Emirates airline crew member at Chennai Airport, seizing 9.46 kg of gold paste worth 11.5 crore. Following this, four individuals, including receivers and an accomplice, were arrested near the airport. The investigation into the gold smuggling syndicate is ongoing.

Not Scripted: Mohanlal Reveals Reality Behind Bigg Boss

Malayalam star and Dadasaheb Phalke awardee Mohanlal gets emotional remembering legendary Tollywood actor, Akkineni Nageshwar Rao at the JioHotstar's South Unbound event in Chennai. ANR was very kind to me, he tells Nagarjuna

Youth arrested for robbing a woman in Chennais CMBT

Bangkoks Fah Beer brings her inventive cocktails inspired by the bustling citys streets, to Chennai

At The Park, Chennai, Fah Beer of Bangkok bar Lost in Thaislation will whip up vibrant cocktails inspired by the city and bring her behind-the-counter zero-waste philosophy rooted in respect

Chennai's Tambaram water crisis: How to quench their thirst?

Tambaram's water network struggles to meet the needs of its growing population, with a significant deficit in daily supply. Many areas rely on costly tankers due to patchy pipelines and a lack of overhead tanks. While a new desalination plant promises future relief, immediate infrastructure upgrades are crucial to ensure equitable access for all residents.

H-1B, H-4 visa appointments pushed back across India as US shifts to social media vetting

Amid the US governments new social media vetting policy for H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents, appointments across consulates in India have been postponed or rescheduled, with the US Embassy issuing an advisory on the immigration process. The US Mission in India confirmed that visa appointments scheduled for December and the coming weeks had been shifted, with immigration attorneys saying many were pushed to March to allow time for the social media vetting. The embassy warned that arriving on the previously scheduled appointment date will result in your being denied admittance to the Embassy or Consulate. Mission India confirms what we have been hearing. They have cancelled a number of appointments in the coming weeks and rescheduled them for March to allow for the social media vetting. https://t.co/gjsIDxmPOX Steven Brown (@AttyStevenBrown) December 9, 2025 According to a report in TOI , H-1B and H-4 visa appointments scheduled for mid to late December at the US consulates in Hyderabad and Chennai have been cancelled, with some rescheduled to March 2026. This follows a December 4 directive from the US State Department stating that, from December 15, it will review the online activity of all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, requiring them to keep every social-media profile set to public an expansion of a measure already applied to students and exchange visitors. To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for H-1B and their dependents (H-4), F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas are instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to 'public', it had said. Underscoring that a US visa is a privilege and not a right, the department said it uses all available information in screening and vetting to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible or pose a threat to America's national security or public safety. Every visa adjudication is a national security decision, it said. The department said the US must be vigilant to ensure applicants do not intend to harm Americans and that all visa applicants credibly establish eligibility and intent to comply with the terms of their admission. The directive is the latest in a series of steps by the Trump administration to tighten immigration rules. The administration has launched a massive crackdown to check abuse of the H-1B visa programme, used largely by US technology companies to hire foreign workers. Indian professionals, including tech workers and physicians, form one of the largest groups of H-1B visa holders. In September, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation , titled 'Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers' , imposing a one-time USD 100,000 fee on new H-1B work visas, an order that could significantly impact Indian workers seeking temporary employment in the US.

RRB Junior Engineer 2025, Apply Today Before The Deadline For 2,585 Vacancies

Vacancies for RRB JE 2025 increased to 2,585 from 2,569, with notable increments in Chennai and Jammu-Srinagar regions. Correction window for applications opens December 13 to 22.

Chennai International Book Fair from January 16, open to public

CHENNAI: School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi on Tuesday announced that the fourth edition of the Chennai International Book Fair (CIBF) will be held from January 16 to 18 at the Kalaivanar Arangam. For the first time, the event will be open to the members of the public, and they could register through online, he said. This years edition will feature the organising committee of the Frankfurt Book Fair, one of the worlds largest and oldest book fairs, as the Guest of Honour, with publishers from more than 100 countries expected to participate. The three-day event will also host special literary and business sessions including a session by the French government for Tamil publishers, a seminar on Turkeys TEDA Turkiye translation grant and workshops by the Bologna Childrens Book Fair on painting, design, translation and cartooning. Sessions on textbooks with illustrations led by the Iranian government will also be held. The minister also released the CIBF logo on the occasion, and said the fair is being organised with the motto Taking Tamil to the World and the World to Tamil, reflecting the states emphasis on promoting literature and reading. The fair, jointly organised by the Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation and the Directorate of Public Libraries, will facilitate the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to translate the works of Tamil writers into foreign languages and vice versa. CIBF is positioned as a unique B2B (business-to-business) platform that brings together international conferences, publishing trade shows and literary forums.

Two-year-old boy run over by school van in Chennai

CHENNAI: A two-year-old boy was killed after he came under the wheels of a school van at Navalur village near Tiruttani in Tiruvallur district on Tuesday. The child, G Kameswaran, had stepped out to see off his elder brother, who was boarding the van for school. Police said Kameswarans father works in a private company and his mother is a homemaker. The family has three children, including the UKG student who was being picked up from their home. As the older child boarded the van, the vehicle moved forward, running over the toddler who was standing nearby, sources said. Kameswaran sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to the Tiruttani Government Hospital, where he was declared brought dead. The van driver, identified as Stephen, has been booked under relevant sections of BNS. The Kanagamma Chatram police said the driver was assaulted by public following the accident.

JioHotstar to invest Rs 4,000 crore in the southern market

Madras HC permits PVR Inox to continue operations at Chennai airport

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Tuesday ordered the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to allow PVR Inox Limited, multiplex theatre operator, to continue its operations in the cinema halls on the multi-level car parking (MLCP) complex on the Chennai Airport premises until the centre takes a policy decision on the issue of cinema halls on airport premises. The order was passed by Justice M Dhandapani on the petitions filed by the multiplex theatre operator seeking to quash a letter issued by the AAI on June 20, 2025 for closing the cinema halls being run on the MLCP complex. Senior counsel P S Raman, assisted by Arva Merchant, appeared for PVR Inox while Additional Solicitor General (ASG) A R L Sundaresan represented the respondent authorities including the AAI. The matter pertains to the recent decision of AAI to close down the cinema halls by prematurely terminating the lease granted to Meenambakkam Realty Private Limited, an SPV launched by Olympia Techpark Limited, to develop and run the Aero Hub on the airport premises. PVR Inox had entered into a sub-licensing agreement with the SPV for 13 years.

Plastic waste, garbage choke Ekangipuram canal in Chennai

CHENNAI: Residents of Perambur have raised an alarm over the deteriorating condition of the Ekangipuram canal, particularly the stretch beneath the Murasoli Maran flyover, where mounds of plastic waste and garbage have choked the waterway and obstructed its flow. The canal served as a primary waterway for discharging rainwater from Villivakkam, ICF, Ayanavaram and Perambur. It drains into the Otteri Nullah via the Captain Cotton Canal. However, the canal has now been blocked with plastic and other waste, often dumped by nearby residents. A resident of Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, located near the canal, said on condition of anonymity, Earlier, sanitary workers would come with BOVs to collect the daily waste. After the private contractor took over the operations and new workers deployed, they stopped covering this stretch, forcing other residents to dump the garbage inside the canal. On both sides, portions of the canal walls have collapsed, and discoloured water continues to flow in. Raghukumar Choodamani, social activist and convener of the Perambur Neighbourhood Development Forum, said raw sewage is often let into the canal, further contaminating it. Lakshmi P, a 56-year-old resident, said, Despite ministers inspecting the canal, it is only cleaned once in every six months, even though the garbage, including plastic waste, remain floating round the clock. Because of this, mosquito breeding has increased, posing serious health risks to us. Corporation officials did not offer a comment when TNIE reached out.

Car driver runs over cop in bid to escape vehicle check in Chennai, held

CHENNAI: A midnight vehicle check near Madipakkam turned fatal when a speeding car knocked down a 33-year-old traffic constable on the Pallavaram-Thoraipakkam Radial Road on Monday. Police are probing whether the driver fled the checkpoint fearing a breathalyzer test. After noticing a car suddenly reversing and speeding away near the checkpoint, Meganathan, of the Traffic Enforcement Wing, pursued the vehicle on his two-wheeler without wearing a helmet, said a police source. Near Kamakshi Hospital, he managed to pull alongside the car and signalled the driver to stop. Instead, the vehicle allegedly hit his bike, throwing the cop on the road and sped away. Meganathan was working as the driver of a traffic inspector. Though it was his scheduled rest as per the duty roster, Meganathan had come to assist the traffic inspector during the vehicle check, sources said. In the early hours of Tuesday, the city police control room received a call from a man admitting that his car had hit the constable. The Pallikaranai Traffic Investigation Wing traced the call to Sairam (32) of Madipakkam, originally from Rajasthan, and seized the vehicle. He was taken into custody for inquiry. Sairam, who runs a jewellery and pawn shop, was returning home with his family after a function when the incident occurred. A case of causing death due to negligence has been registered, and drunk-driving charges will be added if medical reports confirm alcohol use, police said. DCP (Tambaram) Samay Singh Meena said investigators are verifying Sairams claim that he was not intoxicated and are reconstructing the sequence of events to determine whether the constable was hit accidentally or deliberately when the driver attempted to evade interception. Meganathans body was sent to the Government Hospital, Tambaram, for postmortem.

Bengaluru second in rooftop solar installations

BENGALURU: Bengaluru Urban was ranked second compared to other Indian metropolis in the installation of rooftop solar panels and the number of household benefiting from it, according to a report from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). But the state government officials say that Karnataka lags behind the target set by the central government for the installation of solar rooftop panels under the Pradhan Mantri-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana scheme. The ministry in its response to Bangalore South MP Tejavi Suryas question in Lok Sabha stated that there are 4,984 solar roof top installations in Bengaluru Urban and 386 in Bengaluru Rural, making it a total of 5,370 installations in BESCOM limits. The MNRE also said that 11,854 households in Bengaluru Urban and 386 households in Bengaluru Rural have benefited from the scheme. Bengaluru Urban lagged behind Mumbai covering 18,223 households under the scheme with 428 installations in Mumbai and Mumbai Suburban. As per the report there are a total of 18,99,494 installations benefiting 23,79,580 households, as on November 30, 2025 in India. Of which 13,176 installations are in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai, benefiting 41,955 households. The central government has set a target for each state to achieve in terms of number of installations and households availing the scheme. In case of Karnataka, it is 1.02 lakh consumers by March 2027. So far, around 13,000 installations have been done in Karnataka. We are trying to meet the target. Under the scheme, the Centre gives around Rs 78,000 subsidy for installation of 3 kilowatt solar rooftop panel. To boost the scheme, many state governments are giving an additional top-up subsidy like an additional Rs 10,000 per kilo watt during installation. Karnataka offers no additional top-up as money is invested in the Gruha Jyothi scheme, sources in the energy department said. Under the scheme, individual houses can install even a 1MW rooftop panel, but the maximum limit an apartment block can install is 500 kilowatt. In Bengaluru apartments which are usually installing panels utilise the power generated for common area lighting, BESCOM officials said.

107 MPs submit notice to impeach Madras HC judge

NEW DELHI/CHENNAI: As many as 107 INDIA bloc MPs, led by DMK, submitted a notice to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday, seeking impeachment of Madras High Court judge G R Swaminathan for his order of December 1 and 3 directing Subramaniya Swamy temple authorities at Thirupparankundram to allow lighting lamps on a pillar (deepathoon) near a dargah on the hill. The impeachment notice accused Justice G R Swaminathan of the Madurai bench of Madras HC of conduct that raises serious questions regarding impartiality, transparency, and the secular functioning of the judiciary. It alleged undue favouritism towards senior advocate M Sricharan Ranganathan and lawyers from a particular community, besides deciding cases on particular political ideology against the constitutional principle of secularism. Copies of the notice were also sent to President Droupadi Murmu and CJI Sanjiv Khanna. The delegation included Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Akhilesh Yadav, T R Baalu, Kanimozhi, Supriya Sule and others. On December 3, Justice Swaminathan had allowed a group of petitioners to light the lamp on the pillar near the dargah, and directed CISF protection to them. Police stopped the group from lighting the lamp, leading to a furore, prompting the Tamil Nadu government to move the Supreme Court, which admitted TNs plea.

Tamil Karkalam to take language to 1.5K north students

VARANASI: Continuing its efforts to counter the long-standing charge that the BJP promotes Hindi cultural dominance, the BJP-led union government has initiated numerous efforts to teach Tamil through multiple languages of the country, particularly through Hindi. It is evident from the theme of the Kashi Tamil Sangamams fourth edition (KTS 4.0) going on from December 2 to 17 Tamil Karkalam (Let us learn Tamil), the event is aimed at teaching Tamil to Hindi-speaking students. The roads of Varanasi are filled with flex banners showing the picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the words Tamil Karkalam along with its Hindi transliteration. Under this programme, 300 college students from Uttar Pradesh will visit Tamil Nadu in 10 batches to learn Tamil. They will attend an orientation at the Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT) Chennai, followed by Tamil language classes and cultural sessions conducted at leading institutions across the state, including IIT Madras; Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan; Shastra University, Thanjavur; Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore and Ganapathi Tulsis Jain Engineering College, Vellore. The programme ensures that young learners from North India gain direct exposure to Tamil language, heritage and contemporary cultural practices. In Varanasi, 50 Hindi-speaking teachers from Chennai trained by the Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prasar Sabha, using the textbooks prepared by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT), are teaching Tamil to Hindi-speaking students in 50 schools in Varanasi. In total, 1,500 students will learn introductory Tamil through this initiative. The classes last for a period of 15 days. In just one week, the students of PM Shri Government Queens College were able to learn how to address and greet people in Tamil. Some of them explained how they loved learning Tamil. At Namo Ghat in Varanasi, where KTS 4.0 events are going on, CICT director Dr R Chandrasekaran said that within a month or two, the institute will launch a free online course for learning Tamil through Hindi. The CICT has published a series of books for learning Tamil through Hindi, including a handbook for practising Tamil grammar, a handbook for writing Tamil letters, a glossary of Tamil equivalents for Hindi words used in day-to-day life and a book of simple conversations in Tamil.

Chennai weather today: Chennai to receive rainfall on December 10? Here's what IMD's weekly forecast says

Chennai weather update: After receiving heavy rainfall for the past few days, Chennai is likely to receive light to moderate rainfall today, the IMD has predicted. The weather agency has warned of light to moderate rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal too. The minimum and maximum temperature in Chennai is likely to hover around 24 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Gold, silver prices today, December 10: Check city-wise rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and more

On December 10, 2025, gold prices in India range from Rs 12,965 per 1 gram for 24K gold and Rs 11,884 per 1 gram for 22K gold. Silver is priced at Rs 1,90,900 per kilogram. Check city-wise rates here.

Music, mastery and magic this Margazhi at Asian College of Journalism

At the MS Subbulakshmi Arangam, a music performance doesnt need a microphone to reach every listener. The steady rhythm of the mridangam, the smooth flow of the violin, and the singers expressive voice can all travel clearly through the space, carried by balanced acoustics. The walls and ceilings are shaped to guide the music, letting every sound be heard in every corner. Soft notes, pauses, and crescendos, all remain equally warm and clear. In such an arangam , the audience doesnt just listen to Carnatic music. They are surrounded by it, feeling each moment as if its meant personally for them. And when Margazhi arrives, this auditorium feels destined for it, just as the music and the space complete each other. Driving this destiny home is Soulfest 2025, a four-and-a-half-day Margazhi festival, from December 24, featuring musicians and instrumentalists, curated by Gowri Ramnarayan, writer, journalist, and playwright. The festival starts on the first day with two solo concerts by vocalists, Vignesh Ishwar and Sikkil Gurucharan. N Vijay Siva On the second day, N Vijay Siva will be putting together a special concert. One simply has to pay tribute to Muthuswami Dikshitar in this years programme, and who better to bring his genius alive than Vijay Siva, whose guru was DK Jayaraman, DK Pattammals brother, she says. The stalwart siblings spread awareness of Dikshitars magnificence, Gowri adds. But before the special concert, Amritha Murali and Nisha Rajagopalan will be performing songs of Dikshitars disciples. This way we pay tribute to Dikshitar but also acknowledge and celebrate the songs of his disciples because he has inspired his disciples to not just remain as musicians but to compose music too. Between the two concerts, vocalist Aishwarya Vidhya Raghunath will take the stage too. Archana and Aarathi A thematic concert leads day three. Archana and Aarathi have called their concert Basha and are determined to sing in as many languages as possible. Singer Bharat Sundar will follow the duo on stage. Gowris picks this year also include two instrumental solos. One of them will be led by violinist RK Shriramkumar, the Sangita Kalanidhi designate this year, and a flautist Sruthi Sagar, both of whom will be performing in the evening and morning slots respectively, on December 27. Between the two performances, representing the Musiri school on the 125th birth anniversary of Musiri Subramania Iyer, is Brinda Manickavasakan. The festival will conclude with a performance by TM Krishna on the final day. TM Krishna What truly binds the performers for Soulfest 2025 is not just the love for music. It is the auditorium, Gowri says, concluding that almost every artiste agreed to perform because they love returning to the acoustic haven located inside the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. Tickets are available at theticket9.com https://www.theticket9.com/e/ms-subbulakshmi-voice-rang

Surf's up for Indian paddler as he gears to officiate international events

There is something about the ocean salt. It clings to the skin long after you leave the water. It settles into the lines of your palm, onto your clothes, and gets etched into your memory. And for those who grow up by the sea, the salt shapes their spirit and spine. For A Sathish Kumar, a fisherman who spends most of his waking hours by the Marina beach, salt has been his anchor and compass. It pulled him into the ocean with a board nearly 20 years ago. It invited him to national championships. It carried him across continents as Indias first representative at the World Championships and the World Cup. And in November 2025, it carried him all the way to Hong Kong. Here, he completed the Standup Paddling (SUP) International Technical Official examination at the 2025 ACC SUP Asian Championships. After acing it, he is now recognised as an International Technical Official in Standup Paddling by the International Canoe Federation (ICF). Even two weeks after the win, his smile exudes a mix of pride and gratitude. I can now officiate at the World Championship, World Cup, all international events, including the Olympics, he says. To reach this milestone, a story lies behind the scenes; one of grit, improvisation, and gathering knowledge. Like the waves hungry for the shore, he was aching to learn and achieve. Sathish learned the sports rules on racing grounds around the world. Wherever I went, I learnt the rules and regulations, he shares. His years of practice, dedication, and winning medals brought him here. The Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association recommended Sathish for the role. Parallely, he was also under the radar of ICF for his achievements. The test With the skills and knowledge he acquired, Sathish appeared for two theoretical papers on reaching Hong Kong. It covered the various nations national and international laws and regulations. He scored 100 and 92 in the theory papers, which required 80 marks for clearance. This was followed by practical sessions for two days, and on the final day, he appeared for what he calls a viva of sorts. Just like how in the IAS exam, you are asked a single question in three different ways and each of your answers is required to be distinct...this viva was like that, he says. While language was not a hurdle, the accent was difficult to follow. Sathish quips, The Chinese, Hungarian, or Hong Kong officials cut half the words. They speak English mixed with their native languages. Similar to navigating swells in the ocean, Sathish got through the exam. He says, India is slowly growing and winning medals on the world stage. Im very happy and proud that I can represent my country on such a big platform. This is one of the biggest wins for him, because, Indians are usually neglected and are not given respect. We have to fight for our roles. So, we have to be fully prepared, otherwise a lot of stories are made up to reject us or not include us. He now eyes the Olympics. But before the dream of officiating could be fulfilled, the sport had to be included in the list of events held. Sathish hopes for SUP to be included in the 2028 Olympics, as it narrowly missed inclusion in 2024, losing the only available slot to surfing. Waves of wins and wishes Standup Paddling is the worlds fastest-growing water sport in terms of accessibility, low barriers, open to all ages, and thrilling without being intimidating. You dont need to know how to swim. You dont need extreme fitness. You just need balance and have the willingness to try, Sathish says. Nationally, though, the sport has been an afterthought. The government didnt know about this sport, he points out. It was only in 2023, after Sathish met the Sports Secretary of India and explained the game, that sufficient knowledge of the game was spread. He rues, In India, only the popular sports will be pushed. Meanwhile, the state government has been encouraging the sport, but only when the participants win any medals. Tamil Nadu swept nearly 49 medals at a national competition held in 2023, securing the overall championship and cash awards that helped athletes buy their own equipment, which is the sports biggest hurdle. Most Indian paddlers majorly from the fishing communities train on second-hand boards that Sathish brings back from competitions abroad. Through his club, SUP Marina, he trains 35 youngsters on donated and refurbished boards. I started this to grow the sport. Otherwise, our children will be left behind. Excelling in the sport will help them secure higher education and jobs after, says the coach of the Indian SUP team. The sea once took Sathish to the shores of many countries. He hopes the waves now take his students, too. The sea teaches you to balance first and respond later, but never to break or resist. SUP is like this. You are in the ocean, and suddenly the wind changes, and so does the course. But the sport makes you courageous enough to face all the situations and come back to the shore as a strong person, notes Sathish, who is trying for standup paddling to be included in Khelo India, university sports, school sports, and national games. Some waters wash off. Some waters stay. And for Sathish, they didnt let him stay put; it carried him to the world and continues to do so.

Persimmon: The nutrient-dense fruit behind the latest health hype

Persimmon, a fleshy and fibrous fruit belonging to the Ebenaceae family, has recently attracted global attention for its impressive nutritional profile and wide range of therapeutic benefits. Although traditionally consumed in countries like China, Korea, Japan, Brazil, Turkey, and Italy, persimmon cultivation is also widespread in India, especially in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Tamil Nadu, where it is locally known as Japani phal . For many years, persimmon remained underrated in several parts of the world, particularly in European regions where awareness was limited. But with rising consumer interest in functional foods and natural antioxidants, persimmon is now experiencing a surge in popularity. Asian cultures have long valued this fruit for its medicinal properties, and modern research is beginning to validate these traditional beliefs. A rich repository of nutrients and bioactive compounds The commercial variety, Diospyros kaki, is a seasonal fruit available from October to December. Despite its short availability window, it packs an impressive concentration of nutrients. Persimmon contains carbohydrates, dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, phenolic compounds (such as ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, and gallic acid), and carotenoids, including beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein. Its peel is particularly nutrient-dense, offering higher concentrations of minerals like manganese, iron, zinc, potassium, copper, calcium, and magnesium compared to the pulp. Persimmon is also rich in ascorbic acid (vitamin C), polyphenols, and tannins key contributors to its antioxidant capacity. These compounds have been linked to benefits in cardiovascular health, cholesterol management, and diabetes prevention. Carbohydrate levels vary among cultivars such as Japanese, Fuyu, Chocolate, and Japones, typically ranging between 17-19 g per 100 g of fruit. In processed forms, like peeled pulp, carbohydrate concentration can increase significantly, with glucose and fructose making up around 90% of total sugars. Protein content, though modest, also varies widely across cultivars, reported between 0.64-6 g per 100 g. Organic acids like malic acid, succinic acid, and citric acid influence the fruits flavour profile. The balance of these acids contributes to the characteristic sweetness of ripe persimmons and the astringency found in certain varieties. Why persimmon is gaining hype? As consumers gravitate toward natural, antioxidant-rich foods, persimmon stands out for its potent phytochemistry. Its bioactive compounds have opened new research avenues in diet-based strategies for managing lifestyle diseases. Although fresh persimmon is seasonal, its potential extends far beyond direct consumption. In India and worldwide, persimmon pulp, ready-to-serve beverages, ice creams, and even persimmon wine are emerging as innovative products that help retain nutrients while extending shelf life. However, despite its versatility and strong health credentials, persimmon remains underutilised, a gap that the current wave of interest may soon close. Health benefits Cardiovascular protection: Persimmons fibre, antioxidants, and tannins support heart health by reducing LDL cholesterol, improving lipid profiles, and preventing arterial stiffness. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects: Its polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids combat oxidative stress and inflammation, reducing the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease and neurodegeneration. Digestive wellness: High fibre content aids digestion, enhances bowel regularity, and contributes to better blood sugar and cholesterol regulation. Eye and skin health: Beta-carotene, lutein, and vitamin A promote eye health, while antioxidants help protect skin from aging and environmental stress. Improved metabolic health: Persimmon compounds show potential in moderating blood sugar responses and reducing risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Potential cancer and neuroprotective effects: Its rich antioxidant matrix may offer protection against certain cancers and cognitive decline, though more human research is needed. Persimmons rich nutrients and antioxidants make it a powerful, underused fruit with growing popularity for supporting health, wellness, and disease prevention.

Gemini Ganesan-starrer Avvaiyar brings alive temple at Thirumullaivoyal

I could not help reflecting on how much of a valuable record cinema is when it comes to capturing heritage for posterity. And at the same time, it also highlights what we have lost

T.N. School Education Minister unveils logo for CIBF 2026

The fourth edition of CIBF will be held from January 16 to January 18, 2026 at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai

Young hearts at risk: Post-Covid inflammation behind rise in cases

T.N.s diabetes registry enrols over 5,000 children, specialised care centres being expanded

Guvs move to send Siddha Univ bill to President is disappointing

Mans legs crushed as bus rams bike

TN received only 17% of funds sought over 10 years

My father is a child, those with him are venomous: Anbumani

Civil Aviation Ministry inspects 10 major airports after Indigo flight disruptions

NEW DELHI: Following widespread disruptions in Indigos flight operations, senior officers from the Civil Aviation Ministry began inspections at ten major airports across the country on Wednesday. The inspections, ordered by Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, are expected to continue till Friday. The airports under review include Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Guwahati, Goa, and Thiruvananthapuram. Officers at the level of Deputy Secretary, Director, or Joint Secretary have been tasked with conducting a comprehensive assessment of on-ground operations. The inspections will cover flight delays and cancellations, airport congestion, queue management at check-in counters, security and boarding gates, status of information dissemination to passengers on delays and alternative arrangements. Officers will also review manpower availability for operational duties, staffing of airline help desks, and the provision of essential amenities such as drinking water. The Ministrys move comes as part of ongoing efforts to stabilise flight operations and ensure passenger convenience amid the recent operational crisis at Indigo.

I-T sleuths search jewellery and energy firms in city

Aircel-Maxis case: Karti challenges EDs attachment of assets

DICV plans a new design studio; aims higher than industry growth in 2025

Airport multiplex to continue ops until Centre takes a call

Chennai intl book fair to be open to public for first time

Poisoning, poaching, electrocution ruled out in jumbo deaths

Woman, gang stage road accident to rob man of money, gold

Robbery suspect escapes police custody and is arrested after manhunt

Flight disruptions continue for 9th day

2-yr-old crushed to death by school van

Online and print: JioHotstar to invest Rs 4000 cr in the southern market

Disappointing that the Governor did not approve Siddha University Bill: Ma. Subramanian

R.N. Ravi had instead forwarded it to the President after keeping it pending since October 15, the Health Minister says

Annamalai meets OPS, TTV triggering political buzz

Charuhasan: 95 Years of Learning, Acting, and Legal Acumen

At 95, Charuhasan, a lawyer and actor, views himself as a perpetual learner, drawing inspiration from figures like Periyar and Gandhi. Despite a late entry into cinema in his mid-50s, he found his calling, influenced by directors like Mahendran and Alfred Hitchcock, and continues to embrace new experiences.

Irular Women's Folk Band: Preserving Culture and Raising Awareness Through Song

Irular women, initially learning literacy and social issues, formed the Dhol Kattai Irular Kalai Kuzhu folk band in Chengalpet. Singing traditional songs and weaving in vital information about government schemes and rights, they now prepare for their first Chennai performance, highlighting the growing recognition of tribal folk music alongside classical forms.

Residents struggle set to transform dumpsite into modern sports facility in Otteri

After Chief Minister M.K. Stalin laid thefoundation stone this week, residents have requested the GCC officials to expedite the project and ensure that all youth from the locality have access to the facility for free training

Vani Kala Sudhakara awards conferred on five eminent artistes

The 46th Isai, Iyal, Nataka Vizha and the 36th Bharatham festival was inaugurated by Swami Satyajnanandaji Maharaj, Adhyaksha, Ramakrishna Mutt, on Tuesday

Foreign Medical Graduates demand allocation of 20 % of total CMRI seats in medical colleges

The associations said that the Tamil Nadu Medical Councils delay in implementing the National Medical Commissions 2022 permission for FMG training in district hospitals is condemnable and should be rectified

Mind-boggling diversity is Indias first obvious speciality: RSS chief MohanBhagwat

Despite all diversities, we have been living as one Rashtra for eons. The very identity of our Rashtra encompasses all diversities, he says at an event in Chennai to mark the RSS centenary celebrations

Vijay is set to become Tamil Nadu chief minister; party can form govt in Puducherry too: Bussy Anand

TVK general secretary (election campaign management) Aadhav Arjuna challenged Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin to face the TVK in the election if he has courage. He asked Stalin not to try to block the partys campaigns by imposing several hurdles.

Take policy decision on allowing cinema halls in airports, Madras High Court tells Ministry of Civil Aviation

Justice M. Dhandapani permits PVR INOX to continue operating the five-screen multiplex at Chennai airport until the Centre takes a call on the matter

Cancer Institute gets VR, AI platform for pain rehabilitation

The equipment uses headsets, and sometimes game controllers, to immerse patients in calming or educational environments, reducing pain, anxiety, and nausea during chemotherapy and improving understanding of treatments such as radiation therapy

Isha Foundation Launches Free Cremation Service In Tamil Nadu For Poor Families

Isha Foundation launches free cremation service for BPL families in Tamil Nadu, managing 17 crematoriums including in Chennai, Vellore, Thanjavur, and Coimbatore district.

Amid IndiGo crisis, govt takes BIG action, asks airline to...

The stringent government order comes as the budget airline faces its worst operational crisis in its near 20-year history. On Tuesday, IndiGo cancelled more than 400 flights, with airports serving Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai being the worst hit. Here are more details.

History-sheeter who escaped from custody arrested in Madipakkam

He had been detained on Monday in connection with a robbery case

JioHotstar to invest Rs 4,000 cr for South Indian content push

Chennai: Streaming service JioHotstar on Friday announced that it will be investing Rs 4,000 crore over the next five years to strengthen South Indias creative economy. The announcement was made during a star-studded event here attended by leading figures from the regions film and television industries. Sushant Sreeram, Head SVOD Business & Chief Marketing Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Four including couple held for selling fake gold coins in Virudhunagar district; special team goes to Chennai and secures the suspects

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers claims airline's operations are now stable

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers stated in a video message that the airlines operations are now stable following a wave of disruptions. The airline has faced over 400 cancellations nationwide, affecting major airports including Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai, though airport authorities confirmed that passengers are being assisted and there are no terminal or airside issues.

Where to get handcrafted 2026 calendars by Indie creators

Our top picks include calendars inspired by Chennais iconic food spots, an evergreen one that grows with you, and one dedicated to furry felines

In T.N., dengue caseload is high, but doctors see fewer complications, deaths

Kutty Kutchery Festival 2025: What to expect at this unique Chennai Margazhi experience

All about this 10-day celebration of Carnatic music, dance and folk arts in Chennai

Traffic constable killed by speeding car in Pallikaranai; driver arrested

The constable was on night patrol duty on the Pallavaram Thoraipakkam Radial Road when he spotted a speeding car; he chased the car on his motorcycle, but the driver allegedly knocked him down and sped off.

Padayappa returns after 25 years: Why Rajinikanth kept this Tamil blockbuster elusive

On Rajinikanths birthday (December 12), fans will be able to re-watch the popular Padayappa that was written and produced by the actor himself

Embassy Developments Sells 450+ Units Worth Rs 860 Crore at Launch of Embassy Greenshore

Embassy Developments Ltd. (NSE: EMBDL / BSE: 532832) announced the exceptional response to Embassy Greenshore, its newly launched premium residential project within Embassy Springs, North Bengalurus biggest and best-planned city. Embassy Greenshore Spanning ~14 acres and encompassing 1.55 million sq. ft. of saleable area, the development comprises 878 spacious 2, 3, and 4 BHK apartments spread across two phases. Crafted for upper-mid-segment buyers seeking an elevated living experience, Embassy Greenshore introduces a distinct product typology with larger-than-usual configurations rarely available at its price point in the North Bengaluru micromarket. The launch of Phase 1 comprised of 700 units spread over 1.34 million sq. ft. of saleable area. The project witnessed a strong market response, achieving bookings worth ~Rs. 860 crore within five days of the launch. A key differentiator is the projects meticulous master planning ensuring a high degree of privacy with no homes looking into one another and offering residents access to their own ~3-acre central park with dedicated leisure zones and access to multiple amenities spread across the podium. These features, combined with premium finishing standards, position Embassy Greenshore as North Bengalurus most compelling affordable luxury development offering an aspirational lifestyle within reach. Located in proximity to Kempegowda International Airport and key employment hubs, the project benefits from Embassy Springs integrated ecosystem of green landscapes, social infrastructure such as Embassy Academy a CBSE-affiliated school, and connectivity, reinforcing its appeal as a preferred residential destination. Speaking on the milestone, Reeza Sebastian Karimpanal, Chief Revenue Officer Residential, Embassy Developments Ltd. , said, The overwhelming response to Embassy Greenshore reflects a growing desire among homebuyers for homes that offer more more space, more privacy, more refinement. We have intentionally designed larger formats with expansive living spaces, tucked-away walk-in wardrobes, and marble finishes to deliver a sense of everyday luxury rarely seen at this price point. With a thoughtfully crafted masterplan that ensures no homes overlook each other, Embassy Greenshore offers a level of comfort and exclusivity that is genuinely new for this micromarket. Phase 2 of the project, consisting of a premium tower, will be launched by January 2026. This achievement follows the recent sell-out of Embassy Paradiso within the same township and is another step in EDLs focused growth journey, reinforcing its leadership in North Bengalurus residential market and signalling a strong start to its next phase of launches. About Embassy Developments Limited Embassy Developments Limited (formerly known as Equinox India Developments Limited and earlier as Indiabulls Real Estate Limited) (the Company) is one of Indias leading real estate developers, specializing in the construction and development of residential, commercial, and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) projects across Indian cities. With a strategic focus on Bengaluru, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), and the National Capital Region (NCR), the company also has a presence in Chennai, Jodhpur, Vadodara, Vizag, and Indore. EDL boasts a diversified residential portfolio, offering a well-balanced mix of high-value and high-volume developments across mid-income, premium, and luxury segments. Its portfolio of ready, ongoing, and future residential developments includes branded residences, uber-luxury apartments and villas, exclusive town homes, condominiums, integrated townships, senior living communities, and contemporary homes. Committed to building a resilient ecosystem, the Company actively fosters social, economic, and environmental progress in the communities it serves. The Company is listed on BSE Limited (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) and holds a long-term debt rating of IVR A- Stable from Infomerics. Disclaimer This press release is for informational purpose only and does not constitute a prospectus, offering memorandum or an offer, or a solicitation of any offer, to purchase or sell any securities of Embassy Developments Limited ( Company ) or its existing or future subsidiaries (collectively, the Group) in any jurisdiction. Any offer or solicitation will be made only by means of definitive offering documents and in accordance with the terms of applicable securities and other laws. This press release should not be considered as a recommendation or advice to any person or investor to invest or subscribe for or purchase any securities of the Group or its existing or future subsidiaries (collectively, the Group ) and should not be used as a basis for any investment decision. Recipients of this press release should conduct their own independent investigation and diligence, and/or consult their legal, tax, financial or other professional advisors as they deem fit. This press release contains certain forwardlooking statements based on current expectations, projections and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performances or events to differ materially from the results contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statement. These risks and uncertainties include the effect of economic and political conditions in India and outside India, volatility in interest rates and in securities markets, new regulations and government policies, the general state of the Indian economy, any delay in merger and the managements ability to implement the companys strategy that might impact the Group 's general business plans, its future financial condition and growth prospects. The information contained in this press release is only current as on the date hereof and is not indicative of future results. The Group is under no obligation to update these forwardlooking statements or to inform the recipientof any changes or developments arising after the date of this press release. Moreover, both express or implied press release or warranty is made as to, and no reliance should be placed on, the accuracy, fairness or completeness of the information presented or contained in this press release. Neither the Group nor any of its directors, officer, employees, advisers or representatives accept any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from any information presented or contained in this press release. Furthermore, no person is authorized to give any information or make any press release which is not contained in, or is inconsistent with, this press release. Any such extraneous or inconsistent information or press release, if given or made, should not be relied upon as having been authorized by or on behalf of the Group.

IndiGo cancels nearly 500 flights today; govt to cut routes

IndiGo cancelled nearly 500 flights on Tuesday, extending disruptions at the airline for the eighth straight day, sources said. Bengaluru and Delhi saw even larger disruptions. 121 cancellations were reported from Bengaluru, including 58 arrivals and 63 departures. 152 flights were cancelled from Delhi. At Hyderabad Airport, 58 flights were cancelled, 14 arrivals and 44 departures. At least 81 flights were cancelled from Chennai, 31 from Mumbai, 26 from Lucknow and 16 from Ahmedabad. The ongoing crisis may also cost IndiGo several routes in the current winter schedule. Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu said the government will definitely cut the airlines slot allocation as a penalty. We will issue an order to reduce some routes from IndiGos winter schedule. These will be reassigned to other carriers and returned to IndiGo only when it demonstrates the capability to operate them, Naidu told DD news. IndiGo operates more than 2,200 daily flights across 90 domestic and over 40 international destinations. On Monday alone, it cancelled more than 560 flights across six major metro airports as operational issues continued to escalate. Government will take strict action: Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Indigo crisis

Indigos flight cancellations at Chennai airport ease up

Chennai Airport in the morning said that 18 departures and 23 arrivals of Indigo flights have been cancelled for the day; compared to 38 departures and 33 arrival cancellations on Monday

When musicians and dancers walk the ramp for Margazhi

The December winds carry with them the scent of mild flowers, comfort, and festivities. With it comes distinct sounds of musical instruments, songs, and jingles in the Tamil month of Margazhi . At Radisson Blu Hotel & Suites GRT Chennai, it unfolds as a story; one stitched with Kancheepuram borders, GRT jewels, filter coffee scent trails, kolam -patterned carpets, and the hum of music at the Marvellous Margazhi: Celebration Culture on the Ramp. To be held in the Royal Ballroom and The Royal Mile of the hotel today, the evening is curated by the hotel and Lakshmi and Saraswathi of Event Art. For CEO Vikram Cotah, this third edition is a continuation of the old Madras nostalgia that shapes every corner of the property. For Radisson Blu GRT Chennai, the core story is a celebration of the old Madras. Everywhere you go in the premises, its a celebration of the old Madras. Hence, Marvellous Margazhi doesnt feel like an add-on. It fits very aptly into this entire story, he adds. For Lakshmi-Saraswati, this is an exercise of reframing, not altering, how musicians are seen. Marvellous Margazhi gave a unique opportunity to present artistes in a new light and their aesthetics and sensibilities. It is like a breakaway time for them and the backstage is like a class reunion. The show has only climbed in stature with iconic singers wanting to be part of this. This time Shankar Mahadevan is also going to be part of it, says Vikram. The line-up spans generations. From the oldest living performer who still travels and performs across the country to the youngest sensations are brought together, note Lakshmi-Saraswati. This year, musicians and vocalists including Aruna Sairam, Sudha Raghunathan, Hariharan, Stephen Devassy, Nithyasree Mahadevan, Vandhana Srinivasan, dancers including Padma Subrahmanyam, Laasya Narasimhachari with her sister and mother, Laavanya and Vasanthalakshmi Narasimhachari, and spiritual and cultural presenter Dushyant Sridhar will walk the ramp. The events idea is not to stage a fashion show, but to reveal the artistes as they truly are. The costumes are handpicked in association with Snehalayaa, keeping each ones aesthetics and sensibilities alive. The idea is not for fashion to overshadow the art. They are presented as who they are; in fact, the best of who they are, they say. The duo is candid about the necessity of reinvention. Art needs to be constantly reinvented. There is a thin line between keeping in touch with the roots but also reinventing for the fresher and newer audience whose attention span is getting shorter by the day, they say. Hence, they are bringing a ramp walk blending the modern and traditions. After planning for three months, the organisers have put together an intimate and immersive experience for which the space plays a significant role. With artificial skylight at the ballroom, it feels like the walk is happening outdoors. It is like the early mornings during Margazhi , says Vikram. The event includes stalls with kolam , filter coffee and this years addition, Sabha cuisine. The hotel has recreated not just that sabha canteen classics but also brought in Moplah cuisine, Guntur recipes, and Udupi staples. Marvellous Margazhi: Celebrating Culture on the Ramp will be held today at Radisson Blu Hotel & Suites GRT Chennai.

State can inquire into mishandling of funds in private temples, rules Madras HC

CHENNAI: A division bench of the Madras High Court has held that the state can intervene if there is maladministration or misappropriation of funds in temples managed by private persons because such temples become public institutions if donations from the public are received. A bench of justices S M Subramaniam and P Dhanabal gave the ruling recently while disposing of an appeal filed against a single judges order dated November 30, 2022, on proper management of the Vembiamman Temple at Gingee in Villupuram district. However, the state cannot intervene in the religious affairs of rituals and customs of such temples, the division bench said. The dispute in managing the affairs of the temple arose between managing trustee R Thennarasu and another person, R Thirumurugan. When Thennarasu found no action was taken against Thirumurugan based on a representation he submitted to the district, he filed a writ petition in the high court in 2022. The court ordered the latter not to interfere with the affairs of the temple, besides directing the HR&CE department to look into the issue of rights over the temple. Challenging this order, Thirumurugan filed the appeal questioning the single judges orders and the powers of HR&CE department. The division bench explained that Section 6(20) of HR&CE Act defines temple as a place, by whatever designation known, of public religious worship and dedicated to, or for the benefit of, or used as of right by, the Hindu community or of any section thereof. The facts of the present case are that the temple is admittedly constructed in a grama-natham land and the land belongs to villagers. In other words, it is a common public land. It is further not in dispute that whole villagers are worshipping deities in temples and contributing for conduct of poojas, festivals, functions, etc, it noted. When public contributions/donations have been accepted, the temple assumes the character of a public institution. If public contributions are involved, the state can intervene in case of maladministration or misappropriation of funds, following the procedure as outlined in the Act and Rules, and take necessary actions. Right to administer the temple would not include maladministration, the bench said in the order. However, it added the department has no power to interfere with the religious practices or performance of poojas in the temple, which is to be done as per the custom and practice prevailing among the villagers and adopted in the temple.

Greater Chennai Corporation turns to nature for restoration of lakes, ponds

CHENNAI: As part of its ongoing efforts to restore ponds and lakes across the city, the Greater Chennai Corporation has now turned to the Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) approach in at least two places the Kadapakkam lake and the Sadayakuppam lake. While the work is almost complete in Kadapakkam, the same approach will now be used in Sadayankuppam. The NbS, prioritises eco-restoration by relying on natural methods and avoiding concrete structures while enhancing the well-being of the local community. It also ensures the local communitys rights are not disturbed, a senior corporation official said. Sadayankuppam in Manali New Town often gets flooded, especially when the Poondi and Puzhal reservoirs are opened during the monsoons. A detailed project report is now being prepared for restorating the lake through NbS approach at an estimated cost of Rs 33 crore. The lakes inlet is located in the northern part, and its surplus water flows out on the eastern side, about 400m away, into the Kosasthalaiyar river. Speaking to TNIE, a corporation official said the project involves the construction of sedimentation pond at lake inlet, to protect the water quality and depth of the water body. This helps the sediment-laden soil settle in the inlet before the runoff is discharged. The project also includes improvement of water channel, desilting and dredging of lake, construction of protective bund, creation of bird island using green materials, afforestation, walking track, introduction of indigenous freshwater fishes and aquatic plants, provision of recreational facilities and landscaping, enhancement of the flood-storage capacity and thus the preservation and restoration of the lakes catchment as green flood-mitigation infrastructure. The project mirrors GCCs approach in Kadapakkam in Manali, which began in August 2024 and is expected to be over by February 2026. The project has been carried out at a cost of Rs 58.33 crore, funded by Asian Development Bank and Global Environment Facility. An official involved in the project said while ADB is also funding grey infrastructure for construction of stormwater drains under integrated urban flood management for Chennai, this green infrastructure helps to cut costs and supports to maintain natural ecosystem. Earlier, the lake remained neglected, filled with invasive species, reducing its water-holding capacity with just 1.19 million cubic metres. However, following the restoration, the lake which has a spread of 134.89 acres and a catchment area of 13.4 sq.km, now has an increased water-holding capacity of 1.90 mcm, an increase of around 70%. With eight waterbodies connected to the lake, the restoration helps retain a larger volume of water, reducing the risk of flooding in nearby areas. While usually lakes have steep slopes requiring stone pitching for bund strengthening, here, about 7.2 lakh cubic metres of silt removed during restoration has been used to strengthen the bunds. Landscaping work is also underway, using a combination of increased public green space, and paver blocks (2 km) to create a walking track. Bio-fencing has been done using tree branches. Two biodiversity islands are planned. The lake will act as both flood-mitigation and drought-mitigation system for the region, which is surrounded by extensive banana cultivation. During summer, farmers can use the stored water for irrigation, and enhanced storage will improve groundwater recharge, supporting agricultural activities and providing recreational space for local community, the official said. It further includes installation of sluice gates, creating seating areas, childrens play zone, outdoor turf, dedicated spaces for butterfly and dragonfly diversity, a pollinator garden, and learning spaces. The toilets are also built using recycled bricks made of fly ash. Kadapakkam lake Project cost: Rs 58.33 crore Started in August 2024 Expected completion by February 2026 Spread across: 134.89 acres Catchment area: 13.4 sqkm Current Storage Capacity: 1.2 million m Post-restoration Capacity: 1.9 million m Scope of work Removal of water hyacinth and terrestrial weed species Desilting & dredging of 7.2 lakh m of silt Strengthening and formation of bunds 3450 m Rehabilitation of inlets, outlets, sluice gates & surplus weirs Creation of bird island for an area of 5 acres & biodiversity habitats Formation of shallow ponds at inlet for reducing silt and improving water quality Dedicated space for Butterfly and dragonfly diversity 24 varieties of native tree species, including badam, poovarasu, vembu, and naval, are planted across an area of approximately 1 lakh sq.ft

Queues thin at Chennai International Airport; IndiGo cancels 71 flights

CHENNAI: After nearly a week of chaos, the thinning of queues outside IndiGo counters at Chennai International Airport, that began on Sunday, continued on Monday as well, and flight operations showed further signs of normalisation. Cancellations, however, still remained high. The airline cancelled 71 flights throughout the day - 38 departures and 33 arrivals. On Sunday, the airline had cancelled a total of 91 flights at Chennai airport, including 49 arrivals and 42 departures. Many passengers were seen enquiring whether their scheduled flights on Tuesday would operate or if they needed to seek refunds. For some, there was relief after IndiGo officials confirmed a few of the previously cancelled services would operate as scheduled. Abul Basan, an employee at Pullman Hotel in Chennai, told TNIE that he had visited the airport to check the status of his flight from Chennai to Kolkata, with a connecting service to Agartala. The IndiGo official at the counter told me the flight will operate as per schedule, he said. Inbound services linking Chennai with Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Hyderabad were impacted. Delhi emerged as the worst-hit route, accounting for nearly half of the cancelled departures, followed by Kolkata, Bengaluru and Mumbai. Anchal, who had gone to Ahmedabad to attend a wedding, said she was relieved to get back to Chennai. I was struggling to get back and was finally able to fly back home on Monday, she added. Meanwhile, Indian Railways set up a help desk at Chennai International Airport to assist stranded passengers in booking train tickets. Railway officials said 15 passengers availed themselves of the service on Monday. Ashant Kumar and Abdurrahim, commercial and ticket clerks with Southern Railway, said the special counters had been functioning since Sunday. Twelve passengers were guided to book train tickets to destinations such as Bengaluru, Ranchi and Tatanagar. The railways has made provisions for special ticketing in select routes, including 3 AC, 2 AC and 1 AC coaches. On other routes, additional coaches have been earmarked for stranded passengers, they added. Railways helpdesk Indian Railways has set up a helpdesk at Chennai International Airport to assist stranded passengers in booking train tickets. Railway officials said 15 passengers availed themselves of the service on Monday

Nearly 300 sanitary workers protest outsourcing waste management in Chennai

CHENNAI: Nearly 300 sanitary workers affiliated with the Greater Chennai Corporation Red Flag Union staged a protest at the Ripon Building on Monday, opposing the outsourcing of solid waste management operations. They also demanded the GCC regularise the jobs of conservancy workers, workers involved in fogging, and those in Amma Unavagams. Meanwhile, the sanitary staff in Ambattur zone led by the Left Trade Union Centre, who staged protest against the corporations insistence to adhere to its rule on wearing uniforms entered its third day on Monday. Owing to the protest, the GCC deployed temporary workers from other zones for solid waste management in Ambattur. Speaking to TNIE, a worker said she was blocked and attacked by the protesters when she signed the attendance register. She filed a complaint at the Korattur police station and Ambattur zonal officer of GCC. However, after the incident, the corporation officials marked her absent for the day, she alleged.

After years of flood risk, Varadharajapuram residents hope for safer monsoons with new projects

The panchayat was one of the prominent residential neighbourhoods developed in the 1970s, with more than 70 different layouts; it now has many vacant plots, as the flood risk has prevented owners from building homes

'Tis the season for some merry decors

Christmas is almost here, and the shift in the air is undeniable. All spaces are well-lit and decorated, and a holiday mood is settling in, with ovens filled with cookies being all-in-one experiences around this time of year. Lets dive in together and make our spaces merry and ready too! The tree: Less is almost always more This is an apparent one, yet many get this wrong. The two key points here are to intentionally add ornaments so the tree is not cluttered and actually visible, and to make it personal. From personalised ornaments to pictures, its your canvas, celebrating your family and loved ones. Add a tree skirt as the final touch to complete the look, and dont skimp on the lights. Tablescape Tablescapes have the most potential to add to the festivities, as they just require dcor to be juxtaposed aesthetically, playing with heights. From printed table runners to printed ceramic crockery, the options available are immense. The more economically right way to do this would be using old fabrics and laces from worn-out spreads to DIY your own table mats and coasters. Anything with checks or in the Christmas colours would make the table lively. Fairy lights in large glass vases as centrepieces work brilliantly too. Also, dont forget the festive food. Doors and more Some pieces of furniture hold tonnes of potential when it comes to adding festival vibes, starting with doors. Whether its your main door to set the mood before guests walk into the room. From bookshelves to basin counters, coffee tables to kitchen countertops, sprinkle the Christmas magic everywhere. You can also go the extra mile and deck up your washrooms using coloured napkins, scented candles, and decorated trays for the toiletries. Fragrance Christmas is absolutely incomplete without spaces smelling like it, and fragrances are the easiest way to get your space ready. Christmas fragrances range from cinnamon, clove and mandarin to freshly baked goodies. Stock up on tapered candles in vintage holders for statement table dcor. Light up scented candles throughout the space when not left unattended. Lights and fabrics Everything from reindeers to Santa are printed on fabrics available around this time of the year. Mix up sizes and shapes of cushions, and dont be scared to throw in a couple of prints for the maximalist feel. Luxe fabrics from velvet in deep reds paired with neutrals complete the premium look and feel. The fifth wall, which is the ceiling, can be adorned with a blanket of fairy lights while candles and light-up dcor peek from the other corners. There is no such thing as too many lights; add strips of lights on the bookshelf edges and even on the circumference of the table for the added shimmer. Think beyond the tree Why should the tree have all the fun? Bring the outdoors indoors with fresh greenery and seasonal berries. Hang a branch above your table with paper cutouts, and decorate stockings to add a nostalgic feel. Spread light-up dcor in every nook and corner of the space and use last years gift wrapping ribbon to suspend baubles, creating a focal point in your hosting space. All in all, while the homes and spaces are merry-filled, spend some time to actually spread smiles and enjoy the festivities with loved ones without stressing about having the perfectly decorated home. There is nothing merrier than a joy-filled space. Make your spaces glow while making sustainable choices so the planet gets to celebrate the festivities, too.

How climate, caste, digital divide are deepening north Chennai's inequality

In the charred remains of what was once his home in Udhayasuriyan Nagar, Vyasarpadi, a student sits cross-legged on blackened ground, hunched over a broken mobile phone. The screen flickers as he watches an educational video in Tamil on YouTube, his fingers leaving smudges on the cracked glass. Around him, the air still carries the suffocating smell of coal and ash, two months after the fire in May that reduced 24 houses to ruins. The device in his hands is more than a phone. It is his portal to knowledge, a necessity in today's era of schooling. But for one of his neighbours, even this fragile lifeline was consumed by the flames. Our phones got burnt. Without OTPs, we couldn't even access basic services, couldn't talk to officials or get school-related updates, recalls Ramarajan, a father of two whose children's education ground to a halt for almost a week after the fire. In the days that followed, as volunteers from Vyasai Thozhargal distributed food and documented losses, the absence of devices emerged as an invisible crisis within the visible catastrophe. The student's broken phone and Ramarajan's burnt device point to a larger pattern of erasure. In working-class Vyasarpadi home predominantly to the lowered caste disasters often repeat. Fire gives way to water, water to the next monsoon, each catastrophe wiping clean not only homes but the digital threads that now determine whether a child can attend school, whether a family can prove its existence to the state, whether survival itself is possible in a system that demands constant electronic proof of citizenship. Designed disasters? Historically, the highlands were occupied by wealthier, upper-caste people, even during the colonial city's expansion, explains Nityanand Jayaraman, a social activist. Marginalised communities live on the margins of the city, the rivers, the wetlands, the sea because no other land was available to them. When well-to-do people build on slightly lower land, they also elevate it. They create an island for themselves and push water to other places, Nityanand says. Vyasarpadi sits just 7-8 metres above sea level, trapped between the Buckingham Canal, Otteri canal, and Captain Cotton Canal. But the flooding isn't a natural disaster it's structured neglect. Sarath Kumar, a first-generation learner and advocate with Vyasai Thozhargal, puts it plainly, In Chennai, the village and colony are separate. North Chennai itself is like a 'colony' an unannounced, unacknowledged area where people from lowered communities live. This segregation exists. Future Amidst Flooding, a report released in November 2025 by the Youth Climate Resilience Movement, Vyasai Thozhargal, and the Chennai Climate Action Group notes that 68.9% of the area's population belongs to Scheduled Caste communities, the highest proportion in Chennai. When floods enter a poor person's house, the damage is completely different from flood water entering mine, adds Nityanand. Even if the monetary value of damage in my house is more, I can replace things, I have insurance. But for the poor, their motorcycle, their autorickshaw, their phone, everything needed for daily survival, gets damaged. In homes where the median monthly income sits at 12,000 roughly 3,000 per person a replacement smartphone is an added wreckage. Nityanand explains. Devices get lost, and replacing them becomes almost impossible. For breadwinners, phones are essential painters and carpenters run their business through their phones. Even a basic mobile phone costs 1,0502,000. Without it, they don't get daily bread. For Sarath, this panic has become a ritual. When floodwaters threaten, he has learnt to move with practiced urgency ferrying personal computers and phones to higher ground, sealing devices in plastic bags, stacking them in relief camps above the waterline. But even those who successfully rescue their devices face another trap. Future Amidst Flooding, notes that nearly a quarter of residents 23.3% lost critical documents to the floodwaters from the past few years: Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and certificates. In an increasingly digital bureaucracy that demands these documents to access relief schemes, their absence becomes its own disaster. The report even points how nearly every single resident surveyed 99.2% has watched floodwaters invade their homes, rising to an average of 3.4 feet inside. The disconnect The state's answer to this manufactured crisis has been digital disaster management apps, online helplines, SMS alerts. While officials tout modern warning systems, 68.3% of Vyasarpadi residents depend entirely on television for flood alerts a lifeline that snaps the moment power cuts begin, outages that residents report last up to 15 days. Only 2.5% receive SMS alerts. A mere 0.8% get information through social media. The digital emergency infrastructure might as well not exist: not a single person surveyed knew the Greater Chennai Corporation's emergency helpline number (1913). Zero residents could name the sewer overflow contact. Zero knew where community kitchens operated during floods revealing a dangerous irony: the government has built a digital safety net that the people it's meant to protect cannot reach. As researchers Dr Vishvaja Sambath and Prasanth J, along with young researchers from the community note in the report, this represents a severe breakdown in the communication chain. The most vulnerable are disconnected precisely when connection means survival The testimonies paint a picture of complete institutional abandonment. No one from the government came to check on us, and we survived five days without proper food, one woman told researchers. The nearby community hall, which could have been used as a shelter, was locked. It was only the local youngsters who broke the lock and opened it for us to stay. The myth of the digital native The assumption is that underlying schemes like Tamil Nadus laptop distribution programme which ran from 2011 to 2018 before being discontinued enables digital competence. It doesnt. The unavailability of strong Wi-Fi, data back-up, and access to digital skills are to be taken into account. Virgil D Sami, executive director of Arunodhaya, who has worked with marginalised communities since 2015, saw the same transformation. The laptop scheme was very helpful. When it stopped in 2018, it affected many children. I've seen students bring laptops for projects and learn to use them. Otherwise they have no access. But she quickly adds, But it must be supported by proper internet connectivity and awareness on how to use it. For first-generation learners, the convergence of climate disaster, digital divide, and institutional neglect creates what Sarath, a first generation learner, calls a rap. Career guidance is not available. They don't know what they want, what job they should go into, or how they can achieve their aim, he explains. Second, a very major one is the financial problem. Even if they go to college, they aren't aware of the realities. Suddenly, the atmosphere is new, it's challenging, and they can't adapt. By the time college finishes, being first-generation graduates, they are already tied to household responsibilities. For women particularly, the family situation is such that the father says, 'If you go to work, only then the family runs.' So even if they decide to pursue further, their aim gets blocked. That caveat points to the deeper problem. Joy, founder of the Ambedkar Reading Circle in Chennai, echoes this reality: Many young people don't know about opportunities. They don't know how to apply for scholarships. They don't have CVs, not even email IDs. Sometimes, I would sit with them and create email IDs, prepare their CVs. Digital literacy itself is a big gap. Joy himself faced this isolation and confesses to having no direction after college. I did not know about IIT or NIT. Virgil sees this pattern repeatedly, Children in government schools in underprivileged areas lack awareness of what is happening outside. They don't know career opportunities or how to apply to colleges. They go to e-service centres or internet cafs where they often get wrong guidance. Applications get rejected. She also describes how digital exposure arrived suddenly during COVID, without the infrastructure to support it properly, Digital exposure really came during COVID, when classes were online. Many children had no access to mobiles because of economic reasons and also gender. If there was one mobile at home, it was given to the boys. Girls told us they wouldn't get it even if the boy was younger and not using it for studies. Most live in one-room houses. Parents watch TV and tell the girls to go outside and study with the mobile. Nityanand advocates for a fundamental shift. What needs to be emphasised is inequality structural casteism. Any policy must address that. He connects this to broader systemic discrimination, The state cannot be discriminatory. It discriminates by not repairing, not investing, and not ensuring the safety of north Chennai the way it pays attention to places like Gopalapuram and RA Puram. Why have the backwaters in Ennore, polluted since the 1980s, not been cleaned up? But in Adyar, around MRC Nagar, things are cleaned and beautified the moment FSI is relaxed. The solutions require recognising community knowledge. We invite IIT to study flooding in Vyasarpadi, but when floods happen, local people know exactly what is blocking drainage. They go, use crowbars, break open a hole, and let the water out. Why is that knowledge not being used? Nityanand asks. What must change The 2015 floods left deep scars. Cyclone Michaung in 2023 created fresh wounds. Each disaster resets the clock, pushing students weeks or months behind, destroying devices that took months of savings to acquire, severing connections to scholarship deadlines and exam preparations that won't wait for flood waters to recede. The Future Amidst Flooding report offers concrete, community-led demands: early warning systems co-designed with residents using mobile alerts and loudspeakers; immediate clearing of fly ash choking the canals; economic safety nets with community-led price monitoring during disasters; documentation assistance centres for rapid replacement of lost identification cards; and crucially, letting community members who know which elderly residents need medicine, which pregnant women need urgent care help run relief operations. To bridge the gap of digital divide, on the other hand, Sarath envisions basic infrastructure, We need integrated learning spaces, like a library with digital access and equipment, a combined workspace. We need many such small, mini-formal centres in various places. There's no facility like free Wi-Fi in places like bus stands here. Virgil's demands are similarly grounded. She says, Schools should have access to digital technology computers, internet connectivity and teachers should be trained. Children must be given knowledge on how to use technology in a positive and productive way. Career guidance programmes should be effectively implemented. Schools in south Chennai are much better than those in the north. That kind of discrimination still exists. All schools should have equal access to infrastructure, quality education, qualified teachers, and proper teacherstudent ratios. Joy's vision is clear, I strongly feel that in another one or two generations, there should not be first-generation learners at all. This 'first-generation learners' category must end soon. We need to ensure education, employment, health, all of this, reaches everyone. Sarath's words provide hope. The village and the colony must become one. Only then can we say caste is gone. Caste must end. That is very important. Every aspect will then automatically change. Note: CE reached out to multiple government officials for a comment but did not recieve responses at the time of publishing. This story will be updated if and when they respond.

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