Tourism infrastructure threatens to push elephants out of Mattupetty grasslands in Keralams Munnar
Proposed infrastructure in Munnars natural feeding grounds could disrupt access to forage and water, heightening humanelephant conflict; conservationists seek immediate halt and independent ecological assessment; KLDB maintains its plan comply with responsible tourism and does not disturb topography
Heavyrain lashes Salem, Krishnagiri, and Dharmapuri districts
Uthangarai registered the highest amount of rainfall, 75.80 mm, followed by 55 mm in Pambar Dam
Telangana seeks drought relief measures from Centre
The Minister stated that the khet bachao abhiyan would be implemented in the State from October 22 to 30 with the national agricultural institutions and universities
Many feel Sindarov will win easily, but I dont think so: Wei Yi
The Chinese GM realised one of his chess dreams reaching 2700 Elo points at just 15, but his goal of becoming World champion remains ahead of him. He speaks in this interview about what that ambition demands, why Gukesh shouldnt be written off in the World title match and what he felt after his role in a historic Olympiad triumph
KTR extends medical support to 13-year-old boy with brain cancer
Following KTRs instructions, Vinay was admitted to Sindhu Hospital for better medical care
Charting Mizorams political journey| Review of Sanjoy Hazarikas Lal Thanhawla
Thanhawlas life story in large measure encapsulates the States evolution
Harish Rao flays Govt. for collecting double fare in RTC buses
He demanded that the government withdraw the increased fare in the name of festival specials and run regular services instead
H.D. Kumaraswamy says his party stands with sugarcane growers
Responding to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumars assurances to the protesting farmers, Mr. Kumaraswamy said he had expected the Chief Minister to announce relief immediately
Keralams first export consignment under India-New Zealand FTA flagged off
The shipment is among the first consignments from the country in preparation for the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement
Asphyxiation of two fishers: rights panel seeks report from District Collector
Deaths have renewed concerns over the safety of fishing boat workers, particularly those required to enter confined storage compartments
Highways ministry invokes catastrophic failure clause against 2 developers
The Highways Ministry has invoked the newly introduced provision of the catastrophic failure clause against two highway developers for major structural failures on National Highways projects. The provisions of the catastrophic event allow highway-owning agencies to bar highway developers for two years from bidding for new projects. Such highway builders also face negative ratings that will adversely impact their chances of getting future projects. According to documents accessed by PTI, the Road Transport and Highways Ministry has notified a catastrophic event in a project comprising the four-lane Poondiankuppam-Sattanatharupam section of NH-45 (New NH-32) from km 67 to km 123 in Tamil Nadu under HAM mode. The bid project cost was Rs 2,120 crore, and it was awarded to M/S Poonadinkuppam Sattanathapuram Section Private Limited (Promoters-M/s Oriental) under a concession agreement. The appointed date of the project was January 20, 2022, with a scheduled completion date of January 19,
Karnataka makes night-time attendance mandatory for doctors at taluk hospitals, PHCs
The government has also made it mandatory for contract and outsourced employees working in all government departments, offices, boards, corporations, authorities and government-aided institutions
Wayanad township: 149 houses in second phase nearing completion
An anganwadi, a health centre, a market, public toilets and internal roads are expected to be ready by the end of the year
Jamia Millia Islamia students entered the campus amid police detentions, demanding restoration of the students union after the administration sealed the university gates, AISA said.
Vepada Chiranjeevi Rao says over 35,000 government jobs will be filled under the job calendar
Rayalaseema landscape: Preserving the past, securing the future
Rayalaseema regions rich geological past is reflected in its basement rocks, which formed more than 2.5 billion years ago during the Precambrian era. Today, however, this ancient foundation faces severe pressure from quarrying, road construction, and unregulated tourism. Fearing irreversible damage, geologists believe that securing UNESCO Global Geopark status for several of these geological wonders can help preserve them.
Menstrual hygiene: Supreme Court expresses displeasure over States, UTs not responding to Centre
The Bench said that on September 1, it had directed the States and UTs to take into consideration the deficiencies highlighted by it and report in that regard by the next date of hearing
India urges nationals in Saudi Arabia to follow safety directives amid security concerns
People have been advised not to leave their homes or buildings until the threat has passed, stay away from open areas, windows and glass, and avoid standing on balconies or rooftops
Chennai Faces Severe Flooding as Heavy Rains Hit Tamil Nadu
Chennai is grappling with severe flooding due to heavy rains, prompting the Chief Minister to call ministers back to oversee relief efforts. Chennai Faces Severe Flooding as Heavy Rains Hit Tamil Nadu
Satellite radiation: blocking the view
The findings suggest protecting the interests of astronomers requires operators to regulate licensed transmissions as well as stray radiation from onboard electronics
Why Big Tech is giving away open-weight AI models, and what it wants in return | Explained
From Muse Spark Open to Beam, Nemotron and Timestral, technology companies are releasing AI models to attract developers, challenge Chinese rivals and strengthen their ecosystems
India bars sugar-based ethanol in 2026-27 tender, cuts maize incentive
The move comes amid concerns over domestic sugar availability and rising prices after poor rainfall in key sugar-producing States, including Maharashtra and Karnataka, raised the risk of lower output
The Chief Minister announced that new crowd management guidelines will be drawn after the stampedes lesson.
International experts conclude review of Polavaram project
The team spent 40 hours on field visits and review meetings between October 14 and 17
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav meets Andhra CM Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan
Mr. Pawan Kalyan raises tiger conservation and the reintroduction of Indian bison in Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
Few localities in west Velachery flooded due to heavy rain
The residents of AGS Colony, Saraswathi nagar, Bhuvaneshwari Nagar, Aandal nagar and Mohanapuri, suffered flooding like situation because of the slow evacuation of rainwater in the Veerangal Odai, which is ultimately linked to the Pallikaranai Marshland
Is the all-format cricketer doomed to go extinct?
Only a select few have the elasticity of skill required to thrive in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. But even this rare ability might not be enough in an age of taxing, overlapping schedules. Will larger-than-life stars, with an impact spanning three formats, become a thing of the past?
Truck rams into devotees near temple in Gwalior, 13 killed and nearly 40 injured
Thirteen people were killed and nearly 40 others injured after a truck carrying paddy rammed into devotees gathered near near a temple in Gwalior.
Watch: Dilip Ghosh on Kolkata pandol stampede : Such incidents should not happen
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh calls the Kolkata pandol stampede unfortunate, saying such incidents should not happen. He says organisers must take greater precautions and the government has made arrangements to assist the injured and grieving families.
Watch: Amit Shah visits hospital to meet people injured in the Kolkata pandal stampede
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited hospital to meet people injured in the Kolkata pandal stampede that killed 19 people and left 25 injured. Accompanied by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Shah was expected to speak to doctors and review the treatment of the injured.
No fatalities reported as heavy rain leaves parts of Chennai waterlogged, says GCC
The Minister said additional teams had been mobilised until October 21, as further rain was expected
Medical reimbursement claims now settled in a month, says NTR Vaidya Seva Trust
Dedicated online system is being developed to make submission, review, and settlement of medical reimbursement claims for employees and pensioners easier, says NTR Vaidya Seva Trust CEO
Watch: France: Anger over rising prices and public services drives protests
Protests swept across France as anger over rising living costs and concerns over public services brought students, workers, farmers and activists onto the streets. Cars were set on fire, shops were looted and police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. The Interior Ministry reported at least 272 arrests nationwide. The demonstrations come as President Emmanuel Macron faces growing pressure over the economy and public spending.
Flower prices skyrocket across Madurai and southern districts ahead of Ayudha puja
Beyond floral markets, the inflationary crunch has extended to other core components of the celebrations
Vettri Payanam scheme plunges auto and private bus operators into livelihood crisis
Auto-rickshaw drivers and private bus operators lamented that their daily collections have plummeted drastically, leaving them struggling to make ends meet
Karnataka extends online RTI filing to all Bengaluru One, Karnataka One and Grama One centres
Physical applications must be uploaded to RTI portal within two days; failure to meet deadline will attract Sakala provisions
Karnataka to bring all citizen services online, under Sakala
New guidelines mandate Kannada application forms, digital payments and SMS and WhatsApp updates on application status
Indias first woman Surgeon General fought for a place in science
Indias first female Surgeon General and medical pioneer whose work laid the groundwork for the modern Kerala model of health
Chennai receives extremely heavy rainfall on October 17, many areas inundated
According to data shared by Chennai Corporation ICCC, Parrys received the highest amount of rainfall of 363 mm, while areas such as Alandur, Adyar, Raja Annamalaipuram and Valasaravakkam received heavy rainfall
PM Modi condoles deaths in Gwalior accident, announces 2L ex-gratia relief for each
An ex-gratia payment of 2 lakh would be given to the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives and 50,000 to each injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund, said Narendra Modi
Cockroach effigy at Delhi Ramlila event triggers queries; organisers say promoting cleanliness
Heavy rains likely in many districts of Tamil Nadu including Chennai on Oct. 18
According to the department, there exists significant convective cloud development over the north coastal Tamil Nadu and adjoining sea areas associated with the cyclonic circulation over the region
UDF government advancing RSS agenda, defends KIIFB projects in Kannur: Pinarayi Vijayan
CPI(M) is playing a significant role in national politics by uniting democratic and secular forces against what it describes as the RSS agenda pursued by the BJP led Union government, said Pinarayi Vijayan
Three of family killed as SUV crashes into lorry near Vikravandi
While Thangabai, John Britto and Evangeline died during treatment, Rajkumar, his wife Latha Christy, 30, and their elder daughter, Jessihena, 10, are undergoing treatment. A case has been registered.
Watch: Amit Shah visits Kalighat Temple in Kolkata, West Bengal
Jamia Millia Islamia students entered the campus amid police detentions, demanding restoration of the students union after the administration sealed the university gates, AISA said.
Heavy Rain Forecast for 17 Districts in Tamil Nadu, NDRF Team Deployed to Chennai
Heavy rainfall is expected in Tamil Nadus 17 districts, prompting NDRF deployment in Chennai as flooding concerns rise. Heavy Rain Forecast for 17 Districts in Tamil Nadu, NDRF Team Deployed to Chennai
GCC sets up 220 relief centres, 110 kitchens for monsoon
The GCC said storm-water drain works had been expedited and largely completed
Letters to The Editor October 17, 2026
Indias batters have to be wary of the bounce in NZ: Rachin
The southpaw will miss the T20I series due to a freak shoulder injury, but will be back for the first three ODIs before turning his attention to the Tests
Tamil Nadu Prepares for Karthigai Deepam Festival, Expects Over 5 Million Devotees
The Karthigai Deepam festival in Tiruvannamalai is set to welcome over 5 million devotees, with extensive preparations underway for safety and transport. Tamil Nadu Prepares for Karthigai Deepam Festival, Expects Over 5 Million Devotees
Remove silt from lakes in southern suburbs of Chennai
Residents hope these waterbodies are also cleared of water hyacinth
36 vehicles every minute: Festive rush pushes Panthangi toll traffic to 52,000 in a day
Vehicle crossings on the HyderabadVijayawada highway surge by over 40% in ten days as holiday travellers face long queues and traffic bottlenecks along NH-65
Murugan Returns to Chennai, to Work Like Cadre to Strengthen BJP
Murugan said he wanted to work closely with Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran to strengthen the party organisation at the grassroots-level and prepare for the 2029 parliamentary election, which he described as crucial
Fire at Athani supermarket results in property damage; no casualties
The accidental fire was started by a short circuit, police said. There was no one present in the shop when the fire broke out
How institutions in T.N. keep mental health awareness alive all year
World Mental Health Day (October 10) just got over with rallies, dialogues and new initiatives. Here are some examples of how institutions keep the conversation going through the year
Chemical signatures could help detect diseases early, but accuracy and access remain challenges
Tests that can detect changes in proteins and other molecules in the body could help doctors identify diseases such as Alzheimers earlier. However, experts call for better affordability and accuracy of such tests for patients across India
New Melsanthis selected for Sabarimala, Malikappuram temples
The two priests were chosen through a draw of lots on October 18 from panels shortlisted by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB)
Madras High Court directs Erode court to consider bail pleas of nine in SC/ST Act case
Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan passed the order on a Criminal Original Petition filed by the nine persons under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Seven, including Chorbagan Durga Puja organisers, arrested for pandal stampede in Kolkata: Police
Kolkata Police have also registered a suo motu case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder
You Can See Everything becomes Letterboxds highest-rated feature film of all time with 4.8 rating
Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheims documentary about former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes has climbed to the top of Letterboxds feature-film rankings following its theatrical release
Vice-President Vance faces tough questions on Iran war, immigration and more in CBS town hall
The string of sharp queries, some from voters who said they had supported him and President Donald Trump, previewed the rocky path he may face trying to answer for the administration's record if he runs for President himself in 2028
Amit Shah visits Kalighat Temple in Kolkata, West Bengal
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visits Kolkatas Kalighat Temple in West Bengal.
Trump says second term is more powerful as he touts Gulf of Mexico renaming at Kentucky rally
Donald Trump described his second term as more powerful than his first while highlighting the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico at a rally in Kentucky to energise voters.
Heavy Rains Lash Chennai, NE Monsoon Gets Active in Tamil Nadu
North Chennai bore the initial brunt, recording between 6 cm and 10 cm of rainfall in less than an hour
13 killed, 40 injured as truck hits devotees near temple in Madhya Pradeshs Gwalior
The incident occurred around 1.30 a.m. on the Sheetlamata Mandir road when the truck driver lost control of the wheels. The vehicle then hit devotees who were standing and sitting there and came to a halt after hitting the temple wall
Many dont know what my decision is: Donald Trump on sanctions waiver to Russia
It's a very good decision, and it's going to be a decision that's good for the country, and I think good for the world because we're really at a world stage, Mr. Trump said
IMD forecasts heavy rain in 17 Tamil Nadu districts, over 15,000 civic workers deployed
Chennai experienced torrential downpours over the weekend, causing significant flooding across various parts of the city. In North Chennai, rainfall reached a staggering 30cm in some locations. To address the crisis, officials mobilized thousands of civic workers and dispatched disaster response teams. The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Response Force also took precautionary measures by deploying personnel.
How the changes in visa policy in the U.K. and Canada affect Indian students
A break down of the latest rules and what they mean for students heading to the U.K. or Canada for higher education
The protesters demanded action against Suryanarayana Doolla, Professor of Energy Science and Engineering, and Professor Shireesh B. Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, along with a transparent investigation and stronger safeguards against caste discrimination
El Nio could intensify stress on Keralams forests and wildlife
According to the Forest Survey of India, Keralam reported 49 large forest fire incidents so far this year, compared with 52 in 2025. The amount and distribution of northeast monsoon rainfall will be crucial in determining water availability in forests and the extent of water stress on wildlife
Locals also claimed that police deployment at the pandal was inadequate, alleging that personnel were mainly stationed near the VIP entrance
Dorothy, a Tamil crime drama by Karthik Subbaraj, premiered at TIFF and is soon to be available on OTT. This poignant film follows childhood buddies Sananth and Rishikanth as they deal with social stigmas in rural Tamil Nadu. Their relationship is put to the test by a compassionate woman's impact, led them to revisit past conflicts. Read on to know when and where to watch it online.
Heavy rain forecast for 17 TN districts; NDRF team to be sent to Chennai
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 18 (IANS) Heavy rain is likely across 17 districts of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, including Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram, as persistent showers leave low-lying neighbourhoods in the state capital waterlogged and prompt preparations for possible rescue operations. The Meteorological Department attributed the rainfall to an atmospheric circulation over northern Tamil Nadu and adjoining southern coastal Andhra Pradesh. The weather system is expected to bring further rain to several northern, western and central districts. Besides Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram, the districts likely to receive heavy rain on Sunday are Chengalpattu, the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Salem, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Tiruchirappalli, Perambalur, Tiruvannamalai and Erode. The forecast comes as heavy showers continue in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu. Water has accumulated in low-lying areas of the capital, raising concerns over further inundation if the rainfall persists. Following heavy rain at six locations in Chennai on Saturday, a National Disaster Response Force team is being sent to the city as a precautionary measure. The personnel will be drawn from the forces battalion at Nagarikuppam, near Arakkonam. The deployment is intended to strengthen preparedness for rescue operations during heavy rain and flooding. Precautionary arrangements have been initiated to enable an emergency response should conditions worsen. The Meteorological Department has also forecast heavy rain across a wider stretch of the state on Monday, with several coastal and interior districts expected to receive showers. The districts covered by Mondays heavy rain forecast include Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Thoothukudi, Kallakurichi, Ariyalur and Perambalur. Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is also likely in Tiruchirappalli, the Nilgiris, Coimbatore and Tirunelveli on Monday, according to the department. The two-day outlook indicates that rain could affect both the northern districts already experiencing showers and parts of the Cauvery delta and southern Tamil Nadu. Chennai and its neighbouring districts feature in the forecasts for both days. With waterlogging already reported in the capital, the planned NDRF deployment forms part of preparations to respond to any deterioration in conditions. The team is expected to support rescue efforts if heavy rain triggers flooding. The immediate focus remains on preparedness in Chennai, while the forecast for Monday extends the area of concern to additional districts along the coast and across the states interior regions.
Delhi traders seek curbs on protest amid festive-season business losses
National Restaurant Association of India treasurer Manpreet Singh said frequent protests in and around Connaught Place have significantly affected businesses, with some establishments recording zero sales on certain days.
Lionel Messi scores twice, adds assist to propel Inter Miami to 3-1 victory over Atlanta United
Messi tied Los Angeles FC's Son Heung-min for the league lead with his 15th assist, becoming the first player in league history with at least 15 helpers in three consecutive seasons
TVK plans 3rd state conference to celebrate electoral success
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 18 (IANS) Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is considering Tiruchi or Tirunelveli as the venue for its third state conference, with preliminary preparations underway for a gathering intended to celebrate the partys electoral success and consolidation under Chief Minister Vijay. The conference is expected to take place early next year and is likely to be called the Victory Conference, according to reports. However, the party has yet to formally announce the venue, dates or detailed programme. The proposed event is being planned against the backdrop of TVKs victories in the recently concluded Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly bypolls. The results have strengthened the partys confidence following its success in the Tamil Nadu Assembly general election earlier this year. Vijay, who launched TVK in 2024 after establishing himself as one of Tamil cinemas leading actors, organised the partys first state conference at Vikravandi that year. The gathering drew large numbers of supporters, particularly young people, and brought considerable attention to his entry into electoral politics. The party subsequently held its second state conference in Madurai, continuing its efforts to expand its organisational presence across Tamil Nadu. Within two years of its formation, TVK contested the Assembly election and secured a major political breakthrough, forming the government with Vijay taking office as Chief Minister. The third conference is now being envisaged as an occasion to bring together celebrations marking the partys third anniversary, its election victory and Vijays birthday. The arrangements and the manner in which these occasions will be incorporated into the programme remain to be announced. Tiruchi and Tirunelveli are currently under consideration, with a final decision on the location awaited. Preparatory discussions have begun, although no formal schedule has been released. Meanwhile, the party is also preparing to conduct its annual programme honouring students who performed well in the Class 10 and Class 12 examinations. Such award ceremonies have been organised at the district level in recent years under the banners of TVK and its predecessor organisation, Vijay Makkal Iyakkam. This years prize distribution programme is expected to be held soon, and district secretaries have begun the related organisational work. The student recognition initiative will provide another opportunity for the party to engage with young people and families as preparations advance for its next major state gathering. Further details on both events are awaited.
NGOs start donation drives to unbox Deepavali joy for underprivileged children
Perhaps the best part of the Festival of Lights is not what we bring home but what we send to anothers home. Here are initiatives by voluntary groups that offer an opportunity to do that in this month of giving. These NGOs are working on getting ready happiness kits, each containing a new dress, a sweet box and a cracker pack, for economically disadvantaged children
From Assam to Bihar, Kerala, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Sikkim, West Bengal and more we check the full list of states that announced DA and DR hikes for employees and pensioners in 2026.
Everything is in partys cognisance, says JD(U) leader on MLAs claim of killing nine people
Working president of the ruling NDA member expresses confidence ahead of Legislative Council election even as the disgruntled bahubali MLA makes a U-turn on his controversial statement
Neha Bora | The permanence of agitation
The AISA student leader, now a prominent face of the youth protests, calls for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumars impeachment and a halt to the SIR
Daily quiz: On some significant events occurred on October 15
Here is a quiz on observances, birthdays and everything else that happened on the day
India, Bangladesh need to cooperate on grey areas in Bay of Bengal maritime boundaries
A UN Tribunal on the India-Bangladesh maritime boundary dispute in 2014 awarded Bangladesh 19,467 sq. km of the 25,602 sq km sea area of Bay of Bengal
How cultural activities shaped me
Looking back, I realise that the school stage taught me lessons that no textbook could
Meet Jingdezhens Gen Z drifters
Looking to escape the rat race, young Chinese artists are making a new life in the countrys old porcelain capital
Severe flooding in Istanbul kills three, causes evacuations after heaviest rainfall in decades
Advancing the women-led development model
The NCWs consultation on womens access to social and economic justice calls for a rethink of the concept of womens empowerment
Shifting global focus towards more comprehensive assessment of threats to human health and survival
Launched at the recent World Health Summit in Berlin, a new report has flagged 17 interlinked catastrophic threats including pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, AI, and urges global leaders to stop treating these issues in isolation, and start viewing them as deeply interconnected economic, environmental, and national security challenge
The debate over immunity to CEC, ECs
The SC has issued a notice to the Centre on a plea challenging Section 16 of the 2023 law, which grants CEC and ECs lifelong immunity for actions taken in discharge of official duties; the provision is more expansive than constitutional immunities provided to the President and Governors; as well as Parliamentary privileges granted to legislators
