OpenAI offers ChatGPT Go subscription in India for Rs. 399
Under the ChatGPT Go plan users will be able to get extended access to GPT-5, generate more images and analyse more documents and files
U.S. revokes over 6,000 student visas for crimes, terrorism links
Of the total, about two-thirds were linked directly to criminal activity, says an official from the U.S. State Department
Cubbon park is central to Bengalurus existence
Regular visitors to the park weigh in on the Horticulture Department of Karnatakas decision to temporarily halt private walking tours.
Rajya Sabha passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025 on Monday
Maryland tax on digital ads violated Big Techs free speech, judges say
A federal appeals court has ruled that part of a first-in-the-nation tax on digital advertising in Maryland aimed at Big Tech is unconstitutional
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar embarks on 3-day visit to Russia
S Jaishankar will co-chair the 26th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation to be held on Wednesday, August 20
Foxconns Apple era fades as AI servers drive growth in Taiwan tech sector
Foxconn Chairman Young Liu has been championing new businesses such as AI servers, electric vehicles and semiconductors since taking the top job in 2019
Movie Review | The Death of a Soul: Sardar Udham by Shoojit Sircar
Country: India | Runtime: 162 minutes | Genre: Thriller
Rupee rises 19 paise to 87.20 against U.S. dollar in early trade
Forex traders said the rupee is holding firm at current levels, tracking the recent rally in domestic equities after sweeping tax reforms announced by PM Narendra Modi
Tamil Nadu, Kerala ask Supreme Court if Presidential Reference is a ploy to contradict itself
Kerala and Tamil Nadu have criticised the Presidential Reference for suppressing the very existence of the Tamil Nadu Governor case judgment of April 8
Police Memorial: a monument in Chennai to honour service, sacrifice of policemen
The Police Memorial sculpture, which was unveiled on October 18, 2009, by the then Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, was designed by veteran artist A.V. Ilango
Arm hires Amazon AI exec to boost plans to build its own chips
Rami Sinno was responsible for helping to develop Amazon's homegrown AI chips called Trainium and Inferentia that are designed to help build and run large AI applications
Yamuna water level rises close to evacuation mark in Delhi
Officials said the situation is being closely monitored and all the agencies concerned have been asked to take precautionary measures to handle flood-like situation
Hack at Allianz Life impacts 1.1 million customers, breach notification site says
Allianz Life had previously said that hackers stole personal information of most of its 1.4 million U.S. customers, financial professionals and select employees
Two youths electrocuted while transporting Ganesh idol in Hyderabad
The incident reportedly happened when the idol brushed against overhead power lines, sending a surge of current through the group
Nearly 90% of videogame developers use AI agents, Google study shows
Most of the respondents in the report, published on Monday, said AI was helping automate cumbersome and repetitive tasks
As Mr. Trump hosted Mr. Zelenskyy and top European leaders, the tone and style of the sit-down was far different than when Ukraine's president was hounded out of the White House in February
Death toll in Wilson Garden cylinder blast rises to three
BENGALURU: The death toll in the Wilson Garden cylinder blast rose to three after a woman and her eight-year-old daughter succumbed to injuries on Monday.On Monday, Kasturamma (30), a domestic worker, and her daughter Kayal (8), both natives of Tamil Nadu, died while undergoing treatment. The blast, which occurred at the house of Kasturamma on Friday at Chinnaiahnapalya Colony had left 11 people injured and damaged the roofs of several neighbouring houses. Mubarak (10), one of the injured, had died on the day of the incident. Police said Kayal, who had sustained 35% burn injuries, died around 5 pm at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health. Her mother, who suffered 40% burns, succumbed later at 8 pm at Victoria Hospital. Of the other injured, Sarasamma is still undergoing treatment, while the rest have been discharged. Police said a case has been registered against the LPG cylinder firm based on a complaint filed by Mubaraks father.
On soaps and detergents: how they are made and manufactured
During World War I, there was a shortage of natural oils and fats to make soaps, which spurred some industrialists to look for alternatives that could be synthesised chemically. Thus, the first commercial soap-like detergents emerged in the mid-1930s
Between real development and the lure of freebies
By : Dr Vineeth Thomas, Head, Department of Political Science, SRM University-AP & Ejjala Likitha Pavani, BA(H) Political Science, SRM University-AP
Due to heavy rainfall in Karnatakas Dharwad district over the past couple of days authorities have announced a holiday for schools on August 19
Kerala farmers enthusiastic over spike in coconut prices
KOCHI: Though the spike in coconut price has strained family budgets, it has a positive impact on the farming sector. The coconut farmers, who stopped tending to their crops long ago complaining of unaffordable labour cost and fertilizer prices, have started taking care of the trees. Though the prices have started declining following rise in production, the farmers have restarted widening the pits, applying manure and clearing the crest by pruning dead leaves apart from maintaining the 45-day harvest cycle. As the coconut prices were low and the labour cost was high, medium and small-scale farmers had stopped employing labourers for manuring and harvesting. They used to collect only the falling coconuts. But with the price of coconut crossing `95 per kg many farmers have restarted taking care of the trees. We have introduced a package for coconut tree care which includes six harvests, two times manuring, spraying pesticides and clearing the pit every month. This has evoked positive response among farmers, said Arunjith, a farmer in Varkala who promotes the Friends of Coconut Tree initiative with the support of the Coconut Development Board. At a time when low procurement rate, diseases and heavy rain have made paddy cultivation unprofitable, the rise in coconut prices has come as a blessing for the farmers. Last month the agents procured coconut from our area at the rate of `62 per kg, which was a record. Four days ago I got `50 per kg. We were getting an average price of `18 per kg less till a couple of years ago. Though the price has started declining we are satisfied with the current procurement rate. This has inspired many farmers to return to coconut farming, said Dinesh Choolanoor, a farmer in Palakkad. Sources at the Coconut Development Board said there has been a spike in demand for coconut seedlings. The board had recently introduced a few incentive schemes like productivity enhancement and expansion of area which have evoked positive response. The spike in coconut price was triggered by a decline in productivity caused by the severe drought in 2024 and adverse effects of climate change. But the state received copious rain from April which has helped improve production. Simultaneously there has been an increase in productivity in Tamil Nadu also. While the retail rate of popular coconut oil brands has shown only a marginal decline, the decision of the state government to provide coconut oil at a subsidised rate of `349 during Onam season is expected to bring down the market rate. The market rate of coconut in Thrissur market was `62 per kg on Monday, while the wholesale rate of coconut oil in Ernakulam market was `370 per litre. The price of coconut oil has started declining with an increase in production. But wholesalers in Tamil Nadu are holding the yield expecting good returns during the Onam season. The desiccated coconut producing units in Kithur in Karnataka procure coconut from Kannur and Kasaragod district. So the oil mills in Kerala are facing a shortage of quality copra, said Cochin Oil Merchants Association office-bearers. Current rates Wholesale coconut oil price on Monday - Rs 370 per litre Price of coconut - Rs 62 per kg
Supreme Court stays HC order, frees TN minister from facing trial in 2012 DA case
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday stayed an April 28 Madras High Court order that had reversed the discharge of Rural Development Minister I Periyasamy and his family members in a 2012 disproportionate assets (DA) case , and directed them to face trial. Periyasamy, his wife P Suseela, and sons P Prabhu and P Senthilkumar, the Palani MLA, were among the accused in the case. A bench of the top court, headed by Justice Dipankar Datta, which was hearing the appeal filed by the minister and his family members against the HC order setting aside the trial courts verdict, issued notice to Tamil Nadu and sought its reply. Five hours after the SC order, the Enforcement Directorate, in a statement, said its searches on Saturday on the premises of Periyasamy and his family members had led to the seizure of documents related to properties and investments. The EDs money laundering probe, of which Saturdays searches were a part, had used as predicate offence the same Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-corruption case which the HC had revived and the SC had stayed on Monday. The agency said it found certain paper companies being operated from the premises of Irulappa Mills India Private Limited, a firm in which the minister and his younger son P Prabhu are directors. In a statement, ED said it is analysing the seized digital devices and accounts of the companies linked to Periyasamy. Further probe is under progress, the agency said. Earlier, senior advocate V Giri and advocate Ram Sankar, challenging the HCs decision, argued that these cases were the fallout of political rivalry. Court discharged min & kin in 2023 The trial court had, on March 17, 2023, discharged Periyasamy and his kin from the DA case over lack of evidence. The minister and his family were accused of having acquired assets worth Rs 2.01 crore disproportionate to their known sources of income between 2006-10 when Periyasamy was a DMK minister. However, in April 2025, the HC set aside the discharge order and ordered the trial to be initiated against them again. Periyasamy challenged the SC order and sought its reversal. (With inputs from Siddharth Prabhakar @ Chennai)
Yezdi Roadster 350 Alpha2: Specs, price and features explained
The 2025 Yezdi Roadster blends heritage styling with modern engineering, featuring a 350 Alpha2 engine, modular design, and extensive customisation options. Perfect for riders seeking a mix of nostalgia, style, and practicality.
Girl 'kidnapped, forcibly married, raped'; Delhi Police busts trafficking racket, four held
Police said Rajeev forcibly married the girl on July 24 and allegedly subjected her to sexual assault at his Shamli residence; the girl was rescued from Shamli in Uttar Pradesh nearly a month after she went missing on July 21
Tea sector in the Peerumade hills grappling with fresh challenges
The active number of tea estates in the Peerumade hills was 40, and the number has now dropped to 28, data shows
Lionstead Applied Materials acquires Ceramat from Tata Steel arm for 1 crore
The acquisition strengthens LVs advanced materials portfolio and establishes Ceramat as its dedicated platform for bio-ceramics
NHRC issues notice to Punjab government over assault of a journalist by two police officers
The incident occurred on August 1 in Batala in Gurudaspur
Three women among four dead in fire at electronics store
The deceased worked at Mahajan Electronics, on the first floor of a four-storey building, where the blaze broke out
Rajinikanth's Coolie crosses Rs 200 crore mark on Day 5
Rajinikanth's 'Coolie' has stormed into the Rs 200 crore club within five days, fueled by a massive opening and Independence Day fervor. Despite a Monday dip, strong night show attendance, particularly in Tamil Nadu, propelled the film past the milestone. Its pan-Indian appeal is evident, with significant contributions from Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi versions.
Can Vikram Solar justify its high valuations with rapid growth?
Vikram Solar, Kolkata based company, is set to launch an IPO. The aim is to raise funds for expansion. A fresh issue and offer for sale are planned. The company's order book has doubled. A new solar cell manufacturing facility is also in the works in Tamil Nadu. Domestic sales have significantly increased.
Mild weather to prevail over T.N. this week; rainfall activity to increase from August 22
Headmaster accused of assaulting student in Kasaragod; Minister orders inquiry
Headmaster denies allegation, saying that he had only reprimanded the boy for misbehaving during the assembly. Youth Congress demands suspension of HM
Puducherry govt. urged to crack down on fake domicile claimants in MBBS admissions
Fire breaks out at chemical factory in Thavalakuppam
Puducherry CM inaugurates digital X-ray machine at govt. hospital
CPI urges Puducherry CM to convene all party meeting over Statehood demand
Dr. Ganga Prasad Prasain to continue as Tripura University Vice Chancellor despite retirement
Varun Chakravarthy speaks on Asia Cup preparations, backing from Gambhir-Surya in white-ball
Speaking on his plans for the ODI World Cup 2027, a format which he has played four times and taken 10 wickets with a five-wicket haul, Varun said that after Asia Cup, he aims to excel in white-ball tours for India
Inadequate signage leads to chaos on day 1 of Teynampet traffic diversion
GCC uses AI-altered image to close complaint sans redressal, backfires
That feeling will stay with me forever: England spinner Bashir on Sirajs dismissal at Lords
Bashir said he had been working on the variation for some time but only gained the confidence to use it after Moeen was invited to England's training camp
Doc killed in accident two days after he pledged his organs
Fifty years ago | Jatti suggests use of Nagari as common script
Not easy to sit out: Shardul backs Kuldeep, Easwaran after missing England Test series
The decision not to play Kuldeep has attracted criticism as he is a wicket-taking spin bowler, as suggested by his strike rate of 37.3, which is the highest among all spin bowlers with at least 50 Test wickets
FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemns unacceptable racism after incidents at German Cup games
Infantino's comments came a day after Schalke's Christopher Antwi-Adjei said he was subjected to racist abuse in a cup game at Lokomotive Leipzig
State govt launches school bus service to improve student safety, raise attendance
A hundred years ago| Chinas coastal traffic
Could the mid-season break turn the tide for Hamilton?
Having a four-week break before next week's Dutch Grand Prix offers a much-needed reset, argues Michael E. Sawyer, author of a biography of Hamilton, Sir Lewis, published this year
Neet cut-off for TN govt colleges decreases by more than 100 marks
AIADMK not on right track, says Sasikala
Pramod Kumar moves SC over DGP post; TN to reply by Friday
TNCC, CPM respond to VCK on sanitary workers
Tasmac loot continues in state, says EPS
Stalin lists questions to ECI, wants SIR scrapped
Its Ajay Singh vs Jaslal Pradhan for Boxing Federation of India polls
Pramod Kumar, Digvijay Singh and Neeraj Jain will contest for the secretary-generals post, while Pon Baskaran, R. Gopu and Anil Bohidar are in fray for the treasurers post
Protests continue against SCs stray dogs order
Vice-presidential election: DMK in a bind as TN parties pitch for 'son of the soil'
The NDA's choice of C P Radhakrishnan for vice-president has placed DMK in a dilemma. While rejecting a Tamil Nadu native could be seen as disrespecting Tamil pride, supporting a BJP candidate clashes with DMK's stance against the Centre. AIADMK and BJP leaders are urging DMK to support Radhakrishnan, emphasizing the opportunity for a Tamilian to hold high office.
Yamuna breaches danger level; Delhi govt. starts preparing for evacuation of residents
No cause for panic, agencies monitoring river level 24x7, says CM; warnings sounded in low-lying areas; nearly 12,500 people near floodplains to be moved out if the river touches 206-metre mark
Airtel users face hours of call downtime in NCR
Delhi HC issues notice to Atishi, Sanjay Singh in Sandeep Dikshits defamation case
Govt. finding it tough to fill V-C posts
State-run universities are finding it difficult to fill up the Vice-Chancellors post owing to applications from ineligible persons, Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar
Internal quota: Options being worked out to bring about consensus
Monday evening saw hectic parleys among Ministers and officials belonging to Scheduled Castes to arrive at a consensus on the internal reservation on the eve of the special Cabinet meeting, even as the Dalit left (Madigas) and the Dalit right (Holeyas) continued to exert pressure on the government
Same-sex couples demand recognition as spouses in the IT Act to receive tax benefits
The petitioners argued that they should not be denied benefits under the law solely because their partnership is not heterosexual
Assembly plunges into pandemonium over Dharmasthala row
The Legislative Assembly plunged into pandemonium on Monday over the case of alleged mass burials in Dharmasthala, with the ruling and the Opposition members indulging in heated exchange of words
Golf Course in Bangarpet has encroached 40% of govt land: Minister
What true empowerment of women entails
Women who fight for justice deserve more than applause; they deserve a future
Mylapore fund chief seeks bail; offers sto sell assets and settle claims
Madras HC initiates suo motu writ to fast-track minor criminal cases
Back-to-back arrest of MSC vessels poses challenge to Vizhinjam port
The arrest of MSC vessels specifically at the Vizhinjam port sends a wrong signal to the world regarding the port, say port sources. This comes at a time when the port is already witnessing a decline in container discharge.
A new building with 110 beds at Saidapet GH
Senior physician appointed as international advisor
Applications invited for posts of Coastal Home Guards
Reconsider decision to engage faculty members as invigilators
Five, including woman, held for attempting to murder her husband in Sriperumbudur
V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras honoured by Hamsadhwani
Doctor killed, 17 injured as bus rams into pedestrians in Chengalpattu
Bike taxi driver and passenger die in accident near Chromepet
Encroachments have come up near the elevated tracks of MRTS at Perungudi
Tamil Nadu sanctions record payout of Rs 1,137 crore to settle transport staff dues
Second edition of VIS U-15 football tournament powered by The Hindu set for kick-off
Webinar on healthy ageing to be organised on August 20
City Police has rich legacy: Greater Chennai City Police Commissioner A. Arun
TN to offer subsidies, grant & infrastructure for chip design firms
T.M. Krishna kicks off golden jubilee of Chembai music fest
Actor who issued death threat to Kamal moves HC for advance bail
Admission season upon us, but director of medical edu post vacant
Letters to The Editor August 19, 2025
No stay on use of TVKs party flag
Compassionate post process simplified
