Beneath the rough/choppy/tumultuous waves of the Bay of Bengal, a kaleidoscope of marine life thrives just 8-12 km off Chennais Neelankarai coast. In this column, you are invited to explore a world of vibrant colours and extraordinary creatures, captured during 11 dives between January 2021 and March 2023. From the sunlit shallows at 12-18 meters to thriving natural and artificial reefs, these underwater ecosystems are teeming with lifeeach species a testament to the oceans boundless creativity

CHENNAI: Around 1,000 families residing in Sathyavani Muthu Nagar near Ennore have complained of greyish fine chemical powder polluting the air and settling in terraces and open spaces of their homes, causing irritation in the eyes, cough, sore throat and other respiratory issues. When TNIE visited the area on Friday, deposits of grayish substance that looked like ash could be seen in many of the houses. The deposits were also noticed on the trees and plants nearby. The families alleged that the

CHENNAI: Twenty Irular families living for decades in a village near Tirukazhkundram in Chengalpattu district now fear displacement after local authorities began inquiries a few weeks ago. Of the 40 Irular families living in the locality, 20 of them do not have pattas (land title deed). Except one or two, most of them live in permanent dwellings which were constructed with the help of a local trust a few years ago, residents said. The local village panchayat has helped lay roads and install stre

CHENNAI: A 42-year-old man from Thoothukudi was arrested on Thursday for allegedly sexually harassing a woman and threatening to harm her children. The accused was identified as S Gopi and was tracked down and arrested near his residence by a special cyber crime team. According to police, the victim had befriended the accused who called himself Saravanan Vikram on Facebook two years ago. Gopi allegedly forced the woman to share some private pictures and then started to harass her. He also threat

Earlier this week, headlines flashed that the Tamil Nadu government will not hire drivers with flat feet for vacancies in any of the eight state transport corporations. Though surprising to some, it isnt entirely new in India. The Services Selection Board (SSB), which shoulders the responsibility of selecting candidates for the Indian Armed Forces, has a practice of disqualifying candidates on medical grounds, depending on the severity of pes planus (flat feet). The news of the Tamil Nadu state

It is a truth universally acknowledged that anyone weary of endless scrolling may find far greater delight in a modest volume even if its on a Kindle than in any glowing device designed to distract. From Jane Austens drawing rooms to Mary Olivers meadows, readers find peace in words that see them, hold them, and most wonderfully ignore their phones. Whether in Murakamis silent cafs or beneath Tolstoys snowdrifts, the ultimate accomplishment remains: turning pages into peace. For many, a cosy

In a world where wellness trends come and go, one truth remains constant: a healthy gut is foundational to overall well-being. One can easily develop a healthy gut, for it is not about the fad diets and the gimmicky routines: its about simplicity in your morning habits. By focusing on key nutrients protein, probiotics, and fibre you turn your mornings into the most potent gut-healing ritual. Your morning rituals help set a good vibe throughout the day. When it comes to gut health, you cant go

CHENNAI: The city corporation has passed a resolution to constitute zone-level town vending committees with the concerned regional deputy commissioner as the chairperson, based on a Madras High Court order in March this year. The HC had directed to constitute zonal level vending committees to fast-track the demarcation of vending and non-vending zones. The committees will comprise ACP (Law & Order), ACP (Traffic), a zonal executive engineer, six representatives of street vendors, a traders assoc

CHENNAI: During the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) council meeting on Wednesday, MDMK councillor S Jeevan voiced concerns over the 18% GST collected from the public for road cuts made during new service connections, alleging that the tax component was being usurped by private contractors instead of being deposited with the Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB). He stated that the public are charged Rs 7,500 for new drainage connections with an additional Rs 5,200 per metre fo

CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has passed a resolution approving the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for 65 locations identified across the city to facilitate the distribution of housing land titles (patta) to families who have been residing for over 10 years on government poramboke lands. The list of approved 65 locations for NOC issuance spans various city zones, including ward 22 in Madhavaram village, ward 16 in Mathur, ward 83 in Korattur, ward 182 in Perungudi,

CHENNAI: Property owners who fail to comply with the new corporation guidelines for maintaining vacant lands will face penalties of up to Rs 25,000, with an additional fine of Rs 500 per day for repeated violations. A resolution was passed to this effect in the council on Wednesday. The move is aimed at preventing public health concerns arising from poorly maintained vacant lands that allow for breeding of mosquitoes and other pests, and garbage accumulation. Landowners are now required to regul

First it was a blog on Wordpress. Then came the reels on Instagram. Chennai-based chartered accountant Lavanya Mohan has taken many routes to break down money matters into simple, easy-to-understand and relatable terms. As her followers grew, so did her content. Lavanya says, Money is not math but a language that has its own vocabulary and grammar. After making finances more approachable and presenting it as a tool for empowerment, she is now coming out with a book titled, Money Doesnt Grow on T

I didnt watch director Sandeep Reddy Vangas 2023 film Animal , which was widely decried for being violently misogynistic. What I heard about it was enough, and I know many women also made the choice not to subject themselves to it. It was preceded by Arjun Reddy in 2017, which I watched a few minutes of and clicked off. Now, the controversial director has taken to social media to publicly berate an unnamed actor, and to question her feminism. It is known that his next venture, entitled Spirit ,

For decades, Tamil theatre has been amplifying a narrow set of voices men behind the mic, stories framed by dominant caste perspectives. Womens roles were performed by men. Narratives of the oppressed were diluted, wrapped in pity rather than power. The stage long resisted certain stories those of caste, queerness, or womens lived realities. When such tales emerged, they were often sanitised, made palatable for mainstream audiences. Change moved slowly, unevenly. Collectives formed. Protests

No literate member of the human species has ever been spared an exclusive membership in the billions of WhatsApp groups that orbit around planet Earth. Even the senior members of the tribe would be enrolled in the main and flourishing sub-sects of the clan groups. Waking up to a good morning quote with a bright sunrise or ending the day with a goodnight quote with a teddy bear coaxing you to close your eyes and call it a day has become the universal code for every groups smooth functioning. How

While many of us think of games as something limited to two or four people around the table in a family, in ancient times, games had far wider connotations, not just in India. For example, in Greek and Roman traditions, funerary games were competitions held in honour of the deceased person, often a hero or a noble figure, as part of their funeral rites. This is graphically described in Homers Iliad, when Achilles organised elaborate games to honour his fallen friend, Patroclus. The purpose of th

For most, a watch is a stylish accessoryan extension of personal style. But for horology enthusiasts, it represents far more than that; its a celebration of craftsmanship and, often, a lifelong obsession. This tight-knit group not only admires timepieces but anticipates their releases, idolises iconic models, and sometimes saves for years to acquire a coveted reference. They also keep an eye on upcoming brandsthose that stay true to quality and craft timepieces that feel like wearable art. Becau

CHENNAI: A 54-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly attempting to rob and murder a home-alone elderly woman, S Rajeshwari (81), in broad daylight at her flat in Mylapore on Monday. The suspect, C Indira of Ariyalur, who was working as a house help in another flat in the same apartment complex, was caught by neighbours when she attempted to flee after snatching 10.5 sovereigns of gold jewellery from Rajeshwari. The stolen chain, bangles and earrings were recovered from Indira, police said. Ac

CHENNAI: Chief Minister M K Stalin has provided financial assistance of Rs 25,000 and a laptop to D Shriya, a corporation school student raised by a single mother after her father abandoned the family. This follows a TNIE article highlighting Shriyas financial struggles in pursuing higher education, despite scoring 565 out of 600 in her Class 12 exams and securing college admission. Shriya was among five corporation school students who received financial assistance and laptops from the chief min

CHENNAI: Kanaga B, 48, is homeless and burdened with debt, as she has lost not only her house, but also Rs 50,000 in cash that she had borrowed at a steep 15% interest. She is one among the many families whose lives and livelihoods have been affected by the fire that swept through Sathiya Murthy Nagar Main Road in MKB Nagar on Monday evening. Kanaga, who lives alone in a makeshift house and earns a living by selling appalam, pickles, and semiya (vermicelli) on city streets, had returned from wor

CHENNAI: At least 36 people, including 15 children, were stuck 150ft above the ground on one of the amusement rides at the VGP Golden Beach amusement park in Injambakkam for over three hours after an alleged mechanical failure on Monday evening. All of them were safely rescued after the fire and rescue department arrived, a police source said. According to the source, the ride with 36 people began around 6pm and as soon as it reached the top, it got stuck. Despite several cries for help, there w

Tea is the second most consumed beverage globally, surpassed only by water. Among the various types of teas, Japanese matcha has garnered global attention for its distinct flavour, vibrant green colour, and remarkable health benefits. Made from finely ground Tencha leaves of Camellia sinensis, matcha is a powdered form of green tea with a rich concentration of bioactive compounds, offering superior nutritional and therapeutic value compared to other teas. What sets matcha apart is its traditiona

Sarika Gupta Traditional Indian recipes arent merely meals, but heirlooms of flavour and memory where spices are added by instinct, not by measure, and each dish is perfected over decades of religious practice in kitchens. Collecting and sourcing these recipes from across Indias humble kitchens was a relatively easy task for Sarika Gupta when compared to translating instinct into exactness. But through perseverance, she says, she managed to not only write an entire book with over 100 vegetarian

Motivation. That is the word displayed on the backrest flap of a wheelchair that navigates its way into a gym in Chennai, set up specifically for women with disabilities. Sitting on it is A Arunmozhi, who has 34 gold medals to her name 30 of which she won in javelin, shot put, discus, and powerlifting in state-level tournaments and four for powerlifting in national-level tournaments. Arunmozhi has since aimed bigger. I want to participate next in the 2026 Asian Games, followed by the 2027 World

Bhaiya, one more pav. Please!, asks a customer, through a mouthful of butter-soaked pav dunked in spicy and tangy bhaji. If the reels you saw of Apoorvas Novelty in Shenoy Nagar made you think of it as a new hot spot in the city, ask the decades-old foodies, and they will tell you that this is the improved version of their favourite Novelty Tea House. For almost 67 years, the cosy, vintage-looking building, blending old-world charm with modern functional design, was nestled in the heart of Mint

Summer vacations were eagerly awaited. It was necessary to break away from an entire years academic burden, homework, marks, and deadlines. For me, it was an escapade, through the hairpin roads, through different terrains, green and arid, to finally to the place that occupies a large part of my memory. Visiting and revisiting the zig-zag lanes heading towards home became my favourite pastime after school the visuals of ripening mangoes, rupturing jackfruits, and squishy cashew fruits, grandmoth

CHENNAI: Three men hailing from Uttar Pradesh were arrested in Thiruvanmiyur on Sunday for attempting to tamper with an SBI ATM using a cardboard to block the cash dispenser. The suspects, Kuldeep Singh (26), Brijpan (30), and Sumith Yadav (33), were tracked down by the Thiruvanmiyur police after analysing CCTV footage, ATM monitoring data, and local intelligence, police said. While police confirmed that the gang was not able to steal cash from the Thiruvanmiyur ATM, preliminary inquiries reveal

CHENNAI: As part of efforts to reduce congestion in the city by phasing out the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) in Koyambedu, officials from Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) and transport department are planning to relocate long-distance mofussil and SETC buses operating via East Coast Road (ECR) to the Anna Nagar West depot. At present, the CMBT operates 592 buses, with 400 scheduled to be moved to Kuthambakkam. Officials added that the remaining 142 mofussil buses and 50

In the rural pockets of East Africa, Malaysia, and the islands across Vietnam and Indonesia, the local artisans still cling to their ancestral occupation, sewing art with their bare hands. They walk to the forests, fetch wood, and bring it home. Then the entire family sits, carves, etches, chisels, and paints together, giving shape to traditional artefacts. These scenes were enough to inspire Shyam Chittari to conceive the idea of bringing together such handmade pieces from scattered corners of

Japandi is nothing but the coming together of Scandinavian and modern Japanese interior design styles. Both have the spotlight on clean lines and shapes. A design style that focuses on minimalistic yet functional spaces through natural elements and muted colours. This design style does not encourage gaudy detailing, high contrast palettes, and dark spaces. Here are the key elements of Japandi. Materials The materials used in Japandi are neutral, earthy, and comforting. For furniture, rattan, bam

For most of us, the pandemic is a period we probably would not want to remember the sudden pause in daily life, the uncertainty of tomorrow, while we were still reeling from the announcement to shut the outside world, with some relief every now and then. But for the then-ninth grader Nivedha Senthilkumar, the summer of 2020 was a gift. During the lockdown, Nivedha brought together two of her most cherished comforts, tea and art, to blend warmth with creativity. I have been creating art since my

As more people migrate to Chennai city in search of opportunities and livelihood, it has become increasingly important to prioritise the city residents access to green spaces. Not just for the sake of climate resilience or preserving biodiversity and endemic species, but to also provide residents clean and fresh air to breathe, to offer respite from the heat, dust, and motor-vehicle fumes, and to enable spiritual connections with the ground beneath our feet. Spanning over 260 acres adjoining th

CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) on Monday listed municipal bonds worth Rs 200 crore on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), becoming the first civic body in Tamil Nadu to do so. The listing event at Kalaivanar Arangam was presided over by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. With this move, Chennai joins cities like Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, which have also raised funds through municipal bonds on the NSE. The GCC raised Rs 200 crore at an interest rate of 7.97% per annum over a 10-year period

CHENNAI: Blending science with artistic creativity, botanical illustrator Suresh Ragavan organised a solo painting exhibition titled Brushstrokes of Endemic Echoes at Kadambari Art Gallery in Dakshinachitra Museum, near ECR, Chennai. The event, inaugurated on Sunday, will run until June 2, showcasing detailed paintings of Indias avian life, particularly species from the Western Ghats. C Elango, assistant conservator of forests, Chennai, was the chief guest, and Subhiksha Lakshmi Maxima, educatio

CHENNAI: Three people, including a seven-month-old child, died in two separate road accidents at Pulianthope and Sriperumbudur. At Pulianthope in the city, a seven-month-old baby died on the spot after it slipped from the hands of the mother, who was riding pillion on a bike, and fell on the road on Saturday. The incident occurred when a load van allegedly brushed against the two-wheeler, causing the biker to lose control and topple on the road. The infant was being carried by her mother Varalak

CHENNAI: In a case of suspected deaths due to debt, a 38-year-old man and his six-year-old daughter were found dead near Putlur Railway Station late on Saturday. Police said Loganathan, a private firm employee, may have killed his daughter Jaswanthika before ending his life. As per preliminary probe, Loganathan had incurred nearly Rs 18 lakh debt due to losses in online share trading, police said. According to the Arakkonam Government Railway Police (GRP), Loganathan was residing with his wife V

CHENNAI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has secured a conviction against two Bangladeshis, who had entered India using forged documents, from a Chennai court recently. The agency had in November 2023 invoked charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and started probe in the case after taking permission from the Union Home Ministry. However, in the final chargesheet, the agency did not allege violation under UAPA and framed charges only under forgery and violation of Pa

CHENNAI: More than 8,000 residents, led by the Federation of North Chennai Residents Welfare Association (FNCRWA), organised a human chain protest on Sunday against the proposed waste-to-energy (WTE) plant in Kodungaiyur, citing fears of pollution and long-term health risks. The 4.5km-long protest extended from Sivasakthi Amman Temple in Ezhil Nagar, Kodungaiyur, to the Dr Ambedkar Government Arts College signal in Vyasarpadi. As part of the protest, residents also signed a declaration urging th

It was April 15. The days headline read Annual 61-day fishing ban commences in Tamil Nadu. Every year, around this time, newspapers often carry similar headlines. The annual fishing ban in the city begins. What happens to the several fishermen and their families then? What do they do to sustain themselves during this period? On this quest, I head to Kasimedu. I arrive at around 5 am. The usual scene of trawlers and fishing boats returning from a fresh catch; the salty, and ocean-like smell of fi

When Arun KR, a former track and field athlete and triple jump national medallist, decided to leave his government job in 2007 to pursue his dream of being associated with sports and coaching, it was not an easy decision. Hailing from a family where sports had been ingrained in him from childhood, Arun wanted to do more in the field. Back then, however, it was a huge risk. He had been married by then and was responsible for taking care of the family. That is when his father and the family backed

Thirupachur (Thirupasur), a village near Thiruvallur, is home to the Vachishwarar temple, one of the Padal Petra Sthalams or temples wherein the deities have been praised in the Tamil verses of the Nayanmars or sixty-three important Saivite devotees. The presiding deity of this temple is Vachishwarar, a Siva Linga worshipped by the famous Nayanmars Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) and Thirugnanasambandar in the 7th century AD. While Thirugnanasambandar calls this deity Pasurnathar, inscriptions mention

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has strongly condemned a senior IAS officer, formerly the Commissioner of Geology and Mining, for passing a completely fraudulent, aberrational and unconscionably illegal order that benefited a lease holder involved in large-scale illegal mining in Tiruppur district. The officer in question, J Jayakanthan currently serving as Secretary of the Water Resources Department, was censured for his 2022 decision to revoke the temporary suspension of a quarrying licence gra

CHENNAI: Greater Chennai Police on Saturday said they have arrested three accused from Kerala who allegedly defrauded a retired IFS officer from Chennai of Rs 6.58 crore in a cyber scam. A release said the officer received a WhatsApp message to join highly profitable share trading apps and joined two WhatsApp groups. He, thereafter, downloaded an online share trading application through a link sent by the fraudsters who induced the complainant to invest in share trading through this app for high

CHENNAI: Nearly a hundred residents of Koladi in Thiruverkadu Municipality were detained on Saturday for protesting against fencing a playground near Koladi lake, where the government plans to set up a sewage treatment plant (STP). Residents have been opposing the STP for fear of water contamination in the nearby waterbodies, including the Koladi lake, and also for fear of losing the playground which has been used by locals and national-level athletes for several decades. The detained residents

CHENNAI: The Central Crime Branch (CCB) of Avadi police on Saturday said they have arrested two persons in a land fraud case involving sale of a Rs 1.17-crore property using forged documents which include an expired power of attorney. The investigation was started based on a complaint filed by S Reganpal of Kodungaiyur who told the police that a 3.86-acre land in Ambattur, bought by his late mother Ingrid Leena, was usurped by the accused. Reganpal said the land was bought in 2005 and they had a

TIRUPPUR: Only the snips of scissors punctuated the silence as the man getting his hair cut, partly unaware of the happenings, finally seemed to develop a trust for the hairdresser and the group of volunteers who had expressed to help him out. Squatted by the roadside, the unhesitating barber parted the homeless mans strands of hair that had not seen a wash or a comb in years. Tufts of unkempt grays and blacks hit the ground one by one, and when the barber was done, the scissors had also snipped

VIRDHUNAGAR: Desperation filled the air as M Eniyas world shrank to the size of a glowing screen, each notification a siren call that pulled her deeper into a digital abyss. Her mother, Muthumari, felt a heavy helplessness as she watched her daughter fade like a flickering candle, extinguished by the relentless tide of glowing screens and endless games. Determined to reclaim the joy of her childhood, Muthumari made a bold decisionshe would enrol Eniya in the Anganwadi centre in their village, ho

CHENNAI: At first glance, Dr Inspiring Ilangos world is quiet, and filled with shadows. But spend a moment in his presence, and it becomes clear that this man sees much more than what meets your eye. Born in a world that offers limited resources to the blind, Dr Ilango was ready to turn these resources into weapons. Born blind due to a consanguineous marriage in 1972, in Chennai, Ilango, now 52, is not just surviving without sighthes soaring with purpose. From an early age, he lent his distincti

CHENNAI: It is not part of their duty, but the police officials in Semmenchery are doing their bit to encourage students from low-income families in Perumbakkam and Kannagi Nagar pursue higher education. The community outreach initiative, launched on Thursday, targets students living in Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (TNUHDB) tenements in Perumbakkam and Kannagi Nagar who have completed Class XII but are unable to continue studies due to financial constraints or other hurdles. To mot

CHENNAI: As part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, the redeveloped St Thomas Mount railway station, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, has brought in additional amenities for rail passengers. These include a 12-foot-wide additional foot over bridge (FOB), digital display boards on platforms and FOBs, improved parking facility, and improved platform shelters. Positioned to become a key multimodal transport hub with connections to the MRTS, metro, and MTC bus services, the