Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the 42nd convocation of Anna University in Chennai on Friday along with CM MK Stalin, Governor RN Ravi (Twitter/@PIBinTamilNadu)Chennai, Tamil Nadu News Highlights: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 42nd convocation of Anna University in Chennai Friday in the presence of Governor R N Ravi, Chief Minister M K Stalin, state Higher Education Minister K Ponmudy, and Union Minister of State L Murugun, among other dignitaries. “Congratulations to all those who are graduating today in Anna University’s 42nd convocation. You would have already built a future for yourselves in your minds. Therefore, today is not only a day of achievements but also of aspirations,” PM Modi said.
Also, the Supreme Court on Friday asked the Madras High Court to adjudicate upon in three weeks the pleas filed by O Panneerselvam (OPS) and others against the July 11 general council meet of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in which OPS was expelled from the party.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai on Thursday evening, which was followed by a magnificent cultural display highlighting Tamil culture’s lengthy journey from the ancient Sangam age to the current Tamil Nadu. In a separate development, a day after BJP workers pasted photographs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on billboards for the Olympiad in Chennai saying they featured only Chief Minister M K Stalin, the Madras High Court Thursday ordered the Tamil Nadu government to ensure that photographs of the President and Prime Minister are published in all Chess Olympiad advertisements in print and electronic media.
Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others watch artists perform during the Opening Ceremony of the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai, Thursday, July 28, 2022. (PTI Photo)
Tamil Nadu continued to maintain a downward graph in COVID-19 cases by recording 1,624 new positive cases on Friday, taking the overall tally to 35,41,231 infections. The State witnessed 1,712 fresh COVID-19 cases a day ago.
The number of active cases also dropped to 13,510 today from 13,890 on Thursday. There was no deaths. The toll remained at 38,032. A lone traveller from Jharkhand tested positive for the contagion and was among the 1,624 new cases, said a bulletin from the State Health Department.
About 2,004 patients were discharged during the day and the net recoveries mounted to 34,89,689. Chennai accounted for 353 fresh cases followed by Chengalpattu 171 and Coimbatore with 159. (PTI)
Indian teams made winning starts in the Open and women's sections of the 44th Chess Olympiad here on Friday. Top-seeded Indian women's A team beat Tajikistan while the B side got the better of Wales. Both the Indian teams have taken unassailable 3-0 leads over their respective opponents.
India's star player Koneru Humpy, playing on the top board, R Vaishali and Bhakti Kulkarni secured victories to ensure a winning start. The Indian C team too began with a win. The three Indian teams in the men's event posted wins in the first round matches over Zimbabwe, UAE and South Sudan respectively.
The opening round of the historic Chess Olympiad was inaugurated by Sports Minister Anurag Thakur by making the first move on Indian player Vidit Gujrathi's board. Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, All India Chess Federation President Sanjay Kapoor and Olympiad Director Bharat Singh Chauhan were also present on the occasion. (PTI)
The Madras High Court on Friday suggested to the Tamil Nadu government to make available psychiatric counsellors to each school attached with hostels in the state.
The government should ensure at least one such counsellor is appointed in each district, Justice N Sathish Kumar said when the criminal original petition from P Ramalingam, the father of the 17-year-old school girl, who allegedly died by suicide at her school premises in Chinna Salem in Kallakurichi district on July 13, came up for further hearing today. Annoyed over the recurring instances of suicide by school girls, the judge gave the suggestion to curb such incidents.
The judge also advised the media outlets and social media to desist from exaggerating such incidents and fomenting consequential violence, which may ultimately result in encouraging such suicides. The media should understand its responsibility towards society, he added. (PTI)
A strong government does not control everything or everyone but it controls the system’s impulse to interfere; a strong government is not restrictive but is responsive, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 42nd convocation of Anna University in Chennai on Friday.
Addressing a large gathering of students, Modi said the post-pandemic period throws opportunities even as “some would call it a time of uncertainty”.
The Covid-19 pandemic, “a once-in-a-century crisis that nobody had any user manual for” had tested every country, he said, while expressing gratitude to everyone from scientists to common people who helped India fight the difficult phase. “The post-pandemic period is about a new life in India, in every sector,” he said. (Read more)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take appropriate steps to provide necessary guarantees to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) to facilitate holding the Asian Beach Games (ABG) here in 2024.
Stalin, in a letter to Modi, pointed out that the OCA in its executive committee meet held on May 6, 2022 at Tashkent had in principle accepted holding the ABG in Tamil Nadu in January, 2024. The OCA has to be provided necessary guarantees by the Union government by September 2022. Such guarantees, to be given by the Union Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry, include those related to free passage for participants.
The Chief Minister requested the Prime Minister to take appropriate steps to provide necessary guarantees to OCA to facilitate holding the ABG here in 2024, an official release here said. (PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday shared his memories from his recent trip to Chennai. PM Modi was in the Tamil Nadu's capital to inaugurate the 44th International Chess Olympiad. Taking to Twitter, he said, "Memories from Chennai! Thank you for an unforgettable visit."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the ruling NDA has changed the notion that a strong government means it should control everything and everyone and hailed the spree of sectoral reforms, insisting it has opened up new avenues and given the much required infra push.
A strong government does not control everything or everyone. It controls the system's impulse to interfere. It is one that is not restrictive but responsive, he said in his address at the 42nd Convocation of Anna University, Tamil Nadu's premier technical varsity.
"A strong government does not move into every domain. It limits itself and makes space for people's talents. A strong government's strength relies in its humility to accept that it cannot know or do everything. This is why you see reforms in every sphere that make greater space for the people and freedom", he said. (PTI)
On Thursday, Tamil Nadu certified 1,712 new COVID-19 cases, including three returns from Bangladesh and Andhra Pradesh, bringing the total to 35,39,607.
According to a medical statement, there were no new fatalities and the overall death toll remained at 38,032. (PTI) Read More
An image of Thiruvalluvar on copies of the classic Tamil work Thirukkural used for a mass book reading session at a Coimbatore book festival triggered controversy after it was pointed out that the revered saint-poet was shown clad in saffron robes instead of the usual white.
Last year, the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) in Coimbatore landed in controversy after a portrait of Thiruvalluvar clad in saffron was placed in its library. After it triggered a row with allegations of saffronisation, the authorities replaced the portrait with one in which the poet is seen in white attire. Read More
The Centre has allowed the Tamil Nadu Health Department to conduct tests for detection of monkey pox disease at the over-a-century old King Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research here, State Minister Ma Subramanian said on Thursday.
The Minister for Medical and Family Welfare, after inspecting the facility, said instead of sending the samples of patients, who show symptoms of the disease, to the National Institute of Virology, Pune, the tests can be done at King Institute itself. Read more
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 42nd convocation of Anna University in Chennai Friday in the presence of Governor R N Ravi, Chief Minister M K Stalin, state Higher Education Minister K Ponmudy, and Union Minister of State L Murugun, among other dignitaries.
“Congratulations to all those who are graduating today in Anna University’s 42nd convocation. You would have already built a future for yourselves in your minds. Therefore, today is not only a day of achievements but also of aspirations,” PM Modi said. Read more
While delivering the convocation address at Anna University in Chennai Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "In this era of tech-led disruptions, there are three important factors in your favour. The first factor is there is a taste for technology. There is a growing sense of comfort with the use of technology. Even the poorest of the poor are adapting to it."
Delivering the convocation address at Anna University in Chennai, PM Modi said, "In the last year, India was the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. Innovation is becoming a way of life. In just the last 6 years, the number of recognised start-ups increased by 15,000 percent.
"India at the forefront in many sectors, converting obstacles into opportunities," said Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said "The Covid-19 pandemic was an unprecedented event. It was a once-in-a-century crisis that nobody had any user manual for." he said.
While delivering the convocation address at the Anna University in Chennai Friday, PM Modi said, "The whole world is looking at India’s youth with hope. Because you are the growth engines of the country and India is the world’s growth engine."
Speaking at the convocation at Anna University in Chennai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said "Today is not only a day of achievement, but also of aspirations. I wish that all the dreams of our youth come true. To teachers & other staff members, you are nation-builders, who are creating the leaders of tomorrow."
The 42nd convocation of Anna University is currently underway in Chennai on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, Fisheries Minister L Murugan, and Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi are among the dignitaries present. PM Modi will give the convocation address.
Two tourists died after being swept away in flash floods at the main Courtallam waterfalls in Tamil Nadu’s Tenkasi district on Wednesday evening following heavy rains in the Western Ghats.
The two women were identified as V Malliga (46) of Perambur, Chennai, and R Kalavathi (55) of Panruti , Cuddalore. They were part of a group of tourists who were bathing at the main waterfalls around 6 pm on Wednesday when the flash floods hit. While five tourists were swept away, three were rescued by locals, the police and fire and rescue personnel. Read more
The Income Tax Department has detected “unaccounted” income of Rs 150 crore after it recently raided two Tamil Nadu-based business groups engaged in real estate and the other undertaking rail and road construction contracts, the CBDT said on Thursday.
More than Rs 14 crore unaccounted cash, and gold and jewellery worth over Rs 10 crore was seized after the department searched 30 premises of the two groups, which have not been identified, in Madurai and Chennai on July 20. Read more
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the 42nd convocation of Anna University in Chennai today. According to his schedule, the prime minister will reach the Anna University campus in Guindy at 10:00 am from Raj Bhavan. Modi will deliver the convocation address in a short while.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai on Thursday evening, which was followed by a magnificent cultural display highlighting Tamil culture’s lengthy journey from the ancient Sangam age to the current Tamil Nadu.
(Picture Courtesy: PTI)
A day after BJP workers pasted photographs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on billboards for the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai saying they featured only Chief Minister M K Stalin, the Madras High Court Thursday ordered the Tamil Nadu government to ensure that photographs of the President and Prime Minister are published in all Chess Olympiad advertisements in print and electronic media.
Rejecting the state government’s submission that the President’s photograph was not published because the Presidential election had not concluded and that of the Prime Minister because consent from his office came late, the bench of Chief Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari and Justice S Ananthi said “the interest of the nation should be (of) paramount importance in the mind of every citizen”. Read more
Tamil Nadu on Thursday confirmed 1,712 fresh Covid-19 cases, including three returnees from Andhra Pradesh and Bangladesh, pushing the caseload to 35,39,607. There were no fresh fatalities and the overall toll remained unchanged at 38,032 a medical bulletin said here.
Recoveries eclipsed new cases with 2,106 people getting discharged in the last 24 hours, aggregating to 34,87,685 leaving 13,890 active cases. Read more
The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) has announced that power will be suspended in parts of Chennai today in Mylapore, T Nagar, Tambaram, Ambattu and Perambur carrying out maintenance work in the city. Parts of Chennai will face a power shutdown from 9 am to 2 pm, with supply expected to resume before 2 pm if the work is completed. Check out the affected areas here
Good morning! Welcome to today's live blog. Stay tuned for all the latest news updates from across Chennai and Tamil Nadu.
The prevailing cross-border tension ended Pakistan chess team's campaign even before it started as the players are due to return on Thursday night after a last-minute pull out from the 44th Olympiad here. Pakistan was invited by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) to participate in the Chess Olympiad being held in Mamallapuram near here from July 28 to August 10.
However, Pakistan on Thursday withdrew from the prestigious event, citing the torch relay of the event passing through Jammu and Kashmir, which neighbouring country views as a disputed area.
"Pakistani players will be leaving India tonight following their pullout of the event," Olympiad director and All India Chess Federation (AICF) general secretary Bharat Singh Chauhan told PTI. (PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed Tamil Nadu for producing many Chess masters from the country. PM Modi in his inaugural speech at the 44th Chess Olympiad said, "There are many temples in Tamil Nadu with beautiful sculptures that represent different sports. Tamil Nadu has a strong historical connection with Chess. The state has produced many Chess masters. It's home to a vibrant culture and the oldest language 'Tamil'.
He also said that there has never been a better time for sports in India. Highlighting India's glory at the Olympics last year he said, "Today sports is seen as a great profession of choice, due to the perfect mix of the energy of youth and enabling environment by the government."
"Talented youngsters, from small towns are brining glory to the nation," he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday was accorded a warm welcome with performances by musicians and percussionists all along the route he took by road to reach the venue, the Nehru stadium during the inaugural ceremony of 44th International Chess Olympiad. Modi sported a shawl and dhothi with a chessboard design border. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin wore a silk like yellow shirt, dhothi and an 'Angavastra' (shawl).
BJP's Tamil Nadu unit's art and culture wing organised music and traditional dances to welcome Modi. Petals were showered on Modi's car by enthusiastic supporters, who gathered on both sides of the road while he was on his way to the stadium from INS Adyar. The Prime Minister took a chopper from the airport to reach the Naval helipad near the Marina beach. 'Vanakkam Modi' (Greetings, Modi) trended on Twitter here.
In the stadium, sand artist Sarvam Patel created magic with his skill by interspersing ancient Mamallapuram shore temple, the game of chess and the host nation India, besides that of Prime Minister Modi and Stalin. (PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday during his inaugural speech of the 44th International Chess Olympiad said that the most prestigious chess comepition has come to its home. (ENS)
"I welcome every player around the world to the Chess Olympiad," CM MK Stalin said at the inauguration of the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai Thursday.
At the inauguration of the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai, CM MK Stalin said that the state government had allocated Rs 102 crore for the event.
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin Friday said that out of 73 Chess Grandmasters in India, 26 are from Tamil Nadu. "36 per cent of Grandmasters from Tamil Nadu. I am proud that Tamil Nadu excels in this game and Chennai can be rightly called the Chess capital of India."
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin Friday tol PM Modi "We all know that your very fond of chess and during your tenure as CM of Gujrat you conducted a grand chess festival with over 20,000 players."
"It was not easy to host the event in a span of three months, but India has done it. No other country would have organised such an event other than India," said Minister of Sports Anurag Thakur at the inauguration of the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin Thursday said in English,"Today is a day of great pride for India. Internation CHESS olympiad has never happened in India before. Hosting the olympiad for the first time in India is a big honour for us. We are further delighted that Tamil Nadu has gotten this honour."
Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries of India, L Murugan in an address on Thursday said, "PM Modi visited the city a few months ago and laid foundations for several projects for infrastructural development of the state, now he has come here again after making a historical achievement that was never done in the last 75 years. PM Modi has made Droupadi Murmu, who was born in a remote village in Odissha, as the President of India and has become hero of social justice." (ENS)
Ahead of the inauguration of the 44th International Chess Olympiad, video showcasing the achievements of Tamil rulers, tradition and culture of the land, the history of games like Jallikattu, Silambam and the greatness of Thiruvallur, Bharathiyar is being played out. The narration for the video is done by actor Kamal Haasan. (ENS)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai to inaugurate the 44th International Chess Olympiad.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin. (YouTube/TN DIPR)
The Nehru Indoor Stadium here sparkled with classy lighting, and a sense of excitement was palpable during the inaugural event for the 44th Chess Olympiad. The sprawling arena in downtown Chennai was buzzing with fresh ideas represented in the form of elegant decor with the undercurrent being the nerve-wracking game of chess.
The classy lighting displayed multiple colours everywhere and the magic of light embossed on the foreground a grand, big chessboard and the flags of participating countries. The stadium's dais was decked with king-sized brightly coloured chess pieces of king, bishop, rook, queen, knight and the pawns.
A special dance-song 'Vanakkam Chennai, Vanakkam Chess', was screened. An audio visual on the theme of sand-sculpting captured the game of chess to be played in Tamil Nadu's historic sea port town of Mamallapuram. (PTI)
Superstar Rajinikanth on Thursday said he loves chess the most and extended his greetings to chess players as Tamil Nadu gears up to host the 44th Chess Olympiad, to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
On his twitter handle, using the #ChessOlympiad2022 hashtag, the top actor said, "an indoor game I love the most … wishing all the chess minds the very best...god bless." Rajinikanth also posted an undated photograph of him playing chess and appearing in a pensive mood. The sporting event will be held in nearby Mamallapuram, about 50 km from here from July 28 to August 10. (PTI)
Ahead of the inaugural function of the 44th World Chess Olympiad, which will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium on July 28, the Chennai traffic police has announced diversions in parts of the city on Wednesday and Thursday. The Olympiad is scheduled to take place from July 28 to August 10 at Poonjeri Village in Mamallapuram.
In a press release, the Greater Chennai police announced that there will be slow movement of traffic at EVR Salai, Central Square, Anna Salai, Raja Muthiaha Salai and the areas in and around Jawaharlal Nehru indoor Stadium. Read more
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will reach the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai at 6:00 PM IST, will inaugurate the 44th Chess Olympiad amidst the presence of Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin and other special invitees.
150 underprivileged children of government schools who have won in chess games were given the opportunity to fly and play chess onboard a special aircraft branded with the Chess Olympiad mascot.