Man arrested for allegedly cheating private schools across Tamil Nadu of over 100 crore
The police said the accused allegedly operated the unregistered organisation under the name of Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association and claimed to have political and bureaucratic influence
Three held for assaulting man, stealing motorcycle in Singaperumal Koil
TNN
Two held for assaulting and abusing police during protest
TNN
Police solve Sriperumbudur fire case, arrest man for petrol bomb attack
Toll in ammonia leak incident rises to 16
Three arrested for gang-raping minor girl in Gerugambakkam
Peak summer-like weather drives up power demand in state
Bengaluru man arrested for murder of pregnant woman in Anakaputhur
AEC Chairman reviews progress of 500 MW prototype fast breeder reactor
Activists body urges NCPCR to takeaction against Minister for touching athletes legs
Puducherry gripped by administrative paralysis over cabinet portfolio dispute
43,051 booths to administer polio drops across TN today
Caste-on-ID Card Row: DMK, DK Criticise; Ministers Clarify
Tiruvallur Ammonia Leak Death Toll Rises to 16; 26 Patients Still Under Treatment
Tambaram to Hold Pulse Polio Drive at 180 Centres on Sunday
BJP, DMK question ministers defence over viral powder-crushing video
Four juveniles among seven held for murder of history-sheeter
He Had 11 Cases Pending Against Him
DMK MP questions presence of Vijays advisors at cabinet meeting
Order probe into govt asst prof examination results: Anbumani
One dies after petrol bomb at businessmans house
Weather tomorrow: Widespread rainfall is forecast across India on Sunday, June 28, with heavy to extremely heavy downpours expected in eastern, northeastern, western, and southern regions. Thunderstorms and gusty winds will sweep through many states. Meanwhile, parts of Uttar Pradesh remain under a heatwave alert despite the advancing monsoon. The weather office anticipates the monsoon will further advance into new areas in the coming days.
Ahire Shines As Dominant India U19 Women Thrash Sri Lanka U19, Clinch 3-0 Series Sweep
BCCI Apex Member Sudha Shah: Skipper Bhavika Ahire led from the front with a fine half-century as India womens U19 completed a clinical 3-0 T20I series sweep over Sri Lanka U19 with a comfortable seven-wicket victory in the third and final game at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday. Chasing a modest 117, India U19 cruised home in 18.4 overs, courtesy a captains knock from Bhavika (50) and an unbeaten 27 by Ira Jadhav. For her consistent performances in the series, Bhavika was also rightfully adjudged the Player of the Series. Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka struggled to find any momentum against a disciplined Indian bowling attack and were restricted to a below-par 116/7 in their 20 overs. Barring Nethmi Upekshas laborious, unbeaten 51 off 60 deliveries, Sri Lanka never got going. India's bowling unit kept the pressure on throughout the innings. For India, Anaadi Tagde and Kashvi Kandikuppa were the standout bowlers with two scalps each. In reply, India got off to a steady start despite losing wicketkeeper-batter Deeksha Katragadda (9) to a run-out. Opener Ishwari Awasare provided early impetus with a brisk 16-ball 21, smashing two boundaries and a six, before falling to Danodya Sewmini. Bhavika then took complete control of the chase alongside Ira to put India on the path to victory before being caught by opposition skipper Chamodi Praboda off Aseni Thalagunes bowling. Ira and Purva Siwach then wrapped up the chase to trigger joyous celebrations in the Indian dugout. As per the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), the series drew enthusiastic crowds across all three games on June 22, 24, and 27, which in turn provided a highly encouraging atmosphere for the next generation of international women cricketers. At the post-match presentation, TNCA Honorary Secretary U. Bhagwandas Rao, alongside Treasurer R. Rangarajan and former Indian women's cricketer and BCCI Apex Member Sudha Shah, handed over the champion's trophy to the triumphant Indian squad. As per the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), the series drew enthusiastic crowds across all three games on June 22, 24, and 27, which in turn provided a highly encouraging atmosphere for the next generation of international women cricketers. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sri Lanka U19 116/7 in 20 overs (Nethmi Upeksha 51 not out, Sanjana Kavindi 17; Kashvi Kandikuppa 2-16, Anaadi Tagde 2-24) lost to India U19 120/3 in 18.4 overs (Bhavika Ahire 50, Ira Jadhav 27 not out; Aseni Thalagune 1-22) by seven wickets Article Source: IANS
TVS rolls out one millionth E-scooter iQube
2 and 3-wheeler makers TVS Motor Company on Thursday rolled out its one millionth TVS iQube from its manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu.The milestone marks an important chapter in Indias electric mobility journey and underscores the ...
Ramanathapuram SP to receive Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers Police Medal
Manickam Tagore appointed new Tamil Nadu Congress chief
Manickam Tagore has been appointed as the new President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, replacing K Selvaperunthagai. The announcement was made by AICC general secretary K C Venugopal. Tagore, a Lok Sabha MP from Virudhunagar, also holds responsibilities in Andhra Pradesh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Congress is a key ally of the ruling TVK party in Tamil Nadu.
They Humiliated Us: MDMK Chief On Quitting DMK Alliance In Tamil Nadu
The MDMK and the DMK started working together in December 2017. They had called the partnership a defence against communal forces and a safeguard for the Dravidian movement's ideological core
B. Manickam Tagore appointed as Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president
Mr. Tagores appointment comes at a time when the Congress has parted ways with its long-time ally, the DMK, and joined the TVK in a bid to secure a share in power in the State
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay And Rajinikanth Pay Last Respects To K Bhagyaraj
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and superstar Rajinikanth were seen offering their condolences to Bhagyarajs family.
'Changes in her behaviour': Kabaddi coach booked for sexually assaulting minor girl in Chennai
A 27-year-old kabaddi coach from Kannagi Nagar is wanted by police for allegedly sexually assaulting a 17-year-old player multiple times between January and May. The victim, who lives with her grandmother, disclosed the abuse to teammates and her guardian after noticing behavioral changes. The accused, who ran a local girls' kabaddi club, has been absconding since the complaint was filed.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay mourns K Bhagyaraj's demise, announces state honours
After legendary filmmaker K. Bhagyaraj passed away at 73 due to a cardiac arrest, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay announced that the veteran director would be accorded full state honours in recognition of his immense contribution to cinema
Shanthanu breaks down as Vijay pays last respects to K. Bhagyaraj
Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin paid his respects to the late filmmaker K. Bhagyaraj, offering comfort to a visibly distraught Shanthanu Bhagyaraj. The emotional moment highlighted the deep bond between the CM and the Bhagyaraj family, extending beyond cinema. Stalin's presence underscored the significant loss to the Tamil film industry, mourning a visionary storyteller whose work resonated with generations.
CM Vijay announces state honors for K Bhagyaraj; funeral TIME revealed
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced state honors for the final journey of veteran filmmaker K. Bhagyaraj, who passed away, leaving the film industry in mourning. Bhagyaraj, lauded as the 'King of Screenplay,' was celebrated for his multi-talented contributions as a director, actor, and writer. His films, noted for their human values and social messages, will continue to inspire.
Student ID cards will not carry caste details, clarifies Tamil Nadu Minister Sengottaiyan
Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management K.A. Sengottaiyan had said the State government would issue identity cards containing details such as students address, community certificate, blood group, Aadhaar number, and phone number to Class X and Class XII students in the first phase
On converting to Islam, one is no longer Backward Class: Madras HC
Chennai:A person who converts to Islam cannot claim the status of a Backward Class Muslim, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ruled, striking down a 2024 Tamil Nadu government order that allowed converts to claim such a designation for reservation benefits. A Division Bench of Justices GR Swaminathan and PB Balaji declared Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
The organisation said it has been managing crematoriums in partnership with the Tamil Nadu government for nearly 15 years.
IAS success story: Vanmathi, daughter of a taxi driver from rural Tamil Nadu, defied financial hardship and societal pressures to become an IAS officer. After balancing studies with chores and facing marriage expectations, she pursued higher education and was inspired by a female District Collector. Her journey involved four UPSC attempts while working, finally achieving success in 2015. Now serving as Wardha's District Collector, she champions governance reforms and public welfare initiatives.
After monkey scare, newlywed woman dies after falling from temple hill in Tamil Nadu
A tragic incident unfolded at the Kalugumalai Ucchi Pillayar temple in Tuticorin where a newlywed woman, Anitha, 24, lost her life. While feeding monkeys on Friday evening, she reportedly panicked when a group surrounded her. In her haste to escape, she fell approximately 120 feet from the hilltop, succumbing to her injuries at the scene. Police are investigating the unfortunate event.
TN Govt To Provide Nutritious Food For Sri Lankan Tamils In Mandapam Camp
The Tamil Nadu government has proposed to provide nutritious food to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Mandapam Camp in Ramanathapuram district, who arrived here due to the economic crisis in the island nation.
Tamil Nadu may withdraw appeal in SC against ED action on Tasmac
Tamil Nadu government is set to withdraw its Supreme Court appeal challenging Enforcement Directorate (ED) inspections at Tasmac headquarters. Sources indicate the decision stems from the ED report mentioning party funds, with the government allowing the investigation to proceed. The withdrawal petitions are expected to be filed soon, following the apex court's summer recess.
Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Expected in Six Districts of Tamil Nadu
Chennai, June 27: The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds in six districts of Tamil Nadu. This weather pattern is influenced by an upper air trough extending from coastal Andhra Pradesh to central Maharashtra, affecting the weather in southern India. According to the weather department, the upper air trough, ... Read more Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Expected in Six Districts of Tamil Nadu
Veteran Tamil actor-director K Bhagyaraj dies at 73
Tamil cinema mourns the loss of K. Bhagyaraj, a versatile filmmaker and actor, who passed away at 73. Known as a one-man studio, Bhagyaraj excelled as a director, writer, composer, and actor, leaving behind a legacy of popular films like 'Mundhanai Mudichu'. His ability to master multiple roles in his productions was a rare feat. He also ventured into writing and editing, and was set to return to directing.
Foxconn infuses 350cr in India arm
MDMK high level committee members in favour of exit from DMK alliance
Pulse polio immunisation campaign to cover 52.91 lakh children in T.N.
Even if children aged 0 to five had already received the oral polio vaccine as per the national immunisation schedule, they should be given the drops again on the day of the immunisation camp
SENIOR LEADERS PRESS M K STALIN TO CONTEST TRICHY BY-POLL; STALIN SAYS YET TO DECIDE:
Secretariat is a mess; no washroom, no water for public
22.5 kg of ganja seized in separate operations; two arrested
The person arrested near Pattaravakkam Railway Station said he had procured the contraband from Odisha
Madras HC says converts to Islam cannot claim backward class Muslim status
The Madras High Court has declared unconstitutional a Tamil Nadu government order that allowed converts to Islam to claim backward class status. Justices ruled that a convert is simply a Muslim, and the state cannot create a hierarchy within Islam to grant reservation benefits. The court emphasized that conversion to a specific sect for reservation is un-Islamic and undermines previous judgments.
Three held, Amman idol seized in attempted idol smuggling near Kancheepuram
Kabbadi coach booked under POCSO Act
Govt cancels tenders to study privatisation of waste mgmt in 12 corpns
Following Political Backlash From Allies
Surrogacy: HC frames guidelines to clear child custody applications
Tamil Nadu: CM Joins The Run Against Drugs
Awareness on the ill effects of drugs was essential to protect the youth from falling prey to drugs and to prevent crimes: Chief Minister Vijay
Suspect in T Nagar burglary sent to police custody
Ammonia gas leak toll climbs to 15; two workers on ventilator support
Police destroy 2.4 tonnes of seized ganja
Man robbed of golf, cash by two transpersons
IPS Seema Aggarwal retires after 36 years of service
Police announce traffic diversions on L B Road
Tamil Nadu police constable qualifies for womens 800m in Asian Games
Three arrested for attempting to smuggle amman idol near Kancheepuram
Contractor held for recruiting minors
MSMEs in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat lack action plans to mitigate climate change impact
Tamil Nadu Olympic Water Sports Academy at Ramanathapuram is all set for inaugural
Coimbatore teachers seek exemption from census duty, cite impact on students academics and sports
Coimbatore's postgraduate and physical education teachers are appealing to the district administration for exemption from national census duties. They argue that census work will severely disrupt crucial Class XII exam preparation, syllabus completion, and vital school sports activities.
Rallies, awareness programmes mark International Day against Drug Abuse
Start Run, Stop Drugs was the theme of the events held under the auspices of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) and Prohibition and Excise Department in Tiruchi
Sanction is accorded for the creation of a temporary post of special representative of the govt of Tamil Nadu in New Delhi for a period of one year, said chief secretary M Sai Kumar in an order dated June 23.
Tamil Nadu pitches itself as defence manufacturing hub, highlights 3 lakh crore opportunity
With the Centre targeting 3 lakh crore in defence production and 50,000 crore in exports by 2029, Tamil Nadu is seeking to attract a significant share of investments and manufacturing activity
The Madras High Court has invalidated a Tamil Nadu government order that permitted converts to Islam from Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes, Denotified Communities, and Scheduled Castes to retain reservation benefits under the Backward Class Muslim category. Judges ruled the order unconstitutional, stating that conversion to Islam does not grant membership in specific Muslim communities recognized by birth.
Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited, a BSE-listed Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), today announced an ambitious expansion plan to establish 500 branches across 15 states over the next three years, while targeting an asset base of INR 2,500 crore as part of its long-term growth strategy. L to R: Deepak Francis (Business Head), R. Balakrishnan (Head – Treasury), Rajeev M. R. (CFO), Mahesh Thakkar (Chairman, FIDC), Manoj Ravi (CEO), and Bindu Menon (Zonal Head – Maharashtra) The company also inaugurated its new Corporate Office in Andheri, Mumbai, in the presence of Mr. Mahesh Thakkar, Chairman of the Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC), and Mr. Manoj Ravi, CEO of Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited, along with eminent industry leaders, key stakeholders and members of the company's leadership team. As part of its expansion roadmap, Supra Pacific will mark its presence in Gujarat, Delhi, Rajasthan, Odisha and Telangana, while expanding operations across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Goa. In the present phase, the company will open five new branches in Goa, further enhancing access to formal financial services in underserved regions. The company has recorded strong growth, with its assets increasing by 64.39% during FY 2025-26, from INR 290 Crore to INR 499 Crore. It now aims to achieve INR 750 Crore in assets during the current financial year, progressing towards its INR 2,500 Crore target within three years. Supra Pacific continues to diversify its lending portfolio across gold loans, microfinance, vehicle finance and business loans. It also plans to introduce working capital loans ranging from INR 10 lakh to INR 1 crore for traders and MSMEs, alongside a new mobile application to deliver faster and more seamless digital financial services. Commenting on the company's growth plans, Mr. Manoj Ravi, CEO, Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited , said, " India's growth story presents a tremendous opportunity to bridge the credit gap, particularly across Tier II, Tier III and Tier IV cities, rural villages and the country's hinterlands. While financial inclusion has made significant progress, access to formal credit, especially Gold Loans and small business lending, remains limited in many regions. By strengthening our presence across the country, we aim to contribute meaningfully towards India's financial inclusion agenda and support the nation's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 ." As part of its long-term growth strategy, the company also plans to expand its workforce from 700 to over 2,000 employees over the next three years and launch a public issue of Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) during FY 2026-27 to support its future growth plans. With a strong focus on technology-driven innovation, responsible lending and customer-centric services, Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited continues to strengthen its position as a trusted financial partner driving inclusive growth across India. About Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited Supra Pacific Financial Services Limited is a Mumbai-headquartered Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) offering a comprehensive suite of financial solutions. Its core offerings include gold loans, microfinance, vehicle finance, and business loans, complemented by personal loans, investment products, and insurance broking services. Led by Managing Director Joby George (MD) and recently appointed CEO Manoj Ravi, the company focuses on technology-driven growth and financial inclusion. In FY2026 the company reported revenue of ~INR 920.8 million (net profit INR 78.8m) and a loan portfolio of ~INR 335.6 crore. It has pursued recent fund-raising (INR 20cr NCD issuance) and leadership changes to bolster expansion. As an ISO-certified Great Place To Work, Supra Pacific emphasizes trustworthy, customer-centric service. Supra Pacific stresses “inclusive, reliable, growth-oriented” financial services and remains committed to empowering customers through transparency and swift service. www.suprapacific.com .
Tiruvallur ammonia leak: Left parties seek 25-lakh compensation for families of victims
In a statement, CPI(M) Tamil Nadu Politburo member K. Balakrishnan alleged the management had housed young women workers from other States in hostel accommodation under exploitative conditions and made them work until midnight, leading to the incident
The High Court said that when a person converts to Islam, he becomes a Muslim, and his place in Muslim society is not determined by the caste to which he belonged before his conversion.
Khushbu Sundar's elder daughter, Avantika Sundar, married Shravan Sreenivasan in a star-studded ceremony at a luxury resort in Goa on June 25. The wedding was attended by Trisha Krishnan, Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, Venkatesh Daggubati, Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff, while Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay skipped the celebrations.
As Bengal drops eggs from mid-day meals, Tamil Nadu and Odisha show another way
Madras High Court sees unusual surge in election petitions after 2026 Tamil Nadu, Puducherry polls
Around 55 election petitions, challenging the victory of several high-profile candidates, have been filed in 2026 with respect to both Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Assembly elections, as against 23 petitions filed in 2016 and just 14 petitions in 2021
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay flags off anti-drug marathon, runs to spread awareness
The Chief Minister signed on the commitment board saying Sports-ah edu, drugs-ah vidu (Take up sports, give up drugs).
The South Buys Newer, the North Holds Longer: India Is Three Used Car Markets in One
Cars24 and Team BHP's Gears of Growth 2025 report finds that preference for car age has significant regional differences. Southern markets are skewed towards 2019 and newer vehicles, western markets churn steadily across 2017 to 2021 model years, and North and Central India hold on to cars the longest. National statistics flatten India's used car market into one number. The Cars24 and Team BHP Gears of Growth 2025 report, drawn from over 33 million users, pulls it apart and finds three distinct markets running on three different clocks. The variable that separates them is not the models people buy, but how old the car is when it changes hands. Southern markets show a higher concentration of vehicles from 2019 and later. Western India trades across a balanced spread of 2017 to 2021 model years. North and Central India carry a greater share of 2017 to 2019 and pre-2017 vehicles. The report's conclusion is direct: regional economics and buyer preferences shape inventory age profiles more than most buyers realise. Three regions, three ownership clocks The regional split in the Gears of Growth 2025 report reads as follows: Source: Cars24 x Team BHP Gears of Growth 2025 Report In the South, the report points to faster upgrade cycles and higher car adoption, which keeps inventory young. For a buyer in Bengaluru, Chennai or Hyderabad, the practical effect is a shelf weighted toward 2019 and newer cars. A three to four year old vehicle is mainstream stock here, not a premium find. The same report finds Tamil Nadu's share of national demand rising from 6.1 percent to 6.5 percent and Karnataka's from 10 percent to 10.4 percent in 2025, a steady climb consistent with markets where cars circulate quickly. Western India behaves like the market's metronome. Maharashtra, the country's single largest used car market at 15.1 percent of national demand, and Gujarat, which posted the largest state-level gain of 2025 at 8.7 to 10.2 percent, both trade across an even spread of 2017 to 2021 model years. In Mumbai, Pune or Ahmedabad a buyer finds roughly equal odds of a five-year-old or a two-year-old car. The report calls this stable ownership churn: cars enter and exit ownership at a consistent rhythm rather than in waves. North and Central India run the longest clock. The region's higher share of 2017 to 2019 and pre-2017 vehicles points to owners who keep cars well past the national norm, and to what the report describes as value-driven resale behaviour. A buyer in Delhi NCR or across Uttar Pradesh, which alone holds 11.7 percent of national demand, will see more six to eight year old cars on the shelf than a southern buyer does. A car in this market is held, maintained, and sold late in its life, often to a buyer who intends to do exactly the same. Why the clocks run at different speeds The report attributes the divergence to regional economics and buyer preferences rather than any single cause. Southern states lead the country in adopting newer automotive technology: Karnataka and Maharashtra together account for 68 percent of all used EV purchases nationally. Markets comfortable buying the newest category of vehicle are, predictably, also the markets where recent model years dominate. Longer holding in the North reads as strategy, not lag. An owner who runs a car for eight or nine years extracts the maximum use from a depreciating asset before selling it into a deep pool of value-focused buyers. The report's non-metro data reinforces this: demand there concentrates in low-maintenance, affordable models such as the Swift Dzire, Wagon R and Alto, exactly the cars built to be owned long and sold late. What this means for used car buyers and sellers in Chennai will encounter a younger inventory mix, weighted to 2019 and newer, than someone shopping in Lucknow, where six to eight-year-old cars are common, even on the same platform on the same day. For sellers, the same car meets different demands depending on where it is sold. A 2020 vehicle is mid-life stock in a southern market that skews to 2019 and newer, and comparatively fresh inventory in a northern market dominated by older cars. Timing a sale against the regional clock, not the national average, is the more informed move. All figures in this article are sourced from the Cars24 Team BHP Gears of Growth 2025 report, based on Cars24 internal transaction data comprising over 33 million users as of December 2025.
Suriya's blockbuster 'Karuppu' misses record milestone in Tamil Nadu
Suriya's action entertainer 'Karuppu,' directed by RJ Balaji, has concluded its theatrical run in Tamil Nadu, amassing an impressive Rs 191 crore. The film's remarkable success, driven by strong word-of-mouth and consistent audience engagement, marks a significant commercial comeback for Suriya. While it narrowly missed the Rs 200 crore milestone in the state, its overall performance solidifies its position as one of the year's biggest hits.
Transfer of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka another 'historic dark chapter' of Congress rule: BJP
The BJP has sharply criticised the Congress, labeling the 1974 transfer of Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka as a historic dark chapter that undermined India's national interests. Party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi highlighted the ongoing difficulties faced by Tamil Nadu fishermen due to this decision. He accused the Congress of a pattern of surrender, citing historical instances like the partition and territorial concessions.
In Tamil Nadu's Koilvenni village, the Karumbeswarar Temple, known as India's 'Diabetes Temple,' draws thousands seeking relief from the ailment. Devotees believe scattering sugar for sacred ants to consume symbolically reduces their blood sugar. While scientifically unproven, this unique ritual highlights the powerful blend of faith, folklore, and travel in India's rich cultural tapestry, attracting pilgrims and curious travelers alike.
A dispute escalates between the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and archaeologist Amarnath Ramakrishna over the 982-page Keeladi excavation report. The ASI wants the report re-examined by an internal committee, citing deficiencies, while Ramakrishna insists his findings, suggesting an early urban Tamil civilization from 800-500 BCE, are final and should not be altered. This comes after a court directed the report's publication, a deadline that has now passed.
She grazed buffaloes after school; the cab driver's daughter cracked UPSC to become an IAS officer
Vanmathi, raised in rural Tamil Nadu, overcame poverty, household responsibilities and social pressure to pursue education instead of early marriage. Inspired by a woman District Collector, she prepared for the UPSC Civil Services Examination while working in banking, facing multiple setbacks before securing All India Rank 152 in 2015. She joined the IAS and has served across Maharashtra, focusing on tribal welfare, health, water conservation and digital governance initiatives as District Collector of Wardha. Her journey reflects perseverance and purpose.
Nine Climate-Tech Start-ups to Deploy Urban sustainability Solutions Across 10 Indian cities
The initiative is led by Social Alpha and the University of Toronto India Foundation through the Innovations in Sustainable Urban Transition Program. The selected start-ups to address urban sustainability challenges in construction, waste management, water, sanitation and renewable energy. To receive grants of up to INR 35 lakh to support the deployment Technology deployments will be undertaken in partnership with 11 private and six public organisations, including industry partners, educational institutions, healthcare providers and urban local bodies. Nine climate-tech start-ups are set to deploy solutions addressing critical urban sustainability challenges across 10 Indian cities, including Chennai, Kozhikode, Bengaluru, Khammam, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Bhavnagar and New Delhi. Under the Innovations in Sustainable Urban Transition Program, led by Social Alpha and the University of Toronto India Foundation (UTIF), these start-ups will deploy solutions that support low-carbon transitions across these cities. The selected start-ups will receive grants of up to INR 35 lakh to support the deployment of their innovations and help de-risk their adoption in urban environments. The selected start-ups will deploy innovations across sectors critical to urban sustainability, including low-carbon construction materials, renewable energy, waste management, water efficiency and sanitation. The nine startups include: Carbon Strong , whose proprietary fly ash-based binder replaces 35-40% of cement in concrete, cutting embodied carbon and costs with no process change for producers. Satiq Concrete Manufacturer , which develops low-temperature, waste-derived binders and engineered composites that deliver lightweight, high-strength, thermally efficient concrete with significantly lower emissions. Go Do Good Studio , which creates home-compostable food packaging using proprietary plant-based coatings and inks that eliminate plastic from urban food delivery and catering. Vivifica Sustainable Solutions , whose patented WENERATOR integrates process optimisation, IoT-based monitoring and multi-stage digestion to convert mixed organic waste into clean biogas at source, designed for institutional kitchens and canteens. Apeiro Energy , which develops vertical small wind turbines optimised for low wind speeds, paired with smart controllers, monitoring systems, energy management systems and an AI micrositing tool for wind-solar hybrid microgrids. Trinano Technologies , whose patented nano coating for solar panels increases energy output by 4%+, extends panel life by 2-3 years, and cuts cleaning requirements by 50%, addressing inefficiencies that reduce energy production. Smart Terra , whose AI-driven SaaS creates a digital twin of water networks to detect leaky pipes and faulty meters and predict operational inefficiencies in water networks with under 100-metre precision, and is agnostic to hardware, sensor or database technologies. Vayujal Technologies , whose atmospheric water generators can produce 43 to 3,000 litres of drinking water per day from air for homes, offices, institutions, industries and communities, in an energy-efficient manner, with zero water wastage and adherence to BIS 10500. Xpredict Labs , whose HiDrEC is a decentralised, packaged wastewater treatment system that runs on electrochemical principles with no external chemicals, requiring lower land footprints while producing reusable CPCB-compliant water. The technologies will be deployed through 17 partnerships spanning 11 private and six public organisations across 10 Indian cities, with expected outcomes spanning emissions reduction, waste diversion, production of energy from clean sources, energy efficiency, reduction in non revenue water losses, reduced dependence on groundwater, and increased access to clean drinking water. The pilot partners include ready-mix concrete manufacturers (RMCs) such as Veera Concrete and PCS Industries, schools under the Government of Maharashtra and Government of Tamil Nadu, research institutions such as the Central Road Research Institute, hospitals including Kilpauk Medical College Hospital and Meitra Hospital, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Contendre Solar and Boson Whitewater, industries such as Ashapura Saltworks and Yashpoly, real estate companies such as DRA Homes, and urban local bodies and utilities including the Khammam Municipal Corporation and Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board. On the Program, Ganesh Neelam, Co-founder, Social Alpha , said, " By 2036, India's towns and cities are expected to be home to 600 million people. As urban populations grow, pressure on the systems that support everyday life will intensify. Cities will need to rethink how they design and construct infrastructure, manage resources, deliver essential services and build resilience to climate risks. Addressing these challenges requires solutions that are practical, reliable and deployable at scale. Our aim is to support a growing pipeline of innovators addressing urban sustainability challenges and support the deployment of these solutions across Indian cities ." Gauravi Lobo, Director, U of T India Foundatio n, said, " What this program has surfaced is that the constraint isn't the technology. It's the distance between a working solution and a public system ready to absorb it. The nine start-ups in this cohort are being tested against that distance, with pilots designed around what urban local bodies and civic institutions actually need to make adoption decisions. For UTIF, that is where the research question lives - and what we carry back to the University of Toronto is not just the outcome, but the institutional logic of how Indian cities are learning to integrate innovation at scale ." The Innovations in Sustainable Urban Transition Program was first launched in 2024. Its first cohort of eleven start-ups deployed innovations in 11 cities addressing air quality, sanitation, waste management, clean mobility and low-carbon construction materials. The Program demonstrated that deep-tech innovations can be contextualised, de-risked and deployed through structured public and private partnerships, generating measurable outcomes in emissions avoidance (105.99 tonnes of CO2e), waste diversion (407.15 tonnes), water savings (16,896 kilolitres) and improved air quality (between 20% - 94% reduction in PM 2.5 and 10 across four locations). urban@socialalpha.org . About Social Alpha Social Alpha is an operating philanthropy dedicated to taking breakthrough science from lab to the last mile. Social Alpha's full-stack, multistage innovation and venture development platform is designed to develop, de-risk and deploy frontier innovations to advance affordable healthcare, resilient livelihoods and climate action, prioritising the most critical challenges for people and planet. Founded in 2016, Social Alpha has supported over 450 innovations focused on socio-economic and environmental impact. For more information, please visit www.socialalpha.org . About University of Toronto India Foundation The University of Toronto India Foundation, based in Mumbai, serves as a dynamic bridge connecting the University of Toronto with India's academic institutions, innovators, non-profits, social enterprises and governments. Bringing together research, innovation and impact, UTIF works to address sustainability challenges faced by Indian cities through co-created solutions. www.uoftindiafoundation.com .
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay flags off anti-drug marathon, runs with participants for 6 km
Marathon organised by Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu
