Chennai

The Women's Indian Association (WIA) was established in Chennai (then Madras) on July 7, 1921. Founded by a group of dedicated women activists, including Annie Besant and Margaret Cousins, the WIA played a pivotal role in advocating for women's rights and social reform in India. It became a platform for addressing issues like women's education, employment, and legal rights, contributing to the advancement of women's status in Indian society over the decades.

The Tamil Nadu State Chess Association was officially formed on December 16, 1974, in Chennai. This marked an important chapter in the history of chess in India, as the association played a crucial role in promoting the game at the state and national levels. With Chennai (then Madras) being recognized as a hub for chess, the association has nurtured a generation of chess players and hosted numerous domestic and international tournaments, contributing significantly to India's chess culture.

Chennai, one of India's major cities, inaugurated its first phase of the metro rail system in 1996. This marked a significant development in the city's public transportation infrastructure. The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) project was aimed at providing a modern, efficient, and sustainable mode of transportation for the citizens, addressing the growing demand and easing the traffic congestion in Chennai's urban landscape.

On December 26, 2004, a devastating tsunami caused by a massive undersea earthquake struck the Indian Ocean, affecting many countries including India. The city of Chennai was severely impacted as massive waves hit the coastline, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Many residents lost their homes, and the floodwaters caused significant damage to infrastructure, leading to a long and arduous recovery process.

In February 2007, the government of Tamil Nadu introduced a landmark educational scheme known as Samacheer Kalvi, or Equitable Education System, which aimed to streamline and equalize the syllabus across all the schools in the state, including Chennai. The system was designed to eliminate disparities between students from different backgrounds and provide equal learning opportunities for all children, promoting social equity in education.

Enrollment for Aadhaar, India's biometric identification system, commenced in Chennai in July 2011. This was part of a nationwide project initiated by the government to provide every citizen with a unique identification number linked to their biometric and demographic data. The introduction of Aadhaar in Chennai aimed to improve the efficiency of public welfare schemes and ensure transparent access to government services, paving the way for digital transformation in identity verification.

The expansion and modernization of Chennai International Airport were completed, marking a major milestone for the city in February 2013. The project aimed at increasing the airport's capacity and providing better facilities for passengers, making Chennai a key hub for international and domestic travel. With upgraded terminals, improved runways, and upscaled infrastructure, the airport became equipped to handle large amounts of traffic efficiently.

Chennai experienced one of its worst floods in history during November and December 2015. Exceptionally heavy rainfall due to a strong El Niño led to severe flooding in the region, causing widespread damage across the city. Infrastructure, homes, and businesses were heavily affected, and the flood resulted in a humanitarian crisis with many people displaced. Relief efforts were mobilized, and the government declared it a disaster zone.

In September 2018, a tragic incident occurred in Chennai when multiple people died due to the consumption of illicitly brewed liquor, known as hooch. This incident highlighted the serious issues of illegal alcohol trade and consumption in the region. Law enforcement agencies launched crackdowns to prevent further distribution, but the tragedy served as a grim reminder of the potential dangers of consuming unregulated alcoholic beverages.

The Museum of Possibilities in Chennai, a unique initiative dedicated to people with disabilities, was opened in February 2022. This one-of-a-kind museum provides an interactive space for showcasing assistive technologies and innovations that can improve the lives of those with disabilities. The museum's goal is to increase awareness, foster inclusivity, and inspire empowerment through various exhibits and demonstrations, reflecting a significant step toward an inclusive society.