The Times of India

Chennai Metro Rail is set to transform 37 locations into commercial hubs, developing 73.4 lakh sqft of property to boost non-fare revenue. Projects at Boat Club, Kutchery Road, and IT corridor sites will integrate with stations, creating vibrant transit-oriented developments. This ambitious plan aims to enhance financial sustainability and reshape urban mobility.

Chennai International Airport saw major international flight cancellations on Tuesday. At least 30 flights to and from key West Asian hubs were affected. This disruption stemmed from airspace restrictions and operational uncertainties linked to the Iran-Israel conflict. The cancellations impacted services to Kuwait, Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. Passengers are advised to check with airlines for updates.

AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami described the AIADMK-BJP alliance as strong and smooth, with seat-sharing talks imminent. He contrasted this with perceived confusion within the DMK-Congress alliance. Palaniswami also clarified that discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah focused on election preparedness and did not involve any talks about Sasikala joining the NDA, though discussions with other parties are ongoing.

Tamil Nadu government disbursed an early morning surprise of Rs 2,000 to vulnerable groups, including senior citizens, widows, and differently-abled individuals, along with their March pensions. This special incentive, mirroring the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme, aims to support those dependent on social security pensions, ensuring no one is left behind in the state's development.

A law college student from Kerala was killed and three others injured when their car collided with a cab making a U-turn near Anna University. The victims, students of Ambedkar Law College, were traveling from Nungambakkam to Taramani. Investigations into the accident are currently underway.

Political parties in Tamil Nadu are increasingly leveraging nano and micro-influencers to reach younger voters, bypassing traditional paid advertising. These creators weave political messages into entertainment content, making them appear more authentic and engaging. This strategy aims for organic reach and familiarity, a shift from overt campaign tactics.

Tamil Nadu leads India in deceased organ donation, achieving nearly one donation daily in early 2026 with 57 recorded. Initiatives like honour walks, streamlined green corridors, and transparent allocation via the Vidiyal app have bolstered the program's sustainability and public trust. The state prioritizes ethical practices, avoiding monetary incentives to preserve the nobility of donation.

The initiative was facilitated by Peta and PFCI in recognition of the temples compassionate decision to never own or hire live elephants.

In panchayats such as Agraharam, Elanthakuttai and Thattankuttai near Pallipalayam, garbage collected from houses and meat shops is dumped in large heaps on roadsides in residential areas without proper segregation and then set on fire, residents say.