coimbatore News

Woman, paramour get life term for murder of three-year-old daughter in Coimbatore

Railways conducts high speed trial on Jolarpettai-Coimbatore line

Officials say that the section between Jolarpettai and Coimbatore will be certified fitfor operating trains at 130 kmph in the coming months; the increased speed will also improve operational efficiency and ease congestion on the route

Teacher suspended in Coimbatore for caning Class II girl

Coimbatore gang-rape case accused taken to scene of crime

Kerala native found with40 lakh in unaccounted cash in Coimbatore

Coimbatores food sector looks at investments to go global

Three arrested with methamphetamine near Coimbatore

Councillors criticise delays in civic projects at Coimbatore Corporation council meeting

Inter-state buses remain off road, continue strike over unfair taxes

KOCHI: The inter-state private bus sector continues to reel from a major crisis, with a significant number of services, especially those connecting Kerala, remaining off the road, making the lives of hundreds of commuters difficult. Operators are now demanding that the governments of Kerala and Karnataka follow the example of Tamil Nadu by offering a tax exemption to make operations financially viable. Tamil Nadu has provided a glimmer of hope by verbally instructing border officials to exempt tax for buses from neighbouring states like Kerala, Karnataka, Pondicherry, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, prompting a slow resumption of services to destinations like Chennai and Coimbatore. The services to these destinations are being conducted without any issues for the last four to five days. Kerala and Karnataka too should adopt a relief stance similar to that of Tamil Nadu, Rijas A J, vice-president of Intercity Bus and Car Operators Confederation of India and owner of Sona Travels, told TNIE. A significant number of interstate luxury private buses conducting services to Bengaluru and Hyderabad from various points in Kerala remain off the road. Only a small section of operators who were forced to pay the quarterly tax until December are plying buses now, but they warn that a failure by the governments to act swiftly would force a complete industry shutdown. The issue is yet to be solved. Many, who have not yet paid the quarterly taxes, are not operating, he stated. Highlighting the impact on the key Kochi-Bengaluru route, Rijas said that a number of operators including big players like FlixBus and Shyamoli Paribahan continue to suspend all their trips to Kerala. Industry sources confirm the severity, pointing out that out of 152 night services in the Ernakulam-Bengaluru sector, 72 are non-operational. The core of the crisis is the unfair taxes levied by the state governments. Operators argue that the financial burden is immense and unsustainable. An operator needs to pay Rs 12 lakh tax for running a single service (two buses) for a 90-day period, an operator explained. This crippling cost is pushing bus owners toward a financial cliff, with fears of asset seizure by lending institutions looming early next year. The demand for tax relief is amplified by competitive pressures. Operators cannot increase ticket prices for fear of driving away passengers, especially with the introduction of new alternatives like the Vande Bharat train service on the Kochi-Bengaluru sector. The services cant be operated with the huge tax being levied, another operator stressed. The protest was initially triggered by Tamil Nadu bus operators opposing what they termed illegal tax and levying of fine by Kerala authorities. Now, the focus has shifted to urging Kerala and Karnataka to adopt a similar relief stance to that of Tamil Nadu. ] The disruption is causing major inconvenience, as these luxury buses normally transport an estimated 4,000 people daily to major hubs like Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Madurai. As private bus travel remains largely unavailable, travellers are increasingly dependent on KSRTC and rail alternatives. A senior KSRTC official confirmed they are operating additional services to Bengaluru to manage the surging demand. Swift action urged Operators are demanding the governments of Kerala and Karnataka to follow the example of Tamil Nadu by offering a tax exemption Warn that a failure by the governments to act would force a complete shutdown They argue that the financial burden is immense

Seminar held in Coimbatore to improve investor awareness

Severed body of newborn found near Coimbatore

StartupTN launches States first village startup community in Coimbatore district

IFGTB Coimbatore pays respects to former Director K. Gurumurthi

Coimbatore gang-rape: police get one-day custody of the three accused

The judge directs the police to produce the accused before the court by 4 p.m. on Friday, November 28, after interrogating them in custody

Passengers fume as Indigo flights face long delays, airline cites 'operational reasons'

NEW DELHI: Indigo flights across the country suffered extensive delays from Wednesday evening into the night, with the airline repeatedly citing operational reasons. While Indigo also mentioned air-traffic congestion at Mumbai and Delhi, officials at Delhi airport completely denied any such congestion. Passengers, meanwhile, alleged that the non-availability of pilots for certain flights was among the key causes. Multiple attempts to obtain an official response from Indigo yielded no result. However, the airlines official handle on X kept replying to passengers that every delay was due to operational reasons. The worst affected routes included the DelhiChandigarh sector, where flights were delayed in both directions. Deepak Dhiman, a passenger, posted, Indigo flight 6E 2195 from Chandigarh to Delhi is delayed by 6 hours. Pilot is not available to fire the engine. Passengers are forced to wait for the pilot. No one knows when this flight will take off. An hour later, he updated that the pilot had arrived and the plane was being refuelled. Rajeev Chawla, another irate passenger, questioned the airline, Do you have a sense of responsibility? Flight from Delhi to Chandigarh (6E 2196) was to depart at 2.55 pm. Now it will depart at 8 pm. Is it fair to harass customers for a 45-min flight for five hours? Passenger Anandika Khajuria appealed to the aviation regulator DGCA and the Civil Aviation Minister to look into what operational issues were causing such lengthy delays. Although Indigo attributed the delays to congestion at Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport, multiple airport sources, including the official spokesperson, denied any such congestion. In the south, the Bengaluru to Coimbatore service (6E 914) departed at 8.20 pm instead of 4.45 pm. Passenger Mayank Jha posted, Flight 6E 914 was supposed to take off at 4.45 pm. Delayed to 7.15 pm and delayed further because the First Officer hasnt even arrived. Who is accountable for this level of mismanagement? The Chennai to Jaipur flight (6E 6381), scheduled to depart at 8.50 pm, was postponed repeatedly before finally being rescheduled to 1 am on 27 November. Flyer Vijay Mathur listed four different delay announcements: from 8.50 pm to 9.20 pm; then to 10.50 pm; then to 12.50 am; and finally to 1 am. The Chandigarh to Mumbai flight (6E 5019) was delayed by nearly seven hours. Scheduled to take off at 3.55 pm, it was eventually slated for departure at 10.45 pm. Passenger Apurva Parekh wrote, Delays of 6 hours and no clarity. These guys have no clue how to handle passengers. Very bad customer service and support. Indigo responded that the delay was due to operational reasons and said the team was doing its best to get the aircraft airborne. Another flyer on the same service, Kumar Gaurav, demanded clarity on the delay. The Mumbai to Bengaluru flight (6E 5074) was delayed thrice, contributing to nearly two hours of waiting time. The delay was attributed to the late arrival of the incoming aircraft (6E 5073). Passenger Pramod Modi posted, 6E 5073 delayed by almost three hours but still such poor gate management that no one in ground staff is able to decide the boarding gate Indigo did not issue any official statement on the disruptions. One user even defended the airline, arguing that the delayed flights formed only a small portion of its total operations. A day earlier, on Tuesday, more than 100 passengers on the Pune to Delhi flight (6E 2285) were delayed by over three hours after one of the pilots refused to fly, stating his duty hours had ended, according to reports from Pune. Violation of Flight Duty Time Limitations is taken seriously by the aviation regulator. If you want, I can also polish the headline further or give 23 alternate options.

Teacher booked for allegedly caning Class II student in Coimbatore; student hospitalised

Centre of Excellence for foundries to be commissioned in Coimbatore in 2027

Tamil Nadus first village startup community launched in Coimbatore district

The Pillaiappampalayam Startup Community has been launched in association with Rural Women Technology Park and PSGR Krishnammal College for Women.

Coimbatore Corporation commissions floating solar plant at Periyakulam

Government Museum in Coimbatore to be shifted from Nehru Stadium complex to Semmozhi Poonga

Kerala native held with methamphetamine in Coimbatore

Coimbatore gang-rape case: police to file charge-sheet by December 4

Coimbatore City Police Commissioner A. Saravana Sundar is supervising the investigation

158 MOUs worth Rs 43,844 crore signed at Coimbatore investor conclave

Chief Minister Stalin debunks claims of investments leavingTamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is attracting investments amid intense competition from other Statesand even countries such as Vietnam and Thailand, he says at theTNRisingConclave inCoimbatore

Mobile teams to collect SIR forms in Coimbatore city

Vegetable prices soar in Coimbatore markets

BJP stages black flag protest against CM Stalins visit to Coimbatore

T.N. Chief Minister Stalin inaugurates Semmozhi Poonga in Coimbatore

The botanical park has been developed at an estimated cost of 208.5 crore. The proposal was first made by former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi in 2010 and Mr. Stalin laid the foundation stone in December 2023.

Women ride their way to wheeling dreams

Even before we are born, many stereotypes are attached to us. They linger in the colours were wrapped in, the toys placed in our hands and the expectations adults whisper. Even the machines we ride have assigned gender. Somewhere along the way, a gearless two-wheeler, aka scooty, became the sensible and safe choice for women, while the heavier, more powerful motorcycle was framed as a natural extension of masculinity. The road never made these rules; society did. A woman riding a bike becomes a cultural decay, and a man choosing a scooty is teased for being less manly. But slowly, and quietly, this has begun to shift. Recently, social media has been flooded with videos and advertisements about motorcycle training communities, and most of them are dedicated specially for women, opening new lanes of confidence, independence, and long-awaited freedom for many. One such reel that has been trending with nearly 290 thousand views is of a retired 60-year-old woman from Coimbatore, who took up a two-day bike-training to fulfill her desire to ride a gear-bike, thereby ticking it off her bucket list. Hitting the road The sexagenarian was trained by Caf Cruisers, founded by Abisek Shravn, who saw a gap in training. Almost no one was focusing on creating riders, he says. Riders groups welcomed those who already knew how to ride, but rarely those who didnt. His goal became clear: build riders, not just gather them. As structured riding modules took shape from slow-speed mastery to road simulations the unexpected happened. During our early sessions, we noticed many women approaching us discreetly, he says. Today, the fastest-growing group in Caf Cruisers is women aged between 28 and 45 years, with a significant rise in women aged above 40 and 50 years. Meanwhile, Nomad Bikers Club grew out of the lack of a safe, judgment-free space for women to learn and make mistakes. The founder, Mayas journey to building a for women, by women community began with her own experiences of not having that space. Male riders have had the privilege of learning to ride a bike because one of their friends or cousins would confidently give it to them, she says. But that space is not there for women. After a difficult experience in college and later an incident with a slipping clutch downhill, Maya realised women werent just denied motorcycles; they were denied the room to make mistakes. That became her fuel. What began with Sunday free-of-cost sessions on a friends Splendor slowly expanded across 20-plus cities. My motto was that people should not go through what I went through, she says. Even if they drop the bike, its fine. That is when the fear is broken. Caf Cruisers For Fais N, founder of CRF Women On Wheels, the journey began in a moment of personal darkness. He was navigating depression when teaching a woman to ride brought him a spark of joy he hadnt felt in long. The first time I saw happiness in the eyes of a woman who learnt riding from me, something changed, he recalls. From there, the community grew into an international platform. His one-day intensive training, built on trust and full refunds if a student doesnt learn, has taken women from fearing a two-wheeler to riding across India. Age is never the problem mindset is. And we help them break that mental block, he says. These origin stories may differ, but they converge at a shared purpose: dismantling a fear that was built over decades. The first gear For many women entering these riding communities, learning to handle a motorcycle isnt just about balancing a machine; its about unlearning years of conditioning and stepping into a kind of freedom they were never encouraged to claim. Aruna, a 53-year-old from Bengaluru, trained with Nomad Bikers Club after years of travelling pillion. I realised I never got the chance to learn because nobody even showed me that was an option for women, she says. Determined to change that, she signed up for training. I was afraid of fallingbut the trainers were extremely patient. I started riding within the first 30 minutes. Today, she rents bikes and goes on mountain trips, rides her kids around, and worries far less. I am not scared of anything these days, she adds, proud that her elder daughter, too, has now joined the programme. Nomad Bikers Club For Soumya, a 32-year-old from Kochi, deciding to learn to ride with the Nomad Bikers Club was tied to healing. Widowed young, she wanted to take her son on the Bullet he loved. I was scared. The bike is heavy. How will I do it? But within two days, she was riding through the streets confidently. Now she drops her son off at school on the bike. He loves to talk about the ride to everyone, she smiles. Her brother, once doubtful, is now proud. Arpita Tibrewal, a 37-year-old yoga instructor from Coimbatore who trained with Caf Cruisers, had long dreamt of riding. The biggest fear was safety. If I hurt myself, who will handle the kids? she says. The training shifted that fear. They taught me safety procedures, gear, and things about the vehicle that were important. Riding has begun to reshape her confidence. Riding makes you feel powerfreedom is a byproduct of learning it. Her husband knows shes training, but the rest of her family doesnt. Ill tell them when I go for my first bike trip, she says. Different stories, one shared outcome: the road, once off-limits, now belongs to them. For the future As these stories multiply, the communities behind them are imagining a road that looks very different from the one they first stepped onto. For Maya, the future is not about expanding aggressively but protecting the emotional core that built Nomad Bikers Club in the first place. She doesnt want the training to become mechanical or commercialised. We can have trainers in every city, but the comfort space wont feel the same, she says. Maya imagines a future where bike training becomes as normal as tuition classes, where women dont have to pay or travel miles for the chance to learn because someone at home will simply hand them the keys. These days arent far, she says. The hype will fade, and it will just become a part of life. Caf Cruisers Abisek views the road ahead through a structural lens. To him, the impact goes deeper than women learning to balance a machine; it reshapes how families understand mobility and responsibility. His vision for Chennai is a city where riding is treated as a life skill, not a risk. What inspires him most is the cultural shift already unfolding: husbands encouraging wives, daughters pushing mothers to learn, families cheering when a woman completes her first road session. This, he believes, is how confidence spreads, quietly, through shared moments. Fais brings yet another perspective one rooted in emotional transformation. His platform grew from a place of personal healing, but the mission remains unchanged. He has seen women who once trembled at the clutch ride across Himalayan passes. If that can happen, he believes, anything can. And perhaps that is the beauty of this movement. These women are not just learning to ride; they are reclaiming space, speed, and agency, one gear at a time.

Tamil Nadu to seal major deals at TN Rising summit in Coimbatore

Over 2,000 species of plants including rare ones find place in Coimbatores Semmozhi Poonga

17 cultural performances lit up Cross Cut Road as part of Coimbatore Vizha

Chennai boy breaks barriers on the track

From having hard days over mathematics in school to handling high-speed racing cars, Chennais Monith Kumaran has come a long way in life. Growing up watching multiple-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso in both his Renault and McLaren days, the sight of him zooming in the slipstreams and beating his opponents caught Moniths imagination. Years later, the 21-year-old has taken a credible step towards realising the dream by winning the rookie category (93 points) of the LGB F4 event as part of the JK Tyres National Racing Championship, which concluded at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore recently. In the third and final round, he won three of the four races to collect a total of 34 points. The LGB category is an entry-level category for single-seat open-wheel racing. The cars are powered by a 1298cc Suzuki Swift engine. Apart from enjoying the sight of Alonso dominating the track in F1, Moniths life in school was filled with doubt. He found it difficult to deal with arithmetic, and according to his father Srinivasan, Monith was often found finishing tests late. We felt he should take up open schooling after he found it difficult to calculate. The fact that he writes with his left arm invited suspicion from the teachers, he explained. It could be said that for Monith, motorsports is what makes him a rather stubborn person. On a trip to Kancheepuram in 2019, Srinivasan recalled how the boy managed to push his cause to race. He kept crying, saying, My dream is getting spoiled throughout the return trip home. There could have been skepticism and doubt surrounding Monith, considering his perceived symptoms of abnormal intelligence. A psychological test administered at a government ministry-approved institute in 2021 had concluded that Monith fell under the Borderline Intellectual Functionality. But when it came to racing, Monith seemed a different person altogether. Two months into learning the kart, he got the opportunity to participate in a national level karting tournament. I won my first Karting event at KMS in Coimbatore, and then we thought of taking the Formula 1300 car in the Novice Cup, but Covid hit, and we could not take up more races, he told CE. With the growth in the sport came the outside noise over his conduct. People, he recalled, had said certain things about it. I just push it away. My coaches tell me that when youre going to the circuit, its just you and the track. Youre alone. Just drive, drive and drive, Monith added. In his pursuit of success, he impressed Sarosh Hatoria, team principal of Ahura Racing. And after three training sessions, he selected me for the 2022 rookie championship. In my first season itself I got third in the rookie. And it was a good progress, shared Monith. This season, in a way, is a redemption for Monith. In the 2023 rookie championship, he lost the title by a point to Mehul Agarwal. He also finished third in the overall championship then. Funnily enough, I won the (rookie) title by a point this year, he added. Ganesh Prasad, five-time national motorcycle champion and Monith's coach, summed up Moniths first experience on the wheel, a rented one, as average. One thing that struck me is his ability to grasp instructions properly. He also pays attention to details. It is the passion that makes him a different person altogether on the tracks, Ganesh said. The former racer was also surprised to see how Monith adapted to weather conditions, which play a big role in races. In a Mini-max event that saw heavy rain, he was able to get the lines correctly and managed his speed well. He really embodies the meaning of being special, he added.

Tejas pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal cremated with full military honours

CHANDIGARH: The mortal remains of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, the Indian Air Force pilot who died in a Tejas fighter jet crash at the Dubai Air Show , were laid to rest with full military honours at his native village, Patialkhad near Yol in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. From the airport, his mortal remains were taken to Patialkhad, where villagers, family members and officials gathered to pay emotional tributes as the last rites were performed with full military honours. The atmosphere was filled with patriotic fervour as locals chanted Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Jab tak suraj chand rahega, Nammu bhai ka naam rahega, referring to Syal by his nickname. In an emotional moment, Squadron Leader Afshan, in uniform, stood beside her husbands coffin and offered a final salute as her eyes filled with tears, a gesture symbolising both love and unshakeable service to the nation. Meanwhile, his mother Veena Devi clung to the coffin of her son. A cousin of Syal lit his pyre. In tears, his father Jagan Nath, an ex-serviceman and former principal with the Himachal Pradesh Education Department, said, The country has lost a remarkable pilot, I have lost my son. I have now to be brave and take care of myself and the family. When I asked him about the air show he told me to watch on YouTube. Remembering his son, Nath added, From LKG till he completed his education he was never slapped by me. In whichever competition he took part he always stood first. He had also won the national talent scholar competition. His parents were in Hyderabad to meet him when the tragedy allegedly struck. Meanwhile, his uncle Madan Lal said, All villagers are waiting here. Some relatives have also arrived. The last rites will be performed today. This is a great loss for the country. He was exceptionally honest and straightforward. Possible g-force blackout: Expert on Tejas crash; pilots father says he learnt of sons death from YouTube Locals described Syal as a gem and the pride of their village and school. Pankaj Chadha, who studied with him at Sainik School Sujanpur Tira, said they had lost one of our gems, as Syal was the pride of their school. We will go to his native village, Patialkhad as he made all of us very proud, he said. Everyone in Patialkhad is grieving. He was like a younger brother to us. This should not have happened. We met him just three to four months ago when he visited the village, said local resident Sandeep Kumar. A highly skilled fighter pilot with an exemplary service record, Syal was posted at the Hyderabad airbase. His mortal remains were flown from Coimbatore to Kangra in a special Air Force aircraft, in which his wife, Wing Commander Afshan, their seven-year-old daughter Arayana and his parents, Jagannath Syal and Veena Devi, accompanied him. He had visited the village four months ago. His elder sister works with the Education Department. Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma was also present during the cremation. He termed the loss unbearable for both the state and the country and assured the family of the governments unwavering support. Nagrota Bagwan MLA R S Bali, who holds cabinet rank as chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, was present at the airport on behalf of the state government to receive the body. Syal joined the IAF after clearing the National Defence Academy exam in 2009. He had studied at a primary school in Dalhousie, Army Public School in Yol cantonment, and Sainik School in Sujanpur Tira.

Fear lingers in Coimbatore suburbs after leopard sighting

Madras HC seeks explanation from Coimbatore Corporation on floating solar panels and commercial activities at Periyakulam

Archery academy owner in Coimbatore held for sexual assault

Mortal Remains Of Wing Commander Namansh Syal Flown To TNs Sulur Air Base

Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), Nov 23: The mortal remains of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who was killed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show, were flown to Coimbatore on Sunday. Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar laid a wreath and paid tributes to Sayal at the Air Force Station in neighbouring Sulur. Syal, who hailed from Himachal Pradesh, was killed on Friday (November 21) after the indigenous multi-role Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Tejas, crashed during the aerial display at [] The post Mortal Remains Of Wing Commander Namansh Syal Flown To TNs Sulur Air Base appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

iTNT Hub starts operations in Coimbatore

Male elephant found dead near forest area in Coimbatore

Coimbatore industries welcome implementation of labour codes

Coimbatore Vizhas Art Street bursts with colours

Tourism guideship workshop held for tourist taxi drivers in Coimbatore

Stalin writes to PM Modi, says rejection of Metro Rail projects by Centre has caused resentment

In a passionate appeal, Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M K Stalin has called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to re-evaluate the dismissal of Metro Rail initiatives for the cities of Coimbatore and Madurai. Emphasizing widespread public discontent, Stalin argued for the vital role of efficient public transport in facilitating urban expansion.

T.N. CM Stalin to visit Coimbatore, Erode on November 25 and 26

Stalin Urges Modi to Reconsider Coimbatore, Madurai Metro Projects

The rejection, he said, has caused deep resentment among people of both cities.

Stalin writes to PM Modi expressing anguish over Centres rejection of Coimbatore, Madurai Metrorail projects

The rejection of the request has taken us by complete surprise, writes Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Starbucks Announce a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) to Strengthen the Coffee Value Chain from Bean to Cup

Established under a strategic collaboration between Starbucks Coffee Company & Tata Starbucks, the FSP aims to empower 10,000 Indian coffee farmers by 2030 Starbucks will open its 500th coffeehouse in India this week in Delhi NCR a Starbucks Reserve location offering a premium and immersive coffee experience Reaffirming its long-term commitment to India, and its plans to deepen its coffee leadership in the market, Starbucks Coffee Company today announced the establishment of a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP). In collaboration with Tata Starbucks Private Limited, the FSP will connect local agronomists and farmers to global farming best practices through open-source agronomy. Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Starbucks re-affirm coffee leadership and announce a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) to strengthen the coffee value chain from Bean to Cup Strengthening Indias coffee value chain from bean to cup Starbucks Coffee Trading Company, SARL (SCTC), Starbucks global procurement and trading subsidiary, will collaborate closely with Tata Starbucks to empower 10,000 farmers by 2030. The FSP based in Karnataka will combine Tata Starbucks deep local knowledge, Indias coffee-growing heritage, and decades of Starbucks global agronomy expertise. It will support farmers from Indias key coffee growing states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala to strengthen connections with Starbucks global network, drive innovation, and share best practices in farming and sustainability to ensure a sustainable future for India coffee. The FSP will set up technical model farms in partnership with farmers in India, incorporating global learnings, to embed best practices in coffee agronomy and test sustainable solutions. The FSP in India will serve as a hub for testing new varietals, provide knowledge on innovative farming techniques aligned to Indian practices and conditions, and share insights about other agroforestry initiatives to improve coffee quality, productivity and climate resiliency. The goal is to build upon traditional methods to help farmers improve both the quality of their crops and their profitability. The FSP will work closely with existing centers of excellence within the Starbucks global network. This includes partnering with Farmer Support Centers (FSC) in coffee-growing regions around the world, where agronomists collaborate directly with farmers on research, and learning from existing model farms within Starbucks supply chain. This network includes FSCs in the APAC region in North Sumatra, Indonesia and Yunnan, China and Hacienda Alsacia in Costa Rica, Starbucks first company-operated coffee farm and headquarters to the Starbucks Costa Rica Farmer Support Center and Starbucks Global Research and Development team. Through the FSP, Indian farmers will also benefit from Starbucks 2026 global digital training tools, which will offer detailed online modules on agronomy, coffee quality, and C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) practices to foster ethical sourcing and ultimately enhance productivity and sustainability. It will also educate farmers about Regen-Ag (regenerative agriculture) practices and methods to reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints, and contribute to agroforestry and social development initiatives. The FSP will develop projects across the key Starbucks commitments of unlocking coffee productivity, increasing farm profitability and building climate resiliency over the next 5 years. To build capability and strengthen Indias entire coffee value chain, Tata Starbucks will also donate one million high-yield variety Arabica seedlings to farmers over the next five years. During his visit to India this week, Brian Niccol, chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks said, India is one of our fastest-growing markets. Were partnering with Tata to shape the future of coffee in India, including supporting farmers, empowering communities, and delivering the highest quality offerings to our customers. Its a long-term commitment to build a stronger, more sustainable coffee ecosystem that benefits everyone, from bean to cup . Sunil D'Souza, Managing Director & CEO at Tata Consumer Products said, Through the past decade, together, Tata Consumer Products and Starbucks, have helped shape Indias thriving coffee culture and industry. With this new initiative, we are pleased to pair Starbucks global agronomy expertise with Tatas footprint in India to drive tangible impact and pave the way for the future of responsible coffee farming in India . Re-affirming Starbucks coffee leadership through differentiated and elevated experiences Since its inception in 2012 as a joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Consumer Products, Tata Starbucks has been dedicated to delivering the unique Starbucks Experience to customers in India. This has set the stage for Indias ever evolving and dynamic coffee culture. This week, Tata Starbucks will celebrate the opening of its 500th coffeehouse in India, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey and reaffirming its long-term commitment to the market. As one of Starbucks fastest-growing international markets, India remains central to the companys plans for strategic and sustainable expansion, with continued focus on job creation and meaningful development opportunities for its partners (employees). The 500th coffeehouse will be the second location to offer a Starbucks Reserve coffee experience in Delhi NCR, engaging coffee enthusiasts with an immersive experience that showcases Starbucks coffee craft, heritage, and storytelling. The coffeehouse and its Starbucks Reserve experience underscore Tata Starbucks commitment to elevating Indias coffee craftsmanship through elevated store design, handcrafted beverages, and locally inspired innovations. As part of the global strategy to make Starbucks a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather to enjoy the finest coffee handcrafted by skilled baristas, Tata Starbucks will continue to focus on creating a differentiated and elevated coffee forward experience in India. It invites customers to experience the full flavor profile it offers - serving the worlds finest coffee and elevated offerings in a welcoming coffeehouse environment that has made it a beloved part of Indias coffee landscape. Sushant Dash, chief executive officer of Tata Starbucks said, As the largest specialty coffee player in India, we are proud to bring the Farmer Support Partnership in collaboration with SCTC, a meaningful step toward strengthening Indias coffee-growing community and securing the future of high-quality Arabica. Our commitment to India extends beyond growth, to investing in farmers, partners (employees) and customers to continue building a vibrant coffee culture. We will continue to serve the finest Arabica coffee from India and around the world, brought to life through the warm, welcoming third place experience that defines Starbucks . About Starbucks Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 40,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at about.starbucks.com or starbucks.com . About Tata Starbucks Private Limited Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Tata Consumer Products Limited and currently operates more than 497 stores in India across 81 cities, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Alibaug, Amritsar, Anand, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Faridabad, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Goa, Guntur, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Gwalior Haridwar, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Indore, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Lonavala, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Meerut, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Mysore, Nagpur, Nashik, New Delhi, Noida, Pathankot, Patiala, Pondicherry, Pune, Raipur, Siliguri, Sonipat, Surat, Thrissur, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Vadodara, Vapi, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Varanasi and Vizag are cities in India. through a network of over 4,437 passionate partners (employees). Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, Tata Starbucks Private Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee - A TATA Alliance.

Coimbatore Corporation fines firm for using a garbage vehicle to transport food for sanitation workers

Four arrested for honey-trapping IT firm owner using dating app in Coimbatore

Woman dies of burns near Coimbatore

Startups make a demo at Coimbatore Vizhas The Pitch

INDIA bloc flays Centre for returning proposal for Metro Rail project for Madurai, Coimbatore

NGO raises concern over proposal to widen Vadavalli Marudhamalai Road in Coimbatore

State Information Commission directs Coimbatore Corporation to pay 10,000 compensation to RTI applicant for delayed information

From Classroom Concepts to Real-World Ventures at CS Academy

) streams at the Kovaipudur campus, transforming the school grounds into a vibrant marketplace brimming with creativity, energy, and enterprise. A vibrant student-led fete with 56 stalls brought entrepreneurship to life at CS Academy, highlighting creativity, teamwork and practical business learning ) and Grades 7 to 12 (CBSE) showcased their entrepreneurial skills by conceptualizing and managing their own ventures. A total of 56 student-run stalls were set up, featuring an impressive range of food, games, art, accessories, and crafts. Each stall reflected the creativity, teamwork, and initiative of its student team as they took charge of every aspect of their business, including planning, budgeting, marketing, and sales, under the guidance of their assigned mentors. Parents played a special role as judges for the event, assessing the stalls based on rubrics shared in advance. The evaluation considered creativity, presentation, teamwork, and financial performance, giving students a realistic and rewarding experience of entrepreneurship. The fete drew a tremendous turnout of parents and relatives, who came in large numbers to support the students and witness their innovative ideas in action. The festive atmosphere and the students enthusiasm made the day a memorable and inspiring experience for all. It was incredible to see children display such confidence, creativity, and responsibility , shared a parent of a student participant. This initiative not only taught them business skills but also instilled teamwork, financial awareness, and leadership, which are lessons far beyond the classroom. Adding to the sentiment, the Head of the Commerce Department at CS Academy remarked, Seeing our students turn ideas into real ventures was immensely fulfilling. Their energy and innovation truly brought the spirit of entrepreneurship alive on campus. csacademy.in/coimbatore .

Tamil Nadu: Udhayanidhi Stalin accuses BJP, AIADMK for allegedly protecting people in vote chori

In a spirited address, Tamil Nadu's Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin took aim at the BJP and AIADMK, accusing them of orchestrating vote theft. He voiced his disappointment over the Centre's decision to deny a statue honoring Raja Raja Chola and the lack of metro rail initiatives for Coimbatore.

Submit revised project proposals for Coimbatore, Madurai Metro Rail projects: Nainar Nagenthran

He alleges that the ruling party and its allies are playing up the Metro Rail issue to overshadow Prime Minister Narendra Modis handing over of assistance worth 18,000 crore to the farmers at a function held in Coimbatore

Chief Minister Stalin will bring Metro Rail to Coimbatore, Madurai, says Senthilbalaji

Mr. Senthilbalaji alleged that the Centre had not initially sanctioned funds for the Chennai Metro Rail project either, but the DMK government implemented it

Leopard sighted at industrial unit on Noyyal bank in Coimbatore

NDA will bring Metro Rail to Coimbatore when it comes to power in T.N. next year, says Vanathi

She alleges that the ruling DMK and its allies are trying to create an impression that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is against Tamil Nadu and the Centre rejected the Metro Rail projects for Coimbatore and Madurai with a motive

Watch: Coimbatore and Madurai Metro rail: what went wrong?

A major controversy is brewing in Tamil Nadu. The Union Government has sent back the Detailed Project Reports or DPRs for the Coimbatore and Madurai Metro Rail projects. Chief Minister MK Stalin has lashed out at the Centre, calling the move biased and unjustified. With Assembly elections just months away, this decision is no longer just about transport its turning into a full-blown political flashpoint. Why were the DPRs returned? Is the Centres reasoning valid? And what does this mean for the future of urban mobility in Tamil Nadu?

Siruthuli, KVB join hands to rejuvenate water bodies in Coimbatore

Metro Rail proposals for Coimbatore, Madurai have discrepancies: Union Minister

Manohar Lal Khattar accused Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of polticising the Union governments rejection of the Metro Rail project proposals

Coimbatore gang-rape case: test identification parade held in Central Prison

Bomb threat to multiple places in Coimbatore ahead of Prime Ministers visit

TN government should revise the DPR for Coimbatore metro: Annamalai

Metro rail proposal: demand to implement the project grows in Coimbatore

South India to lead natural farming revolution: PM Modi

Coimbatore: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, backing organic farming, on Wednesday said South India has been a living university of agriculture. Inaugurating the South India Natural Farming Summit 2025 here, the PM noted that Coimbatore region is home to some of the worlds oldest functioning dams, and that the Kalingarayan canal was built here in 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 .

South India is living varsity of agriculture: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi championed natural farming at the South India Natural Farming Summit 2025. He praised Coimbatore's ancient water management systems. The PM urged farmers to adopt natural farming on one acre for one season. He called for integrating natural farming into agricultural education. The summit aims to promote sustainable, chemical-free farming for India's future.

Coimbatore Corporation yet to achieve full source segregation as mixed waste reaches Vellalore dumpyard

Coimbatore district recognised under Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 1.0 for water conservation, receives 25 lakh prize

Tamil outfits oppose Modis visit to Coimbatore

Stalin Calls Centre's 'No Metro' Decision for Madurai, Coimbatore an 'Act of Revenge'

The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry recently reportedly returned Tamil Nadu's Detailed Project Reports for the two Tier-II cities, citing the Metro Rail Policy, 2017

India on path of becoming global hub of organic farming: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the South India Natural Farming Summit in Coimbatore, declaring India's path to becoming a global organic farming hub. He emphasized organic farming's benefits for soil health and climate change, while also releasing over Rs 18,000 crore for farmers under PM-KISAN.

'Bihar's Air Arriving In Tamil Nadu': PM Modi's Big Message In Coimbatore Ahead Of Assembly Polls

PM Modi releases 21st PM-KISAN installment of 18,000 cr for 9 cr farmers in Coimbatore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 21st installment of the PM-KISAN scheme, disbursing over 18,000 crore to 9 crore farmers. This was a part of his visit to Coimbatore for the South India Natural Farming Summit, which promotes sustainable and chemical-free agriculture.

PM Modi arrives in Coimbatore, inaugurates expo

Following his arrival, Mr. Modi held a roadshow from the airport to CODISSIA grounds

Stalin calls Union govt`s `no metro` decision for Madurai, Coimbatore

Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin criticised the Union government for rejecting Metro Rail proposals for Madurai and Coimbatore, alleging political bias and revenge against the state

Against Tamil Culture: BJP Slams Stalin Over Allegations Of Central Bias On Metro Projects

Stalin said while BJP-ruled states received Metro Rail projects for Tier-II cities, Tamil Nadus proposals for Madurai and Coimbatore continued to be dismissed on flimsy grounds.

Andhra Pradesh: PM Modi offers prayers at Sri Sathya Sai Babas Mahasamadhi video

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Puttaparthi to honor spiritual leader Sri Sathya Sai Baba's birth centenary, paying respects at his Mahasamadhi. Accompanied by Andhra Pradesh leaders, the PM also released commemorative stamps and a coin celebrating Baba's legacy. Later, he will inaugurate a natural farming summit in Coimbatore and release PM-KISAN funds for farmers.

PM Modi to inaugurate natural farming summit, to release aid under PM-Kisan in Coimbatore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the South India Natural Farming Summit in Coimbatore on Wednesday. He will also release over Rs 18,000 crore as the 21st installment of PM-KISAN to 9 crore farmers. The summit aims to promote natural farming and create market linkages. Over 50,000 participants are expected to attend the event.

CM Stalin accuses Centre of denying Metro Rail projects for Coimbatore, Madurai on flimsy grounds

Mr. Stalin said pushing such a political custom, in which BJP-ruled States get Metros for smaller Tier II cities while opposition-ruled States are deprived, is a disgraceful approach

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.

The row over Karunanidhis Anna way-Periyar way remark during 1991 election campaign

Although Karunanidhi was quick to clarify his observation made during poll campaign in Coimbatore district on May 15 in 1991, it did not satisfy many.

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

Centre returns Tamil Nadus metro rail proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai

Coimbatore FPO coordinates with TNPL to bring fallow land in district under pulpwood cultivation

Wild elephants damage compound wall of housing project in Coimbatore district

Kolu Kondattam contest winners felicitated in Coimbatore