The accused, Isakki Muthu of Courtallam, came in contact with the woman at Besant Nagar beach last week, where she had approached him for a parrot astrology consultation.

The woman, a Sri Lankan Tamil who had obtained Canadian citizenship, had been staying in Kodambakkam for the past few months.

She was interested in spirituality and had appeared on a television programme and posted videos on spiritual subjects.

During the consultation, she told Muthu about her plans to participate in a singing audition for a television channel.

Muthu subsequently contacted her and allegedly told her that an adverse planetary position was affecting her prospects and claimed that a special puja would remove the dosha.

He reportedly quoted Rs 70,000 for the ritual and instructed her to perform it without clothes in a video call around midnight, claiming that he would perform the puja at a temple in Tamil Nadu at that time.

Believing that she was taking part in a genuine spiritual ritual, the woman complied.

The following day, Muthu allegedly told her that he had recorded the video and demanded Rs 5 lakh, threatening to circulate it online if she failed to pay up.

Initially, she transferred Rs 20,000 to an account linked to him. Latest, when he continued to seek more money, the approached the Mambalam All-Women Police Station and lodged a complaint.

The police traced Muthu using his mobile number and the bank account details, and located him hiding in his native Courtallam.

He was brought to Chennai, produced before a court, which remanded him in judicial custody.

The police identified the accused as Sreerekha alias Kotti (26), wife of Kamesh, a resident of SS Puram, B Block, Purasaiwalkam.

According to officials, the victim, Gunaseelan (45), a daily wage worker residing in the same locality, had undergone heart surgery a few months ago and had not resumed work. He had recently started going for walks near his house.

On Thursday morning, while Gunaseelan was out for his usual walk, Sreerekha allegedly showered abuses on him.

Later, when Gunaseelan was returning home after his walk, she allegedly intercepted him and picked an argument, accusing him of making derogatory remarks about her.

Officials said Sreerekha allegedly attacked Gunaseelan with a stone and also hit him on his chest, where he had undergone surgery. Gunaseelan reportedly lost consciousness following the assault.

The woman allegedly threatened to kill him before leaving the spot, while Gunaseelan was rushed to Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment.

Based on a complaint from Gunaseelan's wife, the Secretariat Colony police registered a case and launched an investigation. A police team led by the station inspector subsequently arrested Sreerekha on Thursday.

The police said she already has two criminal cases registered against her at the same police station. She was produced before a court on Thursday and remanded in judicial custody.

The deceased was identified as Savithri (70), who lived on the roadside at Kannappar Thidal in Periamet and sold fruits along the roadside on Demellows Road.

According to the police, Savithri was crossing the road near the roundabout when she was hit by an MTC bus (Route No. 242B) travelling from Puthagaram towards the Secretariat. She suffered severe injuries and died on the spot.

The motorists who witnessed the accident alerted the traffic police, and personnel from the Kilpauk Traffic Investigation Wing rushed to the spot, recovered Savithri's body and sent it to Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination.

The traffic police subsequently registered a case and arrested the bus driver, Sekar (42), a native of Tiruvallur. He is being questioned in connection with the accident.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, New Delhi Railway Station topped the list with Rs 3,337 crore, followed by Howrah Railway Station in West Bengal with Rs 1,692 crore.

The figures reflect the growing passenger traffic and increasing train operations amid the implementation of modern infrastructure and long-term development projects in the railway sector, said Zafar Ali, a member of the Southern Railway Passenger Amenities Committee.

According to Ali, the increased revenue generated by Chennai Central indicates the positive response to the various development works being undertaken by the Railways.

Chennai Central is one of the key railway hubs in southern India, handling a large number of long-distance and suburban passengers every day. The station connects Chennai with several major cities across the country and serves as an important gateway for passengers travelling to and from Tamil Nadu.

Several infrastructure and passenger amenity projects are also being undertaken to improve the overall travel experience at the station. The continued growth in passenger traffic and revenue is expected to further strengthen Chennai Central's position as one of the country's major railway terminals.

According to the police, around 35 workers from Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar are employed and residing at the under-construction, four-storey building on Vivekananda Main Road in Senthil Nagar. The incident occurred around 11 pm on September 3.

Officials said three youths, all aged around 20, arrived at the site on two-wheelers and allegedly demanded a beedi and Rs 100 from Ashraful, a worker from West Bengal, who was standing outside the building. When he refused, they allegedly assaulted him.

Hearing the commotion, other workers came out. Two of the youths fled, while the workers allegedly caught one of them and locked him up inside a room at the construction site.

The two youths who escaped returned with more than 10 others on two-wheelers.

The group allegedly entered the building, attacked the workers with knives and wooden pieces found at the site, and took away the youth who had been detained by the workers.

During the clash, Rajani Sarkar (34), from Malkangiri district in Odisha, suffered injuries to the back of his head, requiring three stitches, and a bleeding injury above his right eyebrow.

He was admitted to the Periyar Nagar Government Hospital for treatment.

The police have launched an investigation into the incident.

The yellow metal is now priced at Rs 1,14,880 per sovereign and Rs 14,360 per gram, after an increase of Rs 120 per gram.

Earlier, on September 3, the yellow metal was priced at Rs 1,13,920 per sovereign and Rs 14,240 per gram.

Silver prices decrease

Meanwhile, silver prices have decreased by Rs 5, selling for Rs 255 per gram (Rs 2,55,000 per kg) on September 4.

On September 3, silver was priced at Rs 260 per gram.

Gold rate today vs gold rate on this day, last year

Gold remains significantly higher compared to last year. The price of 22-carat gold has increased from Rs 9,795 per gram on September 4, 2025, to Rs 14,360 per gram on September 3, 2026, marking an increase of Rs 4,565 per gram or about 46.60%.

Gold price (22-carat) over the last five days:

September 3, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,13,920 | 1 gram - Rs 14,240

September 2, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,11,600 | 1 gram - Rs 13,950

September 1, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,15,080 | 1 gram - Rs 14,385

August 31, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,14,960 | 1 gram - Rs 14,370

August 29, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,16,040 | 1 gram - Rs 14,505

Silver price over the last five days:

September 3, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 260

September 2, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 255

September 1, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 255

August 31, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 260

August 29, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 260

The deceased was identified as Muneeswaran of Charles Nagar.

On August 30, his brother, Sunil, was talking with a female friend near the Annamalai Nagar Railway Gate when a gang made objectionable remarks.

This led to a heated argument after which onlookers pacified the gang. Later in the day, they came looking for Sunil and on seeing his brother, they beat up Muneeswaran and fled the scene.

For the past two months, road cuts on the busy street connecting Arcot Road with Periyar Pathai, Anna Nedunpathai, and surrounding localities have remained covered only with gravel and wet mix macadam.

With thousands of vehicles using the road every day, the temporary surface dries up and generates dust, which settles on nearby commercial establishments and triggers dust allergies among shopkeepers and pedestrians.

Praveen Kumar, a resident of Choolaimedu, said the temporary patchwork had also compromised road safety and contributed to traffic congestion during morning and evening peak hours. Loose gravel frequently causes two-wheeler riders to skid and lose balance while braking, he said.

“At least two accidents occur on this stretch every day. Victims are forced to spend heavily on medical treatment for injuries that could have been avoided if the road had been properly relaid,” Kumar said.

Vegetable shop owners said they were forced to wear masks throughout the day and repeatedly clean their racks because of the dust.

Residents have urged the CMWSSB and GCC to improve coordination and complete the work at the earliest.

A GCC official said the sewage pipeline installation covered 150 metres, of which only 50 metres had been completed so far. “Wet mix will continue to be filled as a temporary measure. Full road resurfacing will commence immediately after Metro Water completes the remaining 100 metres of pipeline work,” the official.

According to reports, one litre of petrol is being sold at Rs 107.77, while diesel costs Rs 99.55 per litre in Chennai on Friday.

On May 25, petrol was raised by Rs 2.61 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.71. The increase took cumulative hikes since May 15 to nearly Rs 7.5 per litre.

Until May, fuel prices had largely remained unchanged since April 2022, except for a Rs 2 per litre reduction announced in March 2024 ahead of the national elections.

Why have fuel prices been increased?

Global crude oil prices had surged more than 50 per cent since late February following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.

State-run retailers had delayed passing on higher input costs for weeks, a move the government said was intended to shield consumers from inflation. Opposition parties, however, accused the administration of holding back price increases until after key state elections.

The May 15 increase came after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expanded its electoral footprint by winning three of five state and UT elections, including West Bengal.

Retail fuel prices were first raised by Rs 3 per litre on May 15, followed by a 90-paise increase on May 19 and another hike on May 23, when petrol prices rose by 87 paise and diesel by 91 paise per litre.

On May 25, petrol was raised by Rs 2.61 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.71. The cumulative increase since May 15 stands at nearly Rs 7.5 per litre.

The increase varies across cities due to differences in local taxes.

Petrol rates (per litre) in Chennai across last 5 days:

September 3- Rs 107.77

September 2- Rs 107.77

September 1- Rs 107.77

August 31- Rs 107.77

August 30 - Rs 107.77

Diesel rates (per litre) in Chennai across last 5 days:

September 3 - Rs 99.55

September 2 - Rs 99.55

September 1 - Rs 99.55

August 31 - Rs 99.55

August 30 - Rs 99.55

Two police personnel were reportedly injured while trying to prevent the protesters. The incident occurred around 10.01 am when the Chief Minister's convoy was arriving at the Secretariat. According to police, more than 100 people had gathered near the in-gate to meet the Chief Minister, and eight of them suddenly crossed the barricade and ran towards the convoy.

The group, including parents of the victim, reportedly said Aakash died in police custody at the Manamadurai police station in March. Though cases had been registered against six police personnel in connection with the death, they alleged that no further action had been taken. CB-CID, which probed the case, had filed a chargesheet confirming that the police personnel had tortured him to death. So far, no policeman has been arrested in the case.

During the commotion, constable Muthuganesan, part of the lead vehicle security team, fell while trying to stop the protesters and suffered an elbow injury as the convoy stopped. Another constable, Ramkumar, was allegedly manhandled and later received first aid at a hospital after complaining of chest pain, police said.

The Chief Minister's convoy reached the Secretariat portico safely at 10.02 am. The eight protesters were detained and are being questioned.

According to the people there, several people, including children, suffered from vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhoea.

That is when Ashik, a resident of PKS Garden on Periyar Road, took to social media to raise the issue, which eventually led the authorities to rectify the issue.

In an Instagram post, which subsequently went viral, he said several homes in Periyar Street and nearby areas were affected and that families were experiencing health problems.

Speaking to the DT Next, he said roads in the locality had been dug up at several places since last Thursday.

The residents realised that the water supply had been contaminated only on Friday, after noticing sewage-mixed water coming from taps in their bathrooms and kitchens.

Ashik said his family was among those affected, with his daughter Riya vomiting continuously, while another member of the family had to be taken to hospital after developing diarrhoea and vomiting.

"My 60-year-old father and I suffered severe vomiting, I had to admit my father in the hospital for two days," said Regina who had to deal with black water for the past one week.

The Metro Water Assistant Engineer from the zone said the issue happened after a water pipeline was damaged during GCC's stormwater drain work in the area.

"It was rectified on the same day of the complaint," he said, adding that the officials inspected several streets in Palavakkam after complaints and checked water samples which are found to be drinkable now.

The festival, being held on September 3 and 4, features over 140 events and is themed ‘Inclusive Innovations’.

Aleksandr Fomin, Deputy Consul General, Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Chennai, was the chief guest, while Arulselvam Harikrishnan, Vice-President – Operations & Logistics, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, was the guest of honour. VIT Founder-Chancellor G Viswanathan presided over the inaugural function.

Fomin said technoVIT brings together students and young professionals in engineering, robotics, coding, design, and other fields. He stressed that innovation should be accessible to people across disciplines and backgrounds and should ultimately improve lives.

“Technology should help us address shared challenges such as energy security, healthcare, environmental sustainability, transportation, food security, and access to education,” he said, adding that such challenges transcend national borders.

Harikrishnan said innovation and inventions would not be sustainable without a clear purpose, which should be centred on humanity.

Viswanathan said science and technology were essential for economic growth and called for greater use of technology to improve productivity in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.

VIT Vice-President GV Selvam said technoVIT was organised “by the students, of the students and for the students”, providing them opportunities to develop leadership skills.

Central School Road, Gill Nagar 1st, 2nd and 3rd Streets and Gill Nagar 1st Cross Street are among the worst-affected stretches, residents said. They alleged that despite repeated complaints, enforcement has largely remained token.

Tennyson Samuel Pushparaj, executive committee member of the Gill Nagar House Owners’ Welfare Association (GHOWA), said, “Vehicles from areas including Arumbakkam and Kodambakkam are being parked on Gill Nagar streets.

With vehicles parked on both sides of the narrow interior roads, the carriageway shrinks drastically, choking traffic flow.”

Tennyson added that he had filed 5-6 complaints a week with the police regarding violations on Central School Road alone. “The police do attend, but stern action is rare,” he said.

GHOWA secretary Sandeep said that the encroachment by parked vehicles had left little space for pedestrians. “Senior citizens and children are forced to walk in the middle of the road,” he pointed out. “Parked vehicles provide cover for public drinking and urination. Gill Nagar 1st Cross Street, which is barely 20 feet wide, is particularly affected, with school vans parked on both sides.”

Association members alleged that police action following complaints was often limited to issuing fines or clamping vehicles, with wheel locks later removed without addressing the recurring problem. They also said complaints posted on X were forwarded to the local police station but often stalled there.

Sandeep said that the association would continue escalating the issue until visible action was taken on the ground.

A traffic enforcement official told DT Next that action had been taken against vehicles parked opposite Gill Nagar Park on Central School Road following complaints. “I’ll direct the team to inspect vehicles parked on the other streets and take necessary action,” the official said.

It is this sense of discovery and togetherness that Nivedita Ganeshram, founder and curator of Vizha by Madras Finds, hopes to bring into a contemporary setting.

The curation deliberately refuses to ask whether something is traditional enough. Instead, the question is whether it captures the spirit of the city today.

That is why kili josiyam, valaiyal kadai and kuchi ice find themselves alongside photo booth strips, independent homegrown brands, design-led businesses, freshly brewed coffee and bakers bringing their specialities to the gathering.

The idea for Vizha had been sitting in Nivedita’s mind for years. A visit to a thiruvizha in her native place left her thinking about the peculiar magic of these gatherings the music, food, little shops, crowds and the sheer joy of simply being there.

Each stall, she recalls, almost felt like a pop-up of its own, but together they created a much larger experience.

“I wanted to recreate that feeling, but through the lens of the Chennai we live in today,” she says. Vizha, therefore, is not intended as a replica of a traditional thiruvizha, but as an interpretation rooted in nostalgia while looking ahead.

Rather than creating another marketplace where visitors shop and leave, the intention is to build a space where people linger meeting old friends, sitting down for coffee, eating, wandering and perhaps spending three hours without having planned to.

The visual identity of the space has received just as much attention. Nivedita, along with her team members Maryam and Yutika, spends considerable time brainstorming colours, materials, signage, decor and nostalgic themes, with the aim of making the entire space feel like one cohesive world.

This year, visitors can look out for an installation featuring neon hair ribbons, one of the elements the team is particularly excited about.

Food is another highlight, with a selection of bakers expected to bring their best to the gathering. Vizha will be held on September 5 and 6, from 11 am to 8 pm, at My Bungalow, Eldams Road, Teynampet.

Entry is free and valet parking is available.

The move comes amid renewed attention to the absence of menstrual hygiene facilities at the airport after actress Latha Rao shared her experience of struggling to obtain a sanitary napkin when she unexpectedly started bleeding while waiting to board a flight to Hyderabad.

Rao said she usually carries sanitary napkins while travelling but had forgotten to pack one on this occasion. On enquiring with women airport employees, she was told that the vending machines previously available in women’s restrooms were no longer operational.

She then rushed from Gate 1 to a pharmacy near Gate 7, but had to wait for the staff member to return to the counter before she could purchase a napkin. By the time she returned, boarding had begun.

Rao later said menstruation was a natural occurrence and should not be considered embarrassing to discuss. She also urged women to include sanitary napkins in their travel checklist.

Responding to the complaint, airport authorities claimed that providing pads through vending machines was discontinued following complaints of misuse. As an interim measure, phone numbers have been displayed inside women’s restrooms.

Passengers requiring sanitary napkins can call the number and a female airport employee will deliver one within about two minutes, according to the Airports Authority of India.

Officials said the temporary arrangement will continue until the 36 new vending machines are installed. Once operational, the machines will allow women passengers to access sanitary napkins directly from the restrooms, they said.

Around 50 workers gathered at the Ripon Building on Thursday, pressing the State government and Greater Chennai Corporation to scrap the contract system and make them permanent employees.

They are also demanding timely payment of salaries, paid weekly leave, and social security benefits.

Maheswari (56), who has been working as a NULM worker for nine years, said the demand was not merely about job security but about basic employment rights, particularly salary and leave.

The lack of leave has become a major grievance among workers. Anandhi (51) questioned why workers performing essential civic duties were being denied even the basic right to take leave, asking whether they were not entitled to the same consideration as other workers.

The unions have also demanded that NULM, SHG, sanitation, malaria, computer assistant, and other contract workers be paid their monthly wages by the fifth of every month and be given weekly leave with pay.

They also sought payment of arrears from 2017 in accordance with GO (2D) No 62 and implementation of the revised dearness allowance-linked wages from April 1, along with arrears.

Other demands include uniforms in adequate quantities, payment of earned-leave benefits in the same month in which they are sanctioned, restoration of the old pension scheme, and immediate settlement of retirement benefits.

The agitation had intensified earlier this week when sanitation workers entered the Ripon Building during a flash protest.

The police were alerted of the over-speeding bikes on Sunday (August 30) night after the group rode in a rash and dangerous manner.

One of the bikes hit a motorist, Sathish, near Kasi Theatre and fled the spot. Sathish suffered injuries and got treated at a hospital.

On information, officials from the Adyar Traffic Investigation Wing (TIW) registered a case. The police teams checked CCTV footage and zeroed in on the bikes and traced the riders.

After investigations, the police arrested Jayavel Radha (19), Sujith (20), Calvin Ronaldo (19), Kameshwaran (18), and Gowtham (20) on Monday (August 31), while another youth, Lokeshwaran (18), was arrested on Wednesday (September 2).

The arrested persons were produced before a magistrate and remanded in judicial custody.

Last week, the police had arrested ten youths for over-speeding and racing near Vadapalani.

The Greater Chennai Traffic Police (GCTP) warned that it would initiate severe action against those who indulge in racing and over-speeding on city roads, posing danger to other motorists and vehicle users.

Metro trains will operate from 5 am to 11 pm on the day. During the peak hours of 8 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 8 pm, the trains will be available at a frequency of every six minutes.

Between 5 am and 8 am, 11 am and 5 pm and 8 pm and 10 pm, the trains will run every seven minutes.

During the final service hour, from 10 pm to 11 pm, trains will operate at a frequency of every 15 minutes, the operator announced.

The three channels, including Ambattur Sidco canal and DTP Colony channel, are micro canals that are part of the drainage network connecting the Ambattur and Korattur water systems.

The Ambattur Sidco canal carries surplus water from Ambattur lake as well as rainwater from the surrounding catchment, including Ambattur, SIDCO, Ambattur Estate, Pattravakkam and Menambedu. Earlier assessments had flagged blockages and capacity constraints in the network.

As part of the monsoon preparedness, 28 culverts in Railway-owned waterways within the Greater Chennai Corporation limits will also be desilted.

The elevated bridge being constructed at Ganeshapuram and Ambattur railway level crossing No 6 are also to be expedited quickly ensuring proper co-ordination between the agencies.

The three channels, including Ambattur Sidco canal and DTP Colony channel, are micro canals that are part of the drainage network connecting the Ambattur and Korattur water systems. Earlier assessments had flagged blockages and capacity constraints in the network

The railway foot overbridge at Alandur will be taken up on priority, while at Nobel Street in Alandur, pre-cast slab work for an additional canal in the railway area has already been completed. The push-through work will be taken up once approval is received from Railway Headquarters.

To ensure smooth progress of the works, a coordination meeting was held at the Divisional Railway Manager's office on September 2, by Divisional Railway Manager Shailendra Singh, with Corporation Commissioner GS Sameeran, Corporation Joint Commissioner (Works) C Saravanan and other officials present.

The technologies comprise a machine learning model that uses clinical and laboratory data to predict the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD); a deep learning system that automatically analyses CT scans and classifies them into four categories: normal kidney, kidney cyst, kidney stone and kidney tumour; and a 3D imaging platform that recreates kidneys from CT scans to precisely assess tumour volume and the percentage of kidney involvement.

The CT image classifier has been trained with more than 12,000 images and can distinguish healthy kidneys from cysts, stones and tumours.

The 3D imaging framework developed using open-source software offers a low-cost and repeatable method of assessing tumour burden, providing information that could assist treatment planning.

According to GL Samuel, professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras, kidney diseases are often asymptomatic in their early stages and are not diagnosed until substantial damage has occurred.

The AI tools aim to assist physicians by delivering consistent results quickly, in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

"These tools can reduce the need for expensive interventions like dialysis. We used machine learning along with clinical knowledge to develop tools that would assist in the earlier detection of kidney diseases and give more detailed information specific to the patient," Samuel said.

Jennifer Delighta, research scholar at IIT Madras, emphasised that early detection is of paramount importance when dealing with kidney diseases.

"These AI tools can help detect at-risk patients early and plan their treatment more effectively. The CKD model has been developed as a user-friendly prototype, with further work aimed at improving its accuracy and interpretability for clinicians," Delighta said.

Supported by IIT-Madras and the SPARC project, the study is also a step toward developing a kidney digital twin.

The researchers plan to validate the models using larger patient datasets and explore their integration with wearable sensing systems for personalised kidney health monitoring.

The yellow metal is now priced at Rs 1,13,920 per sovereign and Rs 14,240 per gram, after an increase of Rs 290 per gram.

Earlier, on September 2, the yellow metal was priced at Rs 1,11,600 per sovereign and Rs 13,950 per gram.

Silver prices increase

Meanwhile, silver prices increased by Rs 5, selling for Rs 260 per gram (Rs 2,60,000 per kg) on September 3.

On September 2, silver was priced at Rs 255 per gram.

Gold rate today vs gold rate on this day, last year

Gold remains significantly higher compared to last year. The price of 22-carat gold has increased from Rs 9,805 per gram on September 3, 2025, to Rs 14,240 per gram on September 3, 2026, marking an increase of Rs 4,435 per gram or about 45.23%.

Gold price (22-carat) over the last five days:

September 2, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,11,600 | 1 gram - Rs 13,950

September 1, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,15,080 | 1 gram - Rs 14,385

August 31, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,14,960 | 1 gram - Rs 14,370

August 29, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,16,040 | 1 gram - Rs 14,505

August 28, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,17,200 | 1 gram - Rs 14,650

Silver price over the last five days:

September 2, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 255

September 1, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 255

August 31, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 260

August 29, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 260

August 28, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 265

According to reports, one litre of petrol is being sold at Rs 107.77, while diesel costs Rs 99.55 per litre in Chennai on Thursday.

On May 25, petrol was raised by Rs 2.61 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.71. The increase took cumulative hikes since May 15 to nearly Rs 7.5 per litre.

Until May, fuel prices had largely remained unchanged since April 2022, except for a Rs 2 per litre reduction announced in March 2024 ahead of the national elections.

Why have fuel prices been increased?

Global crude oil prices had surged more than 50 per cent since late February following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.

State-run retailers had delayed passing on higher input costs for weeks, a move the government said was intended to shield consumers from inflation. Opposition parties, however, accused the administration of holding back price increases until after key state elections.

The May 15 increase came after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expanded its electoral footprint by winning three of five state and UT elections, including West Bengal.

Retail fuel prices were first raised by Rs 3 per litre on May 15, followed by a 90-paise increase on May 19 and another hike on May 23, when petrol prices rose by 87 paise and diesel by 91 paise per litre.

On May 25, petrol was raised by Rs 2.61 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.71. The cumulative increase since May 15 stands at nearly Rs 7.5 per litre.

The increase varies across cities due to differences in local taxes.

Petrol rates (per litre) in Chennai across last 5 days:

September 2- Rs 107.77

September 1- Rs 107.77

August 31- Rs 107.77

August 30 - Rs 107.77

August 29 - Rs 107.77

Diesel rates (per litre) in Chennai across last 5 days:

September 2 - Rs 99.55

September 1 - Rs 99.55

August 31 - Rs 99.55

August 30 - Rs 99.55

August 29 - Rs 99.55

The initiative was launched at a press conference in Chennai in the presence of Dr Geetha Haripriya, chairperson-Prashanth Group of Hospitals, Parthipan J, CEO-Prashanth Fertility and Dr Samhitha Moturi, director-Prashanth Group of Hospitals. Actor Khushbu Sundar was the chief guest.

The service is intended to address disruptions in IVF treatment caused by missed appointments, medication schedules and follow-ups, particularly for working couples. A dedicated team and vehicle will travel across Chennai to provide services including injection support, eligible monitoring, follow-ups and treatment coordination at patients’ preferred locations.

Patients can schedule the services through a dedicated digital interface on the Prashanth Fertility app. The platform also manages appointments, follow-ups and treatment-related medical records while remaining connected with their treating fertility specialists.

Dr Haripriya said, “The initiative is aimed not merely at convenience but at ensuring continuity, confidence and compassionate care for patients.”

Dr Moturi said, “Fertility treatment involves multiple appointments, medication schedules and monitoring, which can be challenging for couples balancing work and family responsibilities. This service helps reduce such disruptions.”

Actor Khushbu said that making fertility treatment simpler and more accessible could provide greater comfort and confidence to couples undergoing the emotionally demanding journey.

Call 24x7 helpline at (044) 28882888 for details on eligibility and scheduling

Police said Swathi was riding the two-wheeler with her mother seated pillion. The duo had left their house and were heading towards Urapakkam.

When they were nearing Karanai Padur village, Swathi attempted to overtake a government bus, when a private school bus coming from the opposite direction collided with it. On impact, both were grievously injured, and Devi died on the spot. 

Swathi who was rushed to a private hospital in Potheri was declared ‘brought dead’ by the arrival. The Guduvanchery Traffic Investigation Wing sent the bodies for post-mortem to the Tambaram GH. 

Police said there were no students inside the school bus at the time of the accident. Only the driver and his assistant were travelling in the vehicle.

The police have registered a case and are questioning the bus driver. It is learnt that Swathi had recently been engaged and was scheduled to get married next month.

The programme will provide foundational and hands on training in Amazon web services, Microsoft azure and Google Cloud, following a vendor neutral approach to help learners understand common cloud concepts across the three major platforms. 

The curriculum covers cloud computing and multi-cloud concepts, compute, storage and networking, identity and access management, database services, cloud cost management and multi-cloud architecture. The security component includes threat detection, incident response, encryption, compliance and security monitoring. 

The programme will be delivered through live online sessions, with learners getting opportunities to interact with faculty. It will also include an immersive experience on the IIT Madras campus, combining online learning with practical exposure. The programme is aimed at students, graduates, working professionals and aspiring technology professionals. 

First batch will begin on September 10, with applications closing on September 9. The top 5% of performers will receive placement support.

“They found it very different from the regular flavours they were used to. That made me realise that not many people know about these flavours and I wanted to introduce more people to Bohri food,” says Nargis.

The Dawoodi Bohra community traces its foundational religious and historical roots to Yemen. Its food, too, carries influences from different places the community has travelled to. “There are influences from the places we have been to. You have Mediterranean flavours along with Indian spices.”

At the heart of Jumjo is the traditional thaal, where a meal is shared by everyone seated around it. “The essence of the thaal is sitting together and sharing food. Usually, six or eight people sit around a thaal (a large plate). It is about eating together, having conversations and building connections,” says Nargis.

At the recently held pop-up, guests were served a traditional Bohri food across eight courses, bringing the experience of a communal thaal to the city. Among the dishes was Dal Chawal Palida, a vegetarian staple in Bohra households. “It is a flavourful and wholesome dish and is completely vegetarian. We add minced lamb on top, which brings in a Mediterranean influence. It is usually something you make for a celebration.”

The samosas came in two versions. “We have a lamb samosa made with smoked lamb and spring onion. The vegetarian one is a dal samosa with smoked dal and spring onion.”

Then there is the raan, which was among the most popular dishes at the pop-up. “We take the lamb leg, marinate it with spices, slow cook it and serve it with a thick sauce. It is also something we usually make for celebrations or festivals.”

The raan was such a hit that some guests even asked if they could take it home later. Nargis is now planning to take limited orders through Jumjo’s Instagram. For Nargis, the thaal is also closely tied to the way Bohri food is prepared. “Bohri food is best when it is made in large quantities. That is why the thaal works so well. At least six or eight people eat together. It is about sharing the food rather than serving everything individually," concludes Nargis.

Residents said that the transformer on Perumal Koil Street occasionally emitted smoke as the equipment installed was old, and has also catches fire at times.

Any fault in the transformer could be difficult to identify immediately, making maintenance work challenging. The overgrown creepers surrounding the transformers also make it difficult for maintenance workers to access the equipment.

The creepers around the transformers on Perumal Koil Street and NT Patel Street have grown tall and are now extending towards the road. In particular, the vegetation surrounding the transformer on NT Patel Street has grown up to the roadside, making the transformer difficult.

Saravana, a resident of the area, said, “Plants around the transformer have not been properly maintained for the past eight months, allowing the creepers and bushes to grow densely. For the past week, smoke-like fumes have been coming from the transformer. This has caused concern among residents living nearby as well as members of the public who use the road.”

Kutty, a shopkeeper in the area, said, “There are street food shops near the transformer, and customers frequently visit the shops. This has caused concern among some people. Smoke is occasionally seen coming from the transformer, and there is a fear that the overgrown vegetation around it could catch fire.”

TNPDCL officials said that the smoke was caused by a loose clamp. “Maintenance workers have replaced the faulty clamp and secured the connection to prevent the issue from recurring. Such problems can occur when old clamps become worn out due to prolonged use,” an official added.

The two projects, together capable of producing 800 MLD, will take the city’s total desalination capacity to 1,160 MLD, almost matching the 1,160 MLD supplied by Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) to domestic consumers.

On September 2, CMWSSB supplied 1,245.97 MLD, including 1,160 MLD to domestic consumers. Of the total supply, 1,035 MLD came from surface-water sources, 154 MLD from desalination plants, 27 MLD from groundwater and 19 MLD from quarries.

The Minjur plant will cater to North Chennai, Avadi, Ponneri, Minjur and surrounding areas. The Perur plant is expected to be commissioned in October 2027.

With the two projects becoming operational, desalination could emerge as a major pillar of Chennai’s drinking-water supply, providing a dependable source when monsoon rains fail and reservoirs run low.

The CMWSSB has 3 desalination plants at Minjur (100 MLD), Nemmeli (110 MLD) and Nemmeli (150 MLD), with a combined capacity of 360 MLD. The Minjur plant is being renovated and is likely to resume partial production of 20 MLD in October, with full-capacity production expected by the end of this year, a CMWSSB official said.

Chennai depends primarily on surface water stored in the Poondi, Puzhal, Cholavaram, Chembarambakkam and Kannankottai-Thervoy Kandigai reservoirs. Supplies are also supplemented by the Veeranam source in Cuddalore district and the Kandaleru reservoir under the Krishna Water Supply Project.

The city has no perennial water source and its water availability is largely dependent on the monsoon. Delayed or deficient rains can quickly put pressure on reservoirs and force CMWSSB to augment supplies from alternative sources.

The State government has consequently made desalination an important component of its long-term water resource augmentation strategy, aimed at improving drought resilience and ensuring a more reliable source of drinking water.

CMWSSB also extracts around 13 MLD of groundwater from aquifers at Thamaraipakkam, Magaral and Minjur. Borewells in the added areas contribute another 14 MLD, while quarry water provides about 19 MLD.

A senior CMWSSB official said, “Augmentation of water sources through the proposed desalination plant will ensure adequate and reliable water supply to the city and adjoining local bodies.”

SUPPLY FROM METRO WATER

• Total supply: 1,245 MLD

• Surface water: 1,035 MLD

• Desalination plants: 154 MLD

• Groundwater: 27 MLD

• Quarry water: 19 MLD

As mobile phones are not permitted inside these temples, devotees are required to deposit their phones at designated deposit centres located within the temple premises.

During special occasions, weekends and peak hours, the deposit centres witness a large number of devotees, resulting in long queues to deposit and collect the phones after darshan. Devotees lamented this added to the time required to complete their temple visit.

A devotee, Sridhar, said, “There is generally no problem at the mobile phone deposit centres on normal days. However, during special occasions and weekends, when the crowd increases, devotees have to wait for a long time both to deposit and collect their phones. As a result, it takes additional time to enter the temple and have darshan.”

Another devotee, Saravanan, said, “The centres at Parthasarathy Swamy Temple have been arranged well. Paying Rs 5 as deposit charge is a problem, as the centres do not have change. Since there is no digital payment facilities like Gpay and PhonePe, some have to ask others nearby for change. There is also no notice board informing us that digital payment facilities are unavailable.”

Concurring with him was Usha, another devotee, who piped in: “At Vadapalani Temple, we have to wait in long queues to deposit our phones. It also takes considerable time to collect them after darshan. Additional counters will help speed up the process of depositing and collecting mobile phones.”

A temple official told DT Next that around 350 mobile phone lockers were available at Vadapalani Andavar Temple. “Two counters are functioning for depositing phones and two for collecting them. Arrangements are underway to set up two more counters,” he added.

At Kapaleeswarar Temple, around 300 mobile phone lockers are available. Three are functioning for depositing phones and two for collecting them. Parthasarathy Swamy Temple has 280 mobile phone lockers, with four counters each for depositing and collecting mobile phones.

Officials said that the mobile phone deposit centres began functioning from September 1 and digital payment facilities such as GPay have not yet been introduced. “A QR code-based payment facility will be introduced shortly,” he said. they added.

The three species have been named Jatropha livingstonei, Jatropha narasimhanii and Jatropha umashaankeri. Jatropha livingstonei honours C Livingstone, former professor of the Department of Botany at MCC, while Jatropha narasimhanii has been named after D Narasimhan, another former professor of the department. The third species, Jatropha umashaankeri, honours Umashaanker, former professor of the Department of Crop Physiology at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru.

Jatropha is mainly used to make bio-fuels. The research was carried out by U Senthil Kumar, Seema and Varnika of the MCC Department of Botany as part of a study on the cryptic diversity of Jatropha heynei. The team identified three distinct species using an integrated approach involving micromorphological studies, pollen morphology, seed-surface architecture, and nuclear and chloroplast DNA-based phylogenetic analyses.

Speaking to DT Next, Senthil Kumar said the newly identified plants are capable of surviving in extremely arid conditions. They have a tendency to develop tuber-like structures underground and can withstand periods of intense heat, he said, adding that the plants become less visible during the rainy season.

The researchers are now studying the potential commercial applications of the newly identified species. Jatropha plants are of particular interest for their potential use in biofuel production.

The discovery also provides new insights into the evolutionary history, biogeography, distribution and adaptation of jatropha species in southern India, particularly their association with the landscapes of the Deccan Plateau.

The researchers said the study demonstrates how modern molecular phylogenetic techniques, when combined with conventional morphological methods, can help reveal previously undocumented aspects of plant diversity.

The Department of Botany and Madras Christian College described the discovery as a matter of pride for the institution and acknowledged the contribution of the research team.

IN THE HONOUR OF

• Jatropha livingstonei, honours C Livingstone, former professor at the Department of Botany at MCC

• Jatropha narasimhanii, named after D Narasimhan, former professor of the department

• Jatropha umashaankeri, honours Umashaanker, former professor of the Department of Crop Physiology at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru

The X user, named Kumar, had earlier posted a video showing right-turning vehicles blocking lanes meant for straight-moving traffic at the junction. Following the intervention by the traffic police, the user recorded the junction again and posted a video showing smoother traffic movement.

The user said most vehicles were now keeping the straight-moving lanes clear, with the improvement particularly noticeable among MTC buses.

The traffic police officer on duty reportedly thanked the Kumar and said the intervention had helped reduce congestion, according to the post. The officer was also surprised to see most MTC buses following the designated lane.

Kumar also said an MTC official had earlier contacted them to appreciate the video. The official said the video had been used to help drivers understand the issue and advised them to follow the designated lane.

The passenger arrived in Chennai from Kuala Lumpur on a private airline flight the day before yesterday morning. He was travelling to Chennai on a medical visa and, after declaring that he was not carrying any dutiable goods, attempted to leave through the green channel.

However, customs officials, who found his movements suspicious, intercepted him and searched his baggage. During the inspection of his suitcase, officials found four packets concealed inside. On opening them, they discovered 3.5 kg of high-grade hydroponic cannabis.

The passenger was subsequently arrested and the contraband seized.

During interrogation, officials reportedly found that the Malaysian national had allegedly acted as a courier for an international drug trafficking network. Customs officials are continuing their investigation to identify the intended recipient of the consignment and trace other members of the smuggling network.

Alexander was staying at a hotel. When an acquaintance came with a young woman, Alexander allegedly made lewd comments and attempted to touch her inappropriately after which her friend, another woman who was nearby, came to the hotel and questioned him.

Police said that Alexander abused and threatened her too after which the women left the scene and alerted the authorities. Police personnel reached the scene and conducted an enquiry after which Alexander was arrested. He was produced before a magistrate and remanded to judicial custody.

Identified as R Rohith (26), a native of Maharashtra, he was a daily wage labourer at a new building being constructed on St Mary’s Road, Mandaveli, and had been staying at the site for the past 3 months.

According to police, Rohith was sleeping on the outer edge of the second floor of the building on Monday night. Around midnight, he reportedly rolled over in his sleep and fell down from the second floor.

Other workers at the site rushed him to the Royapettah GH. However, doctors who examined him declared that he was already dead on arrival. Abhiramapuram police have registered a case and are investigating.

Police said the incident occurred on August 25 when Madhavi was lighting a lamp in the pooja room of her house. Her saree accidentally caught fire from the lamp. The fire spread rapidly before she could notice it, and within seconds engulfed her completely.

Hearing her screams, her family members rushed to the spot, doused the fire and rescued her. She was immediately taken to the Kilpauk Government Medical College Hospital for treatment.

Madhavi, who had suffered extensive burns, died at the hospital on Tuesday. Pattinapakkam police have registered a case and are investigating.

The CMDA Administrative Officer formally communicated the appointment in a letter dated August 31.

The statutory body’s composition includes the Housing and Urban Development Minister as Chairman, the department’s Principal Secretary as the Vice-Chairman, senior officials from the Housing, Finance, Industries and Transport departments, Corporation Commissioner and heads of various urban development agencies. It also provides for two Members of the State Legislative Assembly.

Reacting to the appointment, the MLA thanked Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay for the trust and responsibility placed on him. He said he would work with “utmost commitment and dedication”.

Which vegetable prices increased today ?

Raw magoes – Rs 150 per kg, up by Rs 30 (compared to August 30)

Drumstick – Rs 50 per kg, up by Rs 20

Green chillies – Rs 70 per kg, up by Rs 10

Garlic – Rs 260 per kg, up by Rs 20

Which vegetable prices decreased today ?

Lemon – Rs 220 per kg, down by Rs 10

beans – Rs 60 per kg, down by Rs 10

What are the prices of essential vegetables ?

Onion: Rs 58 per kg

Small onion: Rs 80 per kg

Potato: Rs 35 per kg

Tomato: Rs 20 per kg

What are the prices of other vegetables ?

Yam: Rs 40 per kg

Ooty carrot: Rs 70 per kg

Beetroot: Rs 60 per kg

Ginger: Rs 180 per kg

Bitter gourd: Rs 50 per kg

Capsicum: Rs 50 per kg

How much do herbs cost today ?

Coriander: Rs 7 per bunch

Mint: Rs 6 per bunch

Curry leaves: Rs 25 per bunch

The yellow metal is now priced at Rs 1,11,600 per sovereign and Rs 13,950 per gram, after a decrease of Rs 225 per gram.

Earlier, on September 1, the yellow metal was priced at Rs 1,15,080 per sovereign and Rs 14,385 per gram.

Silver price decreased

Meanwhile, silver prices decreased by Rs 5, selling for Rs 250 per gram (Rs 2,50,000 per kg) on September 2.

On September 1, silver was priced at Rs 255 per gram.

Gold rate today vs gold rate on this day, last year

Gold remains significantly higher compared to last year. Prices have increased from Rs 77,800 per sovereign (Rs 9,725 per gram) on September 2, 2025, to Rs 1,11,600 per sovereign (Rs 13,950 per gram) on September 1, 2026, marking an increase of Rs 33,800 per sovereign or about or about 43.44%.

Gold price (22-carat) over the last five days:

September 1, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,15,080 | 1 gram - Rs 14,385

August 31, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,14,960 | 1 gram - Rs 14,370

August 29, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,16,040 | 1 gram - Rs 14,505

August 28, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,17,200 | 1 gram - Rs 14,650

August 27, 2026: 1 Sovereign - Rs 1,17,800 | 1 gram - Rs 14,725

Silver price over the last five days:

September 1, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 255

August 31, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 260

August 29, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 260

August 28, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 265

August 27, 2026: 1 gram - Rs 265

According to reports, one litre of petrol is being sold at Rs 107.77, while diesel costs Rs 99.55 per litre in Chennai on Wednesday.

On May 25, petrol was raised by Rs 2.61 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.71. The increase took cumulative hikes since May 15 to nearly Rs 7.5 per litre.

Until May, fuel prices had largely remained unchanged since April 2022, except for a Rs 2 per litre reduction announced in March 2024 ahead of the national elections.

Why have fuel prices been increased?

Global crude oil prices had surged more than 50 per cent since late February following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.

State-run retailers had delayed passing on higher input costs for weeks, a move the government said was intended to shield consumers from inflation. Opposition parties, however, accused the administration of holding back price increases until after key state elections.

The May 15 increase came after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expanded its electoral footprint by winning three of five state and UT elections, including West Bengal.

Retail fuel prices were first raised by Rs 3 per litre on May 15, followed by a 90-paise increase on May 19 and another hike on May 23, when petrol prices rose by 87 paise and diesel by 91 paise per litre.

On May 25, petrol was raised by Rs 2.61 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.71. The cumulative increase since May 15 stands at nearly Rs 7.5 per litre.

The increase varies across cities due to differences in local taxes.

Petrol rates (per litre) in Chennai across last 5 days:

September 1- Rs 107.77

August 31- Rs 107.77

August 30 - Rs 107.77

August 29 - Rs 107.77

August 28 - Rs 107.77

Diesel rates (per litre) in Chennai across last 5 days:

September 1 - Rs 99.55

August 31 - Rs 99.55

August 30 - Rs 99.55

August 29 - Rs 99.55

August 28 - Rs 99.55

Chaired by DMK Mayor Vasanthakumari, 344 resolutions were passed at the Corporation office.

Councillors said that despite funds being allocated for vaccination and sterilisation of stray dogs, the measures had failed to control their numbers. They demanded effective implementation of sterilisation and vaccination programmes.

They also said that many SWD had been damaged, silted up or encroached upon, and warned that residential areas could face waterlogging during the monsoon season if immediate restoration works were not taken up.

Councillors lamented facing irregular or non-existent piped water supply despite residents being charged water tax. They alleged that residential areas along Major Mukund Varadarajan Road in Selaiyur had not received piped drinking water for nearly 5 years.

They also complained about the government primary health centre in Ward 51, where medicines were often unavailable and doctors were not present during several working hours, leaving nurses to attend to patients. They also claimed that basic diagnostic facilities were not being provided properly.

The Opposition leader raised questions over the delay in extending the underground sewerage to areas that had been left out of the existing network and newly added areas. He pointed out that the previous government had announced an allocation of Rs 750 crore for the expansion and sought to know why the works had not commenced and what had happened to the funds.

Corporation officials said that efforts were underway to obtain a loan from the World Bank. Opposition councillors questioned why external funding was being sought when the government had already allocated funding. Later, AIADMK councillors staged a walkout.