Bengaluru Retains No. 1 Spot as the Top City for Women in India
Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai: Top 5 cities for women Many cities show strength in either social or industrial inclusion, not both Tier-2 cities rise as women-friendly urban ecosystems expand Gurugram emerges as the only north Indian city in the Top 10 of Indias Top Cities for Women, climbs to No. 6 from No. 9 last year Five cities from south Indian states feature in the Top 10 of Indias Top Cities for women Avtar Group, Indias leading workplace culture consulting firm, released the fourth edition of its annual, nation-wide study Top Cities for Women in India (TCWI).The TCWI report presents a longitudinal inclusivity index that tracks how Indian cities enable womens participation, safety, and career growth/continuity, while identifying role-model cities and emerging best practices. It also offers a structured framework for organisations, policymakers and urban stakeholders to enable womens workforce participation and career growth. Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, Managing Director, Avtar Group The Top 10 Cities for Women in India in 2025 are: Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Gurugram, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Coimbatore The 2025 edition of the study covers 125 cities and draws comparisons from its previous editions (from 2022). The cities are ranked based on an overall City Inclusion Score assigned to every city, which is inferred from Avtars research and governmental data. The City Inclusion Score (CIS) is derived from two parameters: the Social Inclusion Score (SIS) and the Industrial Inclusion Score (IIS). The Social Inclusion Score is a cumulative score of four indicators. These are: city liveability, safety, womens representation in employment and womens empowerment. The Industrial Inclusion Score evaluates the extent to which organisations in the city across industries are inclusive of women and is calculated based on three indicators: The density of gender inclusive organizations; the density of women-friendly/inclusive industries in a city, and career enablers provided to women by organizations. Speaking at the release event of the reports findings, Dr Saundarya Rajesh , Managing Director of Avtar Group , said, As we mark Avtars 25th year, the fourth edition of the Top Cities for Women in India reflects both how far we have come and how much more we must do. Over the years, the TCWI study has evolved into a tool of accountability that asks a simple question: Can a woman truly thrive in this city? It measures the real ease of career and life for women, whether cities enable women to enter the workforce, stay, grow, and lead. Creating such cities requires shared responsibility. Governments, organizations, institutions, communities, and women themselves must work together to build environments that are safe, accessible, affordable, and supportive. In todays context, cities must also take a broader view of inclusion, one that considers environmental resilience, supportive infrastructure, digital readiness, intergenerational equity, and respect for diverse perspectives. When these elements come together, women thrive, thereby strengthening local economies and moving India closer to its long-term development goals. Key Findings of the Top Cities for Women in India 2025 report: Bengaluru retains its position as the top city for women in India in 2025, with a City Inclusion Score of 53.29, reflecting sustained strength in Industrial Inclusion and career enablement. Chennai follows in second position with a City Inclusion Score of 49.86, while continuing to lead on social inclusion parameters such as safety mechanisms, public services, mobility initiatives and access to health and education. Pune (46.27), Hyderabad (46.04), and Mumbai (44.49) complete the top five, demonstrating consistent performance across both social and industrial inclusion indicators. Gurugram records one of the most notable upward movements, strengthening its position in 2025 compared to 2024, supported by rapid industrial growth and strong corporate presence (Rank no. 6 in 2025 compared to No. 9 in 2024). Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida perform strongly on industrial inclusion but lag on social indicators such as safety, affordability, and mobility, reinforcing that industrial growth alone does not ensure inclusive urban environments. Thiruvananthapuram, Shimla and Tiruchirappalli demonstrate strong social inclusion outcomes but limited industrial depth, pointing to constraints in local economic mobility for women and limitations in large-scale formal employment opportunities for women despite strong social foundations. Hyderabad, Kolkata and Pune stand out for fairly balanced inclusion profiles , with strong alignment between social inclusion and industrial ecosystems, enabling sustained workforce participation for women. Mumbai shows strong industrial inclusion (with an IIS of 69.00) but relatively weaker social inclusion (with a SIS of 38.44), highlighting challenges around affordability and access to infrastructure despite abundant employment opportunities. The 2025 TCWI rankings show increased representation of Tier-2 cities among higher ranks, indicating decentralisation of women-friendly urban ecosystems. Regional analysis The Southern region emerges as the most inclusive , recording the highest scores across all three indices, with a regional average CIS of 21.60, SIS of 27.81, and an IIS of 11.61, reflecting a more integrated approach to social infrastructure, safety, health, education, and industrial participation for women. The Western region follows closely , demonstrating consistently strong performance with a regional average CIS of 20.00, SIS of 25.47, and the highest IIS among regions at 12.01, indicating relatively mature industrial ecosystems supported by enabling social conditions. Central and Eastern regions trail across both inclusion dimensions social and industrial especially industrial inclusion, with regional average IIS scores of 4.96 and 4.40, respectively. Across 20222025, cities achieving convergence between Industrial Inclusion (IIS) and Social Inclusion (SIS) consistently rank higher on overall City Inclusion (CIS) , reinforcing that industrial growth is most effective when supported by safe, accessible, and equitable urban environments. www.avtarinc.com/tcwi About Avtar Avtar, founded in 2000 by Dr Saundarya Rajesh, is one of Indias leading workplace culture consulting firms, supporting hundreds of companies in creating diverse and supportive workplaces. Avtar is also the countrys largest provider of second career opportunities for women. An ISO 20700 certified firm, Avtars biggest research projects are its annual benchmarking studies the Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI) and the Most Inclusive Companies Index (MICI). Done in partnership with Seramount, BCWI and MICI, Indias largest workplace inclusion benchmarking studies, which have paved the way for the employment of more women and other underrepresented groups. Avtar also promotes inclusive hiring through MyAvtar, Indias first job portal for underrepresented professionals. A snapshot of Avtars work in the last 25 years: Provided advisory services in inclusive practices to 800+ organisations Conducted 5000+ workshops and training programs in companies of different sizes, spanning industries and locations Facilitated the re-entry of 1,00,000 second-career women into the workforce through MyAvtar.com Engaged with 200,000+ women through career enablement programs Offered unique skilling programs such as DigiPivot (a prestigious course in digital marketing, conducted in partnership with Google, HUL, and ISB) to hundreds of women. Provided career intentionality training, employment guidance, and access to industry leaders every year to 10,000+ girls from underprivileged backgrounds through Project Puthri, an initiative of the Avtar Human Capital Trust (AHCT). Impacted 4000+ schoolboys through MITR (Men Impacting Trust and Respect), an initiative by AHCT that mentors boys to be advocates for women. www.myavtar.com . For its transformational impact in the realm of DEI, Avtar Group was listed in the prestigious Steward Leadership 25 Listing by Straits Times & INSEAD in Singapore in 2022. In 2025, Avtar won the Times Business Awards and was recognized as the Leading Womens Employment Organization.
Amit Shah Participates in Pongal Festivities in Tiruchirappalli
As part of a political-cultural initiative launched by the BJP during Pongal, the party has termed the programme Namma Ooru Modi Pongal, meaning Our Towns Modi Pongal.
'Stalin's Sole Objective Is To Make His Son CM': Amit Shah Attacks DMK Govt In Tiruchirappalli
Addressing a rally in Tiruchirappalli, Shah launched a sharp attack at DMK government and said that MK Stalin's sole objective is to make his son the Chief Minister.
IIM Raipur introduces JAP 2026 for MBA admissions, involving IIM Kashipur, Raipur, Ranchi, and Tiruchirappalli with a single-window application
Airports witness 7% surge in passenger traffic during November 2025 over same period last year
NEW DELHI: Airports across the country have recorded a 7% increase in passenger traffic during November 2025 as compared to the same month last year, according to the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Air Traffic data for last month has just been released by the Authority. Over 3.79 crore flyers were recorded in the country last month, of which a little over three crore were domestic flyers. The overall international growth in the month was 7.5% (70,60,493 vs 65,69,934) while the domestic growth was 7% (3,79,51,054 vs 3,54,52,122) over the compared month last year. The domestic passenger traffic in relatively smaller airports has been in healthy double digits highlighting the aspiration for air travel among the non-metro population. Despite the negative publicity for Goa due to its taxi monopoly, overpriced hotels and overcrowded beaches, international patronage to the tourist haven has shot up by 31. 4%. A total of 20,479 flyers travelled last month as compared to 15,581 flyers in November 2024. Its domestic patronage has taken a beating with a 10.5% dip in flyers with just 5.4 lakh passengers from other States visiting it last month. The number was 6.1 lakh visitors in November last year. While the biggies have seen moderate growth, relatively smaller airports have recorded a growth of over 30% international passengers in November this year over the patronage witnessed in the same month last year. Bhubaneswar has seen a growth of 30.5% (14,220 flyers) Tiruchirappalli has 39.9% (19,402 flyers), Varanasi 40.4% (16,070 flyers) and Mangaluru 35.4% (76,579 flyers), Indore has doubled its patronage with a 99.9% growth (8,902 flyers as compared to 4,454 earlier) while Pune has seen a 49% patronage with 30,633 flyers. Among the major airports in the country, Bengalurus Kempegowda International Airport continues its steady international growth with 6,42,647 passengers, a 27.3% increase in November 2025 vs November 2024. Hyderabad too has seen significant patronage with a 21% growth (4,86,126 flyers). Mumbai has seen a 6.5% (14,61,956 flyers) Chennai 6.1% (5,03,589) growth while Delhi has seen a 3% increase (19,07,845). Domestic picture On the domestic front, these airports have recorded a substantial growth with the patronage figure in the bracket Agra 77% (26470 flyers), Kozhikode 34.3% (16,90,918 flyers); Tiruchirappalli 50.9% (65,297); Tirupati 30.7% (1,08,441); Kannur 35.8% (35,637), Gaya 38.7% (27,862), Belagavi 32.1% (32118) and Indore 26.6% (27862). Hindon airport has seen a 2998% growth! It is 1,22,381 flyers versus 3,950 last November. Adampur (Jalandhar) has seen a 319.7% surge with 13,595 passengers, Rewa has recorded 179.9% surge (949 flyers) Jaisalmer 121.5% growth (43,971) while Bhuj has seen a 110% growth with 26,687 flyers. The Air Traffic Movements (Arrivals and Departures) have seen an increase of 7.3% with 40,909 ATMs recorded in November 2025 over November 2024. The freight growth too is a healthy 15.6% with 337.45 thousand tonnes versus 291.84 thousand tonnes in the compared period.
Seven Killed In Road Accident In Tamil Nadu
A Chennai-bound state-run bus from Tiruchirappalli changed direction all of a sudden when a tyre burst and moved to the opposite direction after climbing onto the road median.
Over 2.24 crore palmyrah seeds planted under Green Tamil Nadu Mission
Several districts including Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, Pudukkottai, Ariyalur, Tirupathur and Sivagangai have each crossed the 10-lakh mark in seed plantations
Court Relief For Actor-Politician Seeman In IPS Officer's Defamation Case
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has set aside the summons issued to Naam Tamilar Katchi Chief Coordinator and actor Seeman in a defamation case filed by senior IPS officer Varun Kumar, ruling that the Magistrate in Tiruchirappalli violated
LPG cylinders explode in Tamil Nadu's Ariyalur district
A lorry transporting LPG cylinders from Tiruchirappalli to Ariyalur caught fire after an accident near Varanavasi on Tuesday morning, triggering multiple explosions and panic in the area. The driver, 35-year-old Kanagaraj, was injured and admitted to Ariyalur Medical College Hospital. Police said the cause of the accident is under investigation.
Aviation growth story piggybacking on foreign travel: AAI report
NEW DELHI: The growing desire for international travel continues to fuel Indias aviation growth story. According to the latest data released by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the first half of the current financial year, foreign travel has surged by nearly 7% compared to the same period last year. The Air Traffic Report, made public on Wednesday, shows that 3.95 crore passengers travelled abroad from India between April and September 2025, up from 3.69 crore during the same period in 2024. Overall passenger traffic grew by 2.6%, with 20.21 crore people flying in the six-month period this year compared to 19.69 crore last year. Domestic air travel recorded a modest 1.6% increase, with 16.25 crore passengers this year versus 15.99 crore in the previous fiscal period. The total Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) arrivals plus departures rose by 2.8%, reaching 15.77 lakh in AprilSeptember 2025 compared to 15.35 lakh last year. Thanks to airlines regularly announcing new international routes, several relatively smaller airports such as Surat, Coimbatore, Guwahati, Jaipur, Varanasi, Mangaluru, Kannur, Bagdogra, Pune, Indore, and Udaipur have registered strong double-digit growth in international passenger traffic. Among them, Bagdogra and Coimbatore posted remarkable increases of 51% (13,492 flyers) and 50.5% (1,60,597 flyers), respectively, in AprilSeptember 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Among major airports, Bengaluru recorded an impressive 28.9% surge in international traffic, handling 34,58,308 passengers in the first half of the current financial year. Hyderabad showed substantial growth of 19%, while Mumbai registered a 5.6% increase. Delhi, however, saw a slight 0.5% decline. Domestic Travel Trends Sindhudurg Airport reported the highest growth in domestic passenger traffic, with an 84.1% increase and 21,936 flyers over the previous financial year. Other airports that recorded notable growth include Kishangarh (65.7%, 59,421 flyers), Darbhanga (64.3%, 3,86,174), Gorakhpur (57.5%, 5,62,596), Cuddapah (53.9%, 33,973), and Pithoragarh (56.5%, 8,215). Airports such as Tiruchirappalli (55.6%), Tirupati (42.9%), Jeypore (42.1%), Bilaspur (38.1%), Rajahmundry (33.7%), and Kurnool (22.9%) also posted impressive domestic growth figures. Among major airports, both Delhi and Mumbai reported negative growth in domestic travel. The closure of Terminal 2 at IGIA and changes in flight schedules significantly impacted Delhis numbers, which dropped by 5.8% to 2,64,91,445 passengers, compared to 2,81,07,645 last year. Mumbai saw a 0.8% dip, handling 1,91,02,987 passengers. Meanwhile, Hyderabad registered strong domestic growth of 11.3% with 1,26,64,800 flyers, while Chennai saw a 5.1% increase with 83,79,339 passengers.
Vijay Puts Off Public Meets For Two Weeks
Vijay had been holding public interactions every Saturday, touring Tiruchirappalli, Namakkal, and Karur as part of the outreach. The September 27 Karur rally turned tragic when a stampede broke out, leaving 41 people dead and more than 60 injured.
Shoes, poles and garbage: Karur's telltale signs of celebration turning into mourning
KARUR: Mounds of shoes and chappals, crushed water bottles, torn party flags, pieces of clothes, broken poles, shreds of paper sprayed from party poppers and striking garbage of sorts. As early morning walkers and people who ventured out to buy milk and essentials crossed the venue of the mega rally --an arterial road-- addressed by TVK chief Vijay, they could not make sense of what had happened on the previous night. Several people, who went to sleep early or did not listen to the news, were shocked that as many as 39 people were killed and dozens were injured. While some videographers were filming the spot of the stampede, now barricaded by 'Police-Do Not Cross' kind of lengthy tapes and blocked to the public, groups of elderly men enquired with photo-journalists present there in disbelief about the stampede. While a TVK flag still flutters atop a high-rise pole at the spot and oversized-speaker boxes and mega lights lying unattended amid a huge pile of torn party publicity material like posters, TVK workers and office-bearers do not wish to say anything about what went wrong in their plan. A young man, who was among the crowd at the stampede spot, and who managed to safely get out of that spot after much struggle, claimed that several people were pushed to a 'low-lying sewerage' close to the road margin as many tried to get out at the same time. He regretted that what began as a 'celebration time' to hail their beloved matinee idol ended in tragedy. As fans were chanting Vijay's name, several did not realise that it was a stampede and that people fell down. Many who happened to place their legs on people who fell down also got tripped and fell, he told reporters. Stampede at TVK president & actor #Vijay 's campaign in #Karur : List of 34 deceased persons who have been identified so far. @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/Ib7gHYzcXm S Mannar Mannan (@mannar_mannan) September 28, 2025 Uncontrollable crowds and poor event management caused Karur stampede; warnings from earlier rallies ignored Several people had their own claims about the cause of the stampede, and it is not clear what went wrong; whether it was the choice of the venue or overcrowding, which has been witnessed ever since Vijay launched his state-wide tour on September 13. At the venue, people pushed away tin sheets used to barricade and make enclosure kind of spaces, and many who climbed onto thatched roof structures nearby fell down and sustained injuries. Almost at the same time, police baton-charged to control the situation. However, people, including children, who were caught in the crowd and fell down, could not comprehend what was happening. A senior citizen in his 70s said he has never seen so many people getting killed in a stampede at a political party's event and blamed the youths for their anxiety to somehow take a look at the actor. Staff at the Karur government hospital themselves were rattled by the unceasing siren of ambulances bringing injured people, and policemen pitched in by carrying the victims to the treatment ward. Families who lost their children could not just believe that they had lost their loved little ones and were inconsolable. The visuals of young men and women crying while holding their motionless children shook hearts. 'I was choking': Survivors relive Karur stampede horror from hospital beds In this unfortunate incident, 39 deaths have been reported, including 17 women, 13 men, 4 male children, and 5 female children. The postmortem has been done for 30 (out of 39 deceased) and the bodies have been handed over to their families, Tamil Nadu Health Secretary P Senthil Kumar told reporters after visiting the patients at the GH. At the mortuary, the kin of the deceased wailed through the night, and the sound of the piercing sobs could be heard from afar, even close to the entrance of the premises. Also, police repeated a lathi-charge nearly an hour after the stampede to chase away the remaining crowds from the venue. Following the stampede, Vijay left the venue and did not meet reporters waiting at Tiruchirappalli and Chennai airports. My heart has broken, I am in unbearable, inexplicable pain and grief, he said in a social media post . The actor added that he prayed for the speedy recovery of those being treated in hospitals. He extended his sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters killed in Karur. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin rushed from Chennai to Karur and interacted with doctors on the treatment being provided to the affected people, comforted them, and assured them of the best care. The CM reached Karur from Chennai past midnight. Authorities announced helpline numbers to reach the Karur district collect office helpdesk (04324 256306 and WhatsApp 7010806322).
