Tamil Nadu Braces for More Rain as IMD Issues Heavy Rainfall Alert

Tamil Nadu continues to face relentless rainfall, leading to severe waterlogging in several areas, particularly in Thoothukudi and its surrounding regions. Streets in localities like Postal Telegram Colony, Rajiv Nagar, Rajagopal Nagar, Bharati Nagar, Amuda Nagar, KVK Nagar, and Asoke Nagar were submerged due to the heavy downpour. Heavy Rainfall Forecast Until December 18 The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Chennai has predicted more rainfall across various parts of Tamil Nadu until December 18. Heavy rain is expected to lash isolated places in districts like Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari. Additionally, Kerala and the Lakshadweep region are also likely to witness heavy rainfall. Cyclonic Circulation Over Andaman Sea According to the IMD, a cyclonic circulation over the Andaman Sea and adjoining areas was observed on Saturday. This weather system is expected to develop into a low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal by Sunday. Meteorologists anticipate the system will intensify further and move west-northwest towards the Tamil Nadu coast, potentially exacerbating the rainfall. Rainfall Predictions for the Coming Days Monday, December 16: Light to moderate rainfall is expected to occur in several areas across Tamil Nadu, including coastal and interior regions, as well as in the Union Territories of Puducherry and Karaikal. Residents in these areas are advised to prepare for intermittent showers, which could vary in intensity and cause minor disruptions in daily activities. Tuesday, December 17: Widespread light to moderate rainfall is expected in coastal Tamil Nadu and scattered regions of interior Tamil Nadu. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning may occur in isolated areas. Districts such as Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai, along with Karaikal, may experience heavy rainfall. Wednesday, December 18: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecasted in districts including Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Cuddalore, and Mayiladuthurai. Additional regions such as Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Perambalur, Pudukkottai, Tiruchirappalli, Villuppuram, Chengalpattu, and Kallakurichi, as well as Puducherry, may also experience heavy rain. Precautionary Measures Authorities and residents in the affected areas are advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions. The persistent rain could lead to further waterlogging, disruption of daily activities, and potential damage to infrastructure. Emergency teams are on standby to address any critical situations arising from the severe weather conditions.

IMD issues orange alert for heavy rainfall in TN on 17-18 December as low-pressure area forms over Bay of Bengal

CHENNAI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday announced that a low-pressure area is likely to form over the southeast Bay of Bengal within the next 24 hours, under the influence of an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the South Andaman Sea and adjoining areas. The low-pressure area is likely to become more marked and move west-northwestwards towards the Tamil Nadu coast during the subsequent two days, the IMD stated. Following this forecast, an orange alert has been issued for heavy to very heavy rainfall in certain parts of Tamil Nadu on 17 and 18 December. On 17 December, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at isolated locations in the districts of Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Tiruvarur. Heavy rainfall is also likely in isolated areas of Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, and Pudukkottai. On 18 December, heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated at isolated locations in Cuddalore and Villupuram. Heavy rainfall is also likely at isolated locations in Tiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Tiruvarur. The IMD also warned of continued heavy rainfall on 19 December in Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, and Vellore.

SCR to run Sabarimala special train services from Dec.19

Hyderabad: The South Central Railway (SCR) is running Sabarimala special trains covering several important pilgrimage destinations enroute from December 19 to January 24. These trains are planned for the benefit of Ayyappa devotees visiting the Sabarimala shrine from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The devotees travelling by these special trains can conveniently plan to visit enroute pilgrimage centres of important temples in Kerala. The temples included in the circuit are the Sastha temples at Pandalam, Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu, Achankovil and Erumeli. Other famous temples covering enroute stations are Golden Temple at Vellore, Annamalaiyar Temple at Tiruvannamalai, Ranganatha Swamy Temple at Srirangam, Mariamman Temple at Samayapuram (Tiruchirappalli), Meenakshi Amman Temple at Madurai, Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple at, Thiruparankundram (Madurai), Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple at Palani (Dindigul), Andal Temple at Srivilliputhur (Virudhu Nagar) and Sri Krishna Temple at Punalur etc. Train No. 07175 / 07176 Secunderabad - Kollam - Secunderabad specials (four services): These Special trains will stop at Moula-Ali, Cherlapalli, Nalgonda, Miryalaguda, Nadikude, Piduguralla, Sattenapalli, Guntur, Tenali, Chirala, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur, Renigunta, Katpadi, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Vriddhachalam, Ariyalur, Srirangam, Tiruchchirappalli, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudunagar, Tenkasi, Sengottai and Punalur stations in both the directions. Train No. 07173 / 07174 Kakinada Port Kollam Kakinada Port specials (six services): Enroute, these special trains will stop at Kakinada Town, Samalkot, Rajahmundry, Nidadavolu, Tanuku, Bhimavaram Town, Akividu, Kaikaluru, Gudivada, Vijayawada, Tenali, Chirala, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur, Renigunta, Tirupati, Chittoor, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Podanur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam, Ettumanur, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Chengannur and Kayankulam stations in both the directions. Train No. 07177 Vijayawada Kollam Special (three services): These special trains will stop at Guntur, Narasaraopet, Donakonda, Markapur Rd, Giddalur, Diguvametta, Nandyal, Koilakuntla, Jammalamadugu, Proddatur, Yerraguntla, Kadapa, Rajampet, Renigunta, Tirupati, Chittoor, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Podanur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam, Ettumanur, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Chengannur and Kayankulam stations. Train No. 07178 Kollam Kakinada Town Special (three services): These special trains will stop at Kayankulam, Chengannur, Tiruvalla, Kottayam, Ettumanur, Ernakulam, Aluva, Thrissur, Palakkad, Podanur, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Chittoor, Tirupati, Renigunta, Rajampet, Kadapa, Yerraguntla, Proddatur, Jammalamadugu, Koilakuntla, Nandyal, Diguvametta, Giddalur, Markapur Rd, Donakonda, Narasaraopet, Guntur, Vijayawada, Eluru, Tadepalligudem, Rajahmundry and Samalkot stations. Train No. 07175 / 07176 Secunderabad - Kollam - Secunderabad Specials (six services): These special trains will stop at Moula-Ali, Cherlapalli, Nalgonda, Miryalaguda, Nadikude, Piduguralla, Sattenapalli, Guntur, Tenali, Chirala, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur, Renigunta, Katpadi, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Vriddhachalam, Ariyalur, Srirangam, Tiruchchirappalli, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudunagar, Sivakasi, Rajapalaiyam, Tenkasi, Sengottai and Punalur stations in both the directions. Train No. 07179 Kakinada Town Kollam Special (two services): These special trains will stop at Samalkot, Rajahmundry, Tadepalligudem, Eluru, Vijayawada, New Guntur, Tenali, Chirala, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur, Renigunta, Tirupati, Chittoor, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Podanur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva and Ernakulam Town, Ettumanur, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Chengannur and Kayankulam stations. Train No. 07180 Kollam Guntur Special (two services): These special trains will stop at Kayankulam, Chengannur, Tiruvalla, Kottayam, Ettumanur, Ernakulam Town, Aluva, Thrissur, Palakkad, Podanur, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Chittoor, Tirupati, Renigunta, Guntur, Nellore, Ongole, Chirala and Tenali stations. Train No. 07181 Guntur Kollam Special (three services): These special trains will stop at Narasaraopet, Donakonda, Markapur Rd, Giddalur, Diguvametta, Nandyal, Bethamcherla, Dhone, Gooty, Anantapur, Dharmavaram, Kadiri, Madanapalle, Piler, Pakala, Chittoor, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Podanur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, Ettumanur, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Chengannur and Kayankulam stations. Train No. 07182 Kollam Kakinada Town Special (one service): These special trains will stop at Kayankulam, Chengannur, Tiruvalla, Kottayam, Ettumanur, Ernakulam Town, Aluva, Thrissur, Palakkad, Podanur, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Chittoor, Pakala, Piler, Madanapalle, Kadiri, Dharmavaram, Anantapur, Gooty, Dhone, Bethamcherla, Nandyal, Diguvametta, Giddalur, Markapur Rd, Donakonda, Narasaraopet, Guntur, Vijayawada, Eluru, Tadepalligudem, Rajahmundry and Samalkot stations. Train No. 07185 Kollam Guntur Special (two services): These Special trains will stop at Kayankulam, Chengannur, Tiruvalla, Kottayam, Ettumanur, Ernakulam Town, Aluva, Thrissur, Palakkad, Podanur, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Chittoor, Pakala, Piler, Madanapalle, Kadiri, Dharmavaram, Anantapur, Gooty, Dhone, Bethamcherla, Nandyal, Diguvametta, Giddalur, Markapur Rd, Donakonda and Narasaraopet, stations. Train No. 07183/07184 Narsapur Kollam - Narsapur Special (Four services): These special trains will stop at Palakollu, Bhimavaram Jn, Bhimavaram Town, Akividu, Kaikaluru, Gudivada, Vijayawada, Guntur, Narasaraopet, Markapur Rd, Giddalur, Diguvametta, Nandyal, Koilakuntla, Jammalamadugu, Proddatur, Yerraguntla, Kadapa, Rajampet, Renigunta, Tirupati, Chittoor, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Podanur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, Ettumanur, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Chengannur and Kayankulam stations in both the directions. These special trains consist of first AC, 2AC, 3AC, sleeper class and general second-class coaches.

TN: Heavy rain lashes parts of Tiruchirappalli, waterlogging reported in several areas

TN will take up Mullaiperiyar dam upkeep issue with Kerala govt: Minister Duraimurugan

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin will take up with his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan the problems being faced by the state Public Works Department (PWD) officials while doing the maintenance of the Mullaiperiyar dam located in his state, Water Resources Minister Durai Murugan said on Tuesday. The chief minister would hold consultations with Vijayan during his visit to Kerala this week and work for an amicable solution, Durai Murugan said, responding to the 'call attention motion' moved by Leader of the Opposition AIADMK Edappadi K Palaniswami in the Assembly. Palaniswami claimed the PWD officials were prevented from carrying the construction material to the Idukki district where the Mullaiperiyar dam was situated, to take up the maintenance work. A PWD lorry carrying construction material from Tamil Nadu was blocked at Vallakadavu check post in Kerala on December 4, thus obstructing the upkeep of the dam, Palaniswami said drawing the government's attention on the second day of the two-day Assembly session. He urged the chief minister to take up the issue of frequent problems being faced by TN PWD in transporting construction material when he visits Kerala on December 12 and facilitate the smooth maintenance of the dam. On the inundation in many villages allegedly due to the opening of the Sathanur dam in Thiruvannamalai district when Cyclone Fengal crossed the TN-Karaikal coast, the chief minister replied that water from the reservoir was released after the PWD issued five flood alerts. Allaying the apprehensions of some legislators over the conduct of the Karthigai Deepam festival on December 13 in Thiruvannamalai, which was affected by unprecedented rain and mud slips, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department Minister P K Sekar Babu said the festival would be held as scheduled. Elaborate arrangements have been made by the state government anticipating 40 lakh devotees to visit the renowned Arunachaleswarar temple for the festival and Girivalam (circumambulation of the holy mountain) by the pilgrims. Arrangements were also made to carry 450 kg ghee and 300 kg copra or container to light the maha deepam on the sacred hilltop, Babu said. The Assembly passed 19 Bills, including the Tamil Nadu Local Authorities Entertainments Tax (Amendment), 2024, for levy and collection of entertainment tax on concerts, dramas, shows or any other ticketed event conducted by any institution, including an educational institution. The proposed rate of tax is ten per cent on 'each payment for admission (each ticket).' The main opposition AIADMK opposed it and another Bill as well, which was to amend the Tamil Nadu Agricultural Produce Marketing (Regulation) Act, 1987. These Bills were introduced in the House on December 9. When the Bill related to farm produce, which was for extension of the tenure of special officers of three market committees (Tiruchirappalli, Cuddalore and Theni) for a further period of one year, was taken up, AIADMK legislator Agri SS Krishnamurthy opposed it. Assembly Speaker M Appavu, later adjourned the House sine die.

Low pressure over the Bay of Bengal to deepen, bring heavy rain to coastal, delta districts

CHENNAI: The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) on Sunday said the low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is expected to move west-northwestwards and intensify within the next 24 hours. The system is expected to bring rains to delta districts, Chennai, and its surrounding areas starting Tuesday. It is likely to reach the southwest Bay of Bengal, off the Sri Lanka-Tamil Nadu coasts, around December 11, said the RMC. The centre has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall on Wednesday for Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Karaikal, and on Thursday for Chengalpattu, Villupuram and Cuddalore districts and Puducherry. Besides, heavy rains are likely in Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Cuddalore districts, and Puducherry and Karaikal regions on Tuesday. A similar forecast has been given for Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Pudukkottai districts, as well as Puducherry for Wednesday; and Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Kallakurichi, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Pudukkottai, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram districts, and the Karaikal area for Thursday. Squally weather with wind speeds of 35-45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph, is expected over the Comorin area, Gulf of Mannar, and Tamil Nadu coasts on Friday. Meanwhile, independent weather blogger K Srikanth, in a post on X, estimated a 50% chance of the system developing into a depression, adding that its intensification into a cyclone is unlikely.

Cyclone Fengal: Heavy Rains Lash Tamil Nadu

Chennai: Heavy rains pounded several parts of north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Saturday, under the impact of Cyclone 'Fengal,' affecting normalcy and prompting evacuation. The downpour was accompanied by gusty winds and what began as intermittent rainfall in coastal regions on the night of November 29, gradually became steady leading to inundation in several areas. Operations at the Chennai airport were suspended between 12.30 pm and 7 pm. In the neighbouring union territory Puducherry, people living in low-lying areas were evacuated, District Collector A Kulothungan told PTI. The union territory administration sent SMS alerts to around 12 lakh residents cautioning them to remain vigilant in view of 'Fengal' likely to make landfall near the UT later in the day. In Chennai, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin reviewed the situation at the State Emergency Operations Centre with top officials and later told reporters that all precautionary measures have already been taken and camps have been set up for people of vulnerable areas. Food was also being distributed to them. Also, he inspected a pumping station. Many parts of the city suffered inundation and trees were uprooted. Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) authorities said 22,000 personnel including engineers, officials, and sanitary workers were on the job and a total of 1,686 motor pumps of various capacities including 25-hp and 100-hp were in use. As many as 484 tractor-mounted heavy-duty pumps and 137 pumps of 100-hp capacity have been deployed. The GCC said work was on a 'war footing' to clear waterlogging in 134 spots and out of the 9 trees that fell, 5 have been cleared. Out of the 22 subways, traffic flow is smooth in 21. The Ganesapuram subway had already been closed for tasks related to railway bridge work. Reservoirs that cater to the city's drinking water needs such as Chembarmbakkam and Poondi received copious inflow. Many residents of low-lying Madipakkam parked their cars on both sides of the nearby Velachery flyover. Residents of similar vulnerable areas also parked their vehicles in safe spots. Roads were largely deserted and civic workers, police, and fire and rescue personnel, deployed in vulnerable places performed rain-related relief/rescue tasks. State-run transport corporations operated skeleton services in Chennai and nearby areas. Railway officials said EMU train services in all suburban sections in the Chennai division will operate with reduced frequency until further notice. An official said that by and large, train (including express/superfast) services have not been affected, though there was some delay. Due to strong winds with velocities ranging between 65-73 kmph, suburban services between Chennai Beach and Velachery in the MRTS Section were suspended from 12.15 pm onwards, officials announced. Chennai Metro Rail said its services were operational without any glitches and informed the public of parking areas in specific stations that were prone to inundation. Airport authorities declared suspension of all operations till 7 pm starting from 12.30 pm. Departure and arrival schedules of both domestic and international flights were affected. Some of the flights were diverted to Bengaluru and Tiruchirappalli and at least 18 flights were cancelled and 12 other flights were delayed. As the sea was pretty rough, police put up barricades blocking access to noted beaches including the Marina and Mamallapuram. State-run Aavin milk supply was not affected and power supply continued to be normal in many areas. The government had already declared November 30 a holiday for educational institutions and requested IT firms to make their employees work from home. In Puducherry, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) from Arakonam has arrived to engage in relief and rehabilitation works. According to Collector Kulothungan, cyclone Fengal was expected to cross the coast in the evening. Control rooms have been opened in the collectorate and also in the line departments. The entire stretch of beach road and also several tourist spots were closed to restrict public movement. Schools and colleges remained closed today.

Cyclone Fengal: Flight service hit in Chennai due to heavy rains

Chennai: Cyclone Fengal is expected to make landfall today evening in Tamil Nadu, and multiple flights to and from Chennai were affected on Friday due to inclement weather in the region. Multiple airlines issued travel advisories and updates on their flight plans due to the continuing heavy rains in Chennai. Flights to and from Chennai are getting affected due to inclement weather and heavy rains, read an X post by Air India. IndiGo issued a travel advisory and said that their flights in multiple cities, including Chennai, Tiruchirappali, Tuticorin, Madurai, and others were impacted. The current weather conditions continue to impact flights to/from Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Tuticorin, Madurai, with Tirupati and Vishakhapatnam now also affected, read the X post by IndiGo Airlines. According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai, intense rain spells are expected to continue in the north coastal districts of Tamil Nadu on Saturday due to the cyclone's impact. Isolated heavy to very heavy rain with extremely heavy rain is expected at one or two places over Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villuppuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore districts and Puducherry today. Heavy to very heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam districts and Karaikal area. Heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal, Tiruchirappalli, Pudukkottai and Karur districts, Tamil Nadu IMD said in a release. Cyclone Fengal over Southwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards earlier and is expected to cross north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts later in the day, IMD said. It is likely to move nearly westwards and cross north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram close to Puducherry as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph during evening of November 30, the weather department added. Fengal is being continuously monitored by the IMD from Doppler weather radars at Chennai (S Band), Sriharikota, and Chennai (X band) in addition to the satellite observations.

Cyclone Fengal Moving Towards Tamil Nadu: IMD Issues Flash Flood Warning Amid Heavy Rainfall

Cyclone Fengal, which started as a depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal, has intensified into a deep depression and is expected to develop into a cyclonic storm by Wednesday, reported the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts light to moderate rainfall across the region, with heavy downpours expected to continue until Thursday, November 28. In light of the ongoing heavy rainfall, the district administration in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, announced that schools and colleges will remain closed on Wednesday. District Collector Pradeep Kumar confirmed the closure due to persistent rainfall. Similar measures were already in place on Tuesday for several regions, including Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Tiruvarur, where authorities declared holidays for educational institutions ahead of the anticipated heavy rains. The RMC in Chennai further confirmed that the depression has evolved into a deep depression and is likely to strengthen into a cyclonic storm on Wednesday. S. Balachandran, Director of the RMC, mentioned that the storm is expected to move northwards toward the Tamil Nadu coast, heading in the direction of Sri Lanka over the next few days. IndiGo Airlines has also issued a travel advisory, warning passengers about disruptions to flights traveling to and from Chennai, Tuticorin, and Madurai due to the adverse weather conditions. The airline further noted that Tiruchirappalli and Salem could also experience flight disturbances in the coming days. They expressed their gratitude to passengers for their patience during this challenging time. The IMD provided an update on the movement of the deep depression, which has been progressing northward at a speed of 10 km/h over the last six hours, south-southeast of Chennai. The depression is expected to continue moving in a north-northwest direction and intensify into a cyclonic storm by Wednesday. Over the next two days, it will likely move towards the Tamil Nadu coast, brushing along the Sri Lankan coast. As for the impact of the cyclone, the IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts of Tamil Nadu, including Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Karaikal. Isolated places in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villuppuram, Ariyalur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Pudukkottai are also likely to experience significant rainfall. Additionally, heavy rains are expected in Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram districts, as well as parts of Kerala, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Rayalaseema. Weather Alert: School Closures in Tamil Nadu as Monsoon Rains Intensify COP29: Climate Change Drives Global Displacement, Over 6.6 Million Affected by Weather Disasters in 2023

GDAI signs MoUs to boost India's gaming industry at IGDC 2024

The Game Developers Association of India (GDAI) announced key partnerships during the 16th India Game Developer Conference (IGDC) to accelerate the growth of Indias video gaming sector. GDAI signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the governments of Rajasthan and Sikkim, several academic institutions, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI). These agreements focus on addressing industry challenges such as skill shortages, regional development, and policy creation. Collaborations with Rajasthan and Sikkim aim to establish gaming incubation hubs and foster intellectual property (IP) development in the sector. Academic partnerships with institutions, including Chandigarh University and SRM IST Tiruchirappalli, will introduce gaming-focused courses, workshops, and incubation programs to bridge skill gaps. The MoU with FICCI seeks to develop a sustainable roadmap for the gaming industry by aligning industry needs with government policies. GDAI Chairperson Sridhar Muppidi highlighted the importance of grassroots innovation, while board member Manish Agarwal emphasised collaboration between academia and industry to nurture talent. These initiatives aim to position India as a global leader in video game development, reflecting a unified effort to foster innovation and infrastructure in the gaming ecosystem.

Survey says 75% of respondents cant distinguish illegal online gaming platform from legal ones

It was undertaken among 5,000 online gamers in Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, and Coimbatore

RGIA announces new flight services from Hyderabad to Bangkok

Hyderabad: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) on Monday announced the commencement of new flight services from Hyderabad to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), Bangkok, from October 27 with Thai AirAsia. A joint venture of Malaysian AirAsia and Thailand's Asia Aviation, Thai AirAsia is a Thai budget airline offering affordable domestic and international flights from Bangkok and other cities in Thailand. The flight to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), Bangkok FD119, will depart from Hyderabad at 11.25 pm and arrive in Bangkok at 4.30 am local time in the wee hours of the next morning. The return flight FD118 will depart from Bangkok at 8.50 pm local time and arrive in Hyderabad at 10.55 pm. This nonstop flight service will depart every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday adding four new weekly flights from RGIA to Bangkok. Sharing his excitement about the addition of a new airline carrier, Pradeep Panicker, CEO GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited said, We are delighted to announce the introduction of new flight services from Hyderabad to Bangkok in partnership with Thai AirAsia. This development is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance international connectivity, which will not only facilitate greater business and leisure travel but also strengthen economic and cultural ties between Hyderabad and Bangkok. Additionally, the service from Thai AirAsia, a renowned budget carrier, will offer travelers more affordable and flexible travel options. At GMR Hyderabad International Airport, we are committed to enhanced passenger experience and fostering global connections that drive growth and prosperity, he said. Santisuk Klongchaiya, Chief Executive Officer of Thai AirAsia, said: AirAsia has long awaited the opportunity to expand its network to the major metro cities of India. Bridging travel between our two nations will promote tourism and business, bolstering both of our economies. We believe these routes will meet the needs of the Indian people as well as international travelers in Thailand and the Thai people themselves looking to make their way to India. Thai AirAsia now flies to 12 cities in India, namely, Kolkata, Chennai, Jaipur, Kochi, Bangalore, Gaya, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, Tiruchirappalli, and the newest addition Hyderabad, offering a total of 67 flights per week. Bangkok is a top tourist destination with vibrant street life, rich cultural heritage, and bustling markets. Visitors enjoy exploring ornate temples like Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew, indulging in delicious Thai cuisine, and experiencing the lively nightlife. The city's blend of modernity and tradition offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. For gastronomic indulgence, Bangkok is a paradise. The city offers a diverse culinary scene, from street food stalls serving Pad Thai and Mango sticky rice to high-end restaurants with gourmet Thai dishes. Food markets like Chatuchak and floating markets provide a unique dining experience, making Bangkok a haven for food lovers. The introduction of new flight services from RGIA to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) marks a significant milestone for the travel and tourism sector. For flyers, the new flight services by Thai AirAsia translate to greater convenience and flexibility. With Bangkok's appeal as a major tourist and business hub, the new flight services are poised to drive growth in passenger traffic, benefiting airlines, travel, and hospitality industry.

IMD Issues Weather Bulletin for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal: Heavy Rainfall Forecasted

New Delhi: T he India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a weather bulletin on Thursday for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal areas. According to the report, a depression over the west-central and southwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards, making landfall between Puducherry and Nellore, near Chennai, along the north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts on Thursday. The system subsequently weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area and, as of 05:30 IST, was located over south coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjacent north coastal Tamil Nadu. The well-marked low-pressure area remained over the same region at 08:30 IST, with an associated cyclonic circulation extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level, tilting southwestwards with height. The IMD predicted that it would move west-northwestwards and weaken further into a low-pressure area within the next six hours. Additionally, a cyclonic circulation was noted over the north Lakshadweep region at a similar altitude. Rainfall and Thunderstorm Forecast Light to moderate rain is expected in several locations, with thunderstorms and lightning likely at isolated spots over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal areas from Thursday through Sunday. The IMD has predicted heavy rainfall at isolated locations in Vellore, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, and Erode districts on Friday. Further, heavy rain is anticipated at isolated places in the Ghat areas of Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts; and in Ranipet, Vellore, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Tiruchirappalli, Dindigul, Madurai, Pudukkottai, Ariyalur, and Perambalur districts on Sunday. The IMD has also issued an alert for heavy rainfall at isolated places in the same regions on Monday. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely at one or two places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal areas from Thursday through Monday. Temperature and Sky Conditions For the next 24 hours, the sky is expected to remain partly cloudy, with light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, in some areas. The maximum temperature is expected to be between 33-34C, while the minimum temperature is forecasted to be 25-26C. The IMD also indicated that similar weather conditions would persist for the next 48 hours, with partly cloudy skies, light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and lightning in some areas. The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to remain the same, ranging from 33-34C and 25-26C, respectively. Haryana CM Nayab Saini Pledges Good Governance and Welfare Initiatives Omar Abdullah Chairs First Cabinet Meeting as Chief Minister of Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir Woman Shot During Family Dispute in Delhi's Seelampur; Four Arrested

The lure of social media fame is infiltrating the corridors of power. Time to rein in social-savvy bureaucrats?

Tiruchirappalli SP V Varun Kumar and his wife, Pudukkottai SP Vandita Pandey, have withdrawn from social media after cyberbullying by operatives of Naam Tamilar Katchi. This raises questions on bureaucrats' social media use, influenced by incidents like Assam CM reprimanding former SP Anand Mishra and controversies around officers' ethical boundaries in online presence.

Exclusive: How Air India Express Pilots Handled Mid-Air Scare Over Trichy

A report of hydraulic failure from a Tiruchirappalli-Sharjah Air India Express flight and its subsequent holding pattern may have caused panic on the ground, but things were always under control inside the cockpit, senior sources told NDTV.

A-I Express flight faces mid-air glitch post take-off from TN, lands safely

A Sharjah bound flight from Tiruchirappalli, shortly after departure on Friday evening, witnessed mid-air technical glitch and later landed safely, police said. Chief Minister M K Stalin held an emergency meeting with officials and directed them to follow all safety measures. Later, he congratulated the flight captain and crew for the safe landing. After taking off at about 5.30 pm from the airport, the fault related to hydraulic systems, the landing gear, was noticed. Deftly handling the situation, the pilots later safely landed the aircraft in Tiruchirappalli airport. The chief minister in a post on 'X' said: I am heartened to hear that the #AirIndiaExpress flight has landed safely. Upon receiving news of the landing gear issue, I immediately coordinated an emergency meeting with officials over the phone and instructed them to implement all necessary safety measures, including deploying fire engines, ambulances, and medical assistance. I have also now directed the District ...

After Mid-Air Scare, Air India Express Flight Lands Safely In Trichy

An Air India Express flight which reported a hydraulic failure shortly after take-off from the Tiruchirappalli airport in Tamil Nadu has landed safely.

Updates: Air India Express Flight Lands Safely After Facing Mid-Air Snag Near Trichy Airport

An Air India Express flight going from Tiruchirappalli to Sharjah has landed safely at theTiruchirappalli airport after facing a hydraulic failure.

Tiruchi-Sharjah flight lands safely at Tiruchirappalli airport after facing mid-air glitch

The Tiruchi-Sharjah Air India Express flight (AXB 613) just made an emergency landing at the Tiruchi International Airport after turning back mid-air due to a technical glitch. Aircraft made a normal landing and all passengers are safe, Airport Director G. Gopalakrishnan told The Hindu.

Live: Air India Express Flight Lands Safely After Facing Snag Near Trichy

An Air India Express flight going from Tiruchirappalli to Sharjah has landed safely at theTiruchirappalli airport after facing a hydraulic failure.

Snag-Hit Air India Express Flight Lands Safely In Trichy

An Air India Express flight which reported a hydraulic failure shortly after take-off from the Tiruchirappalli airport in Tamil Nadu has landed safely.

ICAR National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB) Recruitment 2024: Apprenticeship Notification

The ICAR National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB) in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, has announced its Apprenticeship Recruitment 2024. This ... Read more

8 Schools Get Bomb Threat Email In Tamil Nadu's Trichy, Security Tightened

As many as eight schools received a bomb threat over email on Thursday in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, the police confirmed.

TN CM Stalin arrives back from US, says investment trip successful

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin arrived at the airport here on Saturday to a rousing reception following his fortnight-long official trip to the US to attract investments to the state. The visit was successful and met his aspirations to ensure investment to Tamil Nadu to facilitate jobs for the people and skill training for the youth, he said briefing reporters. State Ministers, officials and DMK members received him at the airport upon his arrival. It was successful in terms of attracting investments from reputed global companies including those among the Fortune 500. The 14-day overseas trip was beneficial to the state as we signed 19 Memorandum of Understanding for a commitment of Rs 7,618 crore, the Chief Minister said. Eight companies from San Francisco and 11 from Chicago inked the pact and they would ensure employment opportunities to 11,516 people through their ventures in Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Coimbatore, Krishnagiri, Chennai, Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram, he ..

Vinayaka Chathurthi celebrated with fervour, leaders join celebrations

Prominent Ganesha temples such as the ones at Pillayarpatti in Sivaganga and Malaikottai in Tiruchirappalli, both in Tamil Nadu, and the Manakula Vinayakar temple in neighbouring Puducherry teemed with devotees.

Ganesh Chathurthi celebrated with fervour, leaders join celebrations

Vinayaka Chathurthi was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety across the south on Saturday, with prominent leaders, including Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy joining the celebrations in their respective states. A festive mood prevailed as people gathered in large numbers to offer worship in temples and grandeur marked the occasion with the installation of large Ganesha idols in Chennai and Hyderabad, among other cities. Prominent Ganesha temples such as the ones at Pillayarpatti in Sivaganga and Malaikottai in Tiruchirappalli, both in Tamil Nadu, and the Manakula Vinayakar temple in neighbouring Puducherry teemed with devotees. Telangana CM Reddy participated in a well-attended Ganesh Puja at Khairatabad in Hyderabad. JD(S) leader and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy held prayers at Bengaluru. Celebrations were also held in some temples in Kerala. In Tamil Nadu, the famous Ganesha temple (Malaikottai Uchhi Pillayar) atop a hill in Tiruchirappalli was decked up for th

PM Modi to flag off 2 Vande Bharat trains on Saturday: Southern Railway

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off two Vande Bharat services in the region on August 31, Southern Railway said on Friday. The PM will flag off the service from Dr MGR Chennai Central to Nagercoil as well as the one from Madurai to Bengaluru Cantonment through video conferencing, an official release here said. Only the inaugural special of the Nagercoil-bound service will be flagged off from Dr MGR Chennai Central station but the regular service will be from Chennai Egmore, the release added. It will run on all days except Wednesday. Train No 20627 will leave Chennai Egmore at 5 am and reach Nagercoil at 1.50 pm the same day. It will stop at Tambaram, Villupuram, Tiruchirappalli, Dindugal, Madurai, Kovilpatti and Tiruneveli, before reaching Nagercoil Junction. Train No 20628 will depart from Nagercoil Jn at 2.20 pm and arrive at Chennai Egmore at 11 pm, the release said. The Vande Bharat service between Madurai and Bengaluru Cantonment will be operated six days a week, exc

Man Allegedly Flashes Student Inside Tamil Nadu NIT Women Hostel, Arrested

A woman student has alleged that she was sexually harassed inside her hostel room at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Tamil Nadu's Tiruchirappalli last night. The shocking incident sparked widespread outrage and late-night protests.