Rapido driver takes CEO "for a ride"

 Mr. Rajendran had booked a Rapido ride from Madras Central Railway Station to Thoraipakkam in Chennai - a distance of 21 km. While the fare shown on the app was ₹350, the driver who came to pick him up demanded ₹1,000.

Recently, it has become a  practice for app based drivers to 

charge more than app rate using various excuses like rain, 

traffic, diversion due to metro digging, etc.

Here, in this case, the customer situation became worse when

he tried to raise a complaint, the company closed the chat.

While some people only are knowledgeable enough to handle

complaints using these type of apps, most of the people prefer

to talk to a person which is not available in app based services.

The company also cited discrepancy in the dropped location.

This is another problem faced by people. While the app asks

for address, the address is not taken into account. It tries to 

convert it into a map based location. Most people would have

noticed this problem.  Our postal addresses are not accepted

by these apps.

For the driver, the rough map location is taken into account.

Some drivers use this as an excuse to charge more to actually

move to the destination of the trip.

Will the app companies take these customer's problems seriously?

Is it better to handle customer problems on the app or through

social media ?

The choice is on the company.

People Gather at Marina Beach for Diwali Celebrations in Chennai

Chennai’s Marina Beach saw a massive turnout as thousands celebrated Diwali, bringing families together from Tamil Nadu and neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala. In Tamil Nadu, Diwali traditions include donning new clothes and setting off fireworks, adding a unique vibrancy to the beach’s bustling atmosphere. Many families enjoyed beachside market stalls and sea bathing with their children.

Celebrations spanned across Tamil Nadu with special poojas held at significant temples like Manicka Vinayagar Temple in Trichy and Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram. Diwali’s symbolism in South India varies from North India, focusing on Lord Krishna’s triumph over Narakasura rather than Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya.

Political leaders and actors joined in the festivities. Actor Rajinikanth greeted fans in Chennai, while Vijay, leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, wished people peace and prosperity. Union Minister L. Murugan lit firecrackers, underscoring Diwali’s national importance. He highlighted its significance, marking the first Diwali since the dedication of the Ram temple project initiated by Prime Minister Modi.  

In other cities, Madurai and Rameswaram held their own vibrant celebrations with families gathering, sparklers in hand.

Chennai Draft Electoral Rolls Revised: 53,359 New Voters Added

The Greater Chennai Corporation has released its latest draft electoral rolls, featuring 3,952,498 voters. After the revision, 53,359 new voters were added, while 26,005 were removed. Women voters outnumber men, with 2,009,975 women and 1,941,271 men. 

Velachery constituency has the highest voter count (312,912), while Harbour has the least (176,197), where men outnumber women. Citizens can make updates to the rolls until November 28. Special voter camps will be held on November 16, 17, 23, and 24.

Bomb Threat Hoaxes Target Two Chennai Schools, $55,000 Ransom Demanded

 CHENNAI: Two private schools in Chromepet and Chitlapakkam received bomb threats on Monday, with emails claiming that powerful explosives were planted on school grounds. The sender demanded a ransom of USD 55,000 (approximately Rs 48 lakh) to prevent a remote-controlled explosion. The schools, NSN Matriculation Higher Secondary and Rosary Matriculation Higher Secondary, immediately alerted the Tambaram Commissioner’s office.

The police, suspecting a hoax, evacuated the students and conducted thorough searches with the bomb squad. No explosives were found. The incident occurred during school hours, causing a significant disruption. At both schools, students were escorted out of the classrooms and seated on the grounds while the premises were searched. The bomb squad checked the classrooms, corridors, and other areas, confirming that no dangerous materials were present. Students were later sent back to class after the threat was declared false.

School managements were advised not to inform parents prematurely to avoid unnecessary panic. Despite the reassurance, many parents arrived at the schools in a state of distress once they became aware of the situation through unofficial sources.

The Chitlapakkam police have registered a case and have begun an investigation to trace the origins of the email and locate the sender. This incident adds to a recent series of similar hoax threats in the region, putting law enforcement on high alert. Further security measures are expected to be implemented to ensure the safety of students and staff at schools across Chennai.

Tamil Nadu Launches 'Pink Auto' Initiative: Women Invited to Apply for Rs 1 Lakh Grant Towards CNG Auto Rickshaws by November 23

The Social Welfare Department of Tamil Nadu has invited eligible women from Chennai to apply for the 'pink auto' initiative by November 23. 

This program, announced by Minister Geetha Jeevan, aims to empower women by providing them with auto rickshaws for safer commuting. The initiative offers a grant of Rs 1 lakh towards purchasing CNG/hybrid autos for women drivers. 

Applicants must be between 25 and 45 years old, have completed class 10, and may apply for one auto rickshaw. Applications should be submitted to the Chennai Social Welfare office before the deadline.

Repair Cafes in Chennai Teach Children Essential Fixing Skills Through Workshops

 Repair Cafes, a concept rapidly gaining popularity worldwide, are community-driven workshops where participants bring items such as clothing, furniture, and electronics to repair them together with guidance from skilled volunteers. Recently, Chennai hosted two successful Repair Cafe workshops aimed at teaching children repair skills for toys, bikes, and electronics.

Meena, the organizer of the initiative in Chennai, was inspired by Bengaluru's first Repair Cafe and the Tinker Kinder program, which teaches children home maintenance. Enthusiastic about introducing this to Chennai, Meena collaborated with Purna Sarkar, the founder of Repair Cafe Bengaluru. The first workshop was held on June 30, followed by a second on October 20, coinciding with International Repair Day. 

The workshops featured multiple stations, including electrical repairs, cloth mending, and bicycle repairs, where participants could learn hands-on repair skills. At the first event, Meena hosted about 10 children at her home in Adambakkam. She initially shared the workshop details with the local homeschooling community via WhatsApp groups, receiving positive feedback.

For the second workshop, nearly 20 participants, including both children and adults, attended the event. Meena said that after the first workshop, there was a greater demand to focus on electrical repairs. Participants brought various household items such as emergency lamps, water heaters, and LED lights, with mentors guiding them on repairs.

With the success of these workshops, Meena hopes to continue promoting the Repair Cafe concept in Chennai, fostering a culture of sustainability, self-sufficiency, and community collaboration in fixing everyday items.

**Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited Fined Rs 73 Crore for Ennore Oil Spill**

 

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has imposed a Rs 73.68 crore penalty on Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) for an oil spill in Ennore during Cyclone Michaung in December 2023. The fine was calculated based on environmental and socio-economic damages using a cost assessment model developed by a Vietnamese institute. The National Green Tribunal (NGT), which took suo motu cognizance of the incident, requested an additional report from TNPCB for the next hearing in January 2024 after parties contested the penalty.

In addition to the penalty, the Tamil Nadu government had previously announced an Rs 8.68 crore relief package for those impacted by the spill. This included Rs 12,500 compensation for each of 9,000 affected families and Rs 10,000 to repair 780 fishing boats damaged by the incident. 

The NGT bench, consisting of Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Satyagopal Korlapat, is currently overseeing the case and assessing the environmental impact of the oil spill, which affected marine life, local fishing communities, and coastal ecosystems. Further developments are expected at the next hearing in January 2024 when the TNPCB submits the additional report requested by the tribunal.

**Gas Leak Scare at Thiruvottiyur School: 35 Students Hospitalized**

CHENNAI: In a frightening incident on Friday, around 35 students from Victory Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Thiruvottiyur were rushed to nearby hospitals after several began fainting and experiencing breathing difficulties due to a suspected gas leak. The students had reportedly been complaining about an unpleasant odor for the past two days, which became overwhelming on Friday around noon, triggering throat irritation and respiratory problems.

Despite alerting the school staff earlier, the students claim that they were only given hot water as a response. However, by 2:30 pm, students from Classes 6 to 10, particularly those on one floor, began collapsing, which forced the teachers to take urgent action and transport them to a government hospital in Theradi for medical attention. Most of the students were treated as outpatients, but nearly 20 students required extended treatment, while one female student was transferred to Government Stanley Hospital for further observation.

Angry parents gathered at the school and hospital, expressing frustration that they were not informed about their children's conditions until 4 pm, raising concerns about the school’s delayed response and lack of timely communication with parents regarding their children’s health.

A senior official from the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) stated that the cause of the incident might be linked to a gas leak from the school’s laboratory, but emphasized that a full investigation is underway to determine the exact source. He confirmed that except for one student, all others are currently in stable condition.

Thiruvottiyur MLA KP Shankar visited the affected students at the Tsunami Relief Government Hospital and assured the families that all medical expenses related to the incident would be covered by the government. Meanwhile, local police, who conducted an inspection, expressed skepticism about the gas leak originating from the laboratory, as the affected area was distant from the lab. Investigations are still ongoing.

This incident also raises the question of concern about safety measures and devices a public place like a school must have. Similar to a fire detector and extinguisher, safety measures must be implemented to detect gas and appropriate disaster management measure. 

**Vlogger Irfan's Umbilical Cord Clamping Sparks Controversy in Tamil Nadu**

 Popular Tamil Nadu vlogger Mohamad Irfan is at the center of a controversy after cutting his newborn daughter’s umbilical cord during a cesarean delivery, as seen in a video. Though medically allowed under supervision, public outrage has grown due to Irfan’s past controversies, including a gender-reveal party. Health Minister Ma Subramanian stated that Irfan faces action despite an apology. Medical experts emphasize that cord clamping during a C-section requires strict sterility, a concern raised in this case. A show-cause notice has been sent to Rainbow Children’s Hospital, and the doctor’s role is under review by medical authorities. 

Additionally, Irfan’s past legal issues, such as a car accident involving a fatality, further fuel the public’s dissatisfaction with his actions. The investigation is ongoing, and further consequences for the hospital and Irfan may follow.

The controversy raises questions about the ethical considerations of turning private medical moments into social media content.

Childbirth is a critical medical process, one that even experienced professionals cannot always ensure will be smooth or without complications. It demands the utmost care and attention, far removed from the realm of entertainment or spectacle. Turning such a deeply personal and emotional experience into public content undermines its seriousness and reduces it to mere fodder for public consumption.

Both individuals and medical professionals must recognize that intimate moments during childbirth should remain private. The emotional intensity of bringing life into the world is not for entertainment, nor is it appropriate for public viewing or social media circulation.

Madras University to offer Waste Optimisation Professional course

 The University of Madras has announced the launch of a free course titled "Waste Optimisation Professional" as part of the Green Skill Development Programme by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. 

This 570-hour certification course will run from the third week of November 2024 to February 2025, providing specialized training in waste management.

Applicants must have a four-year undergraduate degree in a relevant field along with one year of experience. Those with a three-year UG degree, Class 12, or a two-year diploma are also eligible.

The course will be offered at no cost to participants, who will also receive free lodging and boarding during the training period. The selection process will be conducted by a panel that will evaluate the applicants based on specific criteria.

Interested candidates must submit their applications before the deadline of November 7, 2024. The initiative aims to boost green skills in waste management and contribute to sustainable development.

**Chennai: Cleanliness Worker Dies After Colliding with Stray Buffalo on ECR**

 A tragic road accident on the East Coast Road (ECR) near Mahabalipuram claimed the life of a 33-year-old cleanliness worker named Maran, who was employed with the Kovilambakkam panchayat. 

The accident occurred on Wednesday night when Maran, traveling to Puducherry on his motorcycle, collided with a stray buffalo around 9:30 PM near Pudipulam. Due to the poor visibility, Maran did not spot the buffalo in time, leading to a severe impact. 

The collision resulted in Maran being thrown off his bike and suffering fatal head injuries, causing his death on the spot.

Mahabalipuram police have sent Maran’s body to Chengalpattu Government Hospital for post-mortem and are investigating the case further. They are currently searching for the owner of the stray buffalo, which caused the fatal accident.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding stray animals on highways and their role in causing accidents.

**Chennai Corporation Biomining Efforts at Perungudi and Kodungaiyur Dumpyards Face Delays**

 

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) began biomining the 225-acre Perungudi dumpyard, containing 35 lakh cubic meters of waste, three years ago, with a budget of Rs 350 crore. 

Despite setting a deadline of August 31, only 80% of the work is complete. The project, divided into six packages, has seen delays, with one contractor terminated and two packages incomplete. 

Meanwhile, biomining at the 252-acre Kodungaiyur dumpyard has just started, with Rs 640 crore allocated to clear 66 lakh cubic meters of waste. 

However, both sites continue receiving daily waste—2,302.53 MT at Perungudi and 2,387.22 MT at Kodungaiyur—compounding landfill issues. GCC Commissioner J Kumaragurubaran stated that efforts would be expedited after the northeast monsoon.

Chennai Corporation Begins Pond Construction to Tackle East Velachery Flooding

 

The Chennai Corporation has launched a large-scale flood prevention project in East Velachery by creating a massive pond designed to store rainwater and channel it to the Pallikaranai marshland.

 The 20-square-meter pond will hold up to 4 million cubic feet of water from local stormwater drains.

The pond, to be built on vacant land, will address the water flow issues caused by the MRTS culvert that has previously hindered drainage.

Efforts to renovate the macro canal in the area are also underway to enhance water management and flood prevention.

Raids continue on shops that uses single use plastics

It is more than 2 years since the raids started on shops.

Regularly, the Chennai administrative authorities conduct raids on shops to deter the use of single use plastics.

Though people have got used to the bags for decades, now people are somewhat aware of the seriousness of this material. This is due to the regular campaign against the material and the raids on shops that use these.

Still there are people who are not aware of these and shops that have taken it seriously. Hence the raids are still continuing. Recently, a shop was fined Rs. 200 for possessing this.

The authorities can increase the campaign in various media in various forms so that the message reaches all kinds of people across the city.

*Rare Bioluminescent Waves Light Up Chennai’s East Coast Road Beaches**

 Chennai residents were recently treated to a rare and magical natural phenomenon as bioluminescent waves illuminated the East Coast Road (ECR) beaches on Friday and Saturday night.

 The glowing blue waves, last seen in 2019, were caused by bioluminescent microorganisms that emit light when agitated by ocean currents. 

Videos of the stunning event quickly went viral on social media, drawing crowds to witness the spectacle firsthand. 

The glowing waves, a rare occurrence, were especially visible following the heavy rains in Chennai last week.