Chennai

Amid their personal differences, Tamil cinema icon Dhanush and filmmaker Aishwarya Rajinikanth came together to celebrate a significant milestone in their son Yatra’s life. Yatra, now 18, graduated from the American International School in Chennai, and the proud parents set aside their past to join him on this special day. Photos shared by Dhanush, featuring the family’s warm embrace, have quickly captured hearts on social media. This moment of togetherness underscores how, even after separation, family bonds can endure beyond personal divides.

JK Tyre & Industries Ltd has initiated the production of environmentally sustainable passenger car tyres at its Chennai manufacturing facility, marking a significant stride in green innovation for India’s automotive sector. The newly introduced UX Royale Green tyres are manufactured using raw materials certified under the globally recognised ISCC Plus framework, which ensures traceability and responsible sourcing of renewable and recycled content.

The residential real estate market in Chennai and its surrounding areas has kicked off 2025 with a strong recovery, showcasing remarkable growth in sales and buyer confidence. According to the Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI), the first quarter of 2025 saw a significant uptick in residential registrations and steady sales, with a marked preference for ready-to-occupy properties. Factors such as favorable policy changes, including the RBI's repo rate cut and revised income tax slabs, have fueled this growth.

Garuda Aerospace, the Chennai-based drone technology firm backed by former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, has announced a successful Series B funding round, raising ₹100 crore (approximately $12 million). This investment, led by Venture Catalysts, values the company at $250 million and is poised to significantly enhance its manufacturing capabilities and research and development (R&D) initiatives. The funds will be allocated towards scaling up production facilities and establishing an advanced R&D center focused on next-generation defense drone technologies.

The Indian housing market has seen a marked decline in sales during the first quarter of 2025, with figures dropping by 19% across eight major cities. Rising property prices, coupled with a slowdown in new launches, have contributed to the retreat. In addition to domestic market challenges, global economic uncertainty—fueled by a trade war—has left potential buyers adopting a more cautious approach toward real estate investments.

Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecom providers, has launched a pioneering partnership with quick commerce platform Blinkit to deliver SIM cards to customers within 10 minutes—an industry-first move aimed at redefining customer convenience. Initially rolled out in 16 major Indian cities, the service includes prepaid, postpaid, and number portability options. At a nominal fee of Rs. 49, the SIM cards will be delivered directly to customers’ doorsteps, followed by a seamless Aadhaar-based activation process.

Global satellite solutions provider SES SA has inaugurated a new office in Chennai, underlining its commitment to expanding its operations in India and enhancing its service capabilities. The Luxembourg-headquartered company, which has been a long-time partner of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), plans to leverage India's skilled workforce to accelerate growth and reinforce its position in the global space economy.

In an effort to strengthen the Official Statistical System, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched a revamped Microdata portal on Monday. The new portal promises enhanced data accessibility, a user-friendly experience, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies. In collaboration with the World Bank Technology Team, the ministry has implemented a modern, scalable tech stack that ensures enhanced security and responsiveness.