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"Massive Tamil Nadu Bus Fleet Sparks Debate Before Pongal Fest!"

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"Massive Tamil Nadu Bus Fleet Sparks Debate Before Pongal Fest!"

"Massive Tamil Nadu Bus Fleet Sparks Debate Before Pongal Fest!"
Get ready for Pongal with 10,000+ special buses running in Tamil Nadu! 🚌🎉 #PongalFestival #TravelEase

Karthik Ramani

Jan 6, 2026

Trivia Question❓

Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, was formerly known as Madras. Do you know how the city got its current name?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Tamil Nadu will operate 10,245 special buses from January 9 to 14 ahead of the Pongal festival to accommodate the estimated 11.35 lakh passengers traveling from Chennai to their hometowns.

In addition to the regular 12,552 buses, a total of 34,087 buses will be in operation during the festive period.

The Transport Minister has advised travelers to use ECR and OMR routes to manage traffic.

A 24-hour control room has been set up for passenger assistance, and warnings have been issued against omni buses charging excess fees.

Return journey buses will also be available with 6,820 special buses operating.

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Chennai—The Tamil Nadu government is reviving its free laptop distribution scheme, aiming to empower 20 lakh college students over the next two years and bridge the digital divide.

 

Announced in the 2025–26 state budget, the initiative allocates ₹2,000 crore each year to enhance digital literacy and access among youth.

 

Called 'Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil' (The World is in Your Hands), the scheme will launch in early 2026, initially benefiting 10 lakh final-year undergraduates from diverse government and aided colleges.

 

High-quality laptops with modern specs and pre-installed software will help students pursue studies across disciplines.

 

A six-month free subscription to the Perplexity Pro AI platform will introduce students to artificial intelligence tools.

 

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin described the scheme as a crucial investment in future generations, while Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin addressed logistical and transparency concerns.

 

With vigilant eligibility checks and anti-fraud measures in place, students are urged to follow official updates as they prepare to seize this opportunity.


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Annalakshmi Restaurant has been a cherished part of Chennai’s dining scene for years, offering a unique experience rooted in the philosophy of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, the guest is God.

 

This is more than just a place to eat; it’s a culinary institution run with love, serving authentic vegetarian dishes from across North and South India. Every meal is prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients, featuring beloved classics like their flavorful thalis and a variety of traditional curries and breads, all served by a team of dedicated volunteers.

 

The serene, temple-inspired ambiance provides a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city, making it a wonderful spot for a family meal. This spotlight is presented by Annalakshmi Restaurant.

 

We invite you to experience this tradition of service and flavor for yourself. You can explore their offerings and view the menu online to plan your visit.

Indore is facing a grave water crisis after a major contamination incident in Bhagirathpura left over 1,400 residents ill and resulted in at least six confirmed deaths.

 

Tests revealed a sewage leak in the main water pipeline, leading to severe outbreaks of vomiting, diarrhea, and fever throughout mid-December 2025.

 

This tragedy has deeply shaken the city’s reputation as India’s cleanest urban center, highlighting the fragility of public health infrastructure even in award-winning localities.

 

Chennai, nearly 1,300 kilometers away, confronts its own water woes.

 

Residents of Kannagi Nagar have battled unsafe, high-TDS water linked to rusted iron pipes, causing widespread skin irritation since April 2024.

 

Further disruptions struck South Chennai in November, when maintenance on the Nemmeli desalination plant pipeline forced the suspension of piped water in nine neighborhoods.

 

Together, these events expose urgent gaps in water management, from delayed responses to crumbling infrastructure, demanding swift action to ensure every city’s taps run safe and clean.


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Q&A Questions

Q: What are some must-visit tourist attractions in Chennai, Tamil Nadu?

A: Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and Fort St. George are highly recommended.


Q: When is the best time to visit Chennai, Tamil Nadu?

A: The best time to visit Chennai is between November and February when the weather is relatively cooler.


Q: What are some popular dishes to try in Chennai, Tamil Nadu?

A: Some popular dishes to try in Chennai include dosa, idli, vada, and traditional Chettinad cuisine.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
Chennai got its name from the Telugu word "Chennapattanam," which was the name of a small fishing village located where the city stands today.
Chennai News

© 2026 Chennai News.

Chennai News is your essential connection to the heart of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It weaves together the city's latest stories, upcoming cultural events, undiscovered local treasures, and warm community shoutouts into a single, vibrant tapestry. Think of it as a weekly cup of filter coffee for the soul, keeping the community spirit strong and informed.

© 2026 Chennai News.