Chennai and Tiruvallur schools to remain closed Thursday as Cyclone Ditwah heavy rain continues

Chennai and Tiruvallur district authorities have announced that all colleges and schools will remain closed on Thursday due to persistent heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The closure affects educational institutions in the city and surrounding areas, which have been experiencing intense rainfall and localized flooding for the past few days.Residents have been advised to exercise caution as low-lying areas in South Chennai continue to face water stagnation. The city corporation is actively engaged in draining water from several residential localities using pumps to reduce flooding and maintain road accessibility.

IMD issues warning for coastal and interior districtsThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast very heavy rain over Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram districts until early afternoon on Thursday. The depression, which developed from the remnants of Cyclonic Storm Ditwah over the southwest Bay of Bengal, has weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area. Despite weakening, the system continues to bring heavy showers across several coastal and interior districts.Interior regions such as Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Tiruvannamalai have also recorded repeated heavy rain with short intervals of relief. Authorities continue to monitor water levels in rivers and low-lying areas to prevent hazards and ensure public safety.University of Madras postpones exams due to rainfallThe University of Madras announced the postponement of all UG, PG, and professional degree theory examinations scheduled for Wednesday due to heavy rainfall. Registrar Prof. Rita John stated that revised dates for the examinations will be announced shortly, and students have been advised to follow official notifications for updates. However, there is no information yet about Thursday’s examinations.Transport and daily life affectedThe heavy rainfall has caused waterlogging on arterial roads, slowing traffic and disrupting public movement. Small traders and daily-wage earners have faced difficulties in carrying out routine business activities. Authorities have urged residents to avoid waterlogged streets and follow advisories issued by local administrations.Cultural activities continue amid rainDespite persistent rain, rituals at the Arunachaleshwarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai continued for the annual Karthigai Deepam festival. Devotees gathered early Thursday morning as priests lit the Bharani Deepam inside the sanctum, demonstrating the continuity of cultural traditions in the region.

The second Ashes Test between Australia and England kicks off on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at The Gabba in Brisbane as a day-night pink-ball clash running through December 8. Australia enter leading 1-0 after an eight-wicket victory in Perth, where Travis Head‘s explosive century sealed the opener, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle under lights at the iconic venue. With Usman Khawaja sidelined by a back injury, Head shifts to open alongside Jake Weatherald, while England replaces injured Mark Wood with Will Jacks for spin-bowling depth, aiming to level the series in this format where Australia boast an unbeaten pink-ball record at home against England.

Is Pat Cummins available for Brisbane Test?

Pat Cummins remains a potential participant in the second Ashes Test against England at The Gabba, starting December 4, 2025, despite not being named in Australia’s initial 14-man squad announced on November 27 due to a lingering back injury.​

Cummins has been sidelined since July 2025 with a bone stress injury in his lower back, missing the Perth opener where Australia won by eight wickets under stand-in captain Steve Smith. Recent net sessions in Perth, Sydney,and Brisbane showed him bowling at full speed with the pink ball, prompting selectors to delay naming the playing XI until pitch inspection on December 3 afternoon or toss time on December 4. Smith noted Cummins “looks pretty good” and understands his body well, but match intensity differs from practice; inclusion would likely replace Brendan Doggett, with Josh Inglis favored over Beau Webster for Khawaja’s injury spot.​

A final decision hinges on fitness tests and Gabba conditions, keeping fans on edge as Australia eyes a 2-0 lead in this day-night pink-ball fixture.

Brisbane weather forecast for the pink-ball Test

Brisbane’s forecast promises mostly clear conditions early in the Test, favoring uninterrupted play and pace-friendly bounce on the Gabba pitch, though humidity and winds could influence swing under floodlights.

Day 1 (Thursday, December 4) features partly sunny skies with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C, just 25% rain chance, ENE winds at 17 km/h, and extreme UV index of 12.0—ideal for Australia’s seamers like Mitchell Starc to exploit in the evening session.​

Day 2 (Friday, December 5) stays partly to mostly sunny and breezy, peaking at 30°C/19°C with only 1% precipitation risk, NE winds at 17 km/h, and extreme UV, supporting steady batting but testing fielders in afternoon gusts.

Also READ: AUS vs ENG, Ashes 2025-26: England unveils their playing XI for the Gabba Test, no place for Mark Wood

Day 3 (Saturday, December 6) offers plenty of sun and breezy conditions at 31°C/19°C, 1% rain odds, NNE winds at 19 km/h, RealFeel® 34°C, extreme UV—prime for aggressive strokeplay as the pink ball skids on.​

Day 4 (Sunday, December 7) turns very warm at 32°C/22°C with sun yielding to increasing clouds, 6% rain chance, breezy NNE winds at 20 km/h, and very high UV of 10.0, potentially slowing the surface and aiding spinners like Nathan Lyon late.

Day 5 (Monday, December 8) shifts dramatically to cloudy, humid weather at 30°C/21°C with 91% rain probability including soaking showers, NW winds at 11 km/h, , and moderate UV of 5.0— a major threat to any finish, reminiscent of past Gabba interruptions.​

This outlook underscores Australia’s pink-ball fortress advantage, but England’s bounce-back hopes hinge on exploiting early perfection before Monday’s deluge risks a truncated decider.

Also READ: No Steve Smith! England legend James Anderson names his all-time combined Ashes XI

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BENGALURU: A 45-year-old techie’s dream of building a house ended on a sad note as he died by suicide, accusing a family and officials of the erstwhile BBMP, now Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), of abetting his extreme act through harassment.Murali Govindaraju, a resident of Brookbong Layout in Whitefield, worked with a private software company at ITPL. The father of two minor girls was found dead in his under-construction house at Nallurahalli Wednesday morning.Police arrested Shashi Nambiar (64) and his wife Usha (57), on charges of abetting the suicide and are looking for their son, Varun. The couple was produced before a magistrate and remanded in 14-day judicial custody.

Police recovered a 10-page death note, which accused the Nambiars of abetting his suicide through harassment. According to the note, the family, along with a few GBA officials, tortured him, stating he violated the rules by not constructing the building according to the approved plan and repeatedly demanded Rs 20 lakh to hush up the matter.Murali’s mother, Lakshmi Govindaraju (61), filed a criminal complaint at the Whitefield police station against Shashi and Usha, accusing them of trying to extort Rs 20 lakh from her son, torturing him for refusing, and abetting his suicide.Lakshmi alleged the Nambiars encouraged GBA officials to harass Murali. Police booked Shashi and Usha under sections 108 (abetment to suicide) and 308 (extortion) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).Murali had purchased the land at Nallurahalli from a close relative of the Nambiars in 2018. “When my son began constructing a house on the land, Usha and Shashi started harassing and torturing him. They repeatedly demanded Rs 20 lakh from him. When my son refused, Usha complained to BBMP officials, who came near the construction site and harassed my son. My son told me that today (Wednesday) was the deadline to pay Rs 20 lakh. My son told me that Usha and Shashi were torturing him. Bearing this in mind, he left our house (Brookbong Layout) around 6am. He reached the under-construction house and hanged himself on the second floor. I seek legal action against Usha Nambiar and Shashi Nambiar for abetting my son’s suicide through harassment,” according to his mother’s complaint.GBA officials had issued a notice to Murali, directing him to appear before them Wednesday. “Investigations, so far, revealed that Usha approached BBMP, accusing Murali of violating the approved plan. Accordingly, BBMP, after making a spot inspection, issued a notice. The spat between Murali and the Nambiars dated back to 2018, when he purchased the land measuring 40×60 sqft. The Nambiars, for one reason or another, fought with Murali and made him run around the BBMP office, police station, and local court. The couple allegedly demanded Rs 20 lakh to stop harassing him,” police said.A senior police officer said many locals accused the Nambiars of extorting money by filing cases against them in BBMP/GBA. “According to locals, many houses are constructed in and around Nallurahalli where Usha Nambiar plays the role of an activist. If someone is harassed or tortured by the Nambiars, we request them to come forward and file a police complaint,” he said.

KOLKATA: Calcutta high court Wednesday decided against scrapping the recruitment of 32,000 teachers for state-run primary schools, setting aside the order of Justice Abhijit Ganguly, who has since become a BJP MP, report Subrata Chattoraj & Poulami Roy.In 2023, Justice Ganguly, while cancelling the appointments based on 2014 Teacher Eligibility Test, said the jobs were “actually sold”. A larger bench had stayed the order.HC said it was setting aside the order because the “conclusion by the investigating authority (CBI) would not reveal that the appointed candidates were involved in any corrupt practices”.Allegation of fraud in entire selection process not sustainable: HCThe allegation of fraud and corruption pertaining to the entire recruitment process is not sustainable and the appointment of the 32,000 teachers cannot be interfered with,” a bench of Justices Tapabrata Chakraborty and Reetobroto Mitra, hearing an appeal by the state govt against Justice Ganguly’s order, ruled.Cautioning courts against “innovating at pleasure”, the bench said, “There must have been a possibility of systemic malice, assessment of data doesn’t point to the same.”The division bench noted that CBI only found irregularities in the recruitment of 360 candidates. Of them, 264 candidates were given grace marks and identified. Additionally, 96 candidates did not secure qualifying marks but were still appointed. Their services were terminated but they are still teaching following a Supreme Court order.After the verdict, Ganguly said, “They (the HC bench) did what they thought was right. What can I say? Unless I read the judgment and its reasoning, I cannot speak.”CM Mamata Banerjee gave a cautious response. “We respect the judicial process. I’m happy our brothers and sisters have got their jobs back,” she said. Her education minister Bratya Basu showed less restraint. “They (teachers) thought him to be their God, but he turned out to be Satan,” he said.BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari defended Ganguly. “I can’t comment on the judiciary’s order but apparently, there were irregularities in the recruitment process in both TET & SLST. It is also true that thousands of deserving candidates suffered in both cases due to the presence of tainted candidates in the panel. TMC is responsible for pushing them to such a situation.”

Prasidh Krishna on the left with Virat Kohli on the right (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India pacer Prasidh Krishna faced heavy backlash on social media after India slipped to a four-wicket loss against South Africa in the second ODI in Raipur on Wednesday. The pacer endured a forgettable evening, returning figures of 8.2-0-85-2, finishing with an economy rate of more than 10 runs an over. His struggles with line and length during crucial phases of the chase opened the floodgates for South Africa, who hunted down a stiff target of 359 with surprising comfort.Fans online did not hold back, with many mocking the right-arm quick for his expensive outing. One user wrote, “If Pakistan has Haris Rauf, then India has Prasidh Krishna, both are Run-machines.” Another demanded a change in India’s pace attack, saying, “It’s high time the Indian team should drop Prasidh Krishna and bring back Siraj.” A third fan went even further, claiming, “I will choose 50 year old Mohammed Shami over any version of Prasidh Krishna in any formats.” Another quipped, “Prasidh krishna is man of the match. He said under temba i performed my career best performance.”India had earlier posted a commanding 358/5, courtesy of superb centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad. But despite the imposing total, Aiden Markram’s outstanding 110 off 98, supported by Matthew Breetzke’s fluent 68 and Dewald Brevis’ brisk 54, powered South Africa to one of their finest ODI chases.Markram controlled the innings beautifully, capitalising on a dropped chance on 53, while partnerships of 101 and 92 kept South Africa ahead throughout. The dew only worsened India’s troubles, with both seamers and spinners failing to grip or contain the ball effectively.Corbin Bosch’s calm, unbeaten 29 ensured South Africa crossed the line with four balls to spare.With the series now locked at 1-1, India head into the Visakhapatnam decider needing sharper execution with the ball. For Prasidh Krishna, the spotlight only grows brighter as calls for changes in the bowling attack continue to rise.

Mumbai: Observingthat the jail authority even fears a law and order problem on a communal aspect, which is more serious in this case, a special NIA court recently rejected a plea by terror accused Shamil Nachan seeking transfer back to Taloja Central Prison from Nagpur, following a violent altercation within the jail premises.“…there are a total of 11 accused in this case… It is quite risky to keep all the accused in the same prison because, on one or more occasions in a day, the accused may gather in jail and again may create a law and order problem in the jail, and the safety and security of themselves and co-accused, in every probability, would be compromised seriously,” Special Judge CS Baviskar said.While rejecting the plea, the judge also took a stern view against Taloja jail authorities for a “serious lapse” in transferring the accused to Nagpur without obtaining the court’s prior permission, as mandated by law. “It is a matter of record that no such permission of this court is taken by Taloja jail authority before transferring the…accused Shamil to Nagpur Central Prison… This is certainly a serious lapse on the part of the jail authority Taloja,” the judge said.Nachan is facing serious charges in a case investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The charges against Nachan and 10 other co-accused include criminal conspiracy, theft to commit offences, and various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Arms Act, and the Explosive Substance Act. The NIA alleges that the offences pose a direct threat to the safety, security, and sovereignty of the nation.Nachan moved the court seeking several reliefs, primarily to be reshifted to Taloja Central Prison from Nagpur Central Prison. He also requested a judicial inquiry into injuries allegedly sustained by him and sought CCTV footage from Barrack No 1 of Taloja Jail from July 18, 2025.The jail authority strongly opposed the plea. In a report submitted to the court, the authority contended that Nachan and an associate, Irfan Landge, were actually the aggressors. Nachan and Landge are accused in separate cases. The jail authority alleged that the duo assaulted co-accused Girish Nair with a sharp-edged tin piece hidden beneath a pillow, causing severe injuries to Nair.Consequently, for security reasons, the jail authority transferred Nachan and Landge to Nagpur, while Nair was moved to Yerawada Prison in Pune. Further, the authorities stated that the requested CCTV footage was “not available”. Earlier, the court allowed Landge to be transferred from Nagpur Central Prison to any jail near the city, except Taloja Central Prison.Rejecting Nachan’s plea, the judge highlighted the gravity of the allegations regarding his behaviour within the prison system. The judge noted that the report from jail authorities speaks “volumes about [the] behaviour and demeanour of the applicant”.“The…accused Shamil hails from close vicinity of Mumbai and suburban. From the nature of offences alleged against him, it comes that he and other accused in this case are having a huge network of associates in the locality… If for these and such reasons, the accused Shamil is shifted for security reasons from one prison to some other prison, in my opinion, if not legal, it is quite justifiable…”The judge rejected the plea for a judicial inquiry, noting action was already taken to separate the parties involved in the fight. Regarding the CCTV footage, the court noted that since it was reported unavailable, “no question of calling the same arises”.While pointing to the availability of videoconferencing facilities, the judge also said that when the physical presence of the accused becomes incumbent, certainly they can be brought before this court and then can be lodged in a nearby prison. “At this moment, there is no urgency to transfer…accused from Nagpur Central Prison to Taloja Central Prison, Navi Mumbai, as prayed,” the judge said.

No proposal to create an Indian Education Service, says CentreThe Centre has ruled out any proposal to create an Indian Education Service (IES) for appointments to key leadership positions in higher education institutions, including chancellors, vice-chancellors, pro-chancellors and registrars.Responding to a written question in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, MoS for education Sukanta Majumdar said there is “no such proposal under consideration” to set up a dedicated service for these appointments. He underlined that higher education institutions (HEIs) function as statutory autonomous bodies established under their respective central Acts of Parliament and are governed by existing legal provisions.Majumdar said the govt has taken several technology- driven steps to strengthen transparency in the recruitment process. Among these is the CU-Chayan portal “which connects employers with potential job candidates, simplifying the recruitment process and making it more efficient”. He also said a separate online portal for recruitment of vice-chancellors to central universities has been launched to further improve transparency and efficiency in top-level academic appointments. Rajya Sabha sees heated exchanges over new ‘Lok Bhavans’RS on Wednesday witnessed heated exchanges after TMC MP Dola Sena, while slamming the renaming of Raj Bhavans as Lok Bhavans “without keeping state govts or assemblies in the loop”, sought to ridicule the govt for talking about people while depriving them of their rights.Objecting to Sen bringing in reference to “MGNREGS and other issues”, House leader JP Nadda requested the Chair to expunge remarks not related to the subject. The Chairman concurred.This was contested by LoP Kharge who said Sen had not said anything unparliamentary. He accused Nadda of “bulldozing” by asking for the remarks to be deleted. Nadda replied: “I never bulldozed.”15.6L vehicles recalled over safety defects: Govt Vehicle manufacturers have recalled around 15.6 lakh vehicles due to safety defects since 2022, heavy industries ministry informed Lok Sabha Tuesday. As per the reply, while around 11.9 lakh two-wheelers have been recalled till Nov 26, the number of cars recalled stood at nearly 3.7 lakh. The ministry quoted data maintained by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) under the voluntary recall provision.In another reply, the ministry told Lok Sabha that so far, Rs 1,635 crore subsidy has been disbursed under the PM E-DRIVE scheme. An allocation of Rs 500 crore has also been made under the scheme towards e-ambulances, it said.To track side effects of drugs, govt mandates QR codes at pharmaciesThe next time you step into a chemist shop, you may find a new addition near the counter — a black-and-white QR code that could quietly transform India’s drug safety system. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has directed every retail and wholesale pharmacy in the country to display the official Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) QR code along with its toll-free number, 1800-180-3024, enabling people to report medicine side effects instantly.The order, issued after the 16th Working Group Meeting of PvPI held on June 18, instructs drug regulators to ensure the QR code is placed prominently in pharmacy premises. By simply scanning it, customers and healthcare professionals can report any adverse drug reaction — from rashes and dizziness to swelling, nausea or more serious complications — straight into ADRMS (Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring System). Officials say the move could mark a major shift in how India tracks harmful drug events, which often go unreported.

Patiala: The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), Punjab chapter, will hold a symbolic two-hour rail roko (rail blockade) protest on Dec 5 from 1 pm to 3 pm at 26 locations across 19 districts in Punjab. The agitation has been planned against the draft Electricity Amendment Bill 2025, removal of prepaid meters, reinstatement of old meters, forcible sale of public properties by the Bhagwant Mann govt and other related issues.Rail movement will be halted in key districts, including Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Patiala, Sangrur, Fazilka, Moga, Bathinda, Muktsar, Malerkotla, Mansa, Ludhiana, Faridkot and Ropar at specified stations and crossings, stated the KMM.

The farmers’ body claimed that the protest was a part of the larger month-long agitation announced by the KMM to oppose the Electricity Amendment Bill. The bill is seen by the KMM and allied farmer groups as promoting privatisation, increasing power costs and undermining farmers’ interests.The protest also aims to demand withdrawal of prepaid meters and restoration of the old meter system, which farmers oppose due to cost and control concerns. Additionally, there is strong opposition to the Punjab govt’s policy of selling off govt properties, which critics say is a desperate move to cover financial mismanagement.The Electricity Amendment Bill 2025 aims to bring reforms to India’s power sector by promoting competition in distribution, removing cross-subsidies and encouraging renewable energy integration. However, the bill has faced criticism for potentially increasing electricity costs and weakening the role of state power distribution companies. It introduces provisions for tariffs that better reflect cost and mandates universal supply obligations, but the farmers are apprehensive about the adverse effects.Opposition voices accused the Mann-led govt of looting public property to hide its governance failures.The union leaders claimed that the symbolic two-hour blockade on Dec 5 would impact rail connectivity across the state, pressing the govt to withdraw the electricity bill, stop prepaid meters and halt the sale of public properties. The ‘rail roko’ movement is being led by senior KMM leaders Sarwan Singh Pandher and others, with participation from multiple farmer and labour organisations across Punjab.MSID:: 125718444 413 |