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
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
TVK=DMK: Joseph Vijay Govt Releases Coimbatore Blast Islamist Terrorists On Parole
Five convicts serving life sentences at Coimbatore Central Prison in connection with the 1998 Coimbatore serial bomb blasts have been granted 60 days of parole by the Tamil Nadu prison department under the TVK government, as reported in The New Indian Express. The five convicts are Mohammed Ansari (58), Mohammed Ali (52), Monappa alias Mohammed [] The post TVK=DMK: Joseph Vijay Govt Releases Coimbatore Blast Islamist Terrorists On Parole appeared first on The Commune .
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
15 houses burnt in Manipurs Kamjong, three injured in gun attack
In a statement, police said a joint column of the Assam Rifles, the Border Security Force and Kamjong Police had been deployed in the affected area to bring the situation under control
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
Delhi Police grants Congress NOC for November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan
On September 30, the INDIA bloc finalised a joint action plan over the SIR (Special Intensive Revision) row, including rallies and save democracy marches
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.
Here is a select list of stories to start the day
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
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
Meterless autos leave passengers at drivers mercy in Kozhikode
Drivers allegedly disconnect fare meters and demand arbitrary fares from passengers; night surcharge reportedly levied after 9 p.m., though rules permit it only from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
In a first-of-its-kind collective religious initiative, more than 70 major Friday congregations across Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh responded to the call of the the MMU and delivered the sermon on the common theme of imaan (faith) on Friday, October 16, says a spokesman of the MMU
Build globally competitive media and entertainment companies: I&B Secretary
Position India as a leading source of creative content, technology, talent, the senior official says
Jagan cant escape from corruption cases, says TDP leader Varla Ramaiah
The YSRCP chief got the investigation dragged on for 15 years, but he no longer has that luxury as the courts are set to conduct trial on daily basis, he says
Fifty years ago | Widespread heavy rain in Tamil Nadu
War of words in Haryana: CM Saini pitches prosperity, Congress alleges rising crime, debt
The Chief Minister said that while Congress leaders frequently claimed to have made Haryana a leading State during their tenure, the reality was that the State had emerged as number one in corruption, nepotism, fear, favouritism and regional discrimination under Congress rule
Letters to The Editor October 16, 2026
Manasi-Thulasimathi make semis, assure India of para badminton medal
With both losing semifinalists assured of bronze, the victory guaranteed India a place on the podium
Amruta wins silver as Indian women end U23 Worlds with two medals
Amruta was trailing 0-6 when Zablotska managed a decisive pin to seal the gold medal
When Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay made it to the Navarathri Golu
Tamil Nadu BJP President Criticizes Minister Over Non-Hindu Entry at Arunachaleshwar Temple
BJP leader Nayinar Nagendran condemns Minister S. Ramesh for allowing a non-Hindu into a sacred temple, sparking controversy in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu BJP President Criticizes Minister Over Non-Hindu Entry at Arunachaleshwar Temple
Union Minister meets start-up leaders over NCR pollution
IISER researchers make solid material that releases two fuel gases
The team developed a compound called magnesium hydridomethylzincate. When it was heated in solution to 100 C, it released hydrogen, and when its crystals were heated in the absence of a solvent at 80-110 C, it released both hydrogen and methane
Forcibly removed: Jamia students staging hunger strike face rustication, campus ban
Chennai Mayor accuses govt. of delaying monsoon preparedness works
She says that government should have held meetings in July or August; she also flags inadequate allocation of funds for civic infra maintenance
NHRC registers case after residents complain against WTE plants in Kodungaiyur
Law student pens down concise history of AIADMK
The writer says he relied on the news reports published in The Hindu for verifying information that he came across
Crazy Mohan one of the greatest talents in India: Kamal Haasan
Zelenskyy says Trump could lift more Russia sanctions
Mr. Trump heightened a battle with Mr. Zelenskyy on Friday (October 16, 2026) when he signed an executive order that waived sweeping U.S. sanctions targeting Russias energy revenues
Amend Constitution to ensure quota for religious converts: Anbumani Ramadoss
A hundred years ago | Imperial Indian mail
Fifty years ago | Nobody for President campaign in U.S.
Power Of Beauty primed to deliver
Letters to The Editor October 15, 2026
The unprepared ground for white cane users
White Cane Day observed on October 15 demands the rehabilitation of the ecosystem, so that those who move one stride at a time have a place not merely to pass through, nor merely to be tolerated in, but to own the city
SRMIST, Volvo Group set up vehicle tech centre
In a brief interaction with reporters at the Tiruchi airport, he urged the governments to keep in mind the welfare of ordinary people
Easy financing and lifestyle upgrades fuel appliance demand this festive season
Consumers are willing to stretch their budgets with easy EMI options encouraging them to spend more, despite an increase in prices of many products, say retailers
Security guard electrocuted after power cable snaps in Tirunindravur
Government schoolteacher killed as car rams two-wheeler near Arani
Special teams were formed to nab the car driver
Two persons held for pelting stones at a train near Katpadi
A case was registered and they were lodged at Central Prison in Vellore town
Cumta to map metro users travel patterns to plan better feeder services
Daily Quiz | On Winnie-the-Pooh
A quiz on the much-loved bear and his world on the centenary of the publication of the evergreen childrens classic Winnie-the-Pooh
Fire breaks out at Cantonment House
Tamil Nadu government applies for site clearance to set up Rameswaram airport at Manikaneri
The approval for site clearance is estimated to take nearly 10 to 12 months, and after it comes through, the government must apply for in-principle approval
Visakhapatnam GVMC polls to use pink ballot for Mayor, white for corporator
Molasses shortage halts alcohol production at Mohanur Cooperative Sugar Mill
Devas humility remained one of his most endearing qualities
AIADMK will rise like a phoenix, says EPS at event held to mark partys 55th founding day
The founding day was celebrated at the partys headquarters in Royapettah
Deva, the man who gave Gaana a place in cinema
T.N. government withdraws order to restrict interim pension payout to 10,000 plus dearness relief
The move comes after protests by college teachers and government employees against against the order, which was issued on September 11
One killed, four injured in Manipur violence
Armed men attacked Chassad, a Kuki village in the Naga-majority Kamjong district bordering Myanmar
